A plain text resume is a simplified version of your resume saved as a .txt file, with all formatting removed. It contains only letters, numbers, and basic symbols—no fonts, colors, tables, or graphics. This stripped-down format keeps your information readable in applicant tracking systems (ATS), email clients, and online forms.
In this guide, you’ll learn when to use a plain text resume, how to create one, and how to format it so it stays clean, clear, and professional. It also has examples and a ready-to-use template.
Key takeaways
- A plain text resume is a clean, unformatted version of your resume saved as a .txt file—it keeps your information readable across all platforms and tools.
- Use it when uploading to online forms, government portals, or older systems that strip formatting. But send a formatted PDF or DOCX when emailing recruiters directly.
- Keep the structure simple: left-aligned text, single spacing, and basic symbols like asterisks (*) or dashes (-) instead of bullets.
- Review your .txt file in a plain text editor before submitting to make sure spacing and section breaks look right.
- Maintain two versions of your resume: one plain text for uploads, one polished version for recruiters.
Once your plain text version is ready, create your visually polished one with Enhancv—the resume builder that helps you nail the formatting.
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When to use (and not use) a plain text resume
It’s worth knowing which situations call for a plain text resume and which are better suited to a modern formatted version.
Use it when:
- Uploading your resume to job boards or online forms that strip formatting.
- Submitting to government or public sector application systems.
- Applying for technical or data-driven roles that rely on ATS screening.
- Sending your resume in the body of an email rather than as an attachment.
Avoid it when:
- Sending your resume directly to a recruiter or hiring manager.
- Applying for jobs that require a formatted document (PDF or DOCX).
- Submitting to creative or design roles where layout and visual impact matter.
Most modern ATS platforms read PDF resumes perfectly. A plain text version isn’t required—it’s simply helpful when a form or upload tool removes formatting.
A .txt resume is built for older job platforms, while your polished and styled version works best for recruiter review.
How to create and format a plain text resume
Turning your resume into plain text takes just a few minutes—but a little cleanup and structure will make it look intentional and professional when uploaded.
You can create a plain text resume directly in Enhancv or convert one manually. Both options take just a few minutes.
Follow these steps:
When using the Enhancv app
- Import your resume: Upload an existing PDF or DOCX file to Enhancv, pull your information directly from LinkedIn, or start from scratch in the builder.
- Edit your content: Update your details, add new sections, or adjust achievements—just like you would in any Enhancv template.
- Download as plain text: When you’re ready, click Download → Download as TXT to get a clean, ATS-readable version.
- Optional: Open the .txt file in a text editor to make small tweaks or check spacing before uploading it to a job portal.
When converting manually
- Open your resume in Word or Google Docs.
- Save it as plain text by going to File → Save As → Plain Text (.txt).
- Open the new file in a text editor such as Notepad or TextEdit.
- Clean up the text by removing leftover symbols, extra spaces, or hidden formatting marks.
- Replace bullets with asterisks (*) or dashes (-) instead of decorative symbols (•, —).
- Keep lines short—around 65–70 characters—to prevent wrapping errors.
- Add spacing with one blank line between sections for readability.
- Align consistently by left-aligning all text and avoiding tabs or multiple spaces.
- Format section headers in all caps (e.g., EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION).
- Rename the file with a clear, professional name such as Firstname_Lastname_Resume.txt.
PRO TIP
If it looks clean in Notepad, it’ll look clean when uploaded to any online form or job portal.
Plain text resume template
Now that you know how to format your .txt file, here’s a copy-ready, simple template you can adapt for any role. It keeps your layout consistent and easy to parse in any hiring software or job portal.
NAME SURNAME
Professional Title | Specialty | Core Skills | Key Focus Area
email@example.com
Phone
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yourprofile
City, State
SUMMARY
[2–3 sentences summarizing your background, years of experience, and key strengths. Mention a measurable achievement and the impact of your work. End with what you bring to a team or organization.]
EXPERIENCE
Job Title
Company Name
Start Date – End Date
City, State
- [Achievement or responsibility #1 with measurable result.]
- [Achievement or responsibility #2 with action verb and outcome.]
- [Achievement or responsibility #3 describing collaboration, improvement, or innovation.]
Job Title
Company Name
Start Date – End Date
City, State
- [Achievement or responsibility #1 with measurable result.]
- [Achievement or responsibility #2 with action verb and outcome.]
- [Achievement or responsibility #3 describing teamwork, process, or performance improvement.]
Job Title
Company Name
Start Date – End Date
City, State
- [Achievement or responsibility #1 with measurable result.]
- [Achievement or responsibility #2 with action verb and outcome.]
- [Achievement or responsibility #3 describing key contribution.]
EDUCATION
Degree / Field of Study
Institution Name
Start Date – End Date
City, State
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Achievement Title
[Brief description of what you achieved, including impact or results.]
Achievement Title
[Brief description of what you achieved, including measurable outcome.]
Achievement Title
[Brief description of what you achieved, including improvement or recognition.]
SKILLS
- [Skill #1]
- [Skill #2]
- [Skill #3]
- [Skill #4]
- [Skill #5]
TRAINING & COURSES
Course Title
Institution or Provider, Year
Course Title
Institution or Provider, Year
LANGUAGES
- [Language] [Proficiency]
- [Language] [Proficiency]
INTERESTS
[Interest or passion area #1]
[Short description of why it matters to you or how it connects to your work.]
[Interest or passion area #2]
[Short description of what you do or enjoy in this area.]
