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Resume templates

Put your best qualities on display with professional, customizable resume and cv templates. no matter your line of work or length of professional history, you'll find resume and cv templates that'll help you get the gig..

Download free resume templates

Land your dream job with free, customizable resume templates. Showcase your potential to recruiters and stand out from other candidates with a professional template. Whether you're applying to corporate positions or creative roles, go with a sleek design or show your creativity with bold colors .

Resumes don't need to look boring—add flair to your professional experience with a creative resume template. There are plenty of resume designs to choose from, like simple resume templates and modern resume templates. Each resume template is fully customizable in Microsoft Word , so you can personalize each design element and add your own text. Using a template also makes it easier to customize your resume for each position you apply to.

Print out as many copies as you'd like or download the template for free to share digitally when applying online. These professional resume templates are perfect for any stage of life or career. Whether you're a high school student, actor, or seeking a career in nursing, you can find any format for any job type.

There are also a variety of free CV (Curriculum Vitae) templates to choose from. A CV is often longer than a resume and contains an in-depth look at your education and professional accomplishments. Like our resume templates, these CV templates are also customizable in Word.

Remember, your next job is only a template away! Once you've customized your resume, explore free cover letter templates to help you land the job.

Free Resume Templates for 2024 [Download in App]

• ATS Friendly

Applicant Tracking System Resume Templates

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An ATS-friendly resume uses formatting that an applicant tracking system can easily read. Use standard fonts, headings, and formatting on an ATS-friendly resume template to ensure these automated systems can read your information.

A basic resume offers a simple design and a straightforward presentation of your skills and experience. Use a basic resume template to focus on the facts without the flourishes.

Trying to get into graduate school ? Using a college student resume template, it’s easy to highlight your academic achievements and show why you deserve a spot in whichever program you’re interested in.

A combination resume, or hybrid resume, serves those switching careers, mixing elements of skill-based resumes with reverse-chronological resumes. By focusing on the skills and relevant parts of your work experience, the combined resume highlights what makes you perfect for a new career or role.

If you work in a field such as music or photography , you may want to use a resume template that reflects your creativity. We offer plenty of artistic and colorful designs that allow you to showcase your unique perspective.f

You should check out our CV templates if it takes more than a few pages to describe your professional background. These CV templates are crafted for job seekers in academics, science, and other highly-qualified industries and those applying overseas.

Executive resumes feature traditional formatting and focus on content that showcases your executive objections, experience, and accomplishments. Use an executive resume template to go deeper than a traditional resume by showcasing awards, company growth, and leadership achievements.

A functional resume focuses primarily on your skills rather than emphasizing your work experience. The functional resume template best serves recent graduates and those seeking to change careers.

A generic resume features basic information, much like a traditional resume. It does not contain creative language or fancy design. This kind of resume template will best serve entry-level employees or those seeking work in industries not focused on unique or creative hires.

You may prefer customizing the contents of your resume template over Google Docs rather than any other word-processing app. Our templates are easy to transfer over to this platform.

Writing your resume can be challenging if you’ve never had a job before. Each resume template for high school students allows you to expand on your educational record, volunteer service, and other activities to fill out your resume.

A hybrid resume blends a skill-based resume with a more traditional, reverse-chronological resume. This combined resume format lets you focus on the skills and experience that best apply to a position if you change careers.

An IT resume communicates your professional experience alongside your technology skills and certifications. A key element of an IT resume template is presenting technical information in a way that is easy for non-technical readers to understand.

A minimal resume is a one-page format focusing on the most important details about your experience. Use a minimal resume template so that hiring managers can quickly skim the resume to determine if a candidate has the necessary skills and experience.

In some industries, such as fashion and marketing , it’s especially important to feature your creativity. We offer sleek, contemporary resume templates that show hiring managers you’re a modern candidate who’s worthy of a look.

Every job seeker needs a professional resume that features their most relevant job experience and skills and is organized and easy to read. Our clean, well-designed resume templates are tested formats sure to catch the attention of hiring managers.

On average, hiring managers only spend 7.4 seconds reviewing each resume that lands on their desk, so it’s essential that you avoid any unnecessary language or design elements. Our simple resume templates are designed to impress hiring managers quickly.

A skill-based resume focuses on your skills instead of presenting your work experience in order. The skill-based resume template best serves those looking to bring established skills to a new career path or those seeking to enter or re-enter the workforce.

A stylish resume incorporates creative design, graphics, and unconventional elements to showcase your unique creativity and work experience. A stylish resume template may go beyond a simple document by including multi-media elements such as slideshows, videos, or links to online portfolios.

Technology jobs are competitive, so it’s important to have an impactful resume that clearly shows your technical skills, the software programs you’re familiar with, and any relevant projects. This selection of templates has a wide variety for any tech job.

Often, when people refer to a resume, they mean a traditional resume that contains your work experience, academic credentials, skills, and achievements. A traditional resume template only contains text without added graphics or specialty formatting.

Our resume templates include highly specialized options for life situations such as military-to-civilian transitions and stay-at-home moms reentering the workforce.

Resume Builder offers high-quality resume templates for various industries, design preferences, and career circumstances.

The best resume template for your job search will depend on your situation. For example, those who work in an artistic field such as music or fashion may consider a template that highlights their creativity. On the other hand, a more modern and straightforward template would be the most appropriate option for industries that prioritize professionalism, such as accounting or management.

Building your resume doesn’t need to be a difficult or time-consuming process. We offer hundreds of free, high-quality resume templates — with these designs, you’ll be able to catch the attention of hiring managers, make a good first impression, and generate more interview callbacks.

It’s free to build a resume using the Resume Builder App , and you’ll have helpful suggestions from our professional resume writers and AI writing assistant every step of the way. Then, upgrade to a paid account to choose from a wide selection of creative, modern, and professional resume templates. You can use the app to create unique resumes for each job you’re applying for — it’s also free to download text resumes.

