Plain Text Resume Example for Job Applications in 2025
Plain text resume example designed for ATS compatibility and job portals. Learn how to create a clean, simple resume that gets noticed by recruiters.
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If you’re applying for jobs in tech, admin, government, or through outdated HR portals, using a plain text resume example like the one below can boost your chances of being seen.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.
