Plain Text Resume: How to Create One (Free Template + Example)

What is a plain text resume?

A plain text resume is exactly what it sounds like: a resume without bolding, italics, colors, tables, or graphics. It’s saved as a .txt file and uses only simple text characters, like dashes and bullet points, to structure sections.

Plain text resumes are primarily designed to be readable by ATS software, which scans resumes for keywords related to job requirements. Unlike PDF or Word resumes, plain text resumes ensure that your experience, skills, and qualifications are parsed accurately and consistently.

Why some employers ask for a plain text resume

Some employers, especially in tech, HR, and high-volume hiring industries, request plain text resumes for several reasons:

1. ATS Compatibility: Many companies use software that can misread tables, fonts, and graphics.
2. Email Applications: Some recruiters prefer text resumes to avoid formatting issues in email.
3. System Limitations: Older HR systems may not process PDFs or Word documents correctly.
4. Focus on Content: A plain text resume ensures that the employer focuses on skills, experience, and results rather than visual design.

Related: Resume Tips to Make Your Job Application Stand Out

When you should use a plain text resume

A plain text resume is most effective in situations where formatting may interfere with readability or ATS parsing. You should use it when a job application specifically requests a .txt file, when submitting your resume via email, or when uploading to online databases that require text-only submissions.

It is particularly valuable in industries such as technology, software development, or startups, where Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are widely used to screen resumes. Additionally, a plain text resume ensures that your skills, experience, and qualifications are presented clearly without risk of formatting errors, allowing both recruiters and automated systems to evaluate your candidacy accurately.

How to create a plain text resume

Creating a plain text resume requires simplifying your existing resume so it can be easily read by both recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). The goal is to remove complex formatting while keeping the document structured, readable, and keyword-optimized. A properly formatted plain text resume ensures that your skills, work experience, and qualifications are accurately parsed when submitted through email, job portals, or ATS-driven application systems.

Step 1: Remove Formatting

Start by removing all visual formatting from your resume. If the resume was created in Microsoft Word or Google Docs, delete bold text, italics, colors, tables, columns, and graphics. Replace special bullet symbols with simple characters such as dashes. To check the result, paste the content into a plain text editor like Notepad or TextEdit to see how it appears without formatting.

Step 2: Use Simple Section Headers

Use clear section headers to organize your resume so it is easy to scan and parse. Standard headings include PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY, EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, SKILLS, and CERTIFICATIONS. Writing headings in capital letters or adding a simple line separator can help distinguish sections while keeping the format ATS-friendly.

Step 3: Align Text Using Spaces

Since plain text does not support tables or columns, align information using consistent spacing. Job entries should clearly separate the job title, company, location, and dates. Use short bullet points to describe achievements or responsibilities, keeping each line concise and easy to read.

Step 4: Save as .txt File

After removing formatting and organizing the content, save the document as a .txt file. Choose UTF-8 encoding to avoid character issues. Before submitting the resume, open the file in a text editor or email draft to confirm that spacing and alignment appear correctly.

Related: How to Make a Resume in 2026 [Step-by-Step Guide]

Plain text resume template

Use this plain text resume template to create a simple, ATS-friendly resume that works across all job application systems. This format removes complex styling and ensures your resume is readable by applicant tracking systems (ATS) and hiring managers alike. Copy the structure below or download the free template to get started.

Download Free Plain Text Resume Template →

Plain text resume example

Common plain text resume mistakes

A plain text resume must remain simple and easy for both recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to read. However, several common mistakes can reduce readability or cause parsing errors. One of the most frequent issues is leaving behind formatting elements from Microsoft Word or Google Docs, such as tables, columns, or special symbols, which often break when converted to plain text.

Common mistakes:

• Using tables, columns, or formatting from Word/Google Docs
• Including special symbols, emojis, or complex bullets
• Writing long paragraphs instead of short bullet points
• Inconsistent spacing or alignment
• Missing clear section headings
• Not using relevant keywords for ATS

Keep it clean, structured, and keyword-focused for best results.

How to convert your resume to plain text

Converting your resume to plain text removes formatting and ensures the document is compatible with ATS systems, email applications, and online job forms. Follow these steps to create a clean text-only version of your resume:

• Open your resume in Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
• Copy the entire content of the document.
• Paste the text into a basic text editor such as Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac).
• Remove any remaining formatting, special bullets, or extra spacing.
• Ensure section headers such as Professional Summary, Experience, Education, Skills, and Certifications are clearly separated.
• Save the file as a .txt document using UTF-8 encoding.

Related: How to Write an ATS-Friendly Resume

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