resume 2023 format

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What your resume should look like in 2023 (with examples & templates).

Learning what your resume should look like in 2023 isn’t just a matter of aesthetics.

Hiring data shows there’s an average of 200 applicants per job opening. Some researchers say that figure may be closer to 500 candidates , depending on the position.

I share these figures not to scare you, but to highlight your stiff competition.

Your resume is your best chance to make a powerful first impression on hiring teams and recruiters. These decision-makers are inundated with well-qualified applicants as soon as they post a job.

And to make matters worse, eye-tracking studies reveal they only spend 7.4 seconds scanning a resume before deciding whether to read it in its entirety or move on to the next one.

That’s not a lot of time to capture and excite readers about your value.

So in this post, I’ll highlight exactly what your resume should look like in 2023 to stand out, engage readers, and boost your chances of landing an interview.

What Your Resume Should Look Like In 2023: 5 Must-Haves + Examples

An attractive, high-performing resume immediately piques a reader’s interest. It subtly draws them down the page to learn why you’re the candidate they’re looking for.

So every resume in 2023 should incorporate these five elements to achieve that goal:

1. An Updated, Modern Design

A traditional resume format (think: chronological order, bullet points, etc.) won’t give you a leg-up on your competition in 2023. Using one may even hold you back.

See, hiring managers tune out when one of those stale resume templates lands on their desks for the umpteenth time. These boring resumes don’t excite or connect with readers. So your resume could be passed over in that brief 7.4-second scan before it’s even read.

That’s why it’s so important to freshen up the look of your resume with an updated, modern resume template like this one:

Want to use this resume template? Click this link purchase it and start customizing this template (or any others in this article) now.

Unlike a traditional resume template, the one above builds a personal connection with readers by introducing and showcasing your value first. A quick scan of the top half provides them with a snapshot of your areas of expertise and core competencies, two very attractive “hooks” to hiring teams.

Readers will then feel compelled to learn where you honed those skills. So the bottom half of this resume template helps organize your career achievements in an engaging, eye-appealing way. 

Rather than reading like a bland job description, each point should back up your skill set while proving your track record of success.

Anyone reading your resume formatted with a modern template like this will know precisely who you are and the value you’ll deliver, which is the ultimate goal.

2. Clear Sections To Highlight Your Best Features

Resumes that look like one giant block of text are intimidating. They tell hiring teams they’ll need to spend time and effort to mine for the intel they’re looking for. And with hundreds of other resumes vying for their attention, they’ll probably just pass on doing so.

That’s why most modern resume templates are divided into sections with clear, distinct headers. This makes your resume easier to scan and read, not to mention far more enjoyable for busy hiring managers.

The resume template above does a fantastic job of breaking up a resume into bite-sized chunks of information. The example below takes this concept a step further:

The highlights and expertise section in this resume template sits in a blue box to draw the reader’s eyes and attention. This is like telling hiring teams, “Hey! Come check this out!”

So think of your resume as a cheat sheet for hiring managers and recruiters rather than a dossier.

Your resume headings and sections will create an organized outline of your qualifications. Then these call-out boxes can be used to show off your best features, as they’re likely one of the first things hiring managers will notice during their initial scan.

3. Strategically-Placed White Space and Tight Copy

Often times, candidates are so focused on adding every little detail to their resume that it becomes too crammed to read. Headings and call-out boxes can help with this problem. But nothing works quite as well as more white space.

White space, or the places in your resume without words or formatting, adds breathing room to your resume . It prevents a resume from appearing jam-packed and hard to read.

A resume with well-defined sections naturally creates more white space, like this resume template :

Aim for short copy to add more white space to your resume . Break up any big chunks of text to make reading less overwhelming and easier for the eyes.

Your resume is like a garden. You don’t want wordy sentences hiding your highlights and achievements like weeds overrunning a beautiful flower bed. 

Prune your copy, and you’ll easily add more white space to your resume and draw attention to your best selling points simultaneously.

4. A Bold Pop of Color

If you really want to stand out and catch someone’s attention, a pop of bold color on your resume is a must. But this doesn’t mean you should haphazardly throw a rainbow of color wherever you want.

When done strategically, as this example does, color can be used to add emphasis, contrast, and personality. It can also help break up the sea of black text on your resume.

Want to use this resume template? Click this link to customize this template or any others in this article now .

Though a pop of color can help your resume stand out and make a memorable first impression, colors that are too bright or off-putting will do so for the wrong reasons. Opt for deeper, saturated shades, so your resume will be legible in person and on-screen.

5. A Clear, Easy-to-Read Font and Formatting

It’s essential to think about the font you choose for your resume .

Anything “cutesy” will likely be regarded as unprofessional. Likewise, a font that’s too light or too bold may also be difficult to read.

The best fonts to use on a resume include Serif and Sans Serif fonts, such as Times New Roman, Georgia, Verdana, and Arial.

As for the font size, stick to 10-14 points (10-12 for regular text and 12-14 for headings and subheadings).

This template offers a great example of resume text formatting:

On a similar note, be sure to emphasize the right areas, not everything . Only use bold or italics to draw attention to your top achievements, companies you’ve worked for, and other notable points according to the role.

Ready To Update Your Resume for 2023?

Now that you know the must-have ingredients for a high-performing resume, it’s time to put these tips to good use.

Incorporating today’s must-have elements will give your resume a fresh upgrade for 2023 and help you connect with hiring teams and recruiters.

Even better news?

If you use one of the resume templates shared in this guide, you’ll ace this task in half the time. Just purchase and download the one that fits your needs best, plug in your information where prompted, and voila! 

You’ll have a modern, professional resume ready to send out in a matter of minutes instead of spending all day reformatting your current one.

Click this link to learn more about the resume templates featured in this article. Psst! You’ll also find a free executive resume template download on our resources page.

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About the author

Jessica hernandez, president, ceo & founder of great resumes fast.

Hi, I’m Jessica. I started this company back in 2008 after more than a decade directing hiring practices at Fortune 500 companies.

What started as a side hustle (before that was even a word!) helping friends of friends with their resumes has now grown into a company that serves hundreds of happy clients a year. But the personal touch? I’ve kept that.

You might have seen me featured as a resume expert in publications like Forbes, Fast Company, and Fortune. And in 2020, I was honored to be named as a LinkedIn Top Voice of the year!

I’m so glad you’re here, and I can’t wait to help you find your next perfect-fit position!

This is very well-detailed content. I highly appreciate your work. Thank you for sharing your ideas!

Hi Jessica,

As I was looking to give my resume a fresh, new style for 2023, I came across your article. I kid you not, I have been styling my resume like this for the last 3 years! I am an independent career coach–would you be interested in hiring a partner?

I’m not kidding.

I found these resume formats to be reader friendly and they target what potential employers want to see quickly. It allows the reader to focus on the accomplishments beyond the day to day duties.

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• Resume Format
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Resume 2023

A resume is a comprehensive, up-to-date summary of an individual’s background and accomplishments, typically used to demonstrate their qualifications when applying for jobs. This document contains an organized overview of relevant facts related to the job seeker’s education, soft and hard skills, experience, and other qualified attributes.

• All Templates
• Classic Templates
• Creative Templates
• Infographic Templates
• Modern Templates
• Newest Templates
• One Page Templates
• Professional Templates
• Quick Templates
• Simple Templates
• Unique Templates
• All Resume Formats
• Chronological Format
• Reverse-Chronological Formats
• Functional Formats
• Hybrid (Combination) Formats
• All Resume Examples
• Administrator Examples
• Construction Examples
• Customer Service Examples
• Engineering Examples
• Legal Examples
• Nurse Examples
• Sales Examples
• Security Examples
• Teacher Examples

About Resume2023.com

• Resume 2023 FAQ

Free Resume Templates 2023

Provide a standardized format and layout for organizing and presenting the content. They can be created using various software programs and are intended to help create curriculum vitae with minimal effort.

Classic Resume Templates

Traditional or basic formats that are easy to read. They tend to use a clean and minimal design, with headings and sections that are easy to follow.

Creative Resume Templates

Traditional or basic formats that are eye-catching. They tend to use a clean and minimal design, with headings and sections that are easy to follow. A must-have for a CV in the creative industry includes a portfolio.

Infographic Resume Templates

Use visual elements and graphics to present information more visually appealingly. They often highlight specific experiences more interactively and engagingly.

Modern Resume Templates

Newest Resume Templates

Often incorporate the latest trends and may include features such as clean lines, minimalistic design, and a focus on showcasing an essential facts about the candidate.

One Page Resume Templates

Fit all the necessary information onto a single page. They are helpful for those with limited work experience or when they can be summarized on a single page.

Professional Resume Templates

Typically, a more formal and traditional design may include sections for an objective, work history, education, and other appropriate details. They are used by professionals in more conservative industries or individuals with a lot of work experience who want to present themselves polishedly.

Quick Resume Templates

Typically have a simple layout. They often include pre-written content, making it easy to insert information.

Simple Resume Templates

Prioritize content over aesthetics and use a minimalistic approach to layout. They provide a concise overview of a candidate’s abilities, competence, and education without any distractions or elaborate design elements.

Unique Resume Templates

Help to stand out and be memorable to potential employers. They may have unusual or eye-catching layouts. They may incorporate graphics, images, or other visual elements in a method that is not typical in more traditional ones.

Resume Format 2023

There are three current resume formats in 2023 –  reverse- chronological, functional, and combination (hybrid). We recommend using a the first one in almost all cases. This is because job experience is the top hiring factor for 92% of recruiters, according to a recent study by Jobvite. The main benefits of a reverse-chronological format:

• It is the most popular and helpful format among recruiters;
• Applicant tracking systems, familiar to recruiters, easily process it;
• All job seekers can use it.

Also, saving files in .pdf or .docx formats is highly recommended.

Chronological Resume Format

A chronological CV format is considered an excellent decision because it is easy to read, understand, and follow. It presents a clear and concise overview of your work experience, and qualifications. It lists your experiences in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position and working backwards. This format is especially useful if you have a solid and consistent work history in the same field or if you are looking to move up in the same field.

Many recruiters prefer it because it gives them a comprehensive understanding of your career progression and the expertise you’ve acquired throughout your experience.

Overall, the Chronological CV template is a well-organized method to present your qualifications and experience, making it an excellent choice for many job applicants.

Reverse-Chronological Resume Format

The reverse-chronological is a CV format which is widely used format among recruiters.

It’s one of the latest CV format for 2023 because:

• Emphasizes your recent competence.
• Allows recruiters to see your progression and track your career growth quickly.
• It is easy to understand, presenting information logically and chronologically.
• It show any promotions, responsibilities, or achievements you have earned in your recent roles.
• It is commonly used and expected by most companies, meaning it is more likely to be understood and appreciated.

It is crucial to note that, depending on the job or the industry you are applying to, other formats, like Functional, Combination, or Targeted formats, may be more appropriate. It’s always nice to tailor your CV to the job you are applying forI

Functional Resume Format

Functional CVs are organized by abilities and competences rather than by job titles and dates of employment. This format allows the candidate to focus on how to benefit the employer.

The functional curriculum vitae format typically includes several sections, such as:

• A section on expertise can include both technical and soft skills.
• A section on  competences that  can include paid and unpaid work, volunteer experiences, and coursework.

One of the main benefits is that it can hide gaps in employment history. Because the resume is organized by abilities rather than job titles and dates of employment, it can be more difficult to discern when the candidate is unemployed.

It could also be helpful for job seekers transitioning to a career. By focusing on the  competences  appropriate to the new field, rather than titles and duties in a previous field, the candidate can demonstrate how their abilities are transferable to the new position.

Combination Resume Format

There are several reasons why to use a combination CV format:

A combination format is versatile and can be used for different occupations, such as entry-level, mid-career.

