best simple resume format

How to Write a Simple, Effective Resume (+20 Examples)

Updated: August 28, 2024

Published: September 19, 2023

A great resume can help get you noticed by prospective employers. But what makes a resume “great”? How do you catch recruiters’ attention, encourage them to read your resume, and ultimately call you for an interview?

Two words: Simple and effective.

In this piece, we’ll offer a step-by-step guide to writing a simple, effective resume . Then, we’ll showcase 20 examples of what this looks like in practice. Ready to level up your resume-writing technique? Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

How to Write a Simple Resume

20 simple resume examples.

While resume specifics vary depending on the type of job you’re looking for and the experience required, there are seven steps that apply in any circumstance to help your resume stand out.

1. Pick a format.

Before you start writing, pick a format that suits both your personal style and works for the position being offered.

For example, if you’re applying for a graphic design position, it may be worth including images on your resume that help highlight your skills.

If the job you’re after is a highly technical engineering role, meanwhile, you may want something more straightforward.

Regardless of the format you choose, the goal is simplicity. Don’t clutter the resume with extraneous information or conflicting colors. Instead, let your experience and interest speak for themselves.

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2. Start with your contact information.

No surprise here — prospective employers need to know how they can contact you. Despite the necessity of this contact data, however, it’s not uncommon to see it missed on resumes or left until the bottom of the page.

Best bet? Put your details — including name, phone number, and email address — at the top of the page as a header.

3. Include an overview.

Next is an overview of your professional profile . This may include details about your current position along with any titles or degrees you hold.

Depending on the role, you may also want to include links to digital portfolios or work you’ve published online.

4. List your education and experience.

Education and experience are up next.

This should be a simple list of your educational history, including any degrees or certificates you’ve earned and when you earned them, followed by a list of your previous work experience.

Bullet points work well here: Each bullet point represents a different job and includes details such as job title, responsibilities, and how long you were employed.

5. Speak to your skills.

Now it’s time to talk about your skills as they relate to the job being offered.

Wherever possible, use keywords from the job advertisement itself. This is because many companies now use automated resume analysis and tracking systems that may prioritize these keywords.

6. Highlight any relevant certifications.

Make sure to mention any relevant qualifications or certifications.

For example, if you’re applying with an IT security firm, you could highlight certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) qualification.

7. Add any relevant details.

Finally, add any other details that are relevant to the job, such as volunteer experience in a related field or any professional accolades for your work.

Simple, effective resumes offer the best chance of getting noticed, but there’s no one-size-fits-all template when it comes to design.

Here are 20 simple resume examples .

1. Modern Initials (Word)

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Best Resume Formats + 7 Formatting FAQs for 2024

• Best Resume Formats and Examples

What’s the Best Resume Format for Me?

How to format your resume, formatting faqs, formatting your resume in 2024.

A resume is more than just a summary of your employment history and associated experience, skills, and education; it’s a marketing tool [1] . A recruiter will tend to pass over applicants who provide only the boring basics. Instead, they would rather see your accomplishments and what you can do for the company.

Your resume is the ticket to an interview, so it’s important that your resume template shows the best you possible to a potential employer. Because times change, you can’t simply use the resume you wrote a few years back or, possibly, even last year. Choosing the right format and providing the proper information can land you that interview for your dream job.

3 Best Resume Formats and Examples for 2024

The format you choose for your resume is just as important as what information is actually provided within. The way your resume is set up can either help or hinder a potential employer’s ability to quickly scan to see what they’re looking for in a candidate.

Imagine getting between 75 and 250 resumes for one position [2] . There’s no way you’re going to have the time to read each and everyone to select just a few candidates for interviews. Although part of a recruiter’s job is to go through resumes, they have other responsibilities as well. This means that they’ll only be able to scan through resumes and select a handful to read more thoroughly. A properly formatted resume is more likely to be read.

When you don’t choose an appropriate format for the position that you’re applying for, recruiters get a negative impression of you and your ability to do the job, no matter how qualified you may actually be. Not only that, but a recruiter will skim to see if you actually want the specific position within their company rather than just any ol’ job.

Furthermore, an improperly formatted resume looks messy and unprofessional when information isn’t organized into appropriate sections. It can make it difficult for a recruiter to find the specific information that they’re seeking as a good match for the position they’re offering. With more and more employers turning to applicant tracking systems to filter through large numbers of resumes, improper formatting becomes an ATS nightmare that will cause your resume to be dismissed before human eyes ever have a chance to look at it [3] .

While there are many formatting options that can be used, these three resume formats are typically the most popular for 2024:

Reverse-chronological format

Functional format.

• Combination, or hybrid, format

When a resume is written in a reverse-chronological format, your past employment and experience are what stand out. A prospective employer can readily see a progression of your work history and how long you stayed with each company or organization.

• The most popular format for 2024
• Preferred by recruiters
• Chronological timeline that’s easy to skim
• Limited options for those with little work history
• Highlighted gaps in employment
• Varying positions or multiple career path changes are easily noticed

When using a reverse-chronological resume, you should include certain sections in the following order:

• Contact information : This should include your name, job title, phone number, city, state, and email address. If you have an online employment profile, such as on LinkedIn, you can include it here as well.
• Career objective : We recommend including this if you’re changing career fields or looking for an entry-level position. Using two to four sentences, provide the reason you’re applying for the position or a  professional summary  of how your previous work qualifies you for the position.
• Work experience : Beginning with your most recent job, list your previous work experience. Here you’ll list the achievements that you’ve accomplished at each position you’ve held.
• Skills : This is the area where you’ll list a few hard and soft skills that are relevant to the position you’re seeking.
• Education : In reverse-chronological order, list your education. If you have a college degree, there’s no need to include your high school diploma.
• Additional accomplishments : If you need to fill up space, you can add volunteer work or projects as long as you can reasonably relate it to the position.

The functional resume highlights the skill sets that qualify you for the position. You’ll still include your employment history, but the main focus for recruiters is the skills that you bring to the table.

• Position-related skills are emphasized
• Employment gaps are minimized
• Transferable skills are utilized when you are changing careers or have little job experience
• Unfamiliar to many recruiters in 2024
• Red flags pop up for potential employers
• Difficulty passing through some applicant tracking systems

When creating a functional resume, these are the sections to include in the preferred order.

• Contact information : This is the same as for a reverse-chronological resume.
• Resume summary : Use the career objective placeholder as a resume summary that bundles all your skills, showing how they could easily transfer to the position that you’re applying for.
• General skills : This is where you’ll list some of your basic transferable hard and soft skills.
• Skills summary : List a few specific roles and accomplishments from projects and positions where you used those skills.
• Work history : List any work history with just the details concerning the place of employment in reverse-chronological order.
• Education : Complete this section the same as you would for a reverse-chronological resume.
• Additional accomplishments : These can be added if they’re relevant and you have extra space.

Combination/hybrid format

A combination, or hybrid, resume places equal focus on your skills and your job history. The in-depth skills section comes first to grab the potential employer’s attention before showing your previous employment. This format is often used by those with extensive experience in one field to show how they stand out from other applicants or for those who are changing careers that require a similar skill set.

• Most valuable skills are corroborated with related work history
• Skills from various types of employment are related with the new position
• Employment gaps are minimized as long as there is still significant work experience
• Limited employment history is obvious
• Trouble passing through applicant tracking systems
• Difficult to format properly

Creating a combination/hybrid resume requires these sections in the following order:

• Contact information : See previous resume types for specific information.
• Skills summary : This is where you’ll list relevant skills, and then provide specific examples of your accomplishments using these skills at your previous jobs.
• Additional skills : You may wish to add other pertinent skills that you don’t have concrete examples for here.
• Work experience : As with other resume formats, list your employment history in reverse-chronological order.
• Education : Complete this section the way you would for the other two resume formats.

Depending on your situation, you may think that a specific resume format would work better than the others to show off your skills and experience. Honestly, in today’s job market, the reverse-chronological resume is the top choice for just about everyone. This is, in part, because this format gives you the best chance of passing through ATS systems and making its way to human eyes. With other resume formats, ATS may reject your resume on the first pass.

Additionally, recruiters prefer the reverse-chronological resume because it gives them the information they’re looking for in the areas where they expect to see it, making their jobs easier [4] . Instead of looking at other resume styles as a way for you to better showcase your fit with the company, hiring managers see red flags when viewing other formats because they wonder whether you’re trying to hide something.

It can be really helpful to consult with a professional to help you  build a resume  that works. Right now, we’ll walk you through each resume format, taking into account skills and employment history. However, at the end of the day, we still recommend the reverse-chronological format, and we’re here to help you overcome potential obstacles that you may face in your specific situation.

I have years of traditional work experience

If you’ve worked in similar fields and have a consistent employment history, you might be tempted to go with a combination/hybrid format for your resume to help you stand out from other applicants. Unfortunately, this style may not pass through ATS, and it’s very difficult to pull off correctly.

Whether you’ve only been working a few years or for decades, the reverse-chronological resume format is going to be your best choice. While recruiters are looking for proof of steady employment over the years, they’re also looking for job progression. They want to see if you’ve changed jobs because you’ve acquired additional skills or if you’ve simply moved laterally from one job to the next. With the reverse-chronological resume, you’re able to tell a story of job growth that potential employers want to see.

Furthermore, the reverse-chronological format makes it easier for recruiters to see your specific work accomplishments so that they know what you can bring to the position. Your short sections of skills can be easily verified with this format. You’ll also avoid the potential red flags that could prevent a recruiter from actually looking at your resume.

Don’t worry—if you feel you have more to offer your prospective employer than other applicants, you can still let your skills and experience shine with a reverse-chronological resume by writing job experience bullet points that reflect your  specific skill set . We can help you arrange your skills and employment in the preferred reverse-chronological format to maximize your resume’s impact with recruiters.

I’m a student or looking for an entry-level position

In the past, you may have been encouraged to use the functional format for your resume. Unfortunately, these days, it simply makes potential employers wonder why you’re not using a reverse-chronological style. What are you trying to hide? Instead of reading the relevant skills you can provide, they may just pass over your resume completely, especially if they’re limited on time or have other qualified candidates already on the interview list. This is all assuming your functionally formatted resume even makes it past ATS.

