How to Create a Plain Text Resume That's Not Ugly (+ Template)

While it may seem boring or counterintuitive to strip away intricate formatting and design, a well-done, plain text resume can clearly communicate your skills and experience without distractions

And while creating a resume without frills can be challenging, especially when you still want it to be visually appealing, the simplicity of plain text can boost its functionality in specific situations.

This guide will walk you through the process of creating a plain text resume that's effective and easy on the eyes—complete with a customizable template to get you started. You'll also learn tips on structuring your resume, maintaining readability, and why a PDF format may be the better option when applying through most Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Trying to create a simple resume with all the right details? Create a resume with Teal for free.

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What is a plain text resume?

A plain text resume is a simple, unformatted version of your resume that contains only standard characters and line breaks.

Sometimes known as an ASCII resume, its primary purpose is to ensure compatibility with a variety of systems and platforms used in the hiring process. Unlike more traditionally designed resumes, plain text resumes focus solely on content without any fancy fonts, colors, or additional elements.

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Teal note: The plain text format above was not created using Teal. While Teal offers simple, ATS-friendly templates and plenty of options without frills or heavy designs, they cannot be saved in a .txt or .rft format in accordance with modern resume best practices. You can, however, save your entire career history in Teal and then pull the most relevant detail for every job you apply for with a plain text resume.

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When to use a plain text resume

While a well-formatted PDF resume is generally the best choice for most job applications, especially because they're parsed easily by most ATS, but there are specific situations where having a plain text version can be beneficial.

Here are some scenarios where a plain text document might come in handy:

1. Emailing your resume directly to recruiters or hiring managers: Some prefer a simple format for quick review
2. Including your resume in the body of an email: When attachments aren't allowed or might be flagged as spam
3. Copying into online application forms: A few platforms (like Workday) or online portals might require you to paste your resume into plain text fields. Having a text-only version handy can save you time and hassle.
4. Uploading to professional networking sites: Platforms like LinkedIn let you upload multiple resume formats. A plain text version can be a useful backup for these situations.
5. Preparing for technical job applications: Some tech companies prefer plain text resumes for certain positions.

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Pros and cons of a plain text resume

Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of using a plain text formatted resume can help you decide when it’s the best option. Here

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Pros of a plain text resume

1. Compatibility: Ensures your resume is compatible with all systems and platforms
2. Simplicity: Easy to create and update without needing advanced formatting skills
3. Focus on content: Emphasizes your skills and experiences without design elements

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Cons of a plain text resume

1. Lack of visual appeal: May not stand out visually compared to formatted resumes
2. Limited formatting: You can't use bold, italics, or other formatting to highlight key information
3. Perceived as basic: Might be seen as less professional or polished by some employers
4. Hard to read: Can be challenging to read at a glance without headings, bullet points, or lines

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Plain text resume vs PDF resume

Plain text and PDF resumes each have their uses, but there are important differences in terms of their functionality and presentation. Here's a quick comparison of the two:

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Create a simple resume

Teal can help you easily format and optimize your content for ATS compatibility while keeping your skills and experiences as the primary focus without the bells and whistles of intricate design.

And if you're opting for a plain text resume, Teal stores your entire career history—from scratch, an existing resume, or even download resume from LinkedIn—so you're never have to worry about pulling details from multiple files or folders.

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How to format a plain text resume

If you've decided having your own plain text resume is a good option, here's how to do it:

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Choose the right file format

You have two main file format options for building a resume that's just plain text: .txt and .rtf.

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.txt (Text File):

Pros: Universal compatibility, smallest file size

Con: Limited formatting options

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.rtf (Rich Text Format):

Pros: Allows for some basic formatting, widely compatible

Cons: Slightly larger file size, may not be accepted by all systems

Your best bet is to choose .txt for maximum compatibility, especially when submitting through online forms or ATS (although a PDF is still a better option here). Use .rtf when you need minimal formatting and are sure the recipient can open it.