A combination format typically includes a section dedicated to showcasing your achievements, which can help you stand out from other candidates.

A combination curriculum vitae is easy to read and navigate, making it more likely that hiring managers will take the time to review your application.

It can be easily tailored to show the most suitable expertise to the title you are applying for, making it more likely that you will be considered.

Resume Examples 2023

Here you could find resume examples demonstrating how to effectively present data to pay the recruiter’s attention. Our mission is to provide inspiration and guidance for creating an effective resume, so applicants will learn on how to edit and structure their documents.

Administrator CV Examples

Highlight candidates’ ability to manage and organize resources, communicate effectively, and lead teams. Perfect for a project manager and executives. Below are some amazing resume examples for administrators:

Here is some statistics from the  Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)  on administrative and office support professions in the United States as of May 2022:

Average Salary : The average hourly wage for administrative and office support was $20.43, which translates to an average annual salary of $42,490.

Number of Vacancies : There were approximately 4 million administrative and office support vacancies in the United States as of May 2020.

State with Highest Salary for Administrators : The state with the highest average administrative and office support wage was the District of Columbia, with an average wage of $26.68 per hour, or $55,540 per year. Other states with high average wages for administrative and office support occupations include Massachusetts, California, New Jersey, and Washington.

Construction CV Examples

Specifically tailored to the construction industry. They highlight experience of individuals seeking employment in construction-related fields, such as building and construction, carpentry, and engineering.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on construction industry in the United States as of May 2022:

Average Salary : The average hourly wage for construction workers was $23.39, which translates to an average annual salary of $48,680.

Number of  Vacancies : There were approximately 7.4 million construction propositions in the United States as of May 2020.

State with Highest Salary for Construction Workers : The state with the highest average wage for construction workers was the District of Columbia, with an average wage of $33.24 per hour, or $69,180 per year. Other states with high average wages for construction workers include Alaska, New York, Hawaii, and Massachusetts.

Customer Service CV Examples

Showcase the mastery required to successfully perform tasks such as communicating with customers, resolving issues, and maintaining a positive and demeanor. They may include duties such as answering phone calls, responding to emails and online inquiries, handling customer complaints, and processing orders and returns.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports on customer service positions that in the United States as of May 2022:

Average Salary : The average hourly wage for customer service representatives was $16.78, which translates to an average annual salary of $34,840.

Number of  Vacancies : There were approximately 2.6 million customer service representative positions in the United States as of May 2020.

State with Highest Salary for Customer Service Representatives : The state with the highest average wage for customer service representatives was the District of Columbia, with an average wage of $20.80 per hour, or $43,320 per year. Other states with high average wages for customer service representatives include Alaska, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Washington.

Engineering CV Examples

Showcase the candidate’s technical expertise and competences in electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering. They may include details about the candidate’s enlightenment  and training in engineering.

Engineering is also one of the high-paying industries. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that:

Average Salary : The average annual salary for engineers was $92,830.

Number of  Vacancies : There were approximately 2.7 million engineering vacancies in the United States as of May 2020.

State with Highest Salary for Engineers : The state with the highest average wage for engineers was the District of Columbia, with an average wage of $122,820 per year. Other states with high average wages for engineers include California, Alaska, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.

Legal CV Examples

Tailored for applicants seeking employment in the legal field. They typically highlight the mastery, and expertise to the legal profession. They may also include the applicant’s membership in niche organizations, any awards or accolades they have received, and coursework or certifications.

BLS report on May 2022 states that for legal professions:

Average Salary : The average annual salary for lawyers was $144,230.

Number of  Vacancies : There were approximately 778,000 lawyer propositions in the United States as of May 2020.

State with Highest Salary for Lawyers : The state with the highest average wage for lawyers was the District of Columbia, with an average wage of $189,560 per year. Other states with high average wages for lawyers include California, New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

Nurse CV Examples

Include the nurse’s academic background, licensure, and proficiency in similar positions. They also highlight specific areas of expertise, such as critical care, pediatrics, or surgical nursing.

Fresh statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for nursing professions:

Average Salary : The average annual salary for registered nurses was $75,330.

Number of  Vacancies : There were approximately 3.5 million registered nurse vacancies in the United States as of May 2020.

State with Highest Salary for Registered Nurses : The state with the highest average wage for registered nurses was California, with an average wage of $102,700 per year. Other states with high average wages for registered nurses include Hawaii, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Alaska.

Sales CV Examples

Demonstrate the proficiency of individuals who have worked in sales. They often have achievements such as a meeting or exceeding sales quotas, building and maintaining customer relationships, and using various sales techniques to close deals.

Facts about sales sector provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Average Salary : The average annual salary for sales workers was $44,180.

Number of  Vacancies : There were approximately 15 million sales worker positions in the United States as of May 2020.

State with Highest Salary for Sales Workers : The state with the highest average wage for sales workers was the District of Columbia, with an average wage of $61,810 per year. Other states with high average wages for sales workers include Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Colorado.

Security CV Examples

Show the proficiency of individuals who work in the security field. These resumes typically include the candidate’s background, training, and work history in security-related roles, as well as any  certifications or licenses.

Additional statistics about security employment in the US market:

Average Salary : The average hourly wage for security guards was $15.24, which translates to an average annual salary of $31,620.

Number of  Vacancies : There were approximately 1.2 million security guard propositions in the United States as of May 2020.

State with Highest Salary for Security Guards : The state with the highest average wage for security guards was the District of Columbia, with an average wage of $23.53 per hour, or $49,000 per year. Other states with high average wages for security guards include Alaska, New York, Massachusetts, and Hawaii.

Teacher CV Examples

Demonstrate a teacher’s proficiency and qualifications. These patterns can serve as a guide for individuals who are seeking employment as a teacher. They may include data about the teacher’s background, areas of expertise, and any suitable certifications or licenses.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shares that in 2022, for teaching jobs:

Average Salary : The average annual salary for preschool and kindergarten teachers was $54,530, while the average salary for elementary, middle, and high school teachers was $61,660.

Number of  Vacancies : There were approximately 4.6 million elementary, middle, and high school teachers in the United States as of May 2020, while there were approximately 220,000 preschool and kindergarten teachers.

State with Highest Salary for Teachers : The state with the highest average wage for elementary, middle, and high school teachers was New York, with an average wage of $79,620 per year. Other states with high average teacher wages include California, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Alaska.

Why a Good Resume 2023 is a Must-Have

CV 2023 is a comprehensive history of individual’s background typically used to demonstrate their qualifications when applying for jobs. This document contains an organized overview of suitable data related to the job seeker’s education, expetrtise, and other qualified attributes.

Most likely, we’re trying to create the best resumes during a transition or when people ask us about a CV. You are not even thinking about it until the hiring manager asks you to send it via e-mail. And after all, you understand how essential is to have updated resume. A professional resume must be written following two main rules. 

First, it should tell about an expertise throughout your career. The second one – should let you to stand out from the crowd. Why is the second rule also important? If you undesrtand how to catch the attention and how to sell your candidacy in the most favorable light, you have a key to the desired job offer in your mailbox.

Resume Trends 2023

Your resume 2023 is often highly underrated, but first impressions count, and humans are very visual. So while content is king, and what you say and the words you use within your CV will always be the most meaningful.

Proper formatting allows you to come across as exceptionally well put together, helps to elevate your brand, and gets decision-makers and recruiters to sit up and pay attention straight away. It’s a taster of the level of excellence that you can include into presenting your work and communicating something.

Also, whether you send it out to your network or apply online, you must be confident about this document. You need to feel amazing when you’re sending in. So if the content’s impressive and looks sharp and sleek, that’s the result you’ll get.

These are the features you need to assess when looking for the proper CV format:

• Layout: What layout helps you create a fabulous resume that delivers all the data you need for a competitive application?
• Presentation: What sort of look and presentation is the best in your case?
• Success rate: Which format of CV would you say is more likely to be successful and give you more confidence?

How Good Resume 2023 Should Look Like

There’s so much fear-mongering about the applicant tracking system, and it’s often used by frustrated job seekers as potentially a reason or a scapegoat for why things aren’t going their way. That might sound harsh, but “career coaches” are giving outdated advice, saying that the applicant tracking systems are the reason your document is not getting through. 

An applicant tracking system, 90% of the time, is just a project management software for recruiters that walk your application through the different stages of the process.

Most people don’t realize that data is essential for the applicant tracking system. Scanning documents and your CV are a part of the game. Still, if you’re saying that you don’t have the right to work or put in your salary expectation, that’s way out of the salary expectation of this role, which automatically rejects you.

Resume Fonts

The ATS doesn’t have a font preference as long as it’s readable. It’s fine as long as it’s not like script font. And it’s not reading and rejecting your resume alone automatically. When job hunting, it’s always crucial to design a resume that a human will read, but remember that the ATS isn’t as big a deal as you think. And if it’s going to read or pass your CV and spit it out, usually it does that.

Resume Length

If it’s a two-page document, but it’s full of fluff and cliches and information that’s nice to know about you, but it’s not targeted or strategic in line with the job post, then there’s a waste of space. If you have a one-page resume, like one of those pretty Etsy templates with just a few headings, main points, and light on the content, or so crammed sample with size eight font because you’ve tried to fit everything onto one page, that’s going to hurt your chances as well. So you don’t want to do that either.

It depends on what you must add to this document to convince recruiters. It’s a teaser trailer, not the feature film, the feature film is you in the interview, but it’s what you need to have in there to convince them to give you an interview.

You want to have a decent amount of information, but every line that recruiters skim should make them think, that’s great for this. Remember, this is a pitch document, and it’s highly tailored. You should keep it relatively concise while still being robust and impactful.

With Photo or Without

In many Anglo-Saxon countries, the UK, the US, and New Zealand, people wouldn’t go with a photo because they go a substantial cultural and institutionally focus on anti-biased, anti-discrimination. It can even be illegal in some states to review a resume with a photo because of anti-discrimination laws. And if you reject the person or if the person gets the position, you can’t win, so sometimes, if they see a photo, and either get removed by software or they don’t consider it. 

So if the norm is not to put a photo. In some countries like France, for example, you must place a shot, whether you’re going for a job, you put a picture because that’s the norm of the country, and it would be very sort of bizarre if you didn’t. 

Photo in Social Media

A recruiter can Google you, and they can find out what you look like on LinkedIn. Ensure yourself that you’ve got an excellent LinkedIn profile photo. But still, no image if the norm in your country is no photo. You could use a photo if it feels more industry appropriate. If you’re going for a creative marketing agency or if you’re going for a digital marketing role in social media for a cool startup, then a photo is acceptable, more appropriate, and could add some possession to your document. 

You should always use a standard chronological CV design layout. You probably have heard about the functional resume and competency-based CVs and stuff like that. But you should keep it easy for the recruiter to get the necessary parts quickly. So what are must-have components?

You definitely must have a profile or a summary section. This is about three sentences or bullet points about you. It’s your brand. It’s who you are, what you do, and how you do it differently, backed up with an accomplishment point wherever possible and your vision for your career, where you are going, and how this role fits into that. This area is one of the most strategic areas on your document, allowing recruiters to connect the dots very quickly.

Trending Resume Design

Here are some critical points about design elements for a 2023 resume:

Color: Use a color scheme, such as black and white or neutral tones, to keep your resume looking clean. Avoid using bright or distracting colors.

Pictures: It’s generally not recommended to include a picture on your resume, as it can detract from the content and may not be suitable to the profession you’re applying for.

Fonts: Choose a font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. Avoid using overly decorative or fancy fonts, as they can be difficult to read. Stick to one or two fonts styles to maintain consistency throughout your resume.