Check spacing once more before uploading to make sure your sections stay aligned. Most job portals keep blank lines intact, but if yours doesn’t, add simple dividers (---) between sections to keep your layout readable.
Plain text resume example
Here’s how a finished plain text resume for a marketing specialist role might look once formatted and ready to upload:
ELLA WHITE
Marketing Specialist | Digital Marketing | Content Creation | Strategy Development
help@enhancv.com
(817) 555-0138
Fort Worth, Texas
SUMMARY
With over 6 years of expertise in developing targeted marketing strategies within healthcare, a strong foundation in digital marketing tools, and a proven ability to engage diverse audiences. Significant achievement includes driving a 35% increase in community engagement through innovative outreach campaigns. The expertise ensures effective collaboration and project management in fast-paced environments.
EXPERIENCE
Marketing Coordinator
HealthNet
02/2022 - 12/2024
Fort Worth, TX
- Collaborated with the creative team to develop dynamic digital content that expanded audience reach by 60% across social media platforms over eight months.
- Analyzed market trends and competitor marketing strategies, providing insights that contributed to a 25% improvement in campaign performance and effectiveness.
- Coordinated community health events that attracted over 300 attendees, thereby increasing brand visibility and building stronger relationships within the community.
- Utilized strong communication skills to liaise with external stakeholders, enhancing partnership networks and fostering community engagement.
Digital Marketing Assistant
MedicoMarketing Solutions
01/2019 - 01/2022
Dallas, TX
- Developed and executed email marketing campaigns which achieved a 15% open rate, significantly outperforming industry standards.
- Collaborated with the design team to generate marketing collateral that effectively communicated service values and benefited patient interactions.
- Managed the company’s social media accounts, driving a 30% increase in follower growth and engagement through targeted content strategies.
- Conducted performance analysis for digital campaigns using Google Analytics, leading to data-driven decisions and improved marketing outcomes.
Marketing Intern
Carewell Clinic
06/2016 - 12/2018
Fort Worth, TX
- Assisted in the creation of promotional materials, contributing towards a 20% increase in patient inquiries and service utilization.
- Conducted market research that identified key demographics, successfully informing future marketing strategies and branding efforts.
- Participated in team brainstorming sessions, cultivating a collaborative environment that inspired innovative marketing ideas.
- Supported event coordination for health fairs, effectively engaging community members and enhancing public outreach for the clinic.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing
Texas Christian University
01/2014 - 01/2018
Fort Worth, TX
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Implemented Successful Community Campaign
Led a community health initiative that increased local engagement by 35%, boosting service awareness and participation.
Improved Social Media Engagement
Revamped social media strategy, resulting in a 50% increase in online engagement metrics over six months.
Optimized Marketing Cost Efficiency
Streamlined marketing spending, reducing costs by 20% while maintaining reach and effectiveness across campaigns.
Enhanced Patient Communication
Developed new internal communications that improved staff awareness of initiatives, fostering a 40% increase in participation.
SKILLS
- Digital Marketing
- Content Development
- Social Media Management
- SEO/SEM
- Google Analytics
- Email Marketing
TRAINING & COURSES
Google Analytics Certification
Google, 2023
Email Marketing Fundamentals
HubSpot Academy, 2022
LANGUAGES
- English (Native)
- Spanish (Professional)
INTERESTS
Digital Marketing Innovation
Passionate about exploring new digital marketing techniques and utilizing analytics to optimize campaigns.
Content Creation
Enjoy creating engaging and informative content that assists audiences in making informed health decisions.
This example uses clean spacing, action-oriented bullet points, and no formatting characters that could confuse an ATS.
You’ve got the plain text version ready for any platform—now build your polished one with Enhancv, so your story shines when it reaches a real recruiter. The same resume content is transformed into a clean, professional layout that will get you noticed.
Common questions about resumes in plain text
Still have questions about how and when to use your plain text resume? These quick answers cover the most common ones.
What are the 3 C’s of a resume?
The 3 C’s stand for Clear, Concise, and Consistent: clear in structure, concise in content, and consistent in formatting, tense, punctuation, and dates.
Can I still make my plain text resume stand out?
Not really—and that’s okay. A plain text resume isn’t meant to impress—it’s meant to be understood by software. No recruiter expects creativity in a .txt file. What matters is clarity: strong verbs, clear structure, and accurate information.
Once it’s through the system, your formatted resume will do the real work of standing out.
Do employers prefer plain resumes?
Most employers prefer formatted resumes (PDF or DOCX) because they’re easier to read visually.
Can using a plain text resume hurt my chances?
A plain text resume won’t hurt your chances when used correctly—but sending it as your main application can. Think of it as a practical backup, not a showcase piece. Use the plain text version for uploads, and your formatted resume for direct submissions.
Let’s be honest—sending a plain text resume as your main application feels outdated. Recruiters expect a clean, readabledesign, not a text file that looks like it came straight from a terminal window. A .txt version is great for uploads and older forms, but if you send it directly to a recruiter, it’ll likely hurt your chances.
You have just a few seconds to make an impression—use a modern, well-formatted resume that reflects the professional you are today.
Author’s take
Conclusion
A plain text resume might look simple, but it’s one of the most reliable ways to keep your skills and experience clear and software-readable—no formatting issues, no missing details.
Keep both versions of your resume on hand: a plain text file for online submissions and a polished PDF for recruiters. With both ready, you can apply confidently—anywhere, anytime.
Make one that's truly you.