Recruiters understand that you may lack an employment history because you’re new to the job market. Instead, they want to see if you’ve been spending your time preparing for entering the workforce rather than goofing off or procrastinating. To the potential employer, what you’ve done in the time before work can tell a lot about what type of employee you’ll be.

You may not know how to use your previous activities in place of work history, but that’s okay. We’ll show you how you can use any volunteer work or completed projects in place of employment in the preferred reverse-chronological format. Fortunately,  the career objective  near the top of your resume can also be used to your advantage when you have little or no actual work experience.

Functional vs reverse-chronological resume format

I don’t have traditional work experience, or I have career gaps

If you’ve had non-traditional work experience, such as serving in the military, or you have career gaps, you might think the combination/hybrid format will work best for you. This will allow you to showcase the skills you’ve gained that are relevant to the position you’re applying for while then providing evidence for those skills with your previous experience.

While this resume type does have advantages in cases such as these, you should still be concerned if you try to use this style. It’s very difficult to make a combination/hybrid resume look professional and to use the appropriate keywords to draw the reader in. Furthermore, this format typically won’t make it past the first ATS scan. Also, many potential employers will assume you have something you’re trying to hide when you use a different format. Why put all of your thoughtful work to waste if someone isn’t going to be able to get their hands on your resume and read it?

It is more than possible to place your accomplishments and work skills in a chronological order that’s easy for recruiters to skim. We can help you make the most of your abilities using the reverse-chronological format in a way that fits with the proposed job position. Additionally, an  attention-grabbing career objective  can effectively highlight your skill set to portray you as a valuable asset to the company or organization.

Combination vs reverse-chronological resume format

In addition to the basic resume formats described, you need to think about formatting your information for visual appeal and ease of access to specific key points. The best way to do this is to put yourself in the shoes of the recruiter. What layout will be the easiest to get the information across as quickly and organized as possible? Remember that hiring personnel only take about six or seven seconds to gather information from your resume, so it’s vital to make your important information easy to access [5] .

Although you want to stand out, the layout isn’t the place to get over-the-top creative. If your information isn’t organized or set up in a logical sequence, would you want to waste your time reading it when you have so many other documents to sort through? In all truthfulness, you’d probably give up on that resume and move on to someone else with an easier-to-read document.

Let’s walk through the following points to keep in mind when creating your resume:

Format to impress

• Include must-haves on your resume
• Learn how  not  to format your resume
• Format to beat ATS

The design of your resume determines whether someone will continue to read it after the introductory six-to-seven-second skim. It will help if you remember these key principles in formatting:

• Consistency : Keep each section similar in layout, including the use (or lack) of punctuation. Use the same font and font size for main content and the same font and font size for headers. 

• Repetition : Repeat the use of bullet points throughout each job experience. If you use a color or underline a heading, make sure that it’s repeated throughout your resume. These tiny, repetitive details help consistency and keep your document looking organized and professional. 

• Alignment : Use left alignment for the body of your document. Centered text is difficult to read and appears unorganized on a resume. As an exception, though, your name and title may be centered.

• Proximity : Place each section in the appropriate order on the page so that it creates a natural progression to each consecutive section. Likewise, keep similar things grouped together. For example, don’t include volunteer experience with your education or skills as it will fit better within work experience (or even under a new section you title “Projects” or “Volunteer Experience”). 

To professionalize your resume, begin by using one-inch margins and single or 1.5-inch spacing in between each section. If you need more space, you can reduce the margins to 0.75; however, avoid using less than 0.50 of an inch because it’s too crowded and information can get lost through ATS translation.

You can choose serif or sans serif for your font, but stick with just one in a style that’s not too cramped or ornate. As a good rule of thumb, you can aim between 10- and 12- point font throughout the document, though you can increase font size for your name, title, and section headers.

Adding a splash of color gives personality and highlights pertinent information. Using the company’s main color can be a plus and subtly demonstrates your initiative to research the company. Also, take advantage of bullet points, but use simple, round bullets because other characters may not translate well through ATS.

Must-haves on your resume

Recruiters have clear expectations of what they expect a resume to look like and what should be included within it. First and foremost, your contact information and job title should be the first thing they see; they shouldn’t have to hunt for it. Include your name, job title, phone number, and a professional-sounding email address. Unfortunately, [email protected] can land your resume in the trash bin before the recruiter reads any further.

Keep your resume to one page, and use a recognized file format, preferably pdf. An appropriate amount of white space breaks up the content into easy-to-find sections. Use bold font or underline the font for section headers. Increasing header fonts to 12 or 14 provides contrast that makes them easier to spot. If you don’t have a lot of color in the rest of the document, consider using it in header text.

Along with color and font style, you have some leeway on being creative with your sections. However, you need to format with both yourself and the potential employer in mind. If you work in a professional field, your resume should demonstrate this through its layout as well as the wording you choose. On the other hand, an artist may look for a more creative approach, though professionalism will always be king.

Don’t just list your job title or job duties at your previous places of employment. Use action words that promote achievement in a way that is factual and quantifiable, such as with numbers, percentages, or dollar amounts.

Editing and proofreading are essential. Recruiters believe you’re going to put your best effort into a resume, so be sure that it’s free of errors and is grammatically correct. If there are any typos in a document that’s supposed to show you at your best, they’ll assume you’ll make even more mistakes when you’re on the job. You only have one chance to make a good first impression.

If all of this sounds complicated, it’s because it can be. That’s why our  free resume checker  will enable you to show your best self while still portraying the level of professionalism that recruiters expect to see.

Line Cook Resume

This line cook resume includes all you’ll need in a successful resume format, and by clicking below, you can start editing your own copy now:

How  not  to format your resume

Knowing what not to do when creating your resume can be just as important as knowing what to include. Poor formatting provides potential employers with a disorganized mess that they’ll simply toss rather than try to puzzle out.

Many issues affect your resume immediately while others may not be seen without further inspection, so it’s important that you don’t take any chances. Be aware of the following:

• Added photos : Pictures, photos, and other graphics won’t pass through ATS, and they take up valuable space that can be better used to sell yourself.
• Too much color : While a conservative amount of color can add personality and effective design elements, using too much distracts the reader from what’s important and depicts you as immature and inexperienced.
• Unprofessional fonts : Although you may wish to show your sense of style, avoid scripted or detailed fonts since these can slow down the recruiter’s ability to read your information and mix up ATS.
• Missing information : It’s important to include all sections required for the resume format you choose because missing information is a red flag to a potential employer and makes you look scattered and disorganized.
• Personal information : Hiring personnel don’t want to know too much about your personal life (plus, they can run into legal issues if they start asking those kinds of questions), so stick with facts that relate to your work history. However, depending on your field, it may be appropriate to include  hobbies and interests  on your resume.

Formatting to beat ATS

ATS is used to simplify recruiters’ jobs by narrowing down the number of resumes that they have to physically look through. Unfortunately, 75 percent of resumes never make their way to an actual person [6] .

In addition to a clear format, ATS scans for certain keywords related to the position and will give you a rating based on how these keywords are included in your resume. Don’t overuse keywords because your resume will be read by a real person if it passes through ATS.

Investment Banking Resume

Click on this ATS-friendly resume below to build and edit your own resume now:

Here are some considerations when creating your resume for ATS:

• Use the right file format : The most acceptable formats are .pdf and .doc, so you may want to keep a copy of your resume in both formats.
• Keep it simple : Use appropriate spacing and sections for readability.
• Avoid graphics : Pictures, lines, and other graphics will be seen as a garbled mess of text by ATS.
• Check your formatting : Copy the contents of your resume and paste into a plain text document. The results are basically how ATS will process it, so look for odd characters and sections that are out of place.
• Use traditional headers : The ATS is programmed to look for basic word combinations, so don’t get too creative in the wording of your section headers.
• Optimize keywords : ATS will look for the job title of the position and key industry terms. Look at the job description to see what words the hiring personnel used to get some ideas.

ATS-nightmare resume example

ATS-friendly resume example

Although there’s plenty of information here to help you get started, you may have additional questions. Please see our FAQs section below to learn more about formatting your best resume in 2024. However, we understand that there’s no way for us to anticipate every question, so if you’re still unsure about anything, feel free to contact us directly at [email protected] .

What’s the difference between a resume format and a resume template?

The resume format is  how  you put your information on the page while a resume template is typically a downloadable document that you can put the information into. A basic template will let you put your information into a simple, readable format. However, these templates (like what you might find in Microsoft Word) are often fixed, providing you with little flexibility (and lots of headaches). These resumes may all look the same.

On the other hand, a great template will allow you to rearrange the format to suit your specific needs. We offer  different resume templates  that fall within recommended guidelines while leaving room for your personality to shine through. Every template can be edited in our resume builder for you to create the perfect document to save and share with potential employers.

Also, we don’t leave you on your own. Our  resume maker offers you suggestions and tips for both your formatting and writing needs.

Don’t recruiters get tired of seeing the same format?

Recruiters sort through up to 250 resumes for one open position [2] . While it might seem that hiring personnel would get tired of seeing the same old format over and over again, it actually makes their job faster and easier because they know exactly where to find the information they’re looking for if the document passes through ATS and into their hands.

However, we understand that you want your resume to catch the recruiter’s attention, so we offer  resume template variations  of tried-and-true formats that hiring managers have come to know while providing you with a chance to show your unique brand. There’s no reason to risk your resume making its way to the circular file because it’s unorganized, illogical, or doesn’t appear to make sense to the recruiter or to the ATS.

Can I write my resume in chronological order instead of reverse-chronological order?

In the end, how you decide to create your resume is completely up to you. However, it’s important to remember that you have just six or seven seconds to make the recruiter want to read more. If they have to search for your most recent, and generally most relevant, employment, they may just give up and move on to the next applicant.

When you use reverse-chronological order, hiring personnel see your most recent job position right near the top of the page where their eyes are typically scanning for what information they’re looking for [7] . If they see the first job you ever had fifteen years ago, not only may the position be unrelated to the current one, the recruiter may assume there are gaps in your employment because they’re accustomed to seeing the most recent job listed first.

