How To Choose the Best Resume Template
for Your Desired Job

Your resume is like a quick snapshot of your work history and skills. It’s the first thing HR managers see to decide if they want to interview you. However, not all applicants realize how important it is.

In this guide, we’ll help you pick the best resume template for your needs, step by step.

If you’re in a hurry and want to explore some of the best templates in our collection, we recommend checking out our best Word resume templates. These templates come in various designs, from standard to more creative options. They are professional, easy to customize, and if you prefer not to use MS Office software, we also offer pre-made Google Docs CV templates.

What makes a resume work well for you?

A good resume helps you showcase your skills and experience clearly. It should be clean, concise, and tailored to the job you’re applying for.

According to an eye-tracking study, the resumes that recruiters spent the most time and focus on have a few common elements. These include clear, simple layouts with clearly marked sections and title headers, as well as legible, clear fonts. (The Ladders study)

An efficient resume highlights your achievements, making it easy for employers to see your potential contributions to their team. The goal of a well-crafted resume is to grab attention, leave a positive impact, and secure a job interview invitation.

To build a perfect resume, you can start writing it from scratch or use one of a pre-made resume template. The second option is a real time-saver and an easy way to make an effective resume, even if you’re unsure how to begin. The key is to choose the right CV template tailored for you.

With numerous templates available online, selecting the best one may seem overwhelming. Therefore, we are here to assist you. Let’s dive into the most important factors you should consider while searching for a resume template.

What is the most important to consider while selecting a resume template?

Assess your current career situation

Consider your career level, whether you’re an entry-level candidate, mid-career professional, or a seasoned expert. Clearly define your objective or goal for the resume. You should decide what you want to achieve with your CV. Are you changing careers, aiming for a promotion, or starting fresh? Your answers will guide how your resume looks. For example, if you’re switching careers, a functional format might work best, while if you have a lot of experience, a chronological format could be better.

Analyze company culture and job type

Consider your industry and the culture of the company. If the company is modern and innovative, opt for a modern resume style. Additionally, assess the specific job you’re applying for and tailor your resume to match its requirements. For creative positions, a more eye-catching template could make you stand out.

Explore various resume examples for different jobs to see what’s out there. This will help you figure out what you need and choose the right resume template.

Choose the best resume format

A resume format is the way you organize and present your work experience, skills, and qualifications. It’s the overall layout of your resume.

A wrong resume format might make it harder for HR managers to see your key values. So, how to decide which resume format is best for you? Before we answer this, let go through the most common resume formats that you can use:

• Reverse-chronological. The most popular and widely used format. It starts with a header, professional summary, followed by work experience in reverse-chronological order. Suitable for individuals with a consistent career path and experienced candidates. However, because of its universality, it may be used by all applicants.
• Functional. Emphasizes a candidate’s skills over experience. The skills and goals sections go at the top to highlight how a person’s qualifications relate to the job they’re seeking. Suitable for career changers or fresh candidates entering the job market.
• Combination. Merges reverse-chronological and functional formats. Useful for career changers, applicants with employment gaps, or those with multiple short-term jobs.
• Video resume (human-voiced resume). A modern way to showcase your skills through a visual presentation. Instead of a traditional written format, it allows you to tell your story, describing your professional background and skills dynamically. Creating a video resume lets you stand out, showing not just qualifications but also your personality. Consider using video resumes for roles that value communication skills and creativity. In many occasions, it should complement your standard resume document rather than substitute it.

What to consider?

Before selecting a CV format, consider your goal, unique career circumstances, and your target audience. If you have no specific reason to choose otherwise, stick with the most standard format — the chronological format. Recruiters are familiar with this, making it a safe choice.

On the other hand, we recommend choosing a format that feels best for you and disregarding one-size-fits-all approaches. Be authentic and always try to see things from the HR manager’s perspective.

Which resume format do employers prefer?

Most employers prefer the reverse-chronological format as they are familiar with it and can easily understand it. Some recruiters may view alternative formats suspiciously, potentially interpreting them as an attempt to conceal information. However, if you are confident in your choices and the impression you want to convey with your resume, feel free to opt for a CV format that suits you best.

Consider layout options

Once you have selected the format, it’s time to think about the right structure for your resume document. Most resume templates are fully editable, allowing you to customize them to fit your needs. You can often change colors, fonts, add or remove sections, and more. Here’s a quick list of design elements and cases where it might be beneficial to use them:

– Two-column layout

A two-column resume design divides your resume into two sections. Typically, the wider column contains experience and skills, while the narrower column covers additional information like contact details, languages, or a picture. This structure not only enhances readability but also allows for efficient inclusion of more information. It’s a smart choice for those who want to present information in a visually appealing and organized manner, especially in creative or design-oriented professions.

If you prefer a classic look, especially when applying to traditional industries, consider a standard one-column design.