Layout: Use white space, bullet points, and headings to make your resume visually appealing and easy to scan. Avoid cluttering the page with too much text or graphics.

Consistency: the design elements you use, such as CV style and size, are consistent throughout your resume.

By keeping these design elements in mind, you can create a well-designed resume that showcases your abilities in the best possible light.

You can put strategic keywords that sum up your zones of genius underneath the profile area. What would your tags be if you were tagged as a person? These are your top skills, and they also help with the ATS, the applicant tracking side of things, and they very quickly let the recruiter understand who you are and what you have to offer. You can also add a compelling tagline underneath your name at the top of your CV. It’s like a signature; your unique selling proposition into a sentence.

The following central area you want to be front and center on your document is your experience section. This is what comes next if you’re doing a one-column layout. You give it the most real estate if you’re doing a two-column. It’s usually all down the right-hand side, while the other details are on the left-hand column. It’s very much front and center. But there are two exceptions to this. 

Firstly, if you’re a fresh graduate with no work experience, just so you’ve only done internships and bits and pieces, you would your academic background first. If you are a working professional, have already graduated, and have already been in the workforce for at least a year, you would have the experience come first. 

Career Changes

The other exception to this rule is career changes. With career changes, you would start with the profile section. Then you would go into an area with your core strengths or your critical skills, the transferable  abilities  that you can bring with you as a person from one industry to the next that is going to enable your success within your next role, your next profession, your next sector, even if you’ve never done it before. 

So that upper third might be longer. You might end up taking almost half the page to explain your profile and just to include some of competencies that you are bringing to the table before you get to your experience section because what’s going to be essential is who you are, not exactly what you’ve done because you’ve never actually done the role that you’re applying for. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you put on a cover letter.

• Your contact information and the date
• The contact information of the employer or hiring manager
• A greeting, such as “Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name]”
• An introduction which include your qualifications and the reason for your interest in the position.
• A few bullet points to summarize your relevant abilities.
• A closing statement that thanks the employer for considering your application and includes your contact information again
• A professional closing, such as “Sincerely” followed by your name and signature (if sending a hard copy)

What are the main resume formatting rules?

The main formatting rules:

• Use an easy-to-read font like Arial or Times New Roman.
• Please keep it one or two pages in length.
• Use headings and subheadings to organize your content and make it easy for the reader to find what they need.
• Use bullet points to make your CV easy to read, and avoid long paragraphs of text.
• Use action words and phrases, such as “managed,” “created,” “improved,” and so on, to describe your responsibilities.

Is it worth paying a resume writer?

Whether or not it is worth paying writers depends on your circumstances and needs. They have expertise about what should be included in a CV, but they can’t speed up your job search process. 

Should I save my resume as PDF, Word, or Google Docs?

It is generally recommended to save a PDF (Portable Document Format) file. PDFs are a universal format that can be opened on any computer or device, and they maintain the formatting and layout of the document, regardless of the software or operating system used to view it.

What should a CV look like in 2023?

In 2023, it should have an updated, modern design sigh your best features and strategically-placed white space and tight copy. It should also include a bold pop of color and be formatted with a clear, easy-to-read font.

What is the 30-second rule?

The 30-second rule refers to the idea that a hiring manager or recruiter should be able to quickly scan your resume and determine whether you are a good fit in 30 seconds or less. Your document should be well-organized, clearly written, and visually appealing, with essential data prominently displayed.

Is it OK to have a 2, 3, or 5 pages resume?

It is generally acceptable to have a two, or even five-page, depending on your mastery level and the specific occupation requirements you are applying for. Typically, a two-page is appropriate for most job seekers, especially those with around ten years or more of relevant mastery.

What should you not do on a resume?

•  Using an unprofessional email address: Instead of standard email address, create a professional one specifically for job applications.
• Using an unprofessional font or layout: Choose a clean, professional font and use a clear, organized layout to make it easy to read.
• Including personal information: Your CV should focus on your professional qualifications, so leave out personal information such as your age, marital status, or religion.

What are the 3 F’s of resumes?

The 3 F’s refer to three key elements:

• Function: This refers to the purpose of your CV, which is to showcase your skills and comptences in a way that is relevant to the job you are applying for.
• Form: This refers to the formatting and layout, which should be clean, organized, and easy to read.
• Effectiveness: This refers to the overall point, which should effectively communicate your qualifications and persuade the reader to consider you for the position.

By ensuring that your curriculum vitae adheres to all of these elements, you can create a resume tailored to the specific role you are applying for that effectively showcases your skills and proficiency.

Can you show a gap in your CV?

Gaps in your work history can be a common concern for job seekers, but it is generally acceptable to include them as long as you can explain them effectively. According to a survey by Monster, 49% of U.S. employers said that gaps are becoming less of a red flag due to current market conditions.

What is the best font?

Several fonts are commonly recommended for use.

• Arial: This sans-serif font is often used for branding and website or mobile design, making it a good option for those in the creative field or applying for marketing jobs.
• Georgia: This serif font is easy to read.
• Helvetica: This sans-serif font is popular in branding and design and is considered easy to read on screens.
• Tahoma: This sans-serif font is similar to Verdana and is known for its screen-readability.
• Times New Roman: This classic serif font is still popular for resumes, but it is essential to use it in moderation as it can appear outdated.
• Trebuchet: This sans-serif font is known for its readability and is an excellent alternative to Arial or Helvetica.

How many jobs should you mention?

As a general rule, you should include as many jobs on your CV relevant to the position you are applying for as long as you are within the typical 10-15 year limit for work experience. The exact number of jobs you should include on your resume may vary depending on your experience level, but it is generally recommended to have between 3 and 7 positions.

What are the top 5 mistakes?

Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Grammar and punctuation errors: These errors can make you unprofessional and give the impression that you need to be more detail-oriented.
• Failure to communicate knowledge and skills: Make sure to highlight your relevant skills and experience clearly and concisely.
• Vague job descriptions: Be specific and include concrete illustrations of your accomplishments.
• Using pronouns and articles: Avoid using personal pronouns (such as “I” or “my”) and articles (such as “a” or “the”) in your resume. Instead, focus on using action verbs to describe your responsibilities and achievements.

What are items that should be avoided?

Some personal details are unnecessary to include and may even send the wrong message to a prospective employer. These include:

• Marital status: Your marital status is not relevant to your qualifications or ability to do the job.
• Sexual orientation: This information is irrelevant and could discriminate against you.
• Religious or political affiliations: These details are irrelevant and could discriminate against you.
• Social security number: This information is unnecessary to include on your resume and could potentially lead to identity theft.

What are the four golden rules of CV writing?

Here are the 5 Golden Rules:

• Think Before You Type: Before you start writing your CV, take some time to carefully consider your career goals and the type of job you are applying for. This will help you tailor your CV to the employer’s specific needs.
• Summarize Your Responsibilities: When describing your previous job roles, focus on summarizing your responsibilities rather than listing every task you were responsible for.
• Make Achievements Your Key Area of Focus: Instead of just listing your responsibilities, highlight your achievements and your impact in previous roles.
• Write For Your Reader: Keep in mind that a recruiter will read your CV.

What is the 6-second rule?

According to studies, the average recruiter will scan a document for six seconds before deciding whether the applicant is a good fit for the role. This means that your resume has a concise window of time to make a strong impression and persuade the reader to consider you for the position.

What are the 4 C’s?

To be attractive, you should possess the 4 C’s: creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. These qualities are essential for success in today’s job market.

How can I spice it up?

To spice up your resume:

• Include experience from the past 10-15 years.
• Remove elements that could make your resume outdated, such as addresses, graduation dates, and obsolete software.
• Please keep it to under two pages.
• Ensure consistency in language.

How many bullets should it have?

On a functional template, use bullet points to highlight skills and accomplishments in the professional experience and education sections. Aim for 3-6 bullets per role, focusing on functions pertinent to the job.

What are the red flags?

Unexplained gaps in employment can raise red flags for. These gaps may make them assume you have struggled to secure jobs, indicating potential performance issues or other shortcomings.

What are some tips for writing an outstanding resume?

• Keep it short and to the point.
• Use an original template to make your resume visually appealing.
• Use numbers and metrics to demonstrate the results you achieved in previous roles.
• Optimize your text for clarity.
• Use specific, action-oriented, and results-focused language to stand out from other candidates.

What are the seven necessary parts of a resume?

Here are the eight essential sections to include on your resume:

• Header and contact information
• Work experience
• Certifications and licenses
• Awards and honors
• Outside projects

Is it OK to send a CV multiple times?

Avoid submitting the same document and cover letter multiple times for the same position. Doing so may decrease your chances of getting an interview, as it may give the impression that you are desperate or disorganized.

How to check if my CV is ATS-friendly?

You should ensure that it is formatted straightforwardly and uses standard, industry-standard keywords relevant to the profession you are applying for. Avoid using non-standard formatting or graphics, as these can confuse the Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) and make it difficult for the system to parse correctly.

What are the seven parts of a resume in order?

• Contacts: address, phone number, and email address.
• Education: Your degree(s) or certification(s) and the institution(s) you attended.
• Work History: Your previous employment, including job titles, job descriptions, dates of employment, and mainresponsibilities and achievements.
• Skills: A list of hard and soft skills, such as language proficiency, computer skills, and other transferable skills.
• Certifications, publications, and Awards: You have earned any additional qualifications or recognitions.
• References: The contacts of at least two professional references will help your resume stand out.

What are the most common resume mistakes?

• Typos and grammatical errors can make your CV appear unprofessional and indicate a lack of attention to detail.
• Using a generic template can make it look like everyone else’s and make it harder for hiring managers to see what sets you apart from other candidates.
• Lying or exaggerating: Misrepresenting your qualifications can get you into trouble and will likely be discovered during the hiring process.
• Not including keywords: If it doesn’t include the keywords and action verbs relevant to the job, it may not get past the initial screening process by the ATS.

What should I do before applying?

Here are ten steps to take before submitting:

• Read and follow the application instructions carefully.
• Tailor your resume to the job and company.
• Explain your past roles and companies.
• Include technical skills and experience.
• List relevant certifications or training.
• Use action verbs to describe responsibilities and achievements.
• Use industry-specific language.
• Proofread for errors.

How common are resume lies?

A survey found that 78% of job seekers admitted to or would consider misrepresenting themselves on their applications. Another study by CareerBuilder showed that 75% of employers had caught a lie. It’s important to be honest, and transparent during the applying process.

Should you list hobbies?

Including your hobbies can help demonstrate how you’ll fit in with the company culture. Any extracurricular activities that align with the company’s values and culture should be highlighted, as they can be relevant to the role.

What words should never be used?

• Demonstrated success in…
• Proven results…
• Successful/success
• Results-driven/results-oriented
• Excellent communication skills
• Responsible for…
• Duties included
• Seasoned (experienced)

It’s important to be mindful of using buzzwords too frequently or without context, as they can lose their impact if overused. It’s always best to focus on highlighting your specific skills clearly and concisely.

Can employers check your degree?

Including your hobbies can help show how you’ll fit in with the company culture. Any extracurricular activities that align with the company’s values and culture should be included, as they can be relevant to the role.

What three things does a quality resume have?

• Select the best format for your skills: chronological, functional, or combination.
• Use a clean, easy-to-read design.
• Highlight your accomplishments.
• Include your contacts.
• Carefully proofread for errors.

What makes a resume impressive?

• Include current, relevant facts in all sections.
• Attach a well-written cover letter.
• Proofread carefully.
• Be truthful.

Which skill is most attractive to an employer?

The top 5 skills to include:

• Critical thinking and problem-solving.
• Teamwork and collaboration.
• Professionalism and strong work ethic.
• Oral and written communications skills.
• Leadership.

