Build a Free, ATS-Friendly Resume & Cover Letter

How to build a resume with CV-Craftor

Building a resume here takes three steps. First, pick a template, or import a resume you already have as a PDF or Word file and we'll fill in the fields for you. Second, fill in your details in the editor while the live preview shows exactly how the page will look. Third, export it as a PDF for most applications, a Word file when an employer or recruiter asks for one, or plain text for online forms.

You can start without an account. Create a free account when you want to save several versions, for example one resume tailored for each job you apply to, and come back to them from any device.

What makes a resume ATS-friendly

Most medium and large employers use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to collect and search applications. The ATS reads your resume into a database, and recruiters then search that database by job title, skills and keywords. If the system can't read your resume cleanly, a strong candidate can be missed.

• Use standard section headings such as Experience, Education and Skills.
• Keep a single main reading order. Complex tables and text inside images often parse badly.
• Put dates in a consistent format next to each role.
• Use the job posting’s own wording for skills and tools you genuinely have.
• Export to PDF or Word from a text-based editor, not from a scanned image.

Check your resume with the free ATS checker · Read the ATS guide

Choosing the right template

The best template is the one that suits your field and gets out of the way of your content. Conservative industries such as finance, law and healthcare usually favour clean single-column layouts. Design, marketing and creative roles leave more room for colour and a stronger visual identity, though a portfolio link matters more than the layout. Students and recent graduates benefit from templates that put education and projects near the top. You can switch templates at any time without re-typing anything.

Browse all resume templates

Resume writing guides and examples

A good template only helps if the words are right. Our guides cover how to write each section, with examples by job title and before-and-after rewrites showing what makes a bullet point strong.

Resume examples by job title · How to write a resume · Tailor your resume to a job · First resume with no experience · Career change resume · How to write a cover letter

Your data and privacy

You can build a resume without creating an account. If you do sign up, your resumes are stored so you can edit them later, and you can erase all of your stored resume content at any time from your dashboard. We don't sell your personal information. Full details are in our privacy policy.

Privacy policy · About CV-Craftor