– Resume with or without picture

For a US resume, it is not recommended to include a photo on your resume due to the legal aspects. If you don’t want a company rejects your application, opt for a template without a picture or just remove this element. On the other hand, a resume with headshot could be a good choice when you apply abroad, for example to some European countries.

Pro tip: Avoid complex graphics and designs to ensure ATS compatibility.

– Readable layout

If your resume is easy to read and scan, there is a good chance a recruiter will be willing to spend more time on your job application. To ensure good readability, choose a template that incorporates:

• At least 1-inch margins on all sides.
• White space between sections and text blocks for a clean look.
• Colors for highlighting some parts, like section headings or contact details.
• Bullet points to clearly list experience or skills.
• Lines to clearly divide sections.

Pro Tip: Avoid complex graphics and designs to ensure compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Arrange the information and specific resume sections strategically. Consider which sections should come first on your resume and place crucial, job-offer-related information at the top.

What is the best resume layout?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best resume layout is a combination of good formatting and the right section ordering that enables HR managers to quickly find the information they are looking for. A perfect resume should be readable, scannable, and easy to remember.

Sections and content

Make sure a resume template contains all the fundamental sections, such as:

• Clear resume header with job title and contact details.
• Career objective or resume summary at the top of the document.
• Work Experience.
• Education.
• Skills.

Depending on the specific job and your qualifications, you might want to highlight additional aspects. In that case, check whether the resume template allows you to add more sections and provides enough space for them. Additional sections could include hobbies, courses, achievements, languages, publications, and more.

Consider customization options

If you are looking for a resume template, you want to streamline the resume creation process without struggling with customization. Look for templates that allow you to edit and tweak the details, like:

• Font size and style.
• Colors.
• Sections. Make sure the template lets you relocate, resize, remove or add new sections.
• Resume length. Even if now you need a one-page resume, maybe in a while you would like to extend. So select a template that lets you decide how many pages your application should have.

A user-friendly template means less stress and more room to add your personal touch. It’s all about having the flexibility to showcase your skills and experiences in a way that suits you best.

Visual appeal

Visual appeal matters. Even if your resume is initially pre-verified by machine software, it will ultimately be viewed by a real person. Keep this in mind when searching for a CV template. Even a traditional resume can be eye-catching. Take a look at the examples:

Best traditional template

Why this template works?

This resume is effective because it’s simple and traditional, making it easy for employers to read and scan. The two-column layout adds a modern touch without being too fancy. There are no complex graphics, just clean lines that neatly separate sections. It includes all the fundamental sections you need and is easily customizable by changing fonts, colors, and sections. Additionally, it comes in three lengths, allowing you to choose a one-page or longer version based on your needs.

Best modern and creative template

Why this template works?

This modern and creative resume template is designed with a two-column layout, enabling you to include more information on a single page. For experienced candidates, it can easily be extended for a longer CV. Following a reverse chronological format ensures a clear and readable layout. The inclusion of icons in the contact details section and progress bars in the language section adds a visually appealing touch, making the resume stand out and create an excellent first impression. It is ideal for applicants aiming to showcase their originality and creative personality.

Do you want to stand ou beyond a standard resume? Then search for resumes with matching cover letter templates. Keep the same visual style for both.

Choose a resume template in a format like Word (.docx) or PDF (.pdf) for compatibility. Ensure the file size is reasonable for easy sharing. This guarantees that your resume will be accessible to employers and maintains a professional appearance, regardless of the device they use to open it.

ATS Compatibility

ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System, software used by employers to scan and filter resumes. The aim of choosing ATS compatible resume templates is to help your resume pass through machine screening successfully, increasing your chances of reaching the human hiring manager. A resume that follows ATS standards typically avoids complex designs, uses clear headings, and incorporates simple fonts to enhance readability. Explore more information on how to create an ATS-friendly resume.

User Reviews

Seek templates with positive feedback on ease of use, customization options, and overall effectiveness. Pay attention to reviews that align with your specific needs and goals. However, bear in mind that personal preferences vary, so it’s crucial to strike a balance between user feedback and your own judgment to find the template that best suits your requirements.

Best resume templates

We’ve covered many important factors to consider when searching for a winning resume theme. We understand this can be overwhelming for you. Therefore, we’ve already selected some of the best resume templates that work well for candidates in various industries.

Best resume templates for freshers and graduates

Best CV templates for experienced candidates

Best resume templates for tech jobs

Which resume template do employers prefer?

As you know, there’s no one universal template that employers prefer. However, in general, they appreciate clear, well-organized, and easy-to-read resumes. The reverse-chronological format is often a safe choice, but it’s crucial to consider the norms in your specific industry. Prioritize content over design and ensure your qualifications stand out clearly.

Key Takeaways

• Before choosing a template, consider your career stage, job type, and company culture.
• Select a template that is easy customizable.
• Opt for a CV theme with a clean, readable layout. Delicate visual graphics are acceptable, but avoid complex ones to ensure ATS compatibility.
• Be strategic in ordering sections based on your experiences and job offer requirements.
• A resume template plays a big role, however content is a king.