Fillable PDF
Simple fillable resume template
Last reviewed:
We built this resume template to be plain on purpose: one column, standard headings, no tables, icons or text boxes. That makes it easy to read for a recruiter skimming twenty applications and for the software that many companies use to parse resumes.
Fill it in online, export a PDF to send by email, and keep a Word version too, because some job portals still ask for .docx. Our PDF to Word tool converts the finished file in a few seconds.
How to fill it in
- Download the fillable PDF or open it in our Fill PDF form tool.
- Fill in your contact details and a headline that matches the role.
- Write a short summary, then your experience with the newest role first.
- Add education and skills, and proofread every line.
- Save the PDF, and create a Word copy with PDF to Word for portals that need it.
Is this resume ATS-friendly?
Honestly: it is as ATS-friendly as a PDF can be. Applicant tracking systems read text, and this template keeps its text in a simple order with common headings like Experience and Education. There are no graphics or multi-column layouts to confuse a parser.
No template can guarantee how a specific ATS behaves. Some older systems handle Word files better than PDFs, and form fields are read differently by different software. That is why we suggest flattening the final copy (print it to PDF or convert it) and keeping a Word version made with our PDF to Word tool for portals that ask for one.
What to write in each section
The headline under your name is a short job title, such as "Backend developer, payments". The summary should say what you are good at and what role you want, not list adjectives. In experience, write job title, company, dates and two to four lines per role that start with a verb and include a number where you can: time saved, revenue, users, team size.
- Use the same keywords as the job ad when they truthfully describe your work.
- Drop photos, age and marital status unless they are expected in your country.
- Keep it to one page early in your career, two at most later on.
- Check that email and phone are correct; it is a surprisingly common mistake.
Sending it and keeping versions
Name the file clearly, for example firstname-lastname-resume.pdf, and keep it under the size limit of the portal; Compress PDF helps if it grows. If a role asks for a cover letter, certificates or a portfolio, combine them with Merge PDF in the order requested. When you are signed in, save each tailored version to My files so you know exactly what you sent to which company.
Frequently asked questions
Should I send my resume as PDF or Word?
PDF keeps your layout on every device and is the safer default for email. Use Word when a portal or recruiter asks for it.
Can I add a photo?
This template has no photo field, which suits most English-speaking markets. If a photo is expected where you apply, you can add one after converting to Word.
Why are there no fancy designs?
Decorative layouts look nice but often parse badly in ATS software. We kept it simple so the content is what stands out.
Is my data uploaded anywhere?
Filling in the form runs in your browser. Files only go to your encrypted My files if you choose to save them while signed in. PDF to Word conversion is processed on our server and deleted afterwards.