What text color should I use?

Use a high-contrast color scheme for easy reading: black and white is a classic choice. You can also use a pale background with darker lettering for a visually appealing and readable design. Follow color theory principles to be more professional and appealing.

Should I put my address?

Including your address  is optional. However, it can be helpful in certain situations. If you’re worried about being rejected by an applicant tracking system (ATS), you can include the city and zip code of the employer in your professional summary. Leaving your address off your resume will not disqualify you from consideration.

Should I put my GPA?

Include your GPA in the education section, close to your degree. It’s important to be accurate and truthful about your GPA, rather than adjusting it to attract more attention. Your resume should be honest and transparent.

How to end a resume?

To close out your resume, you can consider adding a line stating that professional references are available upon request. This gives the impression that you have a list of references ready to provide more information about your skills and experiences, and it can be a subtle way to wrap up your resume.

How do I sell myself?

Highlight your most relevant skills, experience, and achievements. This includes focusing on the specific requirements of the job you’re applying for and tailoring your resume to showcase how you meet those requirements. It’s also important to be honest, and not exaggerate your skills or accomplishments. Finally, keep your resume brief and easy to read, using layout that is clear and visually appealing.

What words should I remove?

Avoid using cliches or overly generic language. Instead, focus on specific achievements and skills that make you stand out as a candidate. Use action verbs and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. Be honest and avoid exaggerating or embellishing your experience.

What makes a terrible CV?

Include specific, measurable achievements to show your impact on your previous employers. This will help you stand out from other candidates and demonstrate your value to potential employers.

Can it be too cluttered?

To avoid cluttered and messy resumes, it’s important to only include relevant information and eliminate repetitive or unnecessary details. This ensure that your true worth and value are effectively communicated to the reader.

How do I make it ageless?

Focus on highlighting your accomplishments and skills rather than simply listing your job duties. Use metrics to quantify your successes and action verbs to describe your achievements. Avoid cluttering your CV with unnecessary or repetitive information, and use a clear, easy-to-read layout. Be sure to proofread your resume carefully to avoid errors.

How does a 50-year-old+ craft a resume?

A hybrid CV template combines elements of a chronological and functional resume, focusing on your relevant skills while still including your work history in chronological order. This format is useful for older job seekers who want to highlight their skills without drawing attention to their employment dates.

Why do I keep getting rejected?

Typos and errors can quickly disqualify a job applicant. It’s must-have to double-check your resume before submitting it to ensure it is error-free and professional.

Should I put a job I was fired from?

It’s generally best to omit mention of being fired. Instead, focus on your start and end dates for previous jobs without going into detail about why you left. This helps to keep the focus on your skills and qualifications rather than any negative experiences.

Should I put references?

References are not typically included, but if an employer requests, you should be prepared to provide a professional references. This list should include title, company, and contacts of at least two people who can speak to your skills and experience.

What words stand out?

Useful adjectives to describe yourself:

• Resourceful.
• Innovative.
• Passionate.

What is the best time to submit a resume?

To increase your chances of getting noticed by the recipient, send it as soon as possible after finding a job listing. This will help ensure that your application is reviewed before other candidates. If you come across the listing early in the morning or early in the week, consider sending your resume immediately to get a head start on the competition.

Should I mention a 2-week job on my resume?

Don’t do it if you have only been at your current job for a few months. Short stints at jobs can raise red flags for employers and may make them question your commitment or work ethic. Instead, focus on your work proficiency.

What Are The Best Resume Ideas for 2023?

There are six resume standarts that still work even now:

• Reverse-chronological format: This is the most used format and is suitable for most applicants.
• Functional format: This format will suit individual who have gaps in their work history or are changing careers.
• Infographic resume: This type of resume uses graphics, charts, and other visual elements to present information as an eye-catching and creative.
• Online resume: Consider creating an online resume, either as a standalone website or as a profile on a networking site like LinkedIn.
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184 Free Downloadable Resume Templates [Word, Doc, PDF]

Customize your free resume template in our resume builder, Google Docs, or Word. 

Best for senior and mid-level candidates

There’s plenty of room in our elegant resume template to add your professional experience while impressing recruiters with a sleek design.

Resume Builder

Like this template? Customize this resume and make it your own with the help of our Al-powered suggestions, accent colors, and modern fonts.

Resume Templates Designed by Experts

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• Computer science
• Education & student
• Admin & Support
• Sales & marketing
• Accounting & finance
• Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Resume Templates by Role

Computer science resume templates

Cover a lot of territory with an IT resume. Whether you work with big data or crank out code to build and debug apps, these templates give you a flexible layout to talk about academic and personal projects, relevant hobbies and interests, and—most importantly—your measurable impact in the world of information technology.

Education & student resume templates

If you’re writing an education resume for your next teaching position or you’re on the other side of the classroom searching for a student resume template to highlight class projects, extracurriculars, and volunteer efforts, you’re in the right place. With these resume templates, you can make the sample job description bullet points your own.

Admin & support resume templates

Office administration and support roles are careers not for the faint of heart! Your dedication to boosting workplace efficiency won’t go unnoticed in our best resume templates. With our support, you’ll have a head-turning resume in no time that gets you hired to overhaul organization and communication for the better in your next role.

Healthcare resume templates

Healthcare is one of the most important industries out there, and you selflessly dedicate your time to each job shift. Our popular resume templates will help you save precious time, so you can get back to work faster and to the countless patients who depend on your care, compassion, and expertise.

Sales & marketing resume templates

You wouldn’t be in the sales industry if you didn’t have trust in your product and believe in its benefit to others. When it comes to convincing hiring managers why they should take a chance on you, let your sales resume market your track record. Choose a sales and marketing resume template that best reflects your style of confidence and charisma.

Accounting & finance resume templates

When getting the numbers right matters this much, any ol’ resume template won’t pass muster. Our attractive but simple resume templates are a visual dashboard for you to demonstrate an immaculate track record of crunching numbers, giving wise financial advice, and uncovering and correcting discrepancies that pop up from time to time.

A job resume is a short, sweet, and to-the-point document that spotlights your professional experience. It’s basically a summary.

Whether you’ve been in the workforce for 15+ years, have no job experience, or are somewhere in between, resumes have been sparking fear and dread in job seekers since approximately 1482 when Leonardo De Vinci drafted what became known as the first resume .

Resumes are what just about any place of employment requests when you apply for a job. Companies—big and small—wanna know:

◉ What skills do you bring to the job? ◉ Do you have relevant work experience for the role? ◉ Do you want to work for them?

A good resume answers those questions—and isn’t so unlike De Vinci’s resume that honed in on how he could meet the specific needs and challenges of the Duke of Milan.

Happy dance! Yes, our BeamJobs templates are absolutely free.

You can download our eight resume templates at no cost in Word and Google Docs formats. Edit BeamJobs-created resume templates for free in our builder. Only pay for premium features if you like what you see (hey, we gotta make a living, too!).

We also update our site from time to time with fresh Google Docs resume templates and Word resume templates , which will always remain free for you.

The best resume template is the one that complements your personality and allows the space you need to highlight your finest work, top achievements, and job skills.

Every resume template you see on this page has been thoroughly vetted by hiring experts to ensure they include everything you need to help you land your next job. Whether you’re applying to a funky tech startup or looking to join the ranks of a reputable law firm, you’ll find a professional resume template that speaks to you.

Hunting for a new job is incredibly stressful as there’s a lot of uncertainty in the process. And while these resume templates won’t alleviate all stress, they’ll ensure your resume has everything you need to sail through an applicant tracking system (ATS) and impress hiring managers.

Try saying “applicant tracking system” 10 times fast, and you’ll know why it got shortened to ATS.

At its core, an applicant tracking system puts the gas on hiring. Typically, when folks think about ATS software, they think about it weeding out resumes that don’t include the right skills or qualifications.

That’s certainly true enough, but the ATS also helps HR and recruiters organize and sort job candidates, keeps track of communication with job seekers, sets up interviews, and does a host of other not-so-fascinating things.

Basically, when you choose an ATS-friendly resume template from BeamJobs, you can rest easy knowing that the document itself will make it through the software

When it comes to your resume, it will house these staple sections:

◉ Contact info (Triple-check the spelling of your name; see the question about “how to make a resume” for a cringe-worthy BeamJobs blunder.) ◉ Work experience ◉ Skills ◉ Education

Depending on your occupation and years of experience, you could add these optional resume sections:

◉ Resume summary or resume objective ◉ Hobbies and interests ◉ Projects (an umbrella term for things like volunteer experience, academic or personal projects, etc.)

The more relevant job experience you have, the longer the “work experience” section of your resume should be since that’s what employers care about most. On the other hand, when you’ve recently graduated and don’t have much (or any) experience, things like education and projects can take up more real estate on your resume.

Whatever your professional background, our resume maker lets you re-arrange, remove, and add sections as needed to your resume template.

Not to blast our own horns, but we’ve reviewed tens of thousands of resumes in the last few years. Would you believe we’ve actually seen resumes without a name ?! Besides discovering disheartening news like that, we’ve figured out  how to make a good resume .

There are plenty of resume tips we could give you, but here are three that, when followed, will most increase your chances of snagging an interview:

Use numbers to showcase your impact in past roles. Your work experience should focus on your measurable accomplishments, not on job responsibilities.

Tailor your resume for each job you apply to, which means reading each job description carefully. As you read, see if any prior work projects come to mind. Include those projects on your resume.

Avoid grammar and spelling errors. We know, you’ve heard it before. But you’d be aghast (fun word) at the number of folks rejected for a job because of this. (C ough cough We won’t say his real name, but one of our team members whose title rhymes with re-bounder once sent out 20 resumes with his name spelled ‘Stepen.’)

One page—plain and simple.

While you might get away with a two-page resume if you’ve got 10-plus years of experience under your hat, keep in mind that recruiters and hiring managers aren’t giving your resume the time of day it deserves anyway. Instead, why not leverage a  cover letter maker  to explain some of those details you had to leave off your resume?

The most painful part of building a resume is editing yourself. How can your entire career fit into four or five bullet points for each job you’ve had? Here’s some good news: if you’re a senior engineer, it’s totally cool to drop from your resume the server job you had in college.

Even if you whittled the jobs you’d include down to three or four, try starting with a basic  resume outline . Fill it to your heart’s content; then, review every job experience bullet point individually and ask, “Does this point show my expertise and say something new?” If the answer’s no, exclude it. Before you know it, you’ll have a polished one-page resume.

• Modern Resume Templates

Modern, creative resumes are sure to wow recruiters. To get started, click an image below and simply replace the template text with your own. It’s really that easy!

An elegant design featuring a visually pleasing layout and easy-to-read format that emphasizes your strengths and accomplishments.

Perfect for creating a one-page resume, highlighting your skills and projects. Great for software engineers and developers.

Double Column

A popular choice for many roles, including customer support, programming and marketing.

The top template for positions such as upper management, project managers, and product owners in 2023.

A visually striking template that highlights your header and entices recruiters to continue reading. Suitable for any industry.

A one-page resume template tailored for professionals with a lot of experience in upper-management roles.

In This Guide:

Understanding the modern resume template, when and why to use a modern resume, elements of a modern resume, five job positions where a modern resume shines.

The modern resume template provides you with a way to communicate your experience in a more visually engaging way with design elements and different layouts. This format allows you to highlight key information with:

• Backgrounds

The modern resume’s minimalist design ultimately enhances the content with various elements (e.g. sidebars, graphs, etc.), thus showing your suitability for the role.

Using a professional modern resume template can help you:

• to stand out amongst candidates;в
• hint at your personality and understanding of design;
• use visual storytelling to highlight your experience ;

The aim of the modern resume format is to strike the right balance (in your professional presentation) between your self-expression and recruiters' expectations.

