Plain text resume (TXT): Template & examples [Free]

A plain text resume may not have stylish fonts or fancy formatting, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring! A text-only resume prioritizes substance over style. It’s useful to have when you’re applying for jobs online or adding your resume to job boards. 

In this guide, we’ll show you how to make a plain text resume that’s anything but plain.

What is a plain text resume?

A plain text resume is a version of your resume that’s stripped of all special formatting. Also known as an ASCII resume, it contains only basic resume text with no bolding, italics, bullet points, tables, graphics, or colors. It’s saved in a plain text file (.txt) format.

Plain text resumes may not look as polished as the  resume templates you can find online, but they’re a reliable format that you may need to use from time to time.

When to use a plain text resume

You should use a plain text resume in these situations:

• When pasting your resume into an online form. Some employers’ websites may ask you to input your resume into their  online application form, rather than upload your resume file. Having a plain text resume allows you to copy, paste, and apply quickly.
• When sending your resume in the body of an email. A hiring manager may ask you to send a plain text resume in the body of an email. Some companies have policies against receiving attachments to prevent spam or potential viruses.
• When uploading your resume to a job board. Many  job boards parse information from resumes, and special formatting can cause issues. On these sites, you can upload a plain text version to make sure that your resume is scannable.
• When an employer requests a text-only resume. If the job description specifically asks candidates to submit plain text resumes, you should follow the employer’s directions.

How to make a plain text resume

There’s more to creating a plain text resume than saving your current version as a .txt file. 

Follow these steps to make a professional plain text resume:

1. Remove all formatting

Start by opening your current resume in a word processor, such as  Microsoft Word or  Google Docs. Make a copy of your resume that you can edit, so that you don’t lose the original version with its special formatting.

Once you have a copy, remove all of the formatting from your resume, including:

• Bolding, italics, or underlining of text
• Bullet points, tables, or columns
• Colors
• Graphics or icons

When you’re done, your resume should only contain plain characters. These are the letters, numbers, and characters you can see on your keyboard.

2. Use a monospaced font

A monospaced font is one where each character takes up the same amount of space. These  resume fonts are consistent and readable, making them a good choice for a plain text resume.

Use one of these monospaced fonts in a 10-point or 12-point size:

• Andale Mono
• Consolas
• Courier
• Lucinda Console
• Source Code Pro

3. Replace bullet points

Resume best practices tell you to use bullet points for readability, but this formatting won’t work on a plain text resume. Instead, replace  bullet points with plain text symbols. 

Some options for bullet point alternatives include:

• Asterisks (*)
• Hyphens (-)
• Plus signs (+)

4. Align text to the left

Tabs and columns won’t render correctly on a plain text resume, so align all resume text to the  left margin. Use single line breaks to separate information. You can create a line break by hitting the “Enter” or “Return” key.

On a plain text resume, each line should be between 60 and 65 characters long for readability. Add line breaks if your resume text exceeds 65 characters.

5. Use all caps for headings

Standard resumes use special formatting, such as bold or underlined text, to differentiate sections. On a plain text resume, you can create the same effect by using all capital letters for section headings. 

For example, your  resume sections should look like this:

• EXPERIENCE
• EDUCATION
• SKILLS

6. Separate sections with blank lines

You don’t want your plain text resume to look like one giant block of text, so separate your resume sections with blank lines. You can create this white space by adding two line breaks between sections.

If you prefer, you can also use symbols, such as asterisks or hyphens, to create visual breaks between sections. Check out the example below to see how this looks:

7. Save your resume as a .txt file

After you’ve completed the above steps, your resume should be clean and readable, without any special formatting. You can now convert your resume into a .txt file.

Depending on the word processor you’re using, save or download your resume as a .txt file. Make sure to choose “Plain Text” if the option appears.  Choose a filename that you can easily find, such as “Janice_Smith_Resume.txt.”

