When applying for jobs online, especially through platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, or internal company portals, having a visually flashy resume might not work in your favor. That’s where a plain text resume becomes essential.
A plain text resume—also known as a text-only or ASCII resume—is a stripped-down version of your resume that contains no special formatting, bullet points, tables, or graphics. Why? Because many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan and sort resumes before a human even sees them. Fancy resumes often get garbled or rejected by these systems.
If you're applying for jobs in tech, admin, government, or through outdated HR portals, using a plain text resume example like the one below can boost your chances of being seen.
Let’s explore how you can write one—and what a good one actually looks like.
REALISTIC PLAIN TEXT RESUME EXAMPLE
John Doe 123 Main Street, Springfield, IL 62704 Phone: (555) 123-4567 Email: johndoe@email.com Objective Motivated administrative professional seeking a position in office operations where I can apply my skills in organization, communication, and team coordination. Experience Office Assistant – GreenTech Solutions, Springfield, IL March 2021 – Present - Managed scheduling and calendar for a 10-person executive team - Responded to over 50 customer inquiries daily, ensuring timely resolution - Maintained office supply inventory and placed weekly orders - Coordinated internal events and meetings, including logistics and catering Administrative Intern – City Clerk’s Office, Springfield, IL June 2020 – February 2021 - Prepared and filed official documents using city database - Assisted with public inquiries via phone and email - Supported project management of community outreach events Education Associate of Applied Science in Office Administration Springfield Community College – Springfield, IL Graduated: May 2020 Skills - Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) - Google Workspace - Calendar Management - Strong Communication - Customer Service - Time Management Certifications Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) – IAAP, 2021
TIPS FOR WRITING A STRONG PLAIN TEXT RESUME
Avoid special characters and symbols. Stick to dashes (-), plus signs (+), and asterisks (*) only if absolutely needed.
Keep formatting minimal. No bold, italics, or underline. Use ALL CAPS for section headings if needed.
Stick to standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman when pasting into a text editor.
Use clear, keyword-rich descriptions. This helps your resume pass ATS scans.
Save your resume as a .txt file. That’s the most compatible format for older systems.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What is the difference between a plain text resume and a regular resume?
A plain text resume has no formatting—it’s raw text designed for compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). A regular resume often uses visual design elements that may not be ATS-friendly.
2. When should I use a plain text resume?
Use it when submitting resumes on older job portals, government websites, or anywhere the system strips formatting. It’s also useful when asked to paste your resume into a text box.
3. Can a plain text resume still be effective?
Absolutely. As long as it’s well-written, clear, and keyword-optimized, a plain text resume can perform just as well as a formatted one—especially with ATS systems.
4. How do I create a plain text resume?
Start by writing your resume in a Word doc, then copy and paste it into a plain text editor like Notepad. Adjust the spacing and formatting to ensure everything remains aligned and readable.
If you're serious about getting noticed in today’s competitive job market, don't overlook the power of simplicity. A plain text resume example like the one above can make all the difference—especially when your first reader is a machine.
Example of nursing resume with a complete sample for freshers and experienced nurses. Learn how to write a professional nursing resume with expert tips
Best resume format in india helps job seekers create a professional cv that highlights skills, education, and experience to impress employers and recruiters.
How to format education on resume with expert tips, clear examples, and practical advice to highlight your academic achievements and boost job applications.
Best resume format reddit discussions reveal which layouts work best. Learn expert tips, see a realistic sample, and discover how to stand out in your job search.
Teller resume sample designed to showcase skills, experience, and achievements for banking roles. Learn how to create a professional teller resume that gets interviews.
Resume format for interior designer that showcases creativity, technical skills, and design experience. Learn how to craft a winning interior designer resume today.
Awards for resume examples help job seekers highlight achievements, recognition, and professional success to impress employers and stand out in competitive hiring processes.
Medical billing resume format with sample and expert advice to help you highlight skills, work history, and achievements for a successful career in medical billing.
Contact information on a resume is crucial for making a strong first impression. Learn what details to include, what to avoid, and see a realistic resume sample.
Educator resume sample with expert tips and a complete example to help teachers, trainers, and instructors highlight skills, experience, and education for job success.
Career change resume example with expert tips to help job seekers highlight transferable skills, showcase achievements, and successfully transition careers.
Office assistant resume example with expert tips, realistic sample, and proven advice to help job seekers craft a strong resume that impresses employers.
Human resource resume examples to help job seekers create impactful resumes that highlight HR skills, experience, and achievements to impress employers and recruiters
Example of sales resume with detailed guidance, complete sample, and expert tips to help job seekers create strong resumes that impress hiring managers.
Job description resume examples help job seekers align skills and achievements with hiring needs. See a detailed resume sample and expert tips to stand out today.