The modern resume template provides professionals with a double-column layout (one being a sidebar). The goal is to fit your experience into no more than a single page.

The modern resume layout's main emphasis is on the top one-third, allowing plenty of space to personalize your:

• Header - the design could include a full-width one;
• Summary - providing a snapshot of your expertise and role alignment;
• Skills and Achievements - your strengths become at the forefront of recruiters' focus.

One vital thing that stands out about the modern resume template format is that it fits enough relevant information and is easy to scan. The reason is that the modern resume includes:

• concise, essential information - targeted to the role you're applying for;
• white spaces - to clear away any clutter, highlight distinct sections, and make your resume more readable;
• typography formatting - bold and italicized for keywords/skills, etc.

The best modern resume templates have a clean look and feel, and provide space for creativity like with a “My Time” section that you can find on Enhancv resumes.

Different design elements are used to cleverly emphasize relevant information. Check out some Enhancv best practices below:

• Use icons for resume sections like achievements and strengths to help recruiters pinpoint your unique professional value;
• Illustrate your skills (and language ) competencies with progress bars/ sliders and charts to give a better idea of your proficiency level;

Visual elements need to enhance and balance the design, not take away from what matters most - your experience and skills.

Modern resumes vs traditional resumes

Let's compare how the modern resume template differentiates from the traditional one.

We'll focus on three main elements.

1. Modern Design template vs traditional one

The modern resume template has a stylish and sleek design with ample white spaces.

On the other hand, the traditional resume design is more formal and conservative.

2. Length of a modern resume vs a traditional one

Modern resumes are more concise to prioritize key achievements / essential information.

Traditional resumes can be up to two pages long to detail more responsibilities and achievements.

3. The top-one-third of the modern resume vs a traditional one

Modern resume templates prioritize the top-one-third of the resume via headlines , links to portfolios, and summary .

Traditional resumes opt for a more simplified resume top-one-third. Where LinkedIn or portfolio links aren’t a must and an objectives section (or personal statements) is included.

Read on and learn how to write a modern resume.

Before we dive into the best-case scenarios of when you should be using a modern resume template, let's look at six reasons why.

You should use a modern resume layout to:

• Reflect your aesthetic as fresh and innovative while highlighting what matters most (key skills and accomplishments);
• Match the brand - below we'll detail which companies/ industries suit the modern resume template;
• Stand out with a bold, contemporary layout;
• Increase the chances your resume will be reviewed by a human as this layout is Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS - or the software used to assess applicants) compatible;
• Make a positive first impression by demonstrating an array of soft skills (e.g. up-to-date with design trends and standards; presentation);
• Save time - Enhancv's tools allow you to easily customize your resume by curating the sections that best fit your experience and selecting from plenty of exciting color combinations.

Find the modern resume layout that best suits your personality and fits the role you're applying for.

This next part will examine when it's a good idea to use a professional, modern resume template.

Use the modern resume template to become synonymous with innovation

It’s especially useful for those of you who:

• think you are a visionary;
• want to work for a contemporary company;
• come from a creative or technical background;
• have developed a unique personal brand;
• deem it relevant to stand out.

This resume format is a sure way to signal to potential employers that you are on the same page as them.

Use the modern resume template to align with the industry you’re working in.

The modern resume template is beneficial for all industries that call for a bold approach.

The two most popular innovative fields are:

• The creative industry (graphic design, marketing, advertising, media, etc.). Roles within the profession value visual presentation, design skills, and outside-the-box thinking.
• Technology or IT-related (software development, web design, data analysis, IT project management). The modern resume template shows recruiters you are well aware of current design trends and technologies.

The modern resume format isn't a good call for more conservative industries like academia, where a more standard approach is called for.

Use the modern resume template to tailor your profile to the company you’re applying at.

Applying to a company (or startup ) that uses any of the following adjectives as part of their description - “youthful”, “hip”, and/or “cutting-edge” (imagine the likes of Google, Tesla, Shopify, Facebook, and Spotify)?

Your ability to embrace change, new approaches, and technological innovations is what will resonate the most with these types of organizations.

That's why the sleek, modern resume template is the right choice for you. It'd help you align your profile to the brand's culture.

Use the modern resume template to match the role you’re applying for.

The modern resume template could be appropriate if you apply for any position and at any level of the hierarchy.

Let's use entry-level professionals as an example.

They could use this format to compensate for their lack of extensive experience .

And thus shift the focus in a visually appealing and succinct manner to:

• skills and achievements;
• education and relevant projects;
• portfolio/ social media and personal interests.

These sections may not be entirely related to official job experience, but it’s a trick to turn a problem into an opportunity.

As a result, your resume will look complete and will show some advantages that might otherwise remain hidden.

Use the modern resume template to stand out with a bold and contemporary look.

The modern resume's striking layout makes a great first impression on recruiters.

Add some flavor to your resume by using vivid colors to highlight the section headings. Just make sure to use no more than three colors.

This personalized design could help you attain a more professional look and feel.

Modern resume layout

​​Enhancv's modern resume layout allows you to present your expertise and skills in either a single or double-column format.

We recommend using the second option (where you have a sidebar on either the left or right side). The two columns make critical information more presentable and show you made an effort to organize your resume.

Other vital sections that could make up your modern resume layout include

• Summary - describing your biggest successes and values (as a professional) in two-to-three sentences;
• Job experience - roles in reverse chronological order with achievements, presented via bullet points;
• Education - include more information about courses, only if they're relevant to the job;

On how long your resume should be, expect an additional page for every 10 years of work experience.

Additional sections to make your modern resume even more complete and show who you really are:

Ensure that content is always relevant and not just taking up space. And always make sure to use active language and strong action verbs - to show your character.

Using the modern resume space strategically

Now that we've covered the layout, let's discuss the white spaces and lines .

These crucial modern resume elements:

• increase the readability of your profile, thus making it more easily skimmable;
• clear the clutter to allow for breathing room between important skills and achievements.

Color and color combinations for a modern resume

Want to show just how creative you are with your profile?

Then, add some colors to your modern resume with Enhancv's builder. You could custom-pick the hues for:

• Primary information (e.g. your name, jobs, degrees, skills, etc.)
• Secondary information (e.g. header, companies, icons, universities, etc.)

And the choice is entirely up to you!

You could go for a more subtle palette - the standard black text and gray highlights, on a white background. Thus creating contrast with different shades.

Or, selecting brighter and more vivid colors for your modern resume, like orange and blue or green and pink.

Experiment with the tone of your resume sidebar - to reflect the secondary color of your choice.

One final heads up - select no more than three hues to match the standard, white background.

Want to go above and beyond with your modern resume design?

At Enhancv, we've updated our design elements with a colorful background - to suit even the most creative professionals.

Modern resume fonts and typography

When selecting the typography of your resume, you don't need to go all out with the trendiest fonts.

Instead, you can use time-tested and readable ones to help your resume stand out.

Enhancv users' favorites include bold and light fonts, such as Rubik, Lato, Montserrat, and Raleway. You can also use Arial, Inter, and Roboto if you’re doing your modern resume in Google Docs or Word.

Want to make key information stand out even further and more scannable? Elements within the top one-third of your resume (like your name, headline, or key achievements) can be bolded.

Unique design elements of modern resumes

The modern resume template allows you to get creative with unique design elements like

• icons to highlight different sections, such as Achievements or Skills;
• sidebars in different colors to focus attention on job requirements you match;
• background visuals (with 3D elements and colors) to stand out.

You could also further quantify your industry expertise; hard , soft , and language skills with sliders.

Want to shift the resume focus toward your hobbies?

Illustrate how you spend your time via a pie chart with up to seven slices, or add the covers of the books that inspire you.

Using graphics and icons is a strong advantage of modern resumes, but make sure to use them in moderation. Otherwise, you risk looking immature.

Digital Marketing Specialist

The world of marketing is cutting-edge, to say the least. Professionals have to always be one step ahead of consumers with ideas, creativity, and know-how.

Especially within the online space - where users' attention span is mere seconds.

And what better way to show your forward-facing vision than a modern resume template?

Where you have space to demonstrate that you don't merely understand and apply current trends, thanks to your experience .

But show within the achievements section how you've leveraged market insights to attain higher engagements.

And, also, how you've stayed ahead of the curve and set groundbreaking trends with the projects resume section.

Here’s an example from a digital marketing specialist with over five years of experience in SEO, PPC, and Content Writing.

UX/UI Designer

If you're looking for a role in UX/UI, you've realized just how important visual presentation is.

The look and feel of your digital project can boost the user experience and make it a memorable one.

Having this in mind, consider just how user-friendly your resume is (for recruiters or the ATS ).

The modern resume template offers you the perfect platform to show your understanding of design while staying professional.

With a contemporary, minimalistic aesthetic - you have the freedom to enjoy experimenting with colors and graphic elements.

Putting your experience at the forefront of design trends.

Notice just precisely how this UX/UI designer uses the two-column format to highlight key skills and achievements.

Data Scientist

The secret formula to becoming the best data scientist out there?

Your ability to take big sets of data and information and transform those into manageable (and easy to comprehend) assets.

That's exactly what the modern resume format would do for you.

Restructuring your complex experience: projects , frameworks, and structures into a clean, easy-to-scan (and understand) resume.

What is more, you could apply a multitude of design principles to appear as a more innovative professional.

This in terms would allow even the most non-technical recruiters to comprehend precisely how you're able to assess information to help maintain organizations' positive ROI.

Discover just how to apply the modern resume template to your experience below.

Product Manager in a Tech Startup

Innovation, bold ideas, and forward-thinking vision are what flow through startups ' veins.

And product managers are tasked with building precisely that vision - from the ground up by:

• strategizing and creating customer journey roadmaps;
• developing and launching products;
• understanding the ideal customer profile.

Why not go for a modern resume layout?

It's the perfect choice to showcase all the above responsibilities.

While highlighting your application as an on-trend, outside-the-box-thinking, compassionate (and empathetic) candidate.

Use this template to help recruiters understand why they should hire you:

Social Media Manager

Whether we're talking about META, TikTok, or even LinkedIn - social media remains perhaps one of the most faced-paced and dynamic environments out there.

Social media managers’ responsibilities are to constantly:

• predict consumer behavior;
• stay on trend with platform algorithms;
• ensure high engagement.

Consider your resume as a piece of content you're curating for clients - what would make it stand out ?

The modern resume format's contemporary twist and aesthetic allow you to bring creativity to the forefront of your application.

And also remind recruiters just how excellent you are at staying updated with the latest trends and developments.

Get ready for a resume with a clear, yet very contemporary look and feel - the perfect choice for social media roles.

Frequently asked questions about modern resume templates

How do you write a modern resume.

The modern resume is all about focusing on relevant content that is emphasized by vivid colors , bold fonts, a two-column layout (in some cases), and a lot of white space . It is also characterized by a strong top one-third, with action verbs packed in the Summary section and accents in the Achievements and Skills sections.

Should your resume have color?

Yes. Bright and vivid colors are used as accents on the sections' headings . The colors give a modern look and feel to the resume.

Is a modern resume template better than a traditional one?

Is it unprofessional to use a modern resume template, can a modern resume be two pages.

When it comes down to your resume, remember this rule of thumb: its page length depends on the amount of relevant experience you have. You can definitely go for a two-page format if you happen to have over 10 years of relevant experience. Otherwise, keep it short and simple with the one-page format .

How many columns should a modern resume have?

It could have either one or two columns . Use the two-column layout to spotlight your skills and achievements via a sidebar, which could be in a more vivid color.

What tone of voice to use on a modern resume?

The language of the modern resume should be active. Use plenty of action verbs , and always make sure to demonstrate just how you’ve achieved your success.