How much “personality” should be in my resume?

While it’s important to allow for creativity in how you word and format your resume, professionalism is still key. Feel free to use terms and wording that are outside the box because many recruiters are tired of seeing the same old basic terms such as “team player.” However, it’s imperative that everything you include in your resume is easy to read, placed in a logical order, and makes sense to the reader.

Also, remember that ATS and employers are looking for specific keywords, so only show off your style to the point that it doesn’t interfere or distract from finding relevant information. For more information on this topic, check out question No. 2 in our FAQs section.

What’s the easiest and quickest way to format a resume?

Because there’s so much detailed information that you need to know to effectively format a resume for ATS and human eyes, it’s best to go with a  the best resume builder  that offers  customizable resume templates  to suit your needs. You could always try your hand at making your own with a template or blank document from word processing software such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs. If you’d like to try this method, go back to the section on How to Format Your Resume, so you’ll be sure not to forget any pertinent details.

Better yet, you can alleviate the guesswork by using BeamJob’s  resume builder and checker . We offer plenty of  free resume templates for download , which you can edit. We’re here to save you hours of time and frustration.

What should I name my resume file?

Gone are the days of blindly tossing around mass-produced, hard-copy resumes. Your resume should be specifically tailored to the job position you’re applying for. This means that, ideally, you’ll have more than one resume if you’re hunting the job market to fit with different positions. You want to make it easy to find the specific resume you’re looking for.

Name your file with your first name followed by a period, your last name followed by a period, the job position title with no spaces followed by a period, and 2024. Use the format first.last.jobpositiontitle.2024 or something similar. Here is an example: john.smith.accountssupervisor.2024. Not only will this help you find the exact resume you want for each job application, but it’s also easier for job recruiters to find when they want to re-evaluate your resume to invite you to an interview. Don’t let something as simple as a file name keep a recruiter from contacting you for an interview!

How do I make a good resume?

Be confident in your abilities when  writing a resume . Also, take advantage of the tools available on BeamJob’s resume builder to make the time you spend creating your resume easier and faster. Remember, no matter how great a fit you are for the position, it won’t matter if improper formatting prevents your resume from being read.

Once you have edited and proofread your resume and have it the way you want, it is extremely helpful to have someone else evaluate your work and provide feedback on something you may have missed. Great sources can include colleagues, friends in a similar field, close contacts who have extensive grammar skills, or even your favorite college professor.

If any of these contacts suggest that you make changes, you can just go back to the resume builder without risk of having to reformat your entire document as everything is automatically saved for you after you make a  free account  with us. You can make as many copies as you like, so you always have the best, most updated version to send to potential employers.

Your resume opens the door for interviews (or closes it!), so it’s important that it’s properly formatted and includes relevant information in a way that’s easy for recruiters to view in the limited time they have available. Although reverse-chronological format is the most preferred style and is absolutely our recommendation, you know yourself and your experiences best, so choose what you believe will benefit you the most. 

However, you need to remember that only a fraction of resumes pass through ATS and into the hands of recruiters, so take your time to get the right layout. Format to impress with white space, an appropriate font, concise information, and related keywords. Contact information should be at the top of your resume followed by the career objective as this is where recruiters will look first. Avoid obstacles that detract the reader from getting the information they need and want.

Create a resume for each position you’re applying for, name each one appropriately and save them in .pdf and .doc format. Keep it simple yet professional, and emphasize actual, quantifiable achievements. Always edit and proofread your resume, and utilize friends and associates for feedback.

Remember to take advantage of BeamJob’s  downloadable resume templates  that you can edit for individuality while staying within the recommended guidelines. To make the task even simpler, try out our  free AI resume builder  and  resume checker  tools that can save you time and headaches throughout the process—and don’t forget—you may need to write a cover letter , too!

[1] Recruiter.com. (2016 February 5). 6 things employers want to see in your resume.

[2] Workopolis. (2015, January 20). Application revelation: What really happens to your resume after you apply for a job?

[3] Kerri Anne Renzulli. (2019 February 28). 75% of resumes are never read by a human – here’s how to make sure your resume beats the bots. CNBC Make It.

[4] Dawn Graham. (2018 February 6). Ready, set, switch: Make your resume and cover letter stand out. Forbes.

[5] Ladders, Inc. (2018 November 6). Ladders updates popular eye-tracking study with new key insights on how job seekers can improve their resumes. PR Newswire.

[6] Robyn Ryan. (2021 February 9). Want to be noticed by recruiters? Try this resume strategy to get through the applicant tracking system. Forbes.

[7] Katie Bindley. (2012 May 9). Resume design: Eye-tracking study finds job seekers have six seconds to make an impression. Huffington Post.

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Blog Graphic Design 15+ Simple Resume Examples for Job Search Success 

15+ Simple Resume Examples for Job Search Success 

Written by: Krystle Wong Aug 30, 2023

Imagine you’re a recruiter scrolling through mountains of resumes every day, and you’re looking for that one resume that grabs your attention from the get-go. This is where creating a simple resume comes into play. 

In a world where attention spans are shorter than ever, the need for a resume that grabs your eye in seconds is real. To help you create a resume that stands out in a world full of information overload, I’ve curated a list of simple resume templates across different industries that not only catches the eye but also gets you that foot in the door. 

Remember, it’s not just about what you say on your resume — it’s also about how you say it. So, if you’re ready to discover how to stand out with the power of a simple resume, I’m about to uncover why less can truly be more when it comes to wowing the decision-makers in the hiring process.

Click to jump ahead:

What is a simple resume? 

15+ simple yet impactful resumes that stand out, what should you include in a simple resume, 9 formatting tips for creating a simple resume, 8 common mistakes to avoid in a simple resume, simple resume faqs, create a simple yet impactful resume with venngage.

A simple resume is a streamlined and concise document that presents your qualifications, work experience, education and skills in a clear and straightforward manner. It’s designed to quickly provide hiring managers with a snapshot of your professional background and suitability for a job. 

When designing a simple resume, avoid excessive embellishments, intricate designs or lengthy descriptions, focusing instead on presenting key information in an easy-to-read format.

A simple resume is particularly effective when applying for roles that prioritize clear communication and straightforward qualifications. It allows recruiters to quickly assess whether your experience aligns with the job requirements and decide if you’re a suitable candidate for further consideration.

Designing a resume that speaks the language of a specific industry can significantly enhance your chances of standing out. Let’s explore how to create effective resumes for different sectors while incorporating design elements that resonate with the below fields:

Simple resumes for freshers

Simple resumes for software engineers, simple resumes for high school students, simple resumes for teachers, simple resumes for customer service, simple resumes for marketers, simple resumes for professionals.

If you’re a college student on the hunt for your first job, a clean and modern college resume template that spotlights your educational achievements, relevant coursework, internships and any volunteer experiences is crucial. 

Opt for a CV design that exudes professionalism and enthusiasm, utilizing subtle colors and an easily readable resume font . This approach underscores your potential and readiness to contribute to the industry.

Customize these free simple resume templates to get started: 

When it comes to the tech realm, showcasing your coding languages, technical expertise and significant projects takes center stage. Choose a tech resume template with a modern and tech-oriented aesthetic, aligning with the field’s dynamics. Take a look at this basic resume template for software engineers:

Design-wise, consider integrating minimalistic icons or graphics that symbolize programming elements. Stick to a monochromatic color scheme with subtle variations. This adds a modern touch while keeping the focus on your expertise.

For high school students embarking on their career journey, emphasizing academic achievements, extracurricular activities and part-time jobs is essential as a beginner in the workforce. Additionally, pursuing awards for high school students can further enhance their resume as they begin their careers.

Use a simple high school resume template with clearly defined sections and employ bullet points to convey responsibilities and accomplishments succinctly. Inject vibrant colors and playful icons in your curriculum vitae that represent your interests to add a touch of personal flair and maintain a clear hierarchy with a clean font.

While you want to add creative flair, avoid overloading your resume with complex graphics. Browse our selection of resume selections and pick a creative resume template to infuse your application with a touch of uniqueness while maintaining a clean and professional appearance.

Get started by customizing a simple resume sample below:

In the realm of education, highlighting your teaching qualifications, classroom experiences and innovative approaches is key. 

Select a teacher resume template that reflects professionalism and organization, mirroring the expectations of the field. When it comes to design, integrating subtle elements like a discreet border or a muted color palette imparts a sense of structure and expertise.

For those focusing on customer service roles , spotlighting your communication skills, conflict resolution abilities, and past customer service experiences can help ace your interview. 

Opt for a template that resonates with a customer-centric approach, projecting your commitment to exceptional service. Consider integrating design elements that suggest interaction, such as speech bubbles or icons. 

No idea where to start? I’ve got you covered with these basic resumes that are simple yet impactful:

In the dynamic world of marketing, your resume should reflect your creativity and innovative approach. Pick a template that exudes vibrancy, showcasing your marketing skills, successful campaigns and quantifiable achievements. 

For marketers, tangible numbers and metrics lend credibility to claims of success, allowing them to present themselves as data-driven professionals who deliver tangible results. Consider using simple infographics such as bar charts in your resume to visualize growth and progress, making it easy to compare your accomplishments.

To enhance the design, consider incorporating subtle graphical elements like icons or arrows, indicating strategies or progress. Select a color palette that aligns with your brand aesthetics while ensuring readability, creating a harmonious balance between flair and professionalism.

Venngage makes designing your resume a breeze with our user-friendly drag-and-drop interface and gallery of data visualization tools . Pick from a diverse range of charts, graphs and icons to ensure that the design remains clear, simple and consistent with your resume’s overall aesthetic.

For professionals, your corporate resume design should exude a sense of expertise and maturity. Choose a template that radiates professionalism, allowing your skills, certifications and leadership roles to take center stage. 

Maintain a clean and organized layout, utilizing consistent spacing and fonts to ensure ease of reading. Consider incorporating subtle design elements like headers or lines to separate sections, contributing to a streamlined appearance that captures your experience and qualifications succinctly.