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Set up your document

1. Use a simple text editor like Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac). You can also opt to edit your resume in something like Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
2. Set your margins to 1 inch on all sides
3. Use a monospaced font like Courier or Consolas, size 12
4. Limit each line to 65-70 characters for optimal readability
5. Use single spacing between lines and double spacing between sections

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Structure your content

Organize your resume using the guidelines below so it's more scannable and visually appealing. Remember, not only do you want your resume to be parsed by an ATS, but you also want a recruiter or hiring manager to see your value quickly—don't make them work to find it.

‍To structure your plain text resume:

1. Use all caps for resume headings (e.g., WORK EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION)
2. Create visual separation between sections with a line of asterisks or hyphens
3. Use simple bullet points (•) or hyphens (-) for lists
4. Align text to the left for consistency
5. Use blank lines to create white space between sections

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Save your resume in a .txt or .rft

If you're using a word processing program, here's how you save a plain text file:

1. Open your Microsoft Word document or Google Doc
2. Click "File" > "Save As" in Microsoft Word. For Google Docs, you'll download your resume as a specific .txt or .rft when you're done by clicking "File" > "Download"
3. Choose either "Plain Text (.txt)" or "Rich Text Format (.rtf)" from the file type options
4. In Microsoft Word, you'll then name your file and click "Save"

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Parts of a plain text resume

A plain text resume should have all of the same elements as a PDF or Word resume. It should also be tailored to the specific job you're applying for (more on that in the next section!).

The most important parts of any resume are:

• Contact Information
• Target Title
• Professional Summary 
• Work Experience
• Education
• Certifications
• Skills
• Optional
  – Projects
  – Awards and Scholarships
  – Volunteering and Leadership
  – Publications
  – Interests

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Plain text resume best practices

Now that you know what you need and how to start a plain text resume and what one needs, below are some best practices you should follow when creating one.

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Tailor your content

Tailoring your resume every time you hit apply will help you stand out as qualified for that specific job. In fact, your resume should always be one hundred percent relevant to the position you're applying for. Here's how you do it:

Step 1: Start by reading the job posting. Take note of any hard skills, soft skills, or language that's repeated often.

Step 2: Compare the language and keywords you wrote down to those in your resume. What do you have? What's missing?

Step 3: Strategically incorporate any missing words from the job description into your resume.

Step 4: Save this new version as a separate file.

Step 5: Repeat this process for each application

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Pro Tip: Want to tailor your plain text resume faster? Plug your existing resume into Teal's Resume Builder. Then, attach a job description to see how your experience and skills align with that specific job. Teal gives you a Match Score that shows you just how well you stack up and offers suggestions for improvement.

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Optimize for job boards

When submitting your plain-text resume to a job board, it’s important to make sure it meets the specific requirements of the platforms. Some things you should be mindful of:

File size: Ensure your resume is under 100 KB for easy uploading and quick access

File name: Name your file descriptively, such as "John_Doe_Marketing_Resume.txt"

Character limits: Be aware of any character limits set by the job board and adjust your content

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Craft an email-friendly version

For email applications, a well-structured plain text resume can make the difference between standing out or getting lost in an inbox. Here’s how to ensure your resume is effective and professional:

1. Use a subject line like "Marketing Manager Application - John Doe" to clearly indicate the purpose of your email.
2. Keep your message brief and professional, directly addressing the recipient.
3. Paste your resume directly into the email after your message, ensuring it's easy for the recipient to read without opening an attachment.
4. Send a test email to yourself to check the formatting and ensure everything appears as intended.

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Keep your details in one place

Juggling multiple resume versions can be a headache. Rather than toggling between programs or platforms, use the Teal Resume Builder as a central hub for your career info. Whether you need the occasional plain text version or a PDF, having everything in one place streamlines building your resume—however you choose to do it.

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Making your plain text resume stand out

Just because you're opting for a plain text resume format doesn't mean you don't want your skills and experience to stand out. Here are a few simple techniques to make your resume more organized, easier to navigate, and a bit more unique.

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Use strategic capitalization and spacing

Boost the readability of your document by using capitalization and spacing strategically.

