2026 edition

Best ATS-friendly resume templates

Software Engineer ranks first among the best ATS-friendly resume templates in 2026. 3 options are compared on Parsing accuracy, Keyword visibility, Format compatibility, Section recognition. A resume template has to work for two readers: the applicant tracking system and the recruiter. These templates are compared on ATS-friendly structure, readability and how easy they are to edit.

Last updated: 2026-10-13 • 3 options compared

Top pick

The top-ranked templates combine a clean design with a layout that ATS can read. For job seekers who want to make a strong first impression, the #1 pick is a good place to start. Each option has its strengths, so weigh them against your own priorities.

Full rankings

#01

Software Engineer

Single-column layout. Universal format.

Best overall choice for most users

Key highlights

Single-column layoutUniversal format

Pros

Standard, ATS-friendly structure
Clear section headers

Cons

Very minimal design

#02

Accountant

Clean structure. Number-friendly.

Great for users who prioritize perfect for data-heavy resumes

Key highlights

Clean structureNumber-friendly

Pros

Perfect for data-heavy resumes
Professional

Cons

Limited creativity

#03

Project Manager

Timeline-friendly. Achievement-focused.

Great for users who prioritize great date parsing

Key highlights

Timeline-friendlyAchievement-focused

Pros

Great date parsing
Clear hierarchy

Cons

Standard appearance

How this list was made

Methodology: Editorial picks by the japply team based on ATS-friendly structure: single column, standard headings and plain text. 3 options are compared on criteria including Parsing accuracy, Keyword visibility, Format compatibility, Section recognition.

Evaluation criteria

Parsing accuracy

Keyword visibility

Format compatibility

Section recognition