Here are some basic resume examples you can refer to for your professional resume:

Regardless of your industry, always remember that the design of your resume should align with the nature of the role and your personal style. The goal is to present your qualifications and experiences in a visually appealing and easy-to-digest manner, ensuring that your resume stands out while maintaining a clean and simple aesthetic.

In a world where attention spans are short and first impressions are crucial, the art of creating a simple yet impactful resume has never been more important. So, what should you include in this succinct document that can leave a lasting impression? Let’s break down the essentials: 

Contact information

Your resume’s header should prominently feature your contact information, allowing employers to reach out easily. Include your full name, a professional email address, a phone number and optionally, your physical address. 

Professional experience

Detail your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. Each entry should include your job titles, the company’s name and the dates of your employment (including the month and year).

In concise bullet points, outline your key responsibilities and notable achievements. Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible to showcase the impact you made in each role.

Provide comprehensive information about your educational background. Include the degrees you’ve earned (e.g., Bachelor of Science), your major and minor (if applicable), the institution’s name and your graduation date or anticipated graduation date. 

If you received any honors, awards or completed relevant coursework, consider including these details to showcase your academic achievements.

Highlight your pertinent job skills in a dedicated section. This might encompass technical proficiencies, language abilities, software expertise and any relevant certifications you hold. Tailor your skills to match the requirements of the job you’re applying for with a simple functional resume.

Achievements or awards (optional)

If you have notable accomplishments or have been recognized for your contributions, you can showcase them in this section. Highlighting achievements underscores your commitment and capabilities to potential employers.

Projects (optional)

If the role you’re applying for aligns with specific projects you’ve worked on, consider including a section outlining these projects. Describe your role, responsibilities and outcomes, illustrating how these experiences are relevant to the position.

Professional references (optional)

While you don’t need to provide contact details for references on your resume, you can mention that references are available upon request. This signals your willingness to provide additional information if requested.

Crafting your simple resume with these sections in mind ensures that you present a comprehensive and relevant overview of your qualifications to potential employers. Each section serves a purpose in showcasing your skills, experiences and achievements in a concise and impactful manner.

When creating a simple resume, the basic resume format plays a crucial role in presenting your information clearly and professionally. Here are nine formatting tips to help you craft an effective and visually appealing resume:

1. Use a clean and professional font

Opt for fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. These resume fonts are widely recognized, easy to read and convey a professional tone.

2. Stick to a consistent formatting style

Maintain consistency in your formatting style throughout your resume. This includes headings, subheadings, font sizes, and text alignment.

3. Use bullet points for scannability

Use bullet points to list your responsibilities, achievements and skills. Bullet points break up text, making it more scannable and allowing recruiters to quickly identify key information.

4. Avoid excessive use of bold or italics

While it’s acceptable to use bold or italics to emphasize certain points, avoid overusing these formatting options. Too much emphasis can create visual clutter and detract from the content.

5. Keep the resume to one page if possible

Aim to condense your content to fit on a single page. However, if you have extensive experience that’s relevant to the job, it’s acceptable to extend to a second page.

6. Utilize white space

Incorporate ample white space around your text and between different sections. White space enhances the overall visual appeal and makes your resume easier to navigate.

7. Include hyperlinks (if applicable):

If you’re submitting a digital resume or sharing it online, consider including hyperlinks to your professional social media profiles, personal website or portfolio . Ensure that the links are relevant to your job application.

8. Save as a PDF

Save your resume as a PDF file — this ensures that your formatting remains consistent regardless of the device or software used to open it.

9. Tailor your resume

Customize your resume for each job application by highlighting the most relevant skills and experiences. Tailoring your resume demonstrates your suitability for the specific position.

Remember, a well-formatted resume enhances readability and leaves a positive impression on recruiters and hiring managers. Lucky for you, Venngage makes customizing your resume design a five-finger exercise. All you have to do is to pick your desired template, customize it and you’re ready to start applying for your dream job. 

Creating a simple yet impactful resume requires careful attention to detail. Steering clear of common pitfalls can make a significant difference in how your qualifications are perceived by potential employers. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

1. Overloading with information

While aiming for simplicity, resist the urge to cram excessive information onto your resume. Stick to the most relevant and recent details to ensure that your resume remains easily readable.

2. Omitting key keywords

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description to increase the chances of your resume passing through the initial screening. However, ensure that the incorporation feels natural and not forced.

3. Neglecting customization

Avoid the temptation of using a generic resume for all applications. Tailor your resume to each job by highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific role.

4. Lack of quantifiable achievements

Elevate your accomplishments by including quantifiable results. Numbers and metrics provide tangible evidence of your contributions, making your resume more compelling.

5. Using unprofessional email addresses

Use a professional email address for contact purposes. Avoid using email addresses that are too informal or might give the wrong impression to potential employers.

For example, you can create a visually engaging infographic using icons or symbols. Each icon can represent an achievement, and you can vary the size or color to represent the magnitude of the accomplishment. 

Don’t worry about having to search the web for royalty-free icons to add in your resume — Venngage allows you to look like a designer without being one with polished illustrations and multi-purpose free icons to elevate your business designs. Browse our gallery of customizable infographic resume templates that can effectively demonstrate how your skills and experiences intersect.

6. Spelling and grammar errors

Proofread your resume meticulously to catch any spelling, grammar, or punctuation mistakes. These errors can undermine your professionalism and attention to detail.

7. Inconsistent formatting

Consistency in formatting is crucial. Maintain uniform fonts, bullet styles, alignments, and overall layout throughout your resume to ensure a polished and cohesive look.

8. Personal pronouns

Keep your resume concise and objective by avoiding the use of personal pronouns such as “I,” “me,” or “my.” Instead, use a direct and impersonal tone to convey your qualifications.

Steering clear of these mistakes can help your simple resume effectively showcase your qualifications, professionalism, and attention to detail. By presenting your information thoughtfully and professionally, you increase your chances of making a positive impression on potential employers.

Are there industries where a simple resume is more appropriate?

Yes, industries that value clarity and quick information absorption, like tech and healthcare, often find simple resumes more suitable.

Can I customize a simple resume for different jobs?

Absolutely, customizing a simple resume by highlighting relevant skills and experiences for each job increases your chances of being noticed. You can always use resume builders or pre-made templates to customize your resume with ease.

Is it possible to add a personal touch to a simple resume?

You can add a personal touch through the content you choose to emphasize and the way you present your achievements in a simple resume. Additionally, consider including a concise “Profile” or “Summary” section that succinctly reflects your career aspirations and values, injecting a touch of personality into your professional presentation.

How do I tailor a simple resume for a specific job?

To tailor a simple resume, focus on skills and experiences directly relevant to the job, adjusting keywords and highlighting accomplishments aligned with the role. Incorporate relevant volunteer work, passion projects or unique accomplishments that demonstrate your character and dedication. 

Can I customize a simple resume example to match my skills?

Yes, you can customize a simple resume example to showcase your skills and experiences effectively, ensuring it aligns with the job you’re targeting.

To customize a simple resume example to align with your skills, tailor your bullet points to showcase how your skills were applied to solve specific challenges or achieve results in previous roles. 

How do I make my simple resume stand out?

Make your simple resume stand out by showcasing quantifiable achievements, using keywords from the job description and maintaining a clean, organized format.

Are simple resumes suitable for all industries?

Simple resumes are generally suitable for most industries, but certain creative or highly specialized fields might prefer more elaborate formats.

What’s the difference between a simple resume v.s a traditional resume

A simple resume prioritizes clarity, key achievements and relevant skills, while a traditional resume might include more detailed job descriptions and potentially a career objective or summary.

What is the best simple resume format?

The best simple resume format is typically the chronological or combination (hybrid) format. The chronological resume lists work experience in reverse order, while the combination format combines skills and experience. Choose the format that effectively presents your qualifications and aligns with your career goals.

Should I include a cover letter with a simple resume?

While not mandatory, including a tailored cover letter with a simple resume can provide additional context and showcase your enthusiasm for the position.

Now that you have your resume ready, what about going the extra mile to put your best face forward with impressive cover letters? Design one in just minutes with Venngage’s cover letter maker today!

Whether you’re a fresh graduate, an experienced professional, or transitioning between industries, the art of simplicity in resume design can help you stand out in a crowded job market. The goal of a simple resume is not only to present information but to make a memorable impression that lingers in the minds of recruiters and employers.

While it sounds like a lot of effort, designing a resume can be real simple. If you’re looking to create a simple yet impactful resume, Venngage’s resume builder can be your secret weapon. Follow these five steps to craft a standout resume:

Step 1: Choose a template

Begin by selecting a clean and professional resume template from Venngage’s template library. Opt for a template that aligns with the level of simplicity you’re aiming for.

Step 2: Enter your information

Replace the placeholder text in the template with your own information. Include your contact details, professional summary or objective, work experience, education, skills, and any additional sections you want to highlight (projects, awards, etc.).

Step 3: Customize the design

Adjust the colors, fonts and layout to match your personal style while maintaining a clean and professional appearance. Don’t worry if you’re no designer — Venngage’s drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to rearrange sections and elements.

Step 4: Highlight achievements

Use visual elements like icons, charts or progress bars to showcase your achievements and skills. Be sure to incorporate quantifiable results to make your accomplishments stand out.

Step 5: Save and share

Once you’re satisfied with your resume, save it as a PDF or image file. Venngage allows you to download your design in various formats by subscribing to a Premium or business account. Alternatively, if you’re applying digitally, share your resume online for free with a shareable link. 

As you embark on your job search journey, remember that your resume serves as your first impression to potential employers. 

By drawing inspiration from these easy resume examples and tailoring them to your unique skills and experiences, you’re equipped to create a resume that not only captures attention but also resonates with the essence of who you are as a professional. 

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40 Best Free Resume Templates to Use and Customize in 2023

It’s easier to create a stand-out resume when you have a starter template instead of a blank page. The best resume templates are designed to pass through an application tracking system (ATS) and catch the attention of recruiters. This way, all you have to do is plug the right information into the right places. From there, the goal is to land beaucoup job interviews so that you can get that dream offer ASAP.