What are the best resume templates for a modern resume?

At Enhancv, we have plenty of choices to create an aesthetically pleasing, contemporary resume - we offer various templates depending on industries and jobs (e.g. IT, Sales, Arts), years of experience, and layouts.

• Resume Examples

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Professional Resume Formats for 2023 | Resume Format Examples for All Jobs

Is your resume format good enough?

Let’s do a litmus test.

Spend 5 seconds trying to find relevant information from your resume.

Were you impressed by what you see?

Chances are, you aren’t! In this article, we are going to show you how to properly format your resume.

In this article, you will find:

• 3 popular Resume format examples
• How to select the right resume format.
• Resume formatting tips by different experience levels
• How to format your resume to land more interviews
• Why Resume Format is Important?

The right resume format makes it easier for a hiring manager to assess your skills and past experience. If they are unable to find relevant information, chances are that your resume is more likely to be rejected.

A common reason for not hearing back after applying to dozens of job postings is a bad resume format. That’s it is important that you select the right format and follow our resume formatting suggestions provided below.

• How to Format a Professional Resume?

To format your resume, follow these steps:

• Select the right format from the most popular resume formats.
• Avoid 0.5 inches or fewer margins. A 1-inch margin is preferable, it also allows the hiring manager to hold your resume without repositioning fingers.
• Keep font size to 12 pt so that it is easy to read.
• Add contact information clearly in the header section, a short summary below the resume header, a work history section with a bullet list, and certifications/skills/education in a section of their own.
• Use fonts like Times New Roman, Roboto, etc that are more eligible. Avoid using fonts like Comic Sans. Evaluate your fonts on their readability at the end.
• Check your country-specific best practices when it comes to adding a photo to your resume.
• Unless you have 15+ years of experience, keep your resume to one page.
• Avoid adding full address. Instead follow the format of city, state.
• Keep your interview relevant to the job that you are applying for by keeping it consistent.
• While listing personal projects only add those in the order of complexity and/or scale.
• Leave out sections that aren’t relevant to the job.
• No paragraph (summary, project description, etc) should be more than two lines.
• Avoid adding references unless your job ads ask for them.
• Add keywords to make sure your resume is formatted well for ATS.
• Resume Formatting ChecklistTo ensure your resume’s formatting is consistent, try the following:
• Use a maximum of two different fonts. More than three fonts in the same resume would make it look unprofessional.
• If you wish to add colors, make sure to use a maximum of two colors to differentiate sections and text. You can also mark certain text in bold, but make sure not to overdo it.
• Keep your margins and padding consistent.
• The minimum font size should be 11 pt.
• Keeps dates in a consistent format.
• List sections in the order of importance to the hiring manager.
• If you have less than 15 years of experience, your resume should be one page. Else, more than two pages are acceptable.
• Resume Formatting Checklist to Show Relevance to the Target Job
• If your work experience is relevant to the job, use a reverse chronological resume format.
• If your work isn’t very relevant to the job, use either a combination or a functional resume format.
• Look at the job description and add or remove sections or text to make sure your resume is formatted to mirror it.
• Finally, use keywords from the job description to become even more relevant to the job.
• How to Format a Creative Resume?

To format a creative resume, you should:

• Make sure the colors are right. Don’t use colors that don’t fit well together.
• While adding sections make sure there’s a clear hierarchy and consistency to guide the hiring managers to the most important information.
• While creating a creative resume summary, ensure that it is not more than 3 lines in length.
• Be creative while listing your skills, use metaphors or symbols to show your skills. Make sure they are easy to read.
• Always test your final creative resume with friends/colleagues/mentors and collect their thoughts. Leveraging feedback in shaping a creative resume’s formatting is very important.
• Three Popular Resume Formats (with Examples)

The top three popular resume formats for 2023 are:

• Reverse chronological resume format
• Functional resume format
• Combination resume format

Reverse Chronological Resume Format Example

Functional Resume Format Example

Combination Resume Format Example

• How to Format a Reverse Chronological Resume?

To format a reverse chronological resume, follow these steps:

• Fit 10-15 years of experience on one page.
• Aesthetically, you can add a maximum of 5 job titles on one page before it starts to appear poorly formatted.
• If you have significant achievements, create an achievements section over a project section.
• Try to show all skills listed within your work history or achievements section. Saying “I’m skilled at X” won’t help your application if you can’t show it.
• If you have two or more work experiences that overlap e.g. job title 1, Oct 22 - Present and job title 2, Dec 22 - Feb 23. Job title 2 should be placed above job title 1 in this case.
• If you have three jobs with dates e.g. July 2021 - May 2022, Oct 2021 - May 2022, and April 2021 - May 2022 - format them by start date. April 2021 will come at the top in this case.
• Avoid adding any additional information that would reduce relevance to the job. E.g. applying for a software engineering position and listing a mechanical engineering degree would reduce relevance.
• How to Format a Functional Resume?

To format a functional resume, follow these steps:

• Add your full name, city, country, and current job title in the header section.
• Write a summary, skills, past work experience, certifications, project work, and education to support career transition.
• Format your work history by listing start and end dates, company name, job title, and responsibilities following the STAR method.
• While formatting your education section, only add details if you are an entry-level candidate. Else, keep it short.
• The right format for the education section for an entry-level candidate should include course name, start-end date, GPA (if it is more than 3.6), awards (e.g. Dean’s list), and more details if it is relevant to the job.
• Make sure you are only adding relevant skills to the resume. Otherwise, your resume won’t be in the right format and appear cluttered.
• Provide more contextual information to a hiring manager by creating individual sections for certifications, languages, etc.
• Format your resume summary/objective to show how your skills and past experience is relevant to the role.
• How to Format a Combination Resume?

To professionally format a combination resume, follow these steps:

• Format header by adding: full name, email, phone number, and portfolio links. Keep it short.
• Your summary/objective format would be a bit different. Instead of it being a short paragraph, it will be a bulleted list of skills based statements. (e.g. Won PMI OCDP 2023 Award for doing X).
• Format your work experience by listing your most relevant, recent work experience first. Follow a reverse chronological order while listing throughout your resume.
• Create a skills section and only list skills that are relevant to the position.

To best format your education section, make sure your education is at the end of the resume. Add a very high-level overview of your educational background. 5. Litmus test your resume format - see if you can find the most relevant information in less than 5 seconds. If you do, your resume formatting is good.

• How to Format a Messy Resume?

To format a messy resume, follow these steps:

• Use a visually clean resume template and fill relevant sections.
• If you have paragraphs describing your work experience for each position - turn them into bullet lists instead.
• Move sections around till you feel the visual hierarchy is perfect.
• For non-Arabic resumes, make sure your resume can be read well in an “F” shaped pattern.
• For Arabic resumes, ensure that a hiring manager can read your resume right to left.
• Formatting a One Year Experience Resume

To professionally format a resume with 1 year of experience, follow these instructions:

• Only format your resume in a reverse chronological layout if you are applying for a job where your existing work experience is extremely relevant.
• If you are transitioning to a new role, avoiding a combination or functional format is the way to go.
• Select a professional resume template with the right visual hierarchy.
• Increase the size of fonts that indicate sections, job titles, etc. For any subtext, reduce font size to 11 or 12 pt.
• Rephrase your resume’s section by selecting the keywords used in each job ad you apply to.
• Avoid adding paragraphs. In your experience section, use bullet points under each job title.
• Make sure your summary or objective is not more than three lines. The right statement format has skills, experience, and achievements in it.
• 2 Year Experience Resume Format

To format a 2 year experience resume, follow these steps:

• Order your resume sections in the following format: Header->Summary->Experience->Skills->Projects->Education
• While listing your job description, keep it in a bullet list with more than 3 points under each position held. Use STAR format to leave an impact.
• Use MM-YYYY date format while listing work experience. Avoid formatting dates in YYYY only format to hide gaps, it can lead to a rejection in a background check.
• Only list important projects to avoid making the resume more than one page.
• Make sure your summary is not more than 3 lines.
• Use a font size of 11 or 12 pt, anything less won’t be legible.
• Use the keywords mentioned in the job description while writing your resume.
• 10 Year Experience Resume Format

To format a 10-year experience resume, follow these steps:

• If you have highly relevant experience to the job that you are applying for, format your resume in reverse chronological order.
• Go for a skill-based format or a combination format if your past experience isn’t fully relevant to the job.
• Format your work experience with a bullet list for each position you held.
• Create a summary and highlight your skills, experience, and accomplishments. For someone with 10 years of experience, it is important that you sell yourself to the employer.
• Highlight your achievements by creating a separate section for listing them.
• With 10 years of experience, it is hard to create a short but impactful skills section. We recommend you format it well by selecting your top skills and then picking up skills from the job description.
• Your education with 10 years of experience is less relevant. Just list your degree and the year at the bottom of your resume.
• Reduce the overall length of your resume to one page.

Formatting a 10 Year Experience Resume in Reverse Chronological Order

Order your resume sections by: header -> summary -> work experience -> skills -> certifications/awards -> education.

• Resume Formatting Tips for 15, 20+ Years of Experience

To format a resume with more than 15 years of experience, follow these tips:

• Keep your resume to two pages. One page is too short, but two pages is ideal.
• Format your resume section in the following order: header -> summary -> Areas of expertise -> work experience -> skills -> certifications/awards -> education.
• A hiring manager isn’t interested in what you did 10-15 years ago, they are interested in what you can do for them now, and that’s why customize your resume for each job application.
• Rename your resume sections (e.g. “Area of expertise” section can also be renamed as “Career Highlights”) to be relevant for a job.
• While listing older experiences, keep them short and summarized. Elaborating on them would make your resume unnecessarily long and irrelevant.
• Keep your education section short. Format it by only listing your degree and the duration in YYYY format.
• While listing your work experience, the date format for the positions should be MM, YYYY. Keeping only YYYY would

The key is to not appearing as someone who had 1 year of experience 20 times. Make it clear that you’ve got 20 years of experience by following the right format. Impact is the key here!

• Resume Format for 50-Year-Olds

The best way 50-year-olds can format their resume is by:

• Only add detailed work experience from the last 10-15 years. The rest can be a short summary.
• Don’t be afraid to test modern fonts like Roboto to give your resume a modern look.
• Resume margins should be a minimum of 1-inch.
• Customize your resume for each job.
• Skip adding full dates for your education. You can simply follow this format: [Degree name], [College/University name].
• Student and Entry-Level Resume Format Examples

Related : Student resume builder

Student Resume Format Example

Traditional Student Resume Format Example

Management Student Resume Format Example

Academic Resume Format Example (PhD)

School Student Resume Format Example

• Does the Resume Format Change Every Year?

Resume formats rarely change every year. Over the last 10 years, we see the reverse chronological, functional, and combination resume formats stay popular. They are unlikely to be replaced in 2023 or 2024.

• What Format of Resume is Best - PDF or Doc?

See if there’s a format requested by the hiring manager. If there’s no preference, go with the PDF format. However, if a recruiting agency has requested your resume to share with their client, send a word (doc, docx) format as it will be easier for them to anonymize and share.

• How to Format a Single Page Resume?

To format a resume that’s only one page, make sure that:

• Your fonts are readable and allow a hiring manager to easily skim through for relevant information. Remember, anything below 11 pt font size is too small to read.
• Make sure your resume doesn’t look too empty. Any resume with less than 50% of the space used would appear incomplete.
• Use a two column resume layout if it is impossible to fit the content within a single column resume layout.
• Use colors wisely. Don’t use more than two colors for text to format your resume.
• You can’t add everything you want to on a single page resume, so we recommend that you customize it for each job application. You’ll be able to provide more information with the same amount of space used.
• Cut down fluff on your resume. Formatting it to be fluff free would help you beat other 90% poorly formatted resumes received by a hiring manager.
• How to Format a Two Page Resume?
• If you have relevant experience, go with a reverse chronological format. Format your sections in the following order: header -> summary -> experience -> skills -> certification -> education.
• If you don’t have relevant experience, go with a combination or a function resume format. Make sure that the last page doesn’t look too empty.
• Make sure that your resume is fluff free. Often, we see that candidates would add fluff to their resume’s second page just to fill-up empty space.
• Add your contact details on the second page’s footer so that an HR recruiter won’t have to scroll back at the top to locate it.
• Avoid repeating the same sections or skills.
• If you are printing your resume, avoid double printing on the same page.
• How Do You Format the Second Page of a Resume

Make sure that the second page doesn’t look too empty e.g. a 70% empty second page would look poorly formatted to a hiring manager. Add your contact information in the footer of the second page to make it easier for a hiring manager to contact you.

Note - We see job applicants who repeat the same content (e.g. skills) on the second page just to fill the second page. We suggest that you use that space to list something else (e.g. achievements, interests, etc).

• Why Do Some Companies Ask for Word Format Resumes

A company is likely to ask for a word format resume if they wish to anonymize your resume and submit it to their clients.

• How to Format Resume to Get it All on One Page

To make your resume one page, try the following:

• Prioritize items in the order of impact and relevance to the target job and start adding them to your resume. Remove items that aren’t impactful or relevant and make your resume long.
• Format title fonts and optimize their size so that you can fit everything on one page.
• Reduce your margins as they could add extra length. You shouldn’t reduce the resume margins to less than 1-inch.
• Shorten your bullet points under each job description.
• Limit your summary statement to a maximum of three lines.
• Customize your resume for each job so that it is easy to remove irrelevant skills, certifications, etc and format your resume to one page.
• How to Format Header on a 2-Page Resume

To best format a two page resume header do the following:

• Keep your resume header only on the first page. Adding it on top of the second page would break the hiring manager’s readability.
• In your resume header, add the following information - your full name, city, state/province, link to your portfolio or Linkedin, your current or prospective job title.
• To format your two page resume header more, you can test out using different colors for your name or your current job title and see if they stand out.
• What Format Should a Resume be in?

A modern resume should be in a PDF format. Unless specified, PDF is the safest format to send your resume. ATS systems also find it easier to parse PDF format resumes.

• How to Format 10 Years of Experience on a Resume?

If you have 10 years of experience on a resume, format your resume in a reverse chronological layout. That way, you would be able to show the most relevant experience upfront to a hiring manager.

Resume Format Example for 10 Years of Work Experience

[Add Employer’s name here] Your Job title , MM-YYYY - MM-YYYY

• [ List your roles and responsibilities here - single line, follow the STAR framework]

The resume format example is easy to follow if you had different job titles under different employers. But, what if you had different job titles while working for the same employers?

Perhaps you were promoted. Consider a format that helps you communicate that. Here’s an example format.

Resume Format Example for 10 Years of Work Experience (Multiple Positions, Same Employer)

[Add Employer’s name here] Your last Job title under this employer , MM-YYYY - MM-YYYY

Your preview Job title under this employer , MM-YYYY - MM-YYYY

• How to Format 20 Years of Experience on a Resume?

To format 20 years of experience on a resume, follow these steps:

• Create an entry for each position you held and use the STAR framework to describe what you did and the impact you made.
• Don’t be afraid to let your experience occupy more space. Remember, it is acceptable to have a two page resume when your work experience is more than 20 years.
• Not all experience can be best communicated or emphasized under the work experience section. Create a highlights/industry expertise/accomplishment section to stand out.
• Use fonts and colors to reflect your personality. Avoid going below 11 pt font size and using font colors that aren’t readable.
• The right format would have the following sections at minimum for: header, summary, work history, skills, certifications, achievements, and education.

Madison Norton

VP Marketing & Resume Expert

Madison is the VP Marketing and General Manager at VisualCV . He's a seasoned marketing leader, resume writing and career marketing expert and now helping people grow their own career marketing strategies to build a career they love.

Madison on LinkedIn

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US Resume (Format, Tips & Examples for 2024)

If you’re applying for a job in the US, you’ll need to submit a resume that meets US application standards.

As a foreigner, though, you may have little to no idea what a US resume is and how you should write one to land the job. 

Even as an American, you might need to dust off your knowledge on the US resume. 

Unless you’re a resume expert, you probably don’t know what’s the best format for a US resume, or what’s the correct page length. 

But worry not! This article is here to teach you all there is to know about writing a convincing US resume.

Here’s what we’re going to cover: 

• US Resume Specifics 

Step-By-Step Guide to Build Your US Resume

• Formatting Your US Resume

What NOT To Include in Your US Resume

Ready? Let’s dive in! 

US Resume Specifics

There are a few specific things you need to know when it comes to the US resumes, but let’s start off with the most important: 

The term US resume is equivalent to the European CV. 

Both are one-page documents that summarize your relevant experiences, tailored for a specific job you’re applying for.

Additionally: 

• The common length of a US resume is between 1-3 pages. If you are a recent graduate or someone with less than 5 years of relevant work experience, a one-page resume is enough, whereas if you are a seasoned professional, you can go for 2. In rare cases, you can do 3, but that’s rarely encouraged. 
• Standard American English is preferred. For the most part, this means dropping those extra “U”s that UK English uses (e.g. “color” instead of “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, as they can be grounds for discrimination.
• Don’t include references in your US resume unless the employer specifically asks you to.
• Don’t list English as a foreign language in your US resume (unless English isn’t your foreign language).
• Don’t list your GPA, SAT, TOEFL, or ACT scores on your US resume unless otherwise stated. More often than not, the recruiter doesn't care.  

Now that you know the specifics of a US resume, it’s time to start writing one. 

Not sure where to start? 

Below is a step-by-step guide to building the perfect US resume, starting with: 

#1. Choose the Right Format 

The most popular US resume format is the chronological format (also known as the reverse-chronological format). 

This format is widely preferred by recruiters, and for a good reason—it puts the focus on your work experience by starting with your most recent job and making your way back. 

The reverse-chronological format looks like this:

99% of the time, we recommend using the reverse-chronological resume format, as both US and international recruiters are used to it.

Want to learn more about different resume formats ? Check out our article.

#2. Follow These Formatting Tips

Making sure your US resume looks professional and is reader-friendly is just as important as what it contains. 

Here are some essential formatting tips to perfect your US resume: 

• Make sure your US resume is divided into clear, separate sections. 
• Use 1-1.15 line spacing.
• Keep your US resume length between 1-2 pages. Only go for a third page if you are a seasoned professional with plenty of relevant work experience.
• Use a professional but easy-to-read resume font . 
• Opt for ample white space to make your resume easier on the eye.
• Use the "US Letter" size (8.5 x 11 inches) when saving your PDF (instead of A4). In Novorésumé's editor , for example, you can switch this from "Layout" in the top menu. 

...Or Use a Resume Template 

No matter what format you choose, using a standard text editor like MS Word to create your US resume will be a pain. 

You have to choose the right font, adjust the margins, order your sections the right way, and make sure the end result looks good & easy to follow…

All this can take hours of your time before you can even start filling your resume with content!

Want to skip all the hustle?  

Use a resume builder. With just one click, you can choose out of 8+ resume templates and start building your resume instantly!

Our resume builder is fast, easy, and most importantly, the end result looks absolutely stunning.

See for yourself! Here's an example of our resumes saved in the US Letter format: 

Choose one of these templates and tailor it to your needs! 

#2. List Your Contact Information 

Once you’ve picked the resume format (or template), it’s time to start filling in the contents.

The first thing on your US resume should be your contact information , which includes:

• Name and surname
• Phone number (US phone number, that is)
• Address (City and State)

Optionally, you can also include links to a personal website, online portfolio, or even LinkedIn profile, but make sure to check if they are up to date and present you in the best light.

#3. Express Yourself in Your Resume Profile

Your resume profile is a short, introductory paragraph of your career or your professional goals. 

Depending on how it’s written, a resume profile is also known as either a resume summary or objective .

• Resume Summary , or a 2-3 sentence summary of your career.
• Resume Objective , or your motivation for getting into a new field (the goal of your resume, if you wish).

If you’re a seasoned professional with several years of experience, you should use a resume summary to highlight your experience and achievements. 

On the other hand, if you’re at the start of your career or if you’re changing industries, opt for a resume objective , as it’s less about work experience and more about skills or goals.

Your resume profile must be brief and to the point. Preferably, it should be between 2-3 sentences and urge the hiring manager to read the rest of your resume. 

Here’s an example of a well-written resume summary: 

• “Marketing manager with 4+ years of experience in a corporate environment. Good eye for design, with experience in creating marketing materials with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Canva. Intermediate copywriting skills, having worked on the company website, flyers, and several other content pieces.”

#4. Add Your Work Experience 

Unless you’re a recent graduate, your work experience section is the most important part of your resume, as it shows your past accomplishments and responsibilities. 

This section commonly includes the following: 

• Job Title/Position , so that the recruiter scanning your application knows right away you have the relevant experience for the job. 
• Company name and location . In some cases, especially if your previous employer isn’t as well-known, you may also want to add a brief company description. 
• Dates employed in the mm/yyyy format. 
• Accomplishments and responsibilities , which make up the core of each work entry. Depending on your field and years of experience, you want to list either responsibilities or achievements, in bullet points. 

Here’s a concrete example: 

Now there’s one thing to list your work experience and an entirely different thing to write a work experience section that’ll help you stand out from a pool of hundreds of applicants.

Here are a few tips to achieve the latter:

• List your achievements when possible and use action words to mention your responsibilities. 
• When describing your achievements or responsibilities, follow this formula : “accomplished [X] as measured by [Y] by doing [Z]” (or, start with a verb, numerically measure what you accomplished, provide a baseline for comparison, and detail what you did to achieve your goal.)
• Add 4-6 bullet points for your most recent position and fewer as you go back in time.
• Even if you’re a senior professional with many years of experience, don’t go back further than 15 years. The recruiter doesn’t care what you’ve been up to so long ago.
• Tailor your resume to the job description. Read the job ad you’re applying for and identify the top experiences or skills listed. Then, make sure that your US resume includes the ones you’re qualified for.

#5. Include Your Education

Your education comes underneath the work experience section in your US resume.

Here are the essentials of how this section needs to be formatted and what to include there:

• Program Name. E.g.: “B.A. in Business Administration”
• University Name. E.g.: “Penn State University”
• Years Attended. E.g.: “08/2008 - 06/2012”

Here’s how this looks like in practice:

B.A. in Business Administration

NYC State University

08/2016 - 05/2019

• Magna Cum Laude
• Minor in Finance 

Finally, here are some tips and tricks on how to get this section done right:

• If you lack work experience, place your education section right on top of your resume. This way, you’ll put more emphasis on your academic background than your lack of experience.
• Add courses that are relevant to the industry you are applying to in case you lack work experience (e.g. Design & Layout, for a Graphic Designer position).
• Mention your latest educational entry on top. E.g. Master’s Degree goes on top of a B.A. which goes on top of your high school degree. 
• If you have a university degree, don’t mention your high school degree at all. 

#6. Emphasize Your Strengths in Your Skills Section

Another staple of a US resume is the skills section. This includes all the know-how that makes you the perfect candidate for the job. 

There are two types of skills you want to include: 

• Hard skills , or measurable abilities. Here is where you include skills like Photoshop or Microsoft Office. 
• Soft skills , or personal skills. They include a combination of people skills, communication skills , interpersonal skills , career attributes, etc. 

Keep in mind, though, that a strong skills section doesn’t consist of every skill you ever acquired.