8. Check the formatting

Open your new .txt file in a plain text editor, such as Notepad or TextEdit. Check to see if anything appears wonky or improperly formatted. 

Make sure that the resume text looks correct and there are no misplaced line breaks. Extend the editor window horizontally to check line lengths and spacing.

Tips for writing a plain text resume

Plain text resumes can appear similar, so you need to find ways to  make yours stand out from the crowd. 

Here are some additional tips for writing a plain text resume:

1. Focus on content

Without a sleek,  eye-catching design, your resume needs compelling content to get a hiring manager’s attention. Write clearly and concisely, focusing on statements that showcase your achievements and contributions in other roles.

Follow these strategies for writing a content-focused resume:

• Describe the results of your work, not just the responsibilities you’ve had.
• Use  strong action verbs to highlight your accomplishments.
• Include  quantifiable data to provide tangible proof of your value.
• Keep your resume to  one page (or two pages if you have many years of experience).

2. Incorporate keywords

Your resume can also stand out by  including keywords from the job description. Using these keywords on your resume shows an employer that you’re a great fit for the role. It can also help your resume get through an  applicant tracking system (ATS).

To identify  targeted keywords, read through the job description, paying close attention to the words and phrases an employer uses to describe the job’s duties and requirements. Sprinkle the same words and phrases throughout your resume text in your summary, work experience, and skills sections.

3. Proofread carefully

A hiring manager reviewing your plain text resume will be solely focused on the content. Typos, spelling errors, and grammatical mistakes will be big red flags, so make sure to  proofread your resume carefully.

If spelling and grammar aren’t your strong suits, use an online editing application, such as Grammarly, to proofread your resume. You can also ask an eagle-eyed friend or family member to review your resume for potential mistakes.

4. Test your resume on different platforms

You never know how a hiring manager will read your resume, so test yours in multiple applications. Open it in different editors, such as TextEdit and WordPad, to make sure that it looks consistent across platforms. If you’re emailing your resume, send yourself a test email first to check how the formatting appears.

It’s also a good idea to review your resume on different devices, such as a desktop  and a phone. That way, you can feel confident that your resume will appear correctly, no matter how an employer views it.

5. Consider using a plain text resume converter

If you’re starting with a  formatted resume, consider using a plain text converter tool. These tools strip formatting from rich text, which you can then copy and save as a plain text file. Search online to find a plain text converter that works for your resume.

Additionally, you can manually convert your resume into a .txt file without taking the above formatting steps. If you go this route, you will just need to spend some time cleaning up extra spaces or misplaced line breaks.

Plain text resume template

Here’s a plain text resume template that you can copy and paste into a plain text editor to create your text-only resume:

Plain text resume example

Want more inspiration? Check out this example of a plain text resume below:

You can find  more minimalist or  simple resume templates and examples to help you create a plain text resume in our resume.io  online resume builder.

FAQs about plain text resumes

These are some additional questions and answers about making a plain text resume:

Do employers prefer plain resumes?

No, not necessarily. Many employers prefer to receive more formatted resumes as PDF files. 

However, some companies ask applicants to paste their resumes into online forms or submit them in the body of an email. In those cases, it’s better to use a plain text resume to avoid formatting issues.

How do I convert plain text to a resume template?

If you already have a plain text resume and want to add some stylistic elements to it, check out the resume templates we offer in our  resume builder. 

Once you choose a template, paste your plain text into the builder. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a professionally designed resume that you can submit to employers.

What are the advantages of having my resume saved as a plain text file?

A plain text resume is compatible with different systems and devices, and is ideal for online and emailed applications. It also prioritizes your resume’s content over flashy design elements, like colors and graphics.

However, there are some downsides to plain text resumes too. A text-only resume looks less polished  than a formatted version, which can make it harder for your resume to stand out among others.

To cover your bases, it’s best to have both a plain text version and a formatted version of your resume. That way, you’re ready to apply for jobs in every situation.