In today’s highly competitive job market, having an ATS-friendly CV is essential to ensure your resume passes through applicant tracking systems and reaches hiring managers. ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) are software programs used by companies to filter and rank resumes based on keywords, formatting, and content relevance. If your CV isn’t optimized, it might get rejected before a recruiter even sees it.

To improve your chances of landing an interview, you need a CV format that is clear, structured, and ATS-compliant. This guide will walk you through the Top 10 ATS-friendly CV formats for 2025, offering practical insights to help you make the right choice.
Top 10 ATS-Friendly CV Formats for 2025:
Feature | Details |
---|---|
What is an ATS? | Software that scans and filters resumes based on keywords, formatting, and relevance. |
Why is ATS compatibility important? | Over 75% of large companies use ATS, and 75% of CVs never reach a recruiter due to poor formatting. |
Best CV formats for 2025 | Reverse-Chronological, Functional, Hybrid, Minimalist, Traditional, Modern, Professional, Simple, General, and Executive. |
Recommended file format | PDF (unless otherwise specified) to maintain structure and readability. |
Key ATS-friendly practices | Use standard fonts, avoid graphics, utilize clear headings, and include keywords from job descriptions. |
Source for ATS compliance | Indeed’s Guide to ATS Resumes |
Having an ATS-friendly CV in 2025 is crucial for job seekers looking to secure interviews, as many companies rely on ATS systems to filter applications before human recruiters even review them. Studies show that over 75% of resumes are rejected by ATS before reaching a hiring manager, making it essential to format your CV properly.
By choosing the right resume format, such as the reverse-chronological or hybrid layout, you can highlight your relevant experience and qualifications in a way that ensures ATS can interpret them correctly. Additionally, ensuring proper keyword optimization—by incorporating job-specific skills and phrases from the job description—significantly increases your chances of passing ATS filters.
Top 10 ATS-Friendly CV Formats for 2025
1. Reverse-Chronological Resume
Best for: Professionals with consistent work history
This is the most common format and is highly ATS-friendly. It lists work experience in reverse order, starting with the most recent job. Recruiters prefer this format because it shows career progression.
Key Features:
- Clearly structured sections (Work Experience, Education, Skills, etc.).
- Highlights recent roles and accomplishments.
- Compatible with all ATS systems.
Tip: Use bullet points to enhance readability.
2. Functional Resume
Best for: Career changers and those with employment gaps
Instead of focusing on work history, this format highlights skills and achievements.
Key Features:
- Sections categorized by skill type.
- Work experience is less emphasized.
- Ideal for freelancers and entry-level professionals.
Tip: Ensure you still include employment dates to avoid red flags.
3. Hybrid (Combination) Resume
Best for: Experienced professionals and those switching careers
This format blends the Reverse-Chronological and Functional Resume, making it a great choice for candidates with strong skills and solid experience.
Key Features:
- Prioritizes skills and work experience equally.
- ATS-friendly when properly formatted.
- Useful for professionals with diverse experience.
Tip: Keep descriptions concise and use ATS-friendly headings.
4. Minimalist Resume Template
Best for: Tech and creative professionals
A minimalist design with clear sections, ensuring both human recruiters and ATS can easily scan your CV.
Key Features:
- No excessive design elements.
- Uses standard fonts like Arial or Calibri.
- Highly readable on digital screens.
Tip: Avoid using text boxes, tables, and images, as some ATS systems can’t read them.
5. Traditional Resume Template
Best for: Corporate jobs and traditional industries
A structured, professional layout suitable for finance, law, and similar fields.
Key Features:
- Simple, straightforward format.
- Focuses on experience and achievements.
- Easily scanned by ATS and recruiters.
Tip: Use clear section headings like “Work Experience” instead of creative alternatives.
6. Modern Resume Template
Best for: Professionals in marketing, sales, and tech
This format combines clean aesthetics with structured content.
Key Features:
- Uses professional color accents.
- Prioritizes readability over design elements.
- ATS-friendly fonts and headers.
Tip: Use bold and italicized text sparingly to highlight important details.
7. Professional Resume Template
Best for: Mid-level and senior professionals
Designed to emphasize career growth and leadership experience.
Key Features:
- Includes sections for leadership roles and achievements.
- Professional-looking fonts and layouts.
- ATS-friendly with proper formatting.
Tip: Keep margins consistent for better readability.
8. Simple Resume Template
Best for: Fresh graduates and entry-level professionals
A clean, no-frills format that gets straight to the point.
Key Features:
- Straightforward layout with bullet points.
- Clear, concise wording.
- Ideal for ATS scanning.
Tip: Use action verbs like “achieved,” “managed,” or “developed” to make descriptions stand out.
9. General Resume Template
Best for: Various job applications across industries
A balanced template that works well for most professions.
Key Features:
- Provides a mix of experience, skills, and education.
- ATS-compliant with structured headers.
- Suitable for general job applications.
Tip: Avoid overcomplicating sections with too much information.
10. Executive Resume Template
Best for: C-suite and senior executives
Tailored for top-level professionals, highlighting leadership and strategic accomplishments.
Key Features:
- Emphasizes leadership experience.
- Uses ATS-optimized formatting.
- Includes key performance metrics and achievements.
Tip: Quantify achievements with numbers and percentages for impact.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best format for an ATS-friendly CV?
The Reverse-Chronological Resume is the most ATS-friendly as it is widely accepted and easy to scan.
2. Can I use graphics and images in my resume?
No. Many ATS programs cannot process images or complex design elements. Stick to plain text and bullet points.
3. Should I submit my resume as a PDF or Word document?
Unless specified otherwise, PDF is the best option since it preserves formatting.
4. What font should I use for an ATS-friendly resume?
Use standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, or Verdana to ensure readability.
5. How can I make my resume more ATS-friendly?
- Use keywords from job descriptions.
- Avoid tables, images, and text boxes.
- Stick to a clear structure with standard headings.