• ALL CAPS for headers
• Capitalize key elements
• Use blank lines
• Align dates to the right
• Use consistent spacing

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Incorporating ASCII characters

You can also add visual interest to your plain-text resume with ASCII characters. These elements can help break up text and draw attention to key areas:

• Use asterisks (*) or equal signs (=) to create clear section dividers
• Opt for hyphens (-) to organize lists and make them easier to read
• Use vertical bars (|) to separate items on the same line, adding clarity
• Create simple boxes with plus signs (+) and hyphens (-) for emphasis on specific sections
• Use carets (^) or tildes (~) to draw attention to important information

Example:

--------

SKILLS

--------

Digital Marketing | SEO | Google Analytics

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Plain text resume mistakes to avoid

To maximize the impact of your plain-text resume, it’s crucial to avoid common mistakes that can undermine your efforts. Here are key areas to watch out for and how to handle them effectively.

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Formatting errors

Formatting mistakes can make your resume difficult to read and appear unprofessional. Steer clear of these common formatting mistakes:

• Avoid using the tab key or multiple spaces for alignment:
• Refrain from including special characters
• Test your resume in different text editors
• Maintain consistent spacing and alignment
• Stick to the recommended line length

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Content overload

Recruiters and hiring managers can be overwhelmed by too much information. It’s essential to present a clear and concise resume:

• Limit your resume to 1-3 pages: Keep it concise and focused on your most relevant experiences.
• Highlight recent and relevant experiences: Focus on the most current and applicable experiences for the job.
• Use concise language: Avoid fluff and unnecessary details that don't add value.
• Prioritize achievements: Emphasize your accomplishments and impact over day-to-day responsibilities.
• Remove outdated or irrelevant information: Keep your resume current and relevant to the job you’re applying for.

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Lack of customization

No two jobs are the same, and neither should your resumes be. Tailoring your resume to each role is crucial for standing out as a qualified candidate:

Each role you apply for has specific skills and experiences that are relevant. Customize your resume to speak directly to these requirements, showcasing how your background aligns with the job's needs.

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Plain text resume template and example

Having examples and templates can simplify the process of creating a resume from scratch.

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Plain text resume template

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[Your Name]

[City, State]

[Phone Number] | [Email Address]

[LinkedIn Profile URL]

[Optional Portfolio URL]

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[TARGET TITLE]

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PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

[2-3 sentences highlighting your key qualifications, including years of experience, 2-3 hard skills, and your most notable achievements]

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WORK EXPERIENCE

[Job Title] | [Company Name] | [Location] | [Employment Dates]

- [Achievement with metrics and impact]

- [Achievement with metrics and impact]

- [Achievement with metrics and impact]

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[Job Title] | [Company Name] | [Location] | [Employment Dates]

- [Achievement with metrics and impact]

- [Achievement with metrics and impact]

- [Achievement with metrics and impact]

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EDUCATION

[Degree] in [Field of Study] | [University Name] | [Graduation Date]

- [Relevant coursework or achievements if you're a recent graduate]

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SKILLS

[Skill Category]: [List of skills]

[Skill Category]: [List of skills]

[Skill Category]: [List of skills]

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CERTIFICATIONS

- [Relevant certification name] [Organization] ([Year])

- [Relevant certification name] [Organization] ([Year])

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Sample plain text resume

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Testing your plain text resume

To make sure your document is both functional and visually appealing, test and refine it across platforms and devices.

1. Open in various text editors:
   • Test your resume in multiple text editors like Notepad, TextEdit, and Sublime Text to ensure it displays correctly across different platforms.
2. Send it to yourself using different email clients:
   • Use email clients like Gmail, Outlook, and Apple Mail to send your resume to yourself. This helps you see how it appears in different email environments and check for formatting inconsistencies.
3. View on desktop and mobile devices:
   • Check the readability of your resume on desktop and mobile devices so you know it can be easily read regardless of the device someone is on.
     

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Create a plain resume with Teal

From strategic capitalization and spacing to incorporating ASCII characters and tailoring your content with Teal's Matching Mode each time you apply, a well-optimized plain text can be compatible with a variety of systems and platforms.

Rather than hopping between programs and platforms, use Teal to store all of your career details. Then, pull the details you need to create the resume you want.

And if you want to create a clean, simple resume, Teal has plenty of ATS-friendly templates without heavy designs or intricate formatting. These templates are parsable, easy to read, and don't require time-consuming manual formatting or testing.

Ready to write your resume?