Free resume template
North Star Resume Template
Center-balanced header with a strong ATS keyword line and clear section rails.
An ATS-friendly resume template is a single-column (or carefully structured) layout with standard headings, real text instead of images, and no tables that scramble parsers such as Workday, Greenhouse, and Lever. Free includes 1 resume, a watermark-free PDF, and a standard portfolio. Pro unlocks unlimited resumes, unlimited ATS scoring, cover letters, academic CVs, and Pro portfolio themes.
Who it is for. Engineers and operators who want a keyword-forward header and compact rails.
ATS notes. One-column flow with clear section rails; good for dense technical résumés.
When not to use it. Avoid if you need a photo header or a decorative creative portfolio résumé.
Free plan: 1 resume with PDF export · ATS scoring is a Pro feature
North Star is built for candidates who treat ATS compatibility as a first-class requirement. A center-balanced header leaves room for a strong keyword line under your name, while section rails keep experience, education, and skills visually distinct for both human reviewers and automated parsers.
The template uses a compact, one-column flow with modern sans-serif typography. That combination helps dense résumés — common in engineering, operations, and data-heavy roles — stay readable without sacrificing the linear structure ATS software expects. Custom sections and page numbers are supported when you need extra room for projects or certifications.
North Star is a strong default when you are targeting a specific job description and want your summary and skills to mirror important terms. Pair it with our free ATS checker to see keyword gaps before you export, then refine bullets and skills in the same builder session.
Download North Star on the free plan (1 resume, no watermark). Sign up to save it; Pro if you need unlimited tailored copies.
Role examples that fit this layout
North Star FAQs
- Is the North Star resume template ATS-friendly?
- Yes. Compact one-column layout built for keyword-forward summaries.
- Can I download the North Star template as a PDF for free?
- Yes for 1 resume: watermark-free PDF on the free plan. Unlimited extra resumes and ATS scoring are Pro.
- Can I switch templates without losing content?
- Yes. Content is stored separately from styling. Switch templates in the builder without re-entering sections.
- When should I not use this layout?
- Skip photo and heavy two-column layouts for conservative US corporate ATS pipelines. Use a single-column template instead.
Free to start
Build your resume
Create an ATS-friendly resume and export a watermark-free PDF. Free includes 1 resume. Pro adds unlimited versions and ATS scoring.
Before you apply, use our free ATS resume scanner to check your resume against the job description. One scan is free; unlimited scans are Pro.
Browse our free ATS-friendly resume templates — 10 resume templates, watermark-free PDF on the free plan.