The recruiter doesn’t care about your skills in Photoshop if you’re applying for a job as an accountant.

Rather, they specifically care about the skills that’ll make you a top-performer at the job you’re applying for.

So, go through the job ad you’re applying for and pinpoint the exact skills that are required for the role.

Then, make sure that your US resume mentions the same skills (as long as you possess the skills, of course).

Additionally, make sure to include both soft skills and hard skills into your skills section, as recruiters value applicants we have some of both.    

For example:

#7. Include These Additional Sections

Already included all the sections we’ve mentioned so far but still have some space in your US resume?

You can include some of these optional sections: 

• Internships
• Hobbies and interests
• Volunteer experience
• Certifications and awards
• Publications

Keep in mind that these sections aren’t as important as the ones we’ve covered before. You’re not going to get hired just because you’re into creative writing as a hobby.

That said, these sections do help the recruiter pick between equally capable candidates.

Meaning, someone with work and volunteering experience is more likely to get hired than someone who only has work experience to show for.  

Equally important to remember are all the things you should NOT include in your US resume:

• Personal information, such as marital status, birthday, gender, photo, number of children, age, religion, personal identification numbers, and ethnicity/country of origin, because they can be grounds for discrimination. 
• Authorization to work in the US, which includes your Social Security Number or immigrant status. By law, only after making you an offer can employers ask if you’re eligible to work in the US. 
• References. Including references on a US resume is not standard practice. If the employer is interested, they will ask for them. 

Key Takeaways 

If you’re applying for a job in the US, you’ll need to submit a US resume. Here are the main points this article covered on the topic: 

• The US resume is equivalent to the European CV.
• The common length of a US resume is 1-2 pages and standard American English is preferred over British English. 
• The most popular format for a US resume is the chronological format. 
• Format your US resume to 1-1.15 line spacing and clear and separate sections, as well as use professional and readable fonts. 
• Don’t include in your US resume: personal information such as your age, ethnicity, or gender, authorization to work in the US, and references. 

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Best 12 Free PDF Resume Templates And Writing Tips in 2024

Having a well-crafted resume is essential for job seekers. With the popularity of PDF as a standard file format, finding the right template and style for your resume can be challenging. If you're looking for the best PDF resume templates that are both professional and free, you're in the right place. In this article, we present 12 different styles of PDF resume templates along with valuable writing tips to help you create an impressive resume that stands out from the crowd.

Best Resume Format - PDF Resume

Users can gain several advantages by choosing a PDF resume as it allows for visual appeal and customization. This enables the use of graphics and multimedia to make a resume stand out visually. They are used widely across the globe as they’re easy to use, especially for hiring managers, who can open and view a document effortlessly on any software. The entire process can be made flexible by using PDF editing tools to edit the PDF files. It also allows users to put security passwords on the editing of the document, to avoid unauthorized edits.

Best 12 PDF Resume Templates in 2023

1. free pdf resume template.

The free resume format is an excellent option for people looking for a low-cost way to create their resume. It has a simple and straightforward layout that allows you to highlight your skills and qualifications without any frills or design elements. The free resume format is appropriate for a variety of industries and job positions.

The Best Part

The best benefit of using a free resume format is the cost savings. It removes the need for costly resume templates or professional design services. You can create a well-structured and professional-looking resume for free using free resume templates, which is especially useful for those on a tight budget or just starting out in their careers.

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2. Simple PDF Resume Template

The Simple resume format is ideal for people looking for a simple and plain appearance. It provides information in a professional and organized manner because of its simple style and easy-to-read structure. This sort of resume is ideal for people working in conservative sectors or in senior positions where a more serious and professional attitude is needed. Because of the format's simplicity, the information and credentials shine through, making it a useful tool for showing one's talents and expertise without unneeded distractions.

The benefit of employing a Simple resume style is its ability to convey a clear and simple message to potential employers. By concentrating on the essentials, such as qualifications, job experience, and talents, and removing any superfluous frills

3. Traditional PDF Resume Template

Traditional resumes are an age-old structure that has withstood the test of time. They usually follow a standard format, with a clear and professional layout that emphasizes your job experience, talents, and education. The classic resume style is appropriate for a broad variety of sectors and professions because it offers information in a clear manner that recruiters can easily read and comprehend.

The familiarity and simplicity of understanding of a typical resume is one of its most distinctive features. Hiring managers are used to this structure, which makes it simple for them to find and evaluate the information they want.

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4. Basic PDF Resume Template

Basic resumes are straightforward and minimalist in design, focusing on the essential information required for a job application. They prioritize clarity and readability, making it easy for hiring managers to quickly grasp the key details of your qualifications and work experience.

The best part of using a basic resume format is its simplicity and ease of customization. With a basic template, you have the freedom to tailor the resume to your specific needs and highlight the most relevant information for each application.

5. College PDF Resume Template

College resumes are designed specifically for students or recent graduates seeking internships, entry-level positions, or admission to higher education institutions. Academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and relevant coursework are highlighted in these resumes to demonstrate a student's potential and qualifications. College resume's education section highlights degree program, major/minor, graduation date, GPA, academic honors, coursework, research projects, internships, and student organization involvement.

The advantage of using a college resume format is the ability to highlight educational achievements and transferable skills gained through coursework and extracurricular activities.

6. Executive PDF Resume Template

Executive resumes are intended for experienced professionals in positions of leadership or seeking executive-level positions. These resumes are designed to highlight a person's extensive work history, notable accomplishments, leadership skills, and strategic expertise. Executive resume format includes a professional summary, highlighting qualifications, career highlights, and unique value proposition, showcasing leadership and strategic decision-making abilities.

Its layout effectively highlights an executive's extensive experience and accomplishments. Executive resumes highlight the candidate's potential to drive organizational success and make a significant impact in executive-level roles by emphasizing leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and proven results.

7. Functional PDF Resume Template

Functional resumes are a popular choice for people who want to highlight their skills and abilities rather than their work history in chronological order. This format is especially beneficial for candidates with employment gaps, changing careers, or a diverse set of skills relevant to the desired position.

One of the primary benefits of using a functional resume is that it allows you to highlight skills and qualifications that are directly relevant to the desired position. It enables candidates to highlight their strengths and capabilities without being restricted by a strict chronological work history.

8. Professional PDF Resume Template

A professional resume is a comprehensive resume design that clearly and concisely highlights a candidate's qualifications, work experience, and achievements. It is commonly used by experienced professionals in a variety of industries to demonstrate their expertise and establish a strong professional image.

The ability of a professional resume to effectively communicate your qualifications and demonstrate your professionalism is its most appealing feature. A well-written professional resume effectively communicates your experience and accomplishments, allowing you to stand out from the crowd.

9. Creative PDF Resume Template

The Creative resume template is intended to set you out from the crowd. Its distinct and aesthetically appealing style allows you to demonstrate your talents and expertise in an engaging manner. The addition of creative components such as infographics and visual symbols gives your CV individuality, making it distinctive and interesting.

Its structure allows you to express your own individuality and unique personality. A Creative resume, with its distinctive design components such as eye-catching pictures, infographics, and novel layouts, helps you to stand out from the crowd and leave a lasting impression on recruiters.

10. American PDF Resume Template

The most common format in the United States is the American resume, also known as a reverse-chronological resume. It focuses on a candidate's work experience, beginning with the most recent position and working backward in time. The American resume is short and to-the-point, emphasizing quantifiable accomplishments and relevant skills.

The benefit of using an American resume is its clear and structured format, which highlights your work experience and accomplishments. Employers in the United States are familiar with this format, which allows them to quickly assess your qualifications.

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11. Blank PDF Resume Template

The blank resume format gives you a blank canvas to customize and tailor your resume to your specific needs and preferences. It is a versatile format that allows you to build a resume from the ground up, adding sections and content as needed. You have complete control over the design, layout, and organization of your information when you use a blank resume.

The most appealing aspect of using a blank resume is the flexibility and customization it provides. You can personalize your resume to highlight your unique skills and experiences, making it stand out from the crowd.

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12. Modern PDF Resume Template

The modern resume format is intended to give your resume a fresh and modern appearance. It uses modern design elements and formatting techniques to distinguish your resume from traditional formats. Individuals in creative industries or those who want to showcase their unique style and personality will benefit from a modern resume.

The ability of a modern resume format to make a strong visual impact and capture the attention of hiring managers is its best feature. It enables you to present your credentials and experiences in a modern and visually appealing manner.

Tips to Write in a PDF Resume Template

When writing in a PDF resume template, there are several tips to keep in mind to make your resume stand out. Drawing from my experience, here are some key points to consider:

1. Pick the Right Resume Format & Layout:

Choose a format that best highlights your skills and experiences, such as chronological, functional, or combination. Ensure the layout is clean, organized, and easy to read.

2. Mention Your Personal Details & Contact Information:

Include your full name, professional title, contact number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable).

3. Use a Resume Summary or Objective:

Craft a compelling summary or objective statement that highlights your qualifications and career goals.

4. List Your Work Experience & Achievements:

Detail your relevant work experience, emphasizing your accomplishments and impact. Quantify your achievements with numbers and metrics whenever possible.

5. Mention Your Top Soft & Hard Skills:

Highlight your key skills, both technical and soft skills, that are relevant to the job you're applying for. Consider using visual elements like bars or graphs to showcase your proficiency in each skill.

6. Include Additional Resume Sections:

Depending on the job and your experiences, consider including additional sections such as language proficiency, certifications, projects, or relevant hobbies.

7. Tailor Your Information For the Job Ad:

Customize your resume for each job application by aligning your experiences and skills with the specific requirements mentioned in the job ad.

8. Craft a Convincing Cover Letter:

Write a compelling cover letter that complements your resume and highlights your motivation, qualifications, and fit for the position.

9. Proofread Your Resume and Cover Letter:

Ensure that your documents are free from grammatical errors, typos, and formatting inconsistencies. Consider having a trusted friend or professional proofread them as well.

1. Based on my own experience, I make a conscious effort to include relevant keywords to the job being posted, such as "data scientist," throughout my resume. If a corporation collects and scans resumes using an applicant tracking system (ATS) to filter out resumes. Also relevant keywords are an eye-catcher if the hiring manager is just skimming through your resume.

2. I also utilize visual elements to showcase proficiency levels and provide concrete results wherever possible.

Q1. Which resume format is the best? PDF, Word, Google Doc, or TXT?

The PDF format is generally considered the best format for resumes. It preserves the formatting and layout of your resume, ensuring that it appears the same across different devices and operating systems. PDFs are also less likely to encounter compatibility issues compared to Word, Google Doc, or TXT formats. Additionally, PDFs are typically more secure and less prone to accidental edits or alterations.

Q2. Does Adobe have free PDF resume templates?

Yes, Adobe offers free PDF resume templates that can be accessed through Adobe Spark. These templates provide a professional and visually appealing format for creating resumes.

Q3. What are the differences between CV and Resume?

CVs are longer and more detailed, covering an individual's entire academic and professional history and are mostly used for academic positions and research. CVs have more content while resumes are concise and focus on relevant skills and experience.

On the other hand, resumes are used for non-academic job applications and follow a standardized format.

A Full-Featured PDF Solution - WPS Office

When it comes to creating impressive resumes, having the right template is key. With WPS Office and its extensive collection of PDF Resume templates, you can easily showcase your skills and qualifications in a professional and visually appealing format.

Why settle for ordinary when you can stand out from the crowd? WPS Template store offers a wide range of resume templates tailored to various industries and job roles. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career, you'll find the perfect template to highlight your experience and expertise.

What sets WPS Template store apart is its variety and attention to detail. Each template is carefully designed to make a lasting impression, with customizable sections for personal details, work history, skills, and more.

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