Resume templates can help you stand out from the crowd whether you’re entry-level or an executive. A good resume will be designed to beat the ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) that large companies use to automatically reject applicants. It will also lay-out and highlight your personal work history and skills in a way that will allow recruiters and hiring managers alike to see the value you can bring to the company.
Save yourself the time and guesswork of writing a resume from scratch and use one of our tested, proven, and job-winning templates below. Each template is compatible with Microsoft Word and PDF editors.
Select a Resume Template
Professional
Creative
Modern
Traditional
Classic
3 Tips for Choosing a Resume Template
Pick One With a Clean Design
A clear, professional resume template makes your document easy to read. A simple layout with headers and bullet points to organize content helps busy hiring managers skim your resume quickly. Use one unadorned font and do not include graphics or jumbled visual elements. We offer a free text version resume template that will do the trick nicely, but all of our templates are designed with simplicity in mind.
Before a hiring manager sees your document, it likely has to pass an applicant tracking system (ATS). Most ATS programs have trouble with complicated designs. A straightforward, ATS-friendly template helps increase your chances of landing the job.
Check that it Fits the Job or Industry
It’s important to remember that each workplace and industry has its specific culture, which should be reflected in your choice of resume template. When applying for a traditional corporate job, you’re usually safe using the most professional template you can find. On the other hand, selecting this design for a creative position or a job at a quirky startup can brand you as someone who does not understand the culture.
Make Sure It’s Easy to Use and Customizable
The point of using a resume template is to make the writing process quicker and easier. Pick one that allows you to easily put in the information you need in categories such as work experience.
Even when applying for jobs within one industry, it’s smart to do research and customize your documents. To save yourself the trouble of having to create different resumes for each job from scratch, pick a template you can customize easily.
FAQs
Is it OK to use a resume template?
Yes! A resume's appearance plays a major role in the impression it makes. A clean, attractive and legible document is necessary if you want to land the job. Plus, issues such as bad alignment or excessive graphics can hinder an ATS program from scanning your resume correctly.
A high-quality, professional template lets you put in your content and make adjustments without worrying about spacing, tabs and other common issues. Resume-Now's instant builder offers a choice of templates appropriate for a wide variety of industries and companies.
How do I choose a resume template?
Focus on selecting the template that works best with your content. For example, some page layouts can prevent a relatively short document from looking empty, while others can accommodate a lot of content without looking cluttered. You also want your template to represent your personality and what you bring to the workplace. This means projecting attributes such as creativity, professionalism or dedication.
You should also consider the prospective employer. A colorful, less conventional template can resonate in a creative workplace. On the other hand, a traditional corporate employer may expect a more subdued appearance.
How do you set up a resume?
Use an industry-specific resume template and resume builder to set up a professional, HR-approved document in no time. Our easy-to-use builder offers many immediate benefits:
- You can select your favorite format — for tips on choosing a resume format that best fits your experience and qualifications, visit our Resume Formats page.
- Templates demonstrate what sections you should incorporate.
- Templates include relevant text examples you can include in your document.
- Editing tools to make your file application-ready.
Choose from a range of template options that offer a great deal of flexibility. You can add entries to skills and work history sections to fully reflect your qualifications. You can also adjust your resume's content to customize it for each application.
What is the best resume template for students?
If you are a student with little experience, look for a template that emphasizes education and skills over work history. Go with a simple, clean design that excludes pictures, excessive font colors, and other intricate formatting details. Any free fonts you use should still be professional in appearance. This shows you are serious and helps prevent inadvertent bias against you.
What's the best resume template?
No single template is best for every applicant. Some people opt for our free text version template, while others select a more creative and modern design. When you browse through our collection, choose an option that will draw attention to your particular strengths. Use a conservative design with a standard font if you work in a traditional industry, or a creative design if you work in a contemporary field. Remember to use a resume template that permits the hiring manager to read quickly and find your key credentials with ease.