The Contender | ATS-Friendly Resume Template | Australian Format
Most resume templates look great on screen and fail before a recruiter ever sees them.
That is because the majority of Australian employers and recruitment agencies use Applicant Tracking System (ATS) software to scan and filter applications automatically. If your resume is not built to pass that scan, it does not matter how strong your experience is. It gets filtered out before a human ever reads it.
The Contender is built differently.
It is a clean, single-column resume template designed specifically for the Australian job market and built to pass ATS screening. No sidebars. No text boxes. No decorative graphics that confuse scanning software. Just a clear, well-structured document that puts your experience front and centre.
What sets this template apart is the built in guidance. Every section includes written tips explaining exactly what to write, what recruiters are looking for, and how to tailor your application for each role. You do not need to stare at a blank page wondering where to start. The prompts walk you through it.
Fill in your details, delete the tip boxes, save as PDF and send. That is it.
What is included
The Contender resume template (.docx) Cover Letter, Resume and Referees pages in a single Word document, ready to edit.
How to Use Your Template guide (.pdf) a plain-English guide covering ATS basics, Australian resume standards, how to write achievement-focused bullet points, keyword tips, and how to save and submit your resume.
Both files are delivered as an instant digital download in a single .zip file.
Format and compatibility
File format: Microsoft Word (.docx), A4 Recommended software: Microsoft Word 2016 or newer for Windows or Mac Font: Calibri (built into Microsoft Word, no installation required) Delivered as: .zip file containing .docx and .pdf
Please note
This is a digital product. No physical item will be posted. Due to the nature of digital downloads, this purchase is non-refundable once the file has been downloaded. If you have any questions before purchasing, please get in touch via the contact page.

