ATS-Friendly Resume Templates for Australian Jobs

Choose a professional resume layout that is easy to scan, simple to tailor and ready to download as PDF or Word. Build and preview free, then pay A$10 once to keep editing.

What makes a resume ATS-friendly?

Applicant tracking systems help employers store, search and organise applications. A readable resume uses familiar headings, real text, sensible ordering and restrained formatting. No template can guarantee an interview or a particular ATS score, but clear structure helps both software and recruiters understand your experience.

ATS-friendly formatting checklist

  • Use recognisable headings such as Work Experience, Education and Skills
  • Write job titles, employers and dates consistently
  • Use keywords only when they honestly describe your experience
  • Avoid putting essential details inside decorative graphics
  • Keep bullet points concise and outcome-focused
  • Proofread the exported file before applying

Choose the right template

For corporate, government, administration, trade and high-volume online applications, start with a restrained single-column design. A modern layout can suit technology, marketing and customer-facing roles, provided the hierarchy remains clear. Your content matters more than decoration: select a design that makes your strongest evidence easy to find.

Tailor your resume to the job advertisement

Read the advertisement carefully and identify the skills, licences, tools and outcomes that genuinely match your background. Reflect the employer’s terminology naturally in your summary, skills and recent achievements. Never add a qualification or capability you do not have.

PDF or Word?

PDF preserves the visual layout and is a strong default when the employer does not specify a format. DOCX is useful when a recruiter requests Word or when you want a separately editable copy. Follow the application instructions whenever a particular file type is required.

Frequently asked questions

Are all attractive resumes ATS-friendly?

No. Complex columns, graphics and unusual headings can make information harder to interpret. Choose clarity first for online applications.

Should I copy every keyword?

No. Use relevant language from the advertisement only where it truthfully represents your experience.

Also see the Australian resume builder and our student and graduate guide.