Ahead, you’ll find 41 professional, free resume templates to consider.

You may notice that many of our favorite resume templates are minimalistic, with fewer graphics, charts, and sections than you might find elsewhere. A simple, software-friendly design is what you want for an ATS, because these tracking systems don’t always “read” as well as a human and can’t handle a lot of formatting. Certain design elements—like columns, text boxes, headers, footers, images, graphs, and graphics—can cause an ATS to read out of order or drop things entirely.

Keep these limitations in mind when choosing your fighter, because not all online templates follow best practices. Even the best ones (including some on this list!) slip up here and there. A few common changes you’ll have to make to templates are:

• Moving all text out of text boxes, headers, and footers and into the body of a document
• Changing any creative section headings to traditional ones
• Removing any graphic elements or replacing them with text

Not all embellishments are out of bounds, however. You can give your resume some character (without compromising your chances of getting hired) by using:

• Bold and italicized text
• Underlined words (in headings and hyperlinks)
• Color (dark blues, greens, and reds are popular since people can also read them easily)
• Different text alignments (e.g., right, left, center)

Now that you know what goes into choosing an effective resume template, check out our favorites:

Free B&W resume templates

Here are a few traditional templates with straightforward, chronological formatting and classic section headings. They’re tried-and-true templates that won’t run into any trouble with an ATS.

File format: Google Doc

Our downloadable template uses blue for the section headers, adding a slight pop to an otherwise simple sample, and is totally customizable.

File format: DOCX

HLoom offers templates that are ideal for ATSs. Some incorporate color and bullet points, but they do away with other bad-for-ATS elements. The “Proficient” resume template is a straightforward, chronological resume with space for experience, education, and skills.

File format: PDF, DOCX

Rezi guides you through filling out their standard template step-by-step, asking you what level of career and industry you’re in to make sure you’re using the right sections for you. For example, one option is for students who may want to put projects, activities, and coursework front and center (until they gain more experience). Make sure you delete the contact info icons and stay away from any template Rezi doesn’t explicitly mark as ATS-friendly. .

This template is geared toward job seekers who want to call out the specific job they’re looking for by putting the title front and center. It can be downloaded with headers that come in five different color options, including forest green and aquatic blue.

Jobscan’s focus is on helping people get past an ATS and, as a result, their templates stick closely to ATS-friendly formatting. The “classic format resume - chronological” is exactly what it sounds like: a basic, classic resume with a focus on your experience in reverse chronological order. The template also comes in a functional format as well as a hybrid format .

This template is a solid, traditional choice. Just delete the objective section or make it a summary instead, and change the “Expertise” label to “Skills.” (To download this one, scroll to the green hyperlink that reads, “Download This Template).”)

This simple resume from Microsoft Word is straightforward but adds a few more design elements in the form of horizontal bars to break up the text (though they can also be removed if you prefer).

Free colorful resume templates

These resume templates are still pretty basic, but they use color to make key elements stand out and liven up your resume a bit. Pro tip: You can almost always change the color to suit your preferences (or even add a pop of color to any of the other templates in this list).

This chronological template has plenty of space to include a strong resume summary at the top and reiterate your most relevant skills at the bottom.

This simple ATS-friendly template downloads as a Microsoft Word file and has space for a title and summary. Its use of color gives it a bit more zing than some of the more bare-bones options.

Here’s another Career Reload template that takes advantage of ATS-friendly design elements to give you something a little more unique. But make sure to swap out the “Career Objective” for a “ Summary ” section (or just get rid of it entirely).

This ATS-friendly resume template adds some color to help your name, headings, and the places you’ve worked and studied stand out. You can find this resume under the “Simple Resume Templates” heading at the link above.

The “elegant” template from Resume Companion injects colored bars to highlight sections but maintains the traditional bulleted format. Note that you can (and should) delete the footer of the document since that information is already at the top.

Free minimalist resume templates

If you want a sleek, distraction-free resume that lets your skills and experience speak for themselves, check out these basic, no-frills templates.

This entirely unembellished template keeps things as simple as possible but still has room for all of your most relevant details.

File format: PDF, Microsoft Word

This is another option with a step-by-step walkthrough that’s good for someone who wants a completely utilitarian resume. Once completed, the resume can be downloaded as a PDF or Word file.Note: You should definitely delete the date of birth section.

This site’s template for applicant tracking systems is the lowest of low-frills—but that may be perfectly fine if you’re seeking a no-risk option that still includes everything you need.

This template is another simple option that places section headers on the left and details on the right, creating a good amount of white space. (Note that these columns can be read from left to right, so they’re perfectly ATS friendly.) Just be sure to delete the “References” section—these don’t belong on your resume in 2023.

Free eye-catching resume templates

These templates are perfect for people who want their resumes to stand out from the pack—but still get read by a computer.

File format: PDF, Google Doc, TXT

Every Cultivated Culture template is fully customizable—so you can eliminate any elements that aren’t ATS-friendly. We recommend the Austin Belcak template as a starting point. Just be sure to replace the graph-based skills section with a traditional bulleted list.

This is another Cultivated Culture template that will get through the ATS with just one change: Delete the “Interests” section to eliminate the columns (you don’t really need it anyway).

File format: PDF, DOCX, DOC, HTML

If you want columns, this template includes them in a way that can still be read by an ATS. Just be sure to move your name and contact info out of the text box it’s currently in (where it might get missed or garbled by the ATS) and into the body of the resume. You can customize your resume directly in your web browser and download it as a PDF, Word, or HTML file. Not all of Super Resume’s templates are ATS-friendly (some include graphics and columns), but you can also check out “Resume Template 5” and “Resume Template 6” for more options.

File format: PSD, PDF, Word

This template places the most emphasis on the personal summary at the top and keeps the job experience straightforward in the body. It’s ideal for specialized fields in which getting to know the applicant as a person is key (in this case, chefs and restaurant employees who may interact closely with customers and clients, but it can be adapted to any field). Just be sure to tweak the section headings to common ones for your industry.

This template keeps things short, elegant, and easy to read. The colored graphic at the top adds a nice design element to stand out, especially against a straightforward layout that places your most recent job experience at the top and education and skills below. Just be sure to delete the icons next to the contact information and move it to the body of the resume.

File format: DOCX, PSD, AI

Don’t be fooled by the erasable icons—this template may have a modern look but it keeps things simple and compact. Keep in mind that some ATSs will read your resume from left to right, ignoring columns, so we recommend including either the job title or timeframe in the left column (not both!) and moving the other piece of information to the right.

Free skill-emphasizing resume templates

If you’re early in your career, switching career paths, or in a highly technical field, you may want to spotlight your relevant skills over your past work experience. These templates do just that.

This template puts less emphasis on your formal work experience, and plays up your accomplishments, skills, and strengths—ideal for someone who is trying to switch careers. It can also be a smart choice for freelancers, or folks who've taken a career gap to focus on family or travels. 

This option prioritizes job seekers’ skills, placing that section at the top of the resume. If you’re making a big career change, you can keep the objective section ; otherwise delete it or replace it with a summary statement.

File format:  DOCX

This template gives plenty of space to both list and expand on your most important skills right up top. Plus the columns are fully ATS friendly and the pop of color will catch the eyes of your reader.

This template highlights applicants’ academic histories as well as skills and abilities, making it a good match for a graduate student or anyone in academia. This could also be expanded into a full CV by adding your publications, presentations, conferences, and awards. As always, ditch the resume objective or replace it with a summary!

Word’s computer programmer resume maximizes space for computer skills (which you may want to rename “Technical Skills”), education, and experience, which are key for software engineering applicants to include. But you could easily tweak this template to work well in other fields.

This template emphasizes both skills and experiences, but places key skills most prominently at the top—with room further down to put them in context and expand on your related accomplishments.

If you’re applying for a new job within your current company, the resume you create may emphasize different things than if you were applying to a new employer. Word’s internal transfer resume highlights accomplishments and skills while placing general information (like education) at the bottom. There is some formatting that might trip up an ATS—but if you remove the main resume text from the text box and place it in the body with “match destination format” selected, you should be good to go. Then you can restore the colors if you’d like.

Free resume templates for experienced job seekers

These templates are ideal for people with longer work histories.

Jobscan created this resume for people who aren’t ready for management just yet but are well past entry-level. This hybrid template places an emphasis on hard skills, but still has room to put those skills in context—perfect for applicant tracking systems.

Rising to the top of the ranks? Jobscan’s “New executive resume template 3” puts an emphasis on results while allowing more space up top to quickly highlight your biggest achievements. This template is more than one page to account for a more extensive work history.

This chronological template is good for people with more work experience and it gives space for job seekers to fill in both a position summary and bullet points. You can use this if you want to emphasize key achievements or special projects from your past jobs. Just make sure to delete the “Find My Profession” image from the template.

This ATS resume template highlights industry knowledge, interpersonal skills, the ability to delegate, and leadership qualities. The summary and skills at the top let you put the most important pieces of a longer work history front and center—for when it’s time for a human to look at your resume.

Free resume templates for entry-level job seekers

If you’re just starting out in your career, you might want a template that showcases your education and relevant skills over your past work experience.

Like many recent grad resume templates, this option places collegiate experience at the top. But it also gives you two sections for work experience (relevant and additional) so that you can place that internship from junior year ahead of your pizza-delivering gig. Jobscan’s other recent grad templates are strong choices as well.

This template is a very simple starter resume that highlights recent grads’ education, skills, abilities, and experience. Just remember to swap out that objective for a resume summary (or delete it).

This template is geared toward undergraduate students seeking investment banking job opportunities (but it can easily be tweaked for other industries). In just one page, it includes space to list your education, study abroad and/or internship experiences, undergraduate leadership positions, and skills and interests (both personal and professional).

Free Adobe resume templates

These more stylized templates require the Adobe suite to edit, so they’re not for everyone. Just make sure you save your final resume as a PDF so the ATS can still read it.

File format: AI

Need a little more space? This two-page template injects more personality with golden accent colors but is still professional. You can make this option even better (for both humans and robots) by nixing the line graphs in the “Skills” and “Language” sections, and sticking to text instead. Since the ATS might read your resume straight across (from left to right, ignoring columns) you should adjust what text you put in the left column so that the text still makes sense if read this way.

File format: PSD

Despite a two-column format in the education section (which you can turn into one), the graphs on page two (which you can replace with text), and a photo (which you should remove), this template is a strong choice if you want to stand out without being too flashy. The blue font adds an extra design element but everything else is straightforward and modern.

This option requires you to have an Adobe account—but it’s free if you’re already set up. The bold color pattern ensures that you’ll stand out, even with very traditional formatting that places a brief personal summary at the top, experience and education in the middle rows, and skills at the bottom. The Adobe Spark logo in the bottom right corner can be removed.

As always, delete the photo box and stick to text. This option comes with a second resume page and cover letter template you can use if needed. The numbers to the left of the job titles can be removed and the line graphs on the second page can be replaced with text.

Regina Borsellino contributed to the latest version of this article. 

How To Build a Professional Resume (Plus Examples and Templates)

Understanding the Basics of a Professional Resume

Steps to build a professional resume, detailed guide to filling out each section, tips for making your resume stand out, free professional resume templates and examples, frequently asked questions about building a professional resume.

A professional resume is a crucial tool in the job search process, serving as your marketing document. It showcases your qualifications, experiences, education credentials, and skills to potential employers and is most likely their first impression of you. Exploring our professional resume writing tips will help improve your chances of landing an interview and, ultimately, the job you desire. This resume writing guide will cover the essential steps, provide examples, and offer templates to help you craft a standout document.

Definition and purpose

A professional resume is a formal document that presents your educational background, work experience, skills, and accomplishments. Its primary purpose is to demonstrate your qualifications to a potential employer. Effective resume writing can make a strong initial impression and set you apart from other candidates.

Key elements of a professional resume

A professional resume should include at least the following elements: contact information, education, experience, and skills. If applicable, additional categories may also be included, such as volunteerism, licenses, certifications, affiliations, and others, which will be described in more detail later in this guide.

Select the right format

There are three formats from which to choose when building a resume:

Chronological: Lists work experience in reverse chronological order. Ideal for those with a consistent work history.

Combination/Hybrid: Blends chronological and functional elements. Best for those with diverse work experience and relevant skills. If you are unsure which format is best, you can decide later, and a free resume builder tool may also help.

Functional : Focuses on skills and experiences rather than chronological work history. Suitable for those with gaps in employment or changing careers.

Gather necessary information

Once you have determined which style suits you best, gather the important information needed to start building. Compile personal details, work history, education, skills, certifications, and achievements. You will need to know dates, titles, outcomes, names of courses or papers, and possibly additional details.

You can begin to brainstorm by creating a list of duties at each job. Think about why and how you did each task and the results. If you have less experience but recently completed education or training related to your field, you can prepare a list of the names of the classes you took, assignments or projects completed, or research papers written.

Select a professional template

Choosing a polished and suitable template is essential to make a good impression. There are many professional styles available online that you can customize to suit your needs.

Contact information

Every professional resume begins with your contact information.

What to include: name, phone number, email, LinkedIn profile, optional address

The full street address is not necessary. Some applicants include city, state, and zip code since some employers use a radius or zip code search from the location of the office as a way to screen candidates. The further you live, the less likely to be contacted; conversely, the closer you live, the more likely, in these scenarios. It is also a good idea to include your LinkedIn profile , which is important to have.

Writing a compelling summary or objective

A summary statement at the top of the page helps focus the reader on who you are and what you do. This powerful piece of information is in the most valuable place on your resume, the top of the page. Objectives such as “To obtain a position as an entry-level accountant” used to be fairly common. These phrases were about stating your (the job seeker) goal.

In recent years, the objective has transformed into a summary, a more substantive statement geared toward the employer’s needs rather than your wants. It is three to five sentences. Introduce yourself by explaining your background and what you can offer while also connecting to the role you are applying.

“Recent graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, and CPA eligible with knowledge of managerial and cost accounting. Advanced Excel, Oracle, QuickBooks, and SAP skills developed through honors-level coursework and an internship at a Big 4 accounting firm.” One of the best ways to build a strong summary is to know the top skills needed to be successful in a role you are seeking and mention them in a compelling way.

Detailing your work experience

Most people opt for the chronological style resume. Even if you use another format, include your work history in reverse chronological order. The order is reversed because employers like to see what you are currently doing. You must use action verbs to describe how you performed your duties. Each resume bullet point should begin with a strong verb, as opposed to “Duties included.”

The majority of what we do can be broken down into a handful of categories: technical, administrative, communication, managerial, financial, research, creative, and helping. Dig deeper into describing that skill beyond the broader “communication.” Drill down on communication and use words like write, edit, speak, listen, negotiate, influence, address, advise, interpret, translate, present, lecture, and more. Choose your verbs carefully because the nuances matter.

Being more specific in the skill demonstrates experience, and it’s best to use the keywords most likely found in the job description. Also, add quantifiable achievements as often as possible. This makes a resume go from good to great.

Finally, be sure to tailor your resume to the job you are applying to. This could be as simple as reordering information, such as listing technical skills first or revising some of the language used in your resume. Perhaps you swap “managed a team” for “supervised a team” or “led a team,” depending on the employer’s language.

Example: Building and curating content for Salesforce Philanthropy Cloud users increased donor engagement by 34%.

Some achievements are more difficult to quantify than others. Depending on the field you are in, this may be common, but you can still highlight your accomplishments without hard numbers.

Example: Assist the public policy team with logistical planning of a virtual advocacy training and Capitol Hill Day, scheduled for October 2024. Since the event has not occurred yet, you do not have data on registrations, learning outcomes, or other success measures. Yet you can show you are part of the planning process and detail other things, such as securing four speakers for a panel, “A Day in the Life of a Congressional Aide.” Go further by describing your method of outreach and how you secured them. 

Highlighting your education

If you have less than three to five years of experience, present your education at the top of the page. Those with more experience should put it toward the bottom. Your education section should include the name of the institution. You may also include location, but it is not necessary. Add the type of degree earned and graduation (or expected) date.

If you had a concentration in your major and also had a minor, include that as well (if relevant). Also include academic awards or honors, such as the dean’s list. Add relevant coursework, particularly if your work experience is light. You can incorporate more substance into a coursework section by going beyond a laundry list of classes. Include descriptions and learning outcomes. If you had a study abroad experience, add that as well.

Showcasing your skills

Demonstrate both “hard” (job-specific or technical) and “soft” (transferable, work style) skills on your resume. The skills you highlight should be aligned with the company and the job you are seeking. It’s important to do this because it is likely your resume will first be screened by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) in which the software reads your resume looking for matches based on the job description. Thus word choice is imperative. Also, the human reviewer can catch more nuanced information that may show how much of a fit you are for the team.

Adding extra sections

You may need additional sections to round out your experience and skills. Consider the following:

• Affiliations: You can include organizations in which you are a member, and if you hold a position or serve on a committee, feel free to include that information as well. Similar to the volunteer section, if you are using a combination or functional resume, this information may help you advance or pivot your career.
• Awards : These may be academic, but they can also be industry — or community-based. When considering information for your resume, the less relevant and older it is, the less necessary it is, especially if space is running low.
• Certifications : If you are licensed or certified to practice, include that here. If you completed a training course and earned a certificate, that is different from being a certified public accountant or Licensed Series 7 Stock Broker. If applicable, include the organization, date, and license number you earned.
• Languages : Include languages you are proficient in. If they are required for the job, you may want to highlight this skill at the top or in your summary: “Bi-lingual school social worker…”
• Presentations: If you have shared scholarly work or industry developments, strategies, or insights at a conference, training day, or related, you may highlight this achievement in its own category, Be sure to include the name of the function, where it was held, the date, and the topic.
• Publications : Should you be published in a scholarly or industry journal, or if you have written a book, add the title, publisher, and date.
• Training and professional development: If you have attended classes, completed LinkedIn learning, or participated in training through your employer, and feel it has value for your next potential employer, include it. You may note you earned a certificate, as that indicates you successfully completed a learning outcome.
• Volunteerism: You can include community service or volunteer work on a resume. Mention the organization, dates, and your role (other than volunteer, if applicable). For those using a combination or functional style, this experience may serve as a conduit to your next role.

Customizing your resume

With the amount of competition for each job posted, it is crucial to customize rather than use one general resume for all jobs.

Using keywords

Review the job description, identify the keywords, and check your resume for those same words. Resources such as Jobscan help you run your resume and the job description to assess how close of a match you are.

Highlighting achievements over duties

Describing what you have done on a job is important for context, but focus on your accomplishments over duties. This will help you stand out and likely get through ATS.

Proofreading and editing

Always proofread your resume and have someone else also do so. Spellcheck is not sufficient to identify all errors. After you have worked on your resume, step away for a while. Return and slowly read it aloud to help spot any errors.

• Entry-level resume example
• Mid-career professional resume example
• Senior-level resume example

Meera Patel (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio San Francisco, CA 12345

A passionate UX designer with three years of professional experience specializing in developing accessible technologies to promote empathy and understanding. Adept at collaborating with diverse teams to incorporate different viewpoints and ensure technological solutions meet the needs of all users.

Professional Experience

UX Designer, Black Cat Apps, San Francisco, CA November 2021 – present

• Oversaw UX design for the development of three mobile apps with over 10 million downloads to date, resulting in coverage of applications from Mashable and Techcrunch
• Collaborate with designers, developers, research managers, and producers to develop creative solutions accessible to users with diverse needs
• Conduct front-end programming using HTML 5, CSS, and JavaScript to develop and build web-based prototypes

Junior UX Designer, Excelsior Design Solutions Inc., San Francisco, CA May 2020 – November 2021

• Performed user research to identify opportunities for improving client’s web presence, which included intuitive site navigation to decrease bounce rates by 27%
• Supported with usability testing for landing pages in preparation for website redesign
• Produced wireframes that contributed to user-centered design efforts for the development of four new mobile applications
• User-centered design principles
• Wireframing
• Agile development

Certifications

• Google UX Design Professional Certificate, 2020

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Computer Science University of San Francisco, California, CA September 2016 – May 2020

This IT resume example effectively captures the candidate’s comprehensive understanding of UX design principles. The content also tells a story, emphasizing a commitment to developing accessible technologies. These unique details can sometimes make all the difference in grabbing the hiring manager’s attention during the job search.

Detailed descriptions of coursework and how you applied your learning can also be helpful if you lack experience in your field. Any work experience is good; do not discount your summer job as a lifeguard or your part-time role during the school year at the bookstore. However, you need to be strategic with where you place it and how you discuss those positions.

Roberta Alexander (987) 654-3210 [email protected] LinkedIn San Diego, CA 12345

Dedicated High School Teacher with seven years of experience teaching science and technology. Use varied education methods to optimize learning experiences and outcomes for every student. Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish. Master’s Degree in Education.

• Cross-Functional Coordination
• Curriculum Development
• Differentiated Learning
• Process Streamlining
• Student Counseling & Mentoring
• Test Preparation & Delivery

High School Science Teacher, The STEM School, San Diego, CA | August 2020 to Present

• Adapt lesson plans and teaching methods to students with different learning styles
• Introduced new ways to prepare students for standardized tests, resulting in higher average scores
• Organized annual tennis fundraiser that generated $5K for the math department
• Designed and implemented a new science curriculum

Technology Teacher, Lincoln School, San Diego, CA | August 2016 to July 2020

[High school with 400 students and an award-winning math and science program]

• Educated classes of up to 28 students in grades 9 and 10
• Served as student adviser, offering social, academic, and emotional support to 9th graders
• Promoted a positive, interactive learning environment at all points
• Created and delivered tests to gauge students’ progress and grasp of complex topics

University of California San Diego

• Master of Science (MS) — Education | 2016
• Bachelor of Science (BS) — Education Studies | 2014

Certification

California Professional Educator, State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing | 2022

Fluency in Spanish | Proficiency in Italian

A mid-career professional will likely use a chronological format, but you may consider a combination one depending on your background and where you envision your next role. Generally speaking, mid-career professionals will list their work experience first, and education is toward the bottom of the page. You can also list additional skills, languages, certifications, and affiliations before education.

Robert Chen (123) 456-7890 [email protected] 123 Your Street, Philadelphia, PA

A Senior System Administrator with 10+ years of professional experience, specializing in Azure, Agile methodology, technical project management, and IT services. A strong background in building and leading high-performance technical teams to execute IT initiatives and technology transformations for enterprise clients.

Senior System Administrator, Pennsylvania Tech Solutions Inc, Philadelphia, PA May 2016 – Present

• Lead the implementation, design, and deployment of cloud solutions for medium-sized business and enterprise customer accounts generating $500K-$3M in annual revenue
• Manage a cross-functional team of system administrators, network engineers, and technical personnel to execute 30+ technical projects
• Oversee project budgets valued at up to $2M and coordinate with vendors to secure network equipment, software, and hardware
• Spearhead initiatives to enhance project delivery cycles by integrating a hybrid Agile-Waterfall approach to reduce delays and roadblocks

System Administrator, North Philadelphia Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA May 2011 – May 2016

• Delivered technical support to 150+ end users for a high-volume hospital, which included installing printers, desktops, laptops, and mobile devices
• Monitored system performance with the IT team and maintained a 99.99% server uptime
• Resolved 10-15 tier III trouble tickets for users related to hardware and software issues and achieved recognition for resolution times

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Information Technology Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA September 2007 – May 2011

• Technical Project Management
• Microsoft Azure
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Agile Methodology
• Process Improvement
• Project Management Professional (PMP), 2017
• Certified Project Management Associate (CAPM), 2015
• CompTIA A+, 2011

Senior-level professionals have similar resumes as mid-career professionals. However, they may have board experience or involvement in professional associations and may have a longer (two-page) resume. It is common for senior-level candidates to also have additional credentials and possible publications or presentations.

If I am still fairly early in my career, do I need to include my variety of experiences? -

It depends on the length of each position, how long ago they were, their relevance to the field you wish to pursue, and the skills used in each. For example, say you were a server for multiple restaurants that were similar level or type and you only stayed at each place for a few months (unless it was strictly a summer job). You might not want to list all, as not only will it show how often you “job hop,” but it will likely read repetitively.

I recently graduated. Should I include my GPA on my resume? -

If your GPA was 3.5 or higher, most sources agree to include it. When a job description states a GPA as a requirement or preference, and you meet or exceed it, definitely add it. If you graduated more than three years ago, despite having a high GPA, it is not necessary. 

What if I have employment gaps? -

If the gaps are short and you have been steadily employed or in school, there is nothing to do. Address any gaps longer than a year by showing what you did with your time. Keep it concise. If you have been looking for a job since you graduated six months ago, for example, you do not need to clarify this.

Example: Traveled throughout Europe, 2021-2022. Illness and recovery, 2022. Family caretaker 2019-2024.

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Carolyn Kleiman

Professional Resume Writer

For the last 20 years, Carolyn Kleiman has helped individuals identify and achieve their career goals. Carolyn has held positions in recruiting and training and has helped countless numbers of job seekers craft high-quality resumes and cover letters, prepare for interviews, and eventually land their dream jobs! Carolyn is a Nationally Certified Counselor and a Certified Professional Resume Writer and is a member of the National Career Development Association and Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

7 Material Handler Resume Examples for 2024

Creating an effective resume for a material handler role is critical. This article offers strong resume examples and strategic advice. Learn what skills are essential. Understand the importance of clear and simple formatting. Follow tips on showcasing your experience and handling equipment. Get your resume noticed.

• 22 Sep 2024 - 5 new sections, including 'Position your education smartly', added
• 22 Sep 2024 - 5 new resume templates, including Aspiring Material Handler, added
• 20 Sep 2024 - Article published

  Next update scheduled for 30 Sep 2024

Here's what we see in the best material handler resumes:

Show Impact With Numbers : Use metrics like increased efficiency by 15% , reduced errors by 10% , handled 100 shipments per day , and cut costs by 12% to show your impact.

List Relevant Hard Skills : Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned in the job description. Some popular ones are inventory management , forklift operation , packaging techniques , warehouse software , and shipping procedures . Choose the skills you have.

Show Equipment Proficiency : Highlight your experience with different equipment. Use phrases like operated pallet jack and used barcode scanners . This shows you can handle various tasks.

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widget 2: red / but not serious Here's a short quick tip / warning for people to include. If your symptoms get worse or do not improve after 1 day, go to a lower altitude if you can. Try to go around 300 to 1,000 metres lower.

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Material Handler Resume Sample

Find out how good your resume is.

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Get feedback on your resume

Want to know if your resume stands out for material handling jobs? Our resume scoring tool gives you instant feedback on how well your resume matches what employers look for. You'll get a clear score and tips to improve your chances of getting interviews.

Upload your resume now for an unbiased assessment. Our tool checks key areas that matter to hiring managers in logistics and warehousing. Get actionable advice to make your resume stronger and increase your job prospects.

Position your education smartly

Place your education section on your resume to align with your current career status. If you are new to handling materials or have recently received a certification that is very relevant to this kind of work, list your educational qualifications at the top. This will help employers understand your background in this area. Include details like forklift certification or safety training, which are significant for a material handler role.

If you have been working in a warehouse or similar setting for a while, your practical skills and experience should be the first thing employers see. In this scenario, position your education after your experience. Keep your education details clear but simple, focusing on your qualifications that relate directly to material handling, such as courses in logistics or inventory management.

Warehouse experience

Highlight any past warehouse or logistics work you have done. This field values practical, hands-on experience.

If possible, mention specific types of equipment you have used, such as forklifts or inventory management software. This shows you are ready to start without much training.

Senior Material Handler Resume Sample

Ideal resume length.

For those handling materials, an effective resume gets straight to the point. You should aim for a one-page document. This is ample space to highlight your skills and experience without overwhelming the reader. Keep it concise; your ability to communicate efficiently is as important as the details you provide.

When you are more experienced, and specifically if you have more than 10 years in roles such as warehouse operations or logistics, two pages may be necessary to cover your background. In these cases, ensure that your most relevant accomplishments and abilities are on the first page. Prioritize experience that shows your physical capabilities, attention to detail, and any inventory management systems you're proficient with. Remember, clear and easy to read is always better than cramped and hard to navigate.

Junior Material Handler Resume Sample

Certifications are valuable.

Including certifications like OSHA safety training or equipment operation can make your resume stand out. These can show you have specialized skills that the job needs.

Even basic certifications like first aid training can be relevant. They show that you are prepared for on-the-job challenges and committed to safety.

Material Handler with Heavy Machinery Specialization Resume Sample

Aspiring material handler resume sample.

•   UPS Package Handler Resume Examples
•   Business Development Executive Resume Examples
•   Senior Office Administrator Resume Examples
•   Entry-Level Dental Assistant Resume Examples
•   Assistant Project Manager Resume Examples
•   Agile Program Manager Resume Examples
•   Change Management Resume Examples
•   Area Sales Manager Resume Examples

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Pick one of our professional resume templates to get started on your job application. Just fill out your favorite resume template to create a flawless, ATS-friendly resume in under 5 minutes. Try out one of our 8+ free resume templates to make an impressive resume and land your dream job in no time!

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Whether you’re a creative advertiser looking for an outside-the-box creative resume template, or a banker seeking a more professional resume template, we’ve got a template for you!

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If you’ve tried other resume builders, you’ve probably experienced this: You spend hours creating a resume, and when you click “download,” you get hit with a paywall asking you to subscribe.

At Novorésumé, we don’t do that . We have NO hidden fees - upgrade to Premium ONLY if you LOVE our resumes!

ATS Friendly

All Novorésumé resume templates are built with the most popular Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) in mind. What this means for YOU is that whichever job you apply for, the CV filtering software they use will be able to read your resume (and NOT automatically discard it).

Expert Reviews

Oana Vintila

Career Counselor

For over 10 years now, I've been on both sides of the fence, career counseling, and recruitment, and let me tell you, the writer's block hits hard when it comes to drafting your resume.

Novorésumé not only offers you a smart and modern template for you to fill in, but their team has also crafted a winning combo of aesthetics and functionality that will inspire you to apply for the job you thought was out of your league. Give it a try!

Biron Clark

Former Executive Recruiter

Novorésumé is one of the few resume builders that I recommend online. Their resume templates are modern and eye-catching, and will grab an employer's attention. As a former Recruiter, if a candidate sent me a resume built with one of these templates, I would take notice and be impressed.

The software also makes it easy to enter your info and handles all of the formatting for you, so you can get your resume ready to send out as quickly as possible. I recommend these templates whether you're a recent graduate or experienced candidate.

Gabriela Tardea

Career Strategist, Coach & Trainer

When I consult people on resume writing, the most common question that I am asked it is about the content and what components to add or avoid, when they have less than 5 years of work experience.

On this platform, you not only have access to many options, but you get guidance on what to choose and why. When the work experience is less than 5 years, the other components such as languages, projects, volunteering experiences, hobbies etc, make a huge difference.

Resume Resources

What is a resume.

A resume is a brief summary of personal and professional experiences, skills, and education history. Its main purpose is to show off your best self to potential employers.

When applying for a job, you’re (in most cases) going to be asked for a resume accompanied by a cover letter.

If you manage to create a “good” resume, you’re going to 2x your chances of getting hired . Want to learn how? Check out our complete guide on how to make a resume .

How to Write a Resume With No Experience?

The process of writing a resume might seem super scary to you. After all, most resume examples you see on the web are 80% about work experience. So, what the heck can you include in your resume if you have none?

Well, here’s some good news. If you’re applying for an entry-level job or an internship, no one expects you to have ANY work experience.

Instead, you should focus on what you DO have: education, projects, volunteering experience, hobbies & interests.

For a complete guide on how to make a resume with no work experience stand out, check out our article.

What to Put on a Resume?

The most common sections on a resume are:

Contact information

Resume summary or objective

Work experience

If you want to personalize your resume a bit more, you can also include the following sections:

Volunteering experience

Hobbies & interests

For more information on how to place these sections on your resume, check out our article on what to put on a resume .

How to Format a Resume?

Here are the three most popular resume formats:

Reverse-Chronological Resume

Functional Resume

Combination Resume

In 99% of the cases, you’ll want to go with the reverse chronological resume format . That’s the format most resumes you’ve seen follow - its main focus is your work experience, written down in reverse-chronological order.

So, unless you’re a student with no professional experience or a career changer, we’d recommend sticking with this format.

If you want to learn more about three resume formats , check out our comparison guide.

How to Write a Resume For a Student?

A good student resume takes advantage of the education section to highlight the candidate’s skills and qualifications.

So, the first thing you should do is talk about all your academic achievements, including any classes you’ve taken that are relevant to the position.

As a student, hiring managers don’t expect you to have extensive professional experience, so you don’t have to worry about the work experience section missing from your resume. Instead, you can focus on highlighting your extracurricular activities , any volunteering you’ve done, and your awards or certifications.

This student resume guide has all the information you need to perfect your resume and land your first real job.

How to Write a Resume For My First Job?

If you’re applying for your first job, chances are you don’t have substantial work experience. That’s fine - hiring managers expect that from entry-level positions.

First things first, go for the reverse-chronological format. Instead of writing a resume summary, use a resume objective to highlight your skills and career aspirations. If you have any work experience, do include it on your resume.

If not, you should put more focus on the following sections:

Internships , where you should focus on what you learned and achieved

Extracurricular activities , where you should highlight your role, responsibilities, and achievements.

Volunteering experiences , where you should mention the organization name, and relevant tasks and achievements.

Projects , where you talk about any personal projects you’ve worked on (that are also somehow relevant to the job you’re applying for).

Check out this guide on writing a resume with no experience to learn more about the topic and get inspired by real-life examples.

How Long Should a Resume Be?

Short answer: one page. If you're a seasoned professional with a lot of work experience that's relevant to the position, you can create a 2-page long resume MAX.

Long answer: check out our guide on how long should a resume be .

P.S. all of our templates are one page long , so you shouldn’t have a lot of trouble sticking to the one-page limit!

How to Write a Resume Summary?

Your resume summary is a “hook” that goes on top of your resume. Think of it as an introduction to the rest of your resume. It should, in 2-4 sentences, explain what your background is, and why it’s relevant for the position you’re applying for.

To learn more about how to create a resume summary that stands out, check out our guide.

How to List Work Experience on a Resume?

Work experience on a resume is one of those things that’s easy to learn but hard to master.

Each work experience entry should contain the following information:

Company name/description/location

Achievements or responsibilities

Dates employed

Now, if you want to create a work experience section that stands out, you want to make your achievements quantifiable. What this means is, instead of creating a responsibility-focused entry, like:

“Carried out sales operations.”

You list your achievements:

“Hit and exceeded monthly sales KPIs for 5 months in a row.”

This shows the employer that you’re not just a random candidate, you’re an A-player! To learn more about how to list achievements in your work experience (and land the job), check out our article.

How to List Skills on a Resume?

Simply create a ”skills” section on your Novorésumé resume template, and list your top skills. We usually recommend going for a mix of hard and soft skills .

Not sure what skills to include in your resume? Check out these 101 essential skills for any resume .

How to Make a Cover Letter for a Resume?

You should always submit a cover letter along with your resume for any job you apply to. Here are some of our top cover letter tips on how to do this right:

Tailor your cover letter to the employer. The more personalized it is, the more likely it is for the recruiter to like you.

Outline your general background (work experience, profession, etc.) and mention your top 2-3 achievements to show off your skills.

If you really want to stand out, create a cover letter that matches your resume template. To do this, you can use one of our cover letter templates here .

If you want to learn more about how to write a convincing cover letter, check out our comprehensive guide.

What Is the Best Resume Template?

There’s no such thing as “the best resume template” - every recruiter/employer has their own personal preference. Our general recommendation is to do your research on the company and its values.

For example, if you’re applying for a position at a bank, you’d want a more traditional resume template. Or, if you want a job in a startup where they value innovation more, you could opt for a creative resume template .

Alternatively, if you want your experience and skills to do all the talking, you can pick one of these minimalist resume templates .

Finally, if you’re still not sure which type of template is right for the job you’re applying for, you can just use a simple resume template just to be safe.

Do I Need to Include a Photo on my Resume?

No, you don’t need to include your photo together with your other contact details. Companies hire based on merit, which means your physical appearance shouldn’t matter to the hiring manager.

Instead, in your contact information section, make sure to include the following:

Professional title

Valid phone number

Email address

Location/where you’re based

Link to website/ LinkedIn /online portfolio, etc.

What’s the Difference Between a Resume and a CV?

In most cases, when people are talking about a CV or a resume, they are referring to the same thing! The only difference is that it's called a resume in the US and a CV in Europe (and most other countries around the world).

Now, in the US, a CV is a very in-depth document that describes your career journey step-by-step, including all sorts of personal information . Depending on your amount of experience, a CV can range between 2 to 8 pages and it’s typically used when you’re applying for jobs in academia.

Check out our guide for a more comprehensive run-down of the differences between a CV and a resume .

6 Tips for Creating a US Resume (That’ll Land You the Job)

Looking to get hired in the US? Check out our tips for creating a US resume below!

Keep your resume between 1-3 pages . A one-page resume is preferable unless you’re a seasoned professional. In such a case, you can go for two or even three, if your experience is really relevant.

Use Standard American English . So, for example, write “color” instead of the UK version, which is “colour.”

Leave out personal information , such as marital status, birthday, gender, photo, number of children, age, religion, personal identification numbers, and ethnicity/country of origin. They can be grounds for discrimination.

Don’t include references , unless the employer specifically asks you to.

Don’t list English as a foreign language.

Don’t list your GPA, SAT, TOEFL, or ACT scores on your US resume unless otherwise stated. Hiring managers usually don’t care.

Check out this guide for the full list of resume tips and tricks !

Get Inspired with Our Resume Examples

Resume templates faq, how to make a resume with novorésumé.

Follow these simple steps:

Choose one of our top resume templates above

Follow the tips & tricks built-in our resume builder

Fill in your work history and other experiences

Hit download and start applying to jobs!

What If I Am a Student?

All of our resume samples are student-friendly! If you’re looking for something a bit more tailored, we’d recommend picking the “college resume template”

Or, if you want to learn how to create a convincing student resume , check out our guide.

Do I Really Need a Resume?

Yes, you definitely need a resume!

Practically every job out there requires that candidates submit a resume and a cover letter, so if you want your application to be considered by the hiring manager, you definitely need a resume .

Are These Resume Templates Free?

Yep, all of the templates listed above are free resume templates.

However, our resume builder comes with a ton of premium features. So if you want to personalize your resume and make it truly yours, you can upgrade!

Who Created These Resume Samples?

At Novorésumé, we put extensive care in creating each resume template.

We interviewed recruiters and analyzed applicant tracking systems to create resume samples that will maximize your chances of getting hired.

Then, our professional graphic designer worked his magic to make the resume samples compelling, well-designed, and easy to read!

Which Template Do Most Employers Prefer for Resumes?

Typically, employers prefer simple, professional-looking resume templates that follow the reverse-chronological format and don’t surpass two pages MAX in length.

All the Novoresume templates above meet these requirements, so rest assured hiring managers will dig whichever one you choose.

Are These Resume Templates ATS-Friendly?

Yes! All Novorésumé templates are ATS-friendly .

Keep in mind, though, that using the right template is step #1. You should also optimize your resume content for applicant tracking systems. For more on that, check out our guide to creating an ATS-friendly resume .

Do You Offer One-Page Resume Templates?

Yep. All the templates you see above are one-page resume templates. They are, however, pretty flexible, so if you decide to go for 2 pages, our templates will get the job done!

Should I Download My New Resume In PDF or Word?

You should always download and save your resume as a PDF .

Here’s why:

PDF formatting never gets messed up.

It’s compatible with practically any system or device.

PDF documents look cleaner and are overall more professional.

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