Our resume templates are optimized for the most popular applicant tracking systems (ATS). Our ATS-friendly designs help prevent your application from being filtered out before the hiring manager even gets a chance to look at it.

What is a resume? -

A resume is a document that describes your qualifications as a job candidate. Collecting resumes from applicants is one of the first stages of the hiring process — a well-written and cleanly designed resume highlights the value you would bring to an organization, sets you apart from the other candidates and helps you move forward to the interview stage. Find over 250+ free resume examples for multiple job types and industries.

How do I write a resume for my first job? -

Writing a resume for your first job can be difficult, as you won't be able to include any work experience. In that case, you should expand on any educational achievements or other related activities, such as internships and community service, that show you would be a good fit for the position.

What do I put on my resume? -

Generally, your resume should cover your relevant work experience, education, and other important details regarding your professional background. Our guide to what to put on a resume covers precisely what you should (and shouldn't) include.

How do I format my resume? -

Hiring managers often have dozens, if not hundreds, of resumes to review for an open position. If your resume doesn't grab their attention immediately, it'll likely get lost among other candidates. It's important to format your resume correctly. Use short paragraphs, break up the text with bulleted lists, and consider removing any headers or footers that may be adding unnecessary space. Our guide on How to Build a Resume walks you through each section every resume needs and how to use our Resume Builder App to create one.

How long should a resume be? -

Resumes should be one to three pages long, depending on your experience and career goals. Our guide on resume length will help you determine how many pages make sense for your specific situation.

How do I write a resume summary? -

At the top of your resume, you should write a summary that provides hiring managers with an overview of your professional background. Start with your occupation and how many years of experience you have (e.g., "Dedicated and creative graphic design specialist with 10+ years of experience"), then highlight any notable skills and achievements. This summary shouldn't be too long — stick to a single short paragraph.

How do I list work experience on a resume? -

In addition to the names of your previous employers and how long you worked at each job, it's important to list your responsibilities and the tasks you regularly performed. While job titles can be somewhat vague, describing what you did on the job allows recruiters to determine whether you have the necessary experience for the role they're hiring for. Read more about How to Turn Basic Job Duties Into Powerful Achievements on Your Resume .

How do I list skills on a resume? -

We recommend including a "Key Skills'' section on your resume that highlights your most valuable assets as an employee in a simple bulleted list. Our guide to hard skills vs. soft skills will help you decide which items should be included on your list.

How do I make a cover letter for my resume? -

It's important to make a customized cover letter for each role you're applying for, and that’s easy to do with Resume Builder’s cover letter generator . Our guide to writing a cover letter goes over how to research the organization you're applying to, making your introduction engaging, and other tips that will improve your odds of getting an interview callback. Find 100+ free cover letter examples for multiple job types and industries.

What is the best resume template? -

The best resume template for one worker isn't necessarily the best for another. For example, those working in a field such as art or graphic design might consider using a modern template to catch the hiring manager's attention and showcase their creativity. However, a simpler template may be more appropriate if you work in a field such as accounting or healthcare.

Free Professional Resume Templates

Jobscan’s free Microsoft Word compatible resume templates feature sleek, minimalist designs and are formatted for the applicant tracking systems that virtually all major companies use.

Classic Format Resume Templates

Chronological

These are the three standard resume formats : chronological, hybrid, and functional.

The chronological resume template offers a classic, no frills format. Consider this template if you work in a formal industry or want to bring attention to the impressive companies on your resume. Hybrid resume templates are versatile and the most popular format in today’s job search. Functional resume templates are popular for people changing careers or masking holes in their resume. Jobscan doesn’t typically recommend the functional resume format because recruiters may be suspicious of them .

Fill out your resume faster with our resume builder

Write your resume the free and easy way with the only resume builder designed specifically with ATS-compliant resume templates.

Senior Level and Executive Resume Templates

Once you begin applying to senior level positions, a greater emphasis is placed on the results your organizations have achieved and executive soft skills like leadership , innovation, and entrepreneurial drive. At the executive level, technical skills aren’t as important as they were earlier in your career. Fill out your executive resume template with accomplishments , measurable results, and examples of leadership .

Management Resume Templates

When it comes to writing a management-level resume, try to demonstrate a trajectory of growth along with a combination of deep industry knowledge and interpersonal skills. You need to prove that you’re an expert in your field who is able to delegate tasks and lead your team.

Mid-Career Resume Templates

When you’re no longer entry-level but still working as an independent contributor (vs a manager), your resume needs to focus on your ability to execute. A strong emphasis should be on the hard skills found in the job description. Back these skills up with context to demonstrate your level of expertise.

Recent Grad Resume Templates

When you’re looking for an entry-level job right out of college, your resume is going to look a little different. Your education section is moved up above your work experience and you’re expected to expand upon your college experience. Go into detail with honors, clubs, coursework, etc.

The Importance of ATS-Friendly Resume Templates

If you’re uploading your resume into an online form as part of your job application, it is critical for your resume template to be compatible with applicant tracking systems (ATS) . An expertly written resume complete with a sleek design and optimized resume keywords and action verbs could still fall short if the formatting isn’t ATS compliant.

When you upload your resume , applicant tracking systems parse out the text to make it searchable for a recruiter. They may also transfer the information from our resume to a uniform digital candidate profile. Even if you’re perfectly qualified for the job, your chances of getting a job interview are much lower if an ATS can’t accurately parse your resume.

ATS-friendly resumes are often similar to minimalist resume templates but go a step further to account for ATS algorithms and behaviors. Among other considerations, ATS-friendly resume templates account for the fact that:

• Many ATS can’t handle tables or images.
• Parsing accuracy is dependent on heading names and correctly sequencing your work experience information.
• Certain resume fonts might not be displayed properly in all ATS.
• PDF and docx file types work better than others.

Find out if your resume is ATS-optimized with Jobscan’s resume optimization tool . It will help you write the perfect resume so that you stand out from the competition.

How to Use a Resume Template

Be Selective

Finding the right resume template for you is the first step. Select a template that is ATS-friendly and includes space for all the elements you need to tell your story.

Customize Your Template

Not finding the perfect resume template? Select the best one and make some adjustments. For example, you can remove a hobbies section if you need more room for your work history, add a space for key certifications that don’t fit in the template or add a skills section to better highlight your technical skills.

Resume templates are meant to be a guide to a better resume, not an unbreakable set of rules.

Tailor Your Resume to the Job Every Time

Recruiters and hiring managers are more likely to respond to a resume that is carefully tailored for the specific position .

This means using the job description to focus on the skills and keywords that are most important to the job. Showing that you are results-oriented is another great way to show you are the best candidate. Including relevant measurable results and accomplishments on your resume help demonstrate that you understand what is most important to the company’s success.

After you’ve tailored your resume information within the template, run it through Jobscan’s resume optimization tool to see how well it matches the job. In fact, more than 1 million job seekers have used our tool to help them find the next step in their career—see how it can help you!

Are you still tracking jobs in Excel or Google Sheets? Track and manage your job applications and interviews all in one place with Job Tracker . With the click of a button add a job to Job Tracker. From there you can organize your resumes and job descriptions, keep track of important interview dates and details, and manage multiple job opportunities in one place.

Resume Template FAQs

What is the best resume template for me?

The best resume template is the one that provides room for you to showcase your relevant skills and tell the complete story of your relevant work experience. If you are an entry-level or mid-career applicant, look for a template that highlights your hard skills. For executive-level applicants, a template that focuses on your executive summary and work experience will be best.

Which resume format is best?

Recruiters prefer chronological or hybrid formatted resumes. All of the templates above are great choices! We do not recommend using a functional template, which focuses primarily on skills and downplays work history.

Read more: Why Recruiters Hate the Functional Resume Format

What is the difference between a resume template and a resume builder?

A resume builder is a tool that prompts you to enter your information into input fields and formats a resume for you. Resume templates are typically editable Microsoft Word files that are already formatted. Prefer the ease of a builder? Jobscan’s resume builder is 100% free!

More Resume Resources

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ATS Resume Templates

Simple Resume Templates

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Free Resume Templates [Download & Print]

Customize your resume like you’d customize your favorite coffee order. Step into the limelight with a professional, simple, and ATS-friendly resume template designed to capture and keep the attention of recruiters and hiring managers.

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• Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

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Management Resume Templates

A management resume is a great choice if you are more experienced in your career. Whether you have plenty of experience in people management or you’re trying to get your first managerial role, these professional resume templates will help you stand out.

Senior-Level Resume Templates

When you start getting more experience under your belt, you need to have a resume that allows for you to showcase your career highlights. These senior level resume templates are designed to help you do exactly that.

Mid-Career Resume Templates

A mid-career resume should demonstrate an increase in the level of responsibility you’ve taken on throughout your career. These resume templates will help you draw focus to these responsibilities.

Entry-Level Resume Templates

As a new grad you need to convince the hiring manager you’re capable of performing the role you’re applying to without having past experience to draw on. These new grad resume templates will help you accomplish that.

Resume Templates by Role

Different career types have different resume requirements. A nurse applying to a large, old-school hospital is going to need a different resume template than a programmer applying to a tech company. These resume templates are meant to make that selection process easier for you.

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.

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.

• Resume Templates

Choose a free Resume Template and build your resume. Use our intuitive drag-and-drop resume builder and save it as a PDF in minutes. Start building your resume right now.

Double Column

Free, Two Column resume template. The most popular choice for most roles, including programming & marketing.

The classic Harvard template, updated for the 21st century with a refined design that recruiters love and an optimized structure for improved ATS performance.

Elegant template with a beautiful design and compact, easy-to-read layout that highlights your strengths and achievements.

The most popular template for upper management roles, project managers and product owners.

A refined template, especially great for positions where presentation is paramount: business development managers, sales leaders & other customer-facing roles.

A creative template that accents your header and makes recruiters want to read the rest. Built for any industry.

A timeline resume template. Organized neatly with a Timeline to show your career progress. For experienced professionals.

Are you a software engineer or a data scientist with a lot of skills & projects to list on your resume? This template allows you to create a perfect one-page resume.

Single Column

Free, simple resume template. Easily readable by both humans and ATS bots.

Designed as a one-page resume template for mid-level roles with 3-10 years of experience.

Multicolumn

Multicolumn resume template. Made for executives to fit additional info in a third column.

Traditional resume template. Fitting for conservative industries.

High Performer

Data-focused resume template. Perfect for project and product managers.

Minimalistic resume template. Blends whitespace and content, without clutter.

How It Works

Select a template.

Fill in your details.

Customize your design.

Tailor, Check for Errors, and Download.

Resume Templates by job

Unleash the full potential of your career with professionally vetted resume templates. Take a look at samples from real resumes that helped people get hired at top companies in your field, and build a job-winning resume yourself.

Search more resume examples by job

Software Engineer

Project Manager

Product Manager

Account Manager

Business Development

Marketing Manager

General Manager

Operations Manager

Business Analyst

Managing Director

Full-Stack Developer

Data Scientist

Resume templates by experience.

(1-3 years of experience)

(3-7+ years of experience)

10+ years of experience)

Entry Level

(no prior experience)

Career Change

Resume templates by format.

Combination Resume Templates

Corporate Resume Templates

Infographic Resume Templates

One Page Resume Templates

Timeline Resume Templates

Chronological Resume Templates

Functional Resume Templates

Minimalist Resume Templates

Two Column Resume Templates

• Modern Resume Templates

• Simple Resume Templates

Every resume template you see on these pages is free to use, fill in your details, and download until your seven-day free trial ends. Most of the functionalities are free, including:

• Two resumes and cover letters
• All resume templates
• Basic resume sections
• Enhancv branding
• Maximum 15 section items
• Access to all design tools

With Enhancv’s Pro Plans (split into monthly, quarterly, and semi-annual tiers), you’ve got additional access to:

• Unlimited resumes and cover letters
• Real-time content suggestions, including AI features
• ATS check (for the Applicant Tracking Systems)
• All resume sections
• Turn off the branding
• Unlimited section items

Should you use our free resume templates?

Using Enhancv's templates offers a variety of benefits that make crafting a standout resume simpler and more effective. Here’s why you might consider choosing Enhancv for your next resume overhaul:

• Easy to use : Enhancv's templates prioritize great design without the hassle. The drag-and-drop resume builder allows you to assemble your resume easily, letting you focus more on the content than on figuring out the layout.
• Parsable by ATS : all our important sections, such as experience, skills, contact information, summary, and education are all parsable by ATS. This ensures your resume does not end up at the bottom of the pile.
• AI-powered assistance : Enhancv's templates include an AI resume helper that not only suggests powerful language and phrases but also helps craft personalized summaries and cover letters. This tool enhances your creativity rather than replacing it, ensuring your resume reflects your unique professional profile.
• Highly customizable : Every job seeker is unique, and so is every job. Our templates can be easily adjusted to meet individual needs. Modify colors, add photos, or change line spacing with just a few clicks to tailor your resume to the specific job you're targeting.
• Adaptable across all industries : With a wide range of designs from minimalistic to modern and professional, there’s a template suitable for every industry and job level.
• Flexible format options : While Enhancv focuses on providing PDF and TXT downloads, these formats ensure high compatibility and preservation of layout across different platforms and devices.
• Free & premium options : Start with a free 7-day trial to explore the features without any commitment. If you find it suits your needs, you can choose from several pricing plans to continue accessing full features.

Creative resume templates by Enhancv

Our creative resume templates can be particularly impactful in industries where innovation, design, and visual communication play a significant role. Here's a brief overview of why and where a creative approach might enhance your resume, along with tips on how to use these templates effectively:

Benefits of creative resume templates

• Showcase your creativity: A well-designed resume can demonstrate your creativity and eye for design right from the start.
• Stand out: In competitive fields, a unique, visually appealing resume can help you stand out from other candidates.
• Highlight design skills: For roles in design and multimedia, your resume itself can serve as a portfolio piece.
• Express personality: Creative resumes allow you to inject personality into your application, making it more engaging and memorable.

Tips for using creative resume templates

• Balance creativity with clarity: Ensure your resume is still easy to read and navigate. Avoid overly complex designs that can distract from the content.
• Consistent branding: Use colors, fonts, and design elements that reflect your personal brand and the industry you are applying to.
• Focus on readability: Even with a creative design, the text should be clear and legible. Use contrasting colors and clean fonts.
• Tailor to the role: Align the style of your resume with the job and company. A highly creative resume might be perfect for a design studio but less suitable for a corporate environment.
• Keep it professional: While creative, your resume should still look polished and professional. Avoid using too many gimmicks or overly playful elements.

Suitable job titles for creative resume templates

• Graphic designer
• Marketing specialist
• Web designer
• Art director
• Content creator
• Fashion designer
• Photographer

Considerations for creative resume templates

• Industry expectations: Some fields appreciate creativity more than others. Always consider the norms of the industry you’re applying to.
• Cultural sensitivity: Ensure your creative approach aligns with cultural expectations if applying internationally.
• Tailored approach: Customize your resume template to the specific job and company, making sure it aligns with their brand and values.

Traditional resume templates by Enhancv

Our traditional resume templates can be particularly effective in industries where clarity, professionalism, and straightforward presentation of skills and experience are valued. Here's a brief overview of why and where a traditional approach might enhance your resume, along with tips on how to use these templates effectively:

Benefits of traditional resume templates

• Professional appearance: A traditional format presents your information in a clean, professional manner, making it suitable for most industries.
• Easy to read: Simple layouts with clear sections make it easy for employers to quickly find key information.
• Widely accepted: Traditional resumes are widely accepted across various fields, making them versatile and reliable.
• ATS-friendly: Many applicant tracking systems (ATS) prefer traditional formats, increasing the chances of your resume being seen by hiring managers.

Tips for using traditional resume templates

• Focus on structure: Use clearly defined sections like Contact Information, Summary, Work Experience, Education, and Skills.
• Consistency: Ensure fonts, spacing, and formatting are consistent throughout the document.
• Bullet points: Use bullet points to list achievements and responsibilities, making it easy to scan.
• Simple design: Avoid overly complex designs and graphics; keep it simple and professional.
• Keywords: Incorporate industry-specific keywords to help your resume get noticed by ATS.

Suitable job titles for traditional resume templates

• Administrative assistant
• Human resources manager
• Financial analyst
• Project manager

Considerations for traditional resume templates

• Industry standards: Ensure the resume format aligns with industry standards and expectations.
• Tailored content: Customize the content to the specific job you are applying for, even within a traditional format.
• Professional tone: Maintain a professional tone throughout the resume, avoiding casual language or personal anecdotes.
• Updated information: Keep your resume updated with your latest experience, skills, and achievements.

How to use a resume template

Using a resume template can streamline the process of creating a polished and professional curriculum vitae. Here’s a simple guide to help you effectively utilize a resume template:

• Choose the right template : Select a resume template that suits your industry and professional level. Look for a layout that is clean, professional, and aligns with the job you are applying for.
• Customize your information : Replace the placeholder information in the template with your own details. Be thorough in updating sections such as Contact Information, Work Experience, Education, and Skills.
• Tailor your content : Adapt the content to highlight your most relevant experiences and skills that match the job description. This might involve rearranging sections or adding specific keywords found in the job posting.
• Edit and proofread : Carefully review your resume for any typos or grammatical errors. Accuracy is crucial, as mistakes can detract from your professionalism.
• Format properly : Ensure that the formatting is consistent throughout the document. This includes font sizes, styles, and spacing. Keep the layout clean and organized to make a good visual impression.
• Save in multiple formats : Save your resume in various file formats as required by the application process. PDF is typically preferred to preserve the formatting, but some applications might require Word files.

What's the best resume layout?

According to eye-tracking studies , recruiters spend on resumes like these around 6 seconds.

On average day recruiters scan and filter through dozens and hundreds of generic resumes.

Until they stumble upon a resume layout like this:

The combination of formatting, clever white space usage, and section order encourages recruiters to study critical parts of your resume in the order you need.

A job-winning resume layout has three main qualities:

• The job-winning resume layout is easy to read. No one enjoys reading a wall of text, especially recruiters. On the other hand, if your resume is enjoyable to read, there’s a higher chance that recruiters will spend more of their time learning about you and your qualities. At the end of this section, we’ll share a checklist with 7 tips to boost the readability of your resume and increase the chance that recruiters will like you.
• The job-winning layout is easy to scan. When recruiters scan your resume, it’s important to control where their eyes will go first. Every job is unique — depending on whether it’s an executive resume or a tech resume, recruiters will be looking for different things. Check the “Examples” section of this guide where we share the best performing resume layout examples for every job type.
• The job-winning layout is easy to remember . When recruiters like you, that’s great. But when they remember you, that’s a whole different level of appreciation. Most resume layouts are too similar to be remembered, so even a slight adjustment in section orders may pique the recruiter’s interest. Don’t go for an overkill though. We’ll share the most common resume formats and how you can use them to your advantage in the next section.

Readability and scannability checklist for best resume layout

• #1. Check your margins. Make sure there’s at least a 1-inch margin on all sides to ensure your resume looks good in PDF or when printed.
• #2. Use white space . The proper use of white space on your resume can increase the reader’s comprehension by as much as 20%. Make sure there’s enough space between sections and text blocks.
• #3. Utilize bullet points. Presenting your experience and skills in bullet points improves both the scannability and readability of your resume.
• #4. Create headers . Headers help organize your resume sections into a clear hierarchy.
• #5. Use colors . Colors add visual interest to your resume and let the recruiter’s eyes rest from the all-black text. The more creative your job the more colors you might use.
• #6. Check your font size . For the best readability pick a serif or sans-serif font. The size should be between 10.5 and 12 points to ensure you pass ATS scanners.
• #7. Add icons when you can. Icons both add visual interest to your resume and indicate a critical section of your resume. Check out the “Examples” section.

Last, but not least, is #8: Section Order. What sections should come first on your resume? Which ones recruiters are paying the most attention to?

It depends on your resume format and job specialty.

Resume template sections

In today's job market, your resume needs to be both impressive and ATS-friendly to help you stand out. Here are the essential sections you should include:

• Contact information : Include your full name, phone number, and professional email address.
• Professional summary : Offer a brief overview of your skills and career goals.
• Work experience: List your previous jobs, including your role, the company name, and dates of employment.
• Education : Detail your highest degree, the institution's name, and graduation year.
• Skills : Highlight relevant skills that match the job description.

You can also add a few extra sections to provide more insight into your qualifications:

• Certifications : If applicable, list any professional certifications that are relevant to the job.
• Volunteer work : Show any unpaid work that might demonstrate your commitment and skills.

What's the difference between resume sections and a resume outline?

Almost all articles on the topic get the part of an outline and resume sections wrong.

Likewise, you, the reader, get confused.

The difference between resume sections and an outline is that you use, reorder, and match different sections to create an outline.

(Side Note: We’ve made an extensive guide on resume sections so you know how to optimize them and maximize your chances of getting hired. If you haven’t already, feel free to check it out!)

How to choose the right resume format?

Usually, resumes are structured by following one of three formats:

• Reverse Chronological Resume Format
• Functional Resume Format
• Hybrid Resume Format

All three have their purpose when it comes to building a resume that stands out . Whichever format you decide to use should be based on your background, experience, and objective.

So, let’s go a bit more granular.

Reverse chronological order format

This is by far the most popular resume format out there.

One of the biggest advantages of the reverse chronological resume format is that it allows you to spotlight key achievements on a single page. It also provides a clear narrative for your work experience.

The biggest drawback, however, is the fact that gaps in your career are more noticeable.

Functional format

The functional resume format makes your skills the main highlight of your application.

You should still list any professional experience you have, but the format itself focuses on what you’re good at. This type of resume format is best for people who are looking to change careers. Focusing on your skills is specifically valuable for the new position you’re applying to.

Hybrid format

A hybrid resume format is exactly what it sounds like – a combination of both a functional and chronological resume.

It highlights both your skills and your most recent work experience. It’s for people who’d like to play it safe and avoid going all-in on a less popular format like the functional one.

Frequently Asked Questions for Resume Templates

What is a professional resume template, what is the best resume template, should i use a resume template in the first place, should you send your resume template as a doc or pdf, are microsoft word or google free resume templates good, are these free resume templates, what's the difference between enhancv templates and other templates i find online, how do you create your resume templates, which are your most successful resume templates, what would you recommend as your most professional resume template, humans love our resume templates, too.

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Resume templates

Most jobseekers use resume formats & templates while building their own. It is a quick and secure way to create your very own top-notch resume without inventing the wheel (a professional resume format) yourself.

Free PDF Resume Format Templates

Check out the free resume templates, up and below, for your own use. Or go straight to the resume  tool  to customize your own. The  first  resume is for free, so are ALL cover letters!

Technologic

All the PDF resumes have been made with  Resume.io , an easy tool to build your resume online in minutes that come with many designs. You are welcome to scroll down to all our free Word Resume Templates.

Despite the arguments of the naysayers, you can make your resume fully stand out from the crowd, even while it’s based on a template. For that, we suggest premium templates. Classic to edgy or modern, we have a resume design for you. A great starting point toward your next dream job!

Free Microsoft Word Resume & CV Templates

The free resume formats made in Word are easily adjusted to your needs and personal situation. Clicking the link is the immediate MS Word file download. No catches!

Photo Format

Chronological

Formal Long Profile

Word template 5

Simple and Basic

Simple and Formal

Modern word resumes samples.

Three Shades of Grey

Robert Grey

Andrea Rowland

Charlotte Anderson

Purple & Pink

Green & Green

Creative word resume samples.

In this world, there are many wonderful things. So are our free creative resume samples! (Only for personal use)

Thomas Earland

Charlotte Webb

Harvey Ross

Georgia Fleck

Yellow Resume

Orange Resume

Golden Brown Resume

Mint Resume

Montserrat Resume

Three colors resume

Resume Blue

Purple Resume

Stolzl Resume

Tomato-Purple

Red-Blue Resume

Google's free resume format templates.

Google Doc’s is a great place to work on your resume. They have a small set of resume templates you can choose from and then easily edit to your needs. Google docs is great, becaus it saves all your files as whish: .docx, .pdf and many more extensions.

Coral Template

Modern Template

Serif Template

Spearmint Template

Swiss Template

Get the most out of our free resume formats.

Here are a few short tips for using curriculum vitae/cv templates, as they are also called, resourcefully. With these tips, you will get to your own and original resume in minutes:

• Your touch Just because a template of a resume example is set up a certain way, does not mean you have to keep it this way. Play by your own rules and provide the document some of your creativity. For example, play with the font, and add or remove a border. Divide sections of start combining them. By seeing more and more templates, you will get more ideas flowing through your brain.
• Make your set-up Many people use the standard Microsoft Word samples and formats, so to stand out you should use other templates (for example one of ours!). While you work your way through different ideas, you could take the best bits of all CV templates and combine them with your very own.
• Use resume builders Job boards generally offer their resume generators as a service for their subscribers. For some instances, this might be a good way to go, as quite some job applications go through these platforms. However, a fair resume generator can build you a more than a decent resume that will also not lose its shape when rendered to different sites and employers.

We crafted some basic and edgy templates for you to have a great starting point for your next dream job.  The examples are all made in Word , so they are easily adjusted to your needs and information.

Professional Resumes & CV's

You are not certain if or what kind of style to use? A professional resume or CV template is always a good choice. For any role, floor, manager, or CEO, with a professional resume, you show that you are correct, punctual, and doing the right thing. The perfect format for businesses that pre-auto scan their candidates.

• Formal industries such as finance, banking, healthcare government, semi-government, law.
• Workers with either a long or short work history.
• All other industries are also a perfect match for a professional resume

Avenir Resume

Grey Resume

Modern resumes & cv's.

A modern template does well in industries and positions that have to be current with time. Great for non-traditional businesses and young people working environments.

• Technology-, news-, media-, marketing-, culture-, branding- and sales sectors.
• Consulting, finance, science and technical environments

Creative Resumes & CV's

A creative template is there for creatives in the creative sectors, where a positive impression of your work is necessary. What is a better way than to start off by showcasing a creative resume? It serves the purpose of getting you noticed and not discarded before your resume is even being read.

Ideal for: 

• Creative positions in all area’s and industries
• Entertainment sectors
• Content creators

Muller Resume

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Modern Resume Templates for 2024 [Free Download]

Want to get hired in a modern, trendy workplace? You’ll need a modern resume template that’s going to help you stand out from the rest of the candidates!

Applying for a job with a visually attractive and modern resume can be a big plus -  showing that you're imaginative and that you go the extra mile can really leave a good first impression on the employer.

However, building a modern resume is easier said than done, especially since not all of us have a streak for design. 

For your convenience, we've compiled a list of the best modern resume templates out there. 

You can easily download them, fill up the contents, and have an awesome modern resume ready in no time!  

So, without further ado, here is our list of the top modern resume templates:

19+ Modern Resume Templates [You Can Download Now]

#1. professional modern resume.

Price: Free

Format: Online Editor/ PDF

This professional modern resume template has proved to be very effective and well received by many recruiters and helped many people to land their desired positions in various companies.

Get the template here .

#2. Professional, Yet Creative Modern Resume Template

Format: Online Editor/PDF

Want to give your modern resume that creative flair? Well, this template is the right one for the job!

This template follows the reverse-chronological format , which is recruiters’ favorite worldwide. Moreover, it has well-organized sections, starting with the contact information and resume summary , delivering the most important information about you straight away. 

#3. Functional Modern Resume Template

Showcase and emphasize your work experience and skills by using this functional resume template with a great design and colors.

You can add your picture at the top of the page, list organizations where you’re a member, and mention your awards and honors - all in one, well-structured page. 

#4. Minimalist and Easy to Follow Resume

Price: Included in the Premium account starting at $19.99

This simple and modern resume template is perfect for candidates applying in conservative industries that focus on content rather than design, but still want to stand out with a more unique design.

#5. Straightforward Modern Resume Template

This straightforward resume template emphasizes every resume section equally and provides enough space for all the information you might need to include.

Your name and resume summary are the first things a recruiter will notice upon laying eyes on that unique header, so make sure to write one that counts.

#6. Mixed Modern Resume Template

This resume template is a mix of functional and reverse-chronological resumes and emphasizes both your experience and skill-set equally and with a modern approach.

#7. General Modern Resume Template For Any Profession

This general modern resume template can be customized to suit your personality and skills. This template can effectively be used to apply to jobs in most industries. 

Get the template here . 

#8.  Infographic Modern Resume Template

Format: Word

Use this infographic-oriented modern resume template if you have little or no work experience, or if you’re changing fields. 

This modern resume template emphasizes your skills with icons and infographics to fill in the gaps. 

#9. Experience-Oriented Resume Template

#10. Flashy and Minimal Modern Resume Template

Format: PDF/PNG/JPG

The rich color pallet, timeline-based sections, and fun icons make this template an awesome choice for experienced professionals that are courageous enough to show it through a creative approach. 

Even though this modern resume template has no space for a resume summary or your skills, its structure, and eye-catching design make it worthwhile your time (especially if you have professional experience and achievements that speak for themselves!). 

Other Types of Resume Templates

None of the resume templates above catch your eye? Check out some of our other compilation articles:

• 30+ Creative Resume Templates
• 16 ATS-Friendly Resume Templates [Great for 2024]
• Free One-Page Resume Templates [Free Download]
• 7 Two-Page Resume Templates
• Word Resume Templates
• 11+ Minimalist Resume Templates
• High School Resume Templates

6 Reasons to Choose a Modern Resume Template

Using a modern resume template is going to put you miles ahead of someone with the age-old black-and-white traditional format. Here are the top 8 reasons why modern templates are so effective these days:

• Eye-Catching Design. Unlike the traditional black-and-white resumes, modern templates are created with the intent of catching the recruiter’s attention.
• Easy to Follow Layout. Modern templates are structured in such a way that the most important information goes on top of the resume.
• ATS-Friendly Format . Modern resume templates are built with ATS in mind. This means they’re unlikely to get rejected by applicant tracking systems.
• Trendy Looks. The hiring manager will know that you’re the type of candidate who keeps up with new trends.
• Resume Builder Option . Some modern resume templates, like the ones by Novovresume, are offered via a resume builder, a type of software that makes the resume creation process much faster and easier.
• Preferred by Top Companies. Want to work in a cutting-edge company like Tesla, Apple, or Google? You’ll need a resume that’ll catch their attention.

Some of the Novorésumé users have been hired by top companies like Google, BBC, Tesla, and others. Join their ranks by creating an account now !

Features of a Modern Resume Template

Unlike traditional resumes, modern designs are more personalized, allowing candidates to express their creativity. 

Here are some of the features that immediately define a modern resume template:

One thing all modern resume templates have in common is that they don’t hold back when it comes to design. 

Some are very minimalistic, with subtle use of colors and fonts that make them look clean and perfectly structured, while others use bold colors, shapes, and visuals to make an impression. 

No matter your personal preferences, you can always tell a modern resume template from its absolutely eye-catching design. 

#2. Colors 

Modern resume templates typically use matching color palettes to highlight different resume sections, create structure, or simply add more flair to your resume.  

Depending on your field, you can opt for a modern resume template with bright and flashy colors or for one that takes advantage of sophisticated pastels and gradients.

Fonts are a big part of the design, so they are obviously an important feature when it comes to modern resume templates. 

Forget your mainstream Times New Roman and Roboto fonts – some of the most eye-catching modern resume templates on our list above leverage the power of alternative fonts and creative placement to stand out from the crowd. 

#4. White Spaces 

Due to their smart design, modern resume templates often feature plenty of white space around and in between resume sections. 

This makes them look well-structured, clean, and very reader-friendly.

#5. Creative Section Headings 

Instead of using slightly bigger font sizes to separate section headings, modern resume templates usually feature creative section headings that include icons, fonts, and alternative placement. 

Section headings are essential if you want a well-organized and reader-friendly resume, which is why we love this modern resume feature.

#6. Easy to read

The best modern resume templates will be easy to read due to their great design and effective use of space and colors. 

By maintaining the same style, fonts, and structure throughout the resume, recruiters can find and scan information without getting lost in a sea of information. 

Key Takeaways 

And that sums up our listicle of the top modern resume templates out there! Before you go, though, here’s a quick recap of what we’ve covered in this article:

• Using a modern resume template makes you stand out from the rest of the competition.
• Modern resume templates use creative layout, design, and other elements to instantly catch the recruiter's eye.
• A resume template is easy to modify. Instead of spending hours creating a CV on your own, you can simply edit an existing template.

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Job-winning resume templates

Each resume template is designed to follow the exact rules you need to get hired faster. Use our resume templates and get free access to 18 more career tools!

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Why use our free resume templates.

Resume.io’s resume templates are expertly designed to help you land your next great position. Whether you’re in a hurry to submit your application or simply don’t know where to start, our resume templates provide a strong foundation to make your experience and qualifications shine. 

Here are some of the advantages of our professional resume templates:

• Easy to use: We’re all about great design with no hassle. That's why our templates are intuitive and easy to use, saving you precious time when it comes to creating a great resume.
• ATS-friendly Resume Templates : Hiring managers aren’t the only ones who will be evaluating your resume. That’s why we’ve created our templates with automated resume scanners in mind and made sure our templates are easy to read for both humans and robots alike.
• AI-powered sample sentences: Our templates are powered by our intuitive resume builder that makes it easy to craft a job-winning resume with features like an AI-powered summary generator and sample sentences for hundreds of job titles.
• Highly customizable: Every applicant and every job is different, so we’ve created templates that can be easily adapted to your needs. Change the color scheme, add a photo, or adjust the line spacing in just a few clicks.
• Adaptable for all jobs and industries: Our collection of professionally designed templates range from simple and minimalistic to modern and professional to ensure there’s a layout for every job and industry.
• Free & premium options: Our trial and tiered pricing plans mean there’s an option for everyone. Try for free or subscribe to Resume.io to download as many versions as you’d like.
• Download as Docx or PDF format: Different employers require different formats for your job application, which is why we’ve created the option to download many of our templates as either PDF or Word Docx files.

Choosing the right resume template

Our resume templates are divided into four categories to help you quickly find the template that’s best for you.

Professional resume templates

Our collection of professional resume templates are classic styles with tried-and-true fonts and formatting. These templates exude a sense of expertise and seriousness about the position for which you’re applying. You can’t go wrong with a professional template if you work in law, business, education , healthcare , finance, accounting , or real estate .

A proven job specific resume example + writing guide for landing your next job in 2024. You can edit this Lawyer resume example to get a quick start and easily build a perfect resume in just a few minutes. Just fill in your details, download your new resume & start your job application today!

Creative resume templates

When you’ve got to go bold, look no further than our creative resume templates. This collection features larger-than-life font sizes, eye-catching headers, and fun color palettes with patterned backgrounds. These templates are perfect for creative professionals like artists, designers, photographers, actors, and anyone in this field.

A graphic designer brings color and style to the products we see every day, but is your resume doing the same for you? Read our guide on how to create a top-notch graphic designer resume that will get you noticed.

Modern resume templates

When you’re in need of a fresh look that’s still professional, our modern resume templates are the perfect choice. These innovative designs use minimalist headers and clean dividing lines to add a spark that makes your resume stand out. Check out these templates if you work in IT, engineering , marketing , administration, HR , and sales .

A proven job specific resume example + writing guide for landing your next job in 2024. You can edit this Marketing resume example to get a quick start and easily build a perfect resume in just a few minutes. Just fill in your details, download your new resume & start your job application today!

Simple resume templates

If you’re in need of a resume that’s attractive and gets the job done, our simple resume templates are here to help. These formats are easy to read and offer just the right amount of color and design accents. If you work in hospitality , retail , transportation , or are a student or intern , our simple resume templates are the right choice for you.

A proven job specific resume example + writing guide for landing your next job in 2024. You can edit this Hospitality and catering resume example to get a quick start and easily build a perfect resume in just a few minutes. Just fill in your details, download your new resume & start your job application today!

What makes the best resume template?

The best resume templates contain the right sections and formatting choices to make your experience jump off the page. Here’s what to look for in your next resume template.

• An attractive header: The resume header is arguably the most important part of the template because this is where most of the layout design will come into play. Always choose a template with a header that emphasizes your name and offers enough space for your contact details and links to your LinkedIn or professional portfolio.
• Readability: A good resume template should be easy to read. While readability is determined by a combination of factors, including font and color, one of the key things to look for is a balance of white space to text. Your resume should neither feel empty nor overly crammed with information.
• The right amount of space for your experience: When choosing a resume template, it’s important to consider the amount of experience you have, and so the amount of space you’ll need on the page. For mid and senior level applicants, look for templates that offer plenty of space in the employment history section. Students should look for page designs that can easily be filled with only two or three entries.
• Professional font styles, sizes, and colors: Your font style should be easy to read and somewhere between 10-12 points in size. Also, make sure to choose a professional color scheme that stands out while still painting you as a serious candidate.
• Customizable: A great resume template can be customized to your needs. Resume.io’s templates are all housed inside of our intuitive builder tool, making it easy to create and download different versions in a few clicks.
• The right file format : Make sure to check the job description carefully and download your resume in the version the employer is looking for. When in doubt, PDF is generally the best option for emailing, printing, and uploading to online application portals.

Resume template FAQs (frequently asked questions)

Is resume.io builder free.

Resume.io’s resume builder offers a free option, a seven-day trial option, and tiered pricing plans. Read more about using Resume.io for free here .

What are employers looking for in a resume in 2024?

Employers are looking for resumes that quickly get to the point and show why a candidate has the exact qualifications to fill a role at their company. Accomplish this by customizing your resume for each job you apply to. Learn more about customizing your resume here .

How many jobs should you list on a resume?

The general rule of thumb is to list as much relevant experience as you’ve obtained in the past 10 years . If you are a student or recent grand, we recommend including at least three jobs. As you progress in your career, make sure to remove less relevant positions to make room for more impressive roles.

How many pages should my resume be?

We recommend keeping your resume to one page in virtually all situations. However, exceptions may apply for executive level candidates, those with particularly impressive careers, or candidates applying in countries outside of the U.S. and Canada.

Which of the following should not be on your resume?

What to include on your resume header often depends on the country where you intend to work. In the U.S. and Canada, you should not include personal information such as date of birth, age, marital status, or religion. A headshot is also unnecessary except in certain industries where the candidate’s appearance is part of the job.

Should you put your address on your resume?

We do not recommend adding a street address to your resume, as an email address and phone number are generally considered sufficient contact information. You may choose to add a state or city if you wish.

How many bullets should you have on a resume?

Each employment history entry should contain 4-5 bullet points. We recommend a minimum of three entries on each resume for a total of at least 12-15 bullet points.

Do employers like resume templates?

Employers want to see resumes that are easy-to-read and quickly convey the information they are looking for. While resume templates are a useful tool for creating a professional application, recruiters will not favor copy-paste resumes that have not been customized for the job description.

How do I write a resume summary?

A great resume summary will contain a combination of positive adjectives describing your character, your most impressive accomplishments, and any qualifications or experience required for the role.

How do I list skills on a resume?

The skills section of your resume is generally formatted as a bullet point list containing both technical and job-specific skills ( hard skills ) and personality traits or character qualities ( soft skills ). Make sure to refer to the job description before listing skills on your resume to determine what the employer prioritizes in the role.

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Free CV Templates to Download and Customize

Your work experience may be a great fit for the job position but even the most incredible credentials can get disregarded with the wrong CV layout.  Stand out as a job applicant with our strategically-designed and action-tested free CV templates. 

Modern CV Templates

Writing a CV used to require hours of time and a dozen of Google searches. Not anymore. Freesumes provides you with a comprehensive kit of CV writing materials — free Word CV templates, CV samples , and actionable guides, covering formatting, layout, and design.

Professional CV Templates

Discover second-to-none free CV templates you can customize in just a few clicks in Word.  No more agonizing in front of a blank page. Get done with CV writing in a whiz! 

Simple CV Templates

Minimalistic, yet convincing CV templates that make readers crave to get to know you in person.  Suitable for every industry and every profession.

Resume vs CV: What Are the Differences? 

Resume and CV (Curriculum Vitae) are two terms, used interchangeably by most Europeans. In both cases, they stand for a document, presenting your work experience, skills, and educational credentials in a specific format — chronological, functional, or combinational. 

In the US, “resume” is the term recruiters in the industry prefer. A “CV”, in turn, is a term used by academic institutions and some federal agencies to describe a longer version of a resume. 

Learn more about the minor differences between resumes and CVs .

Sample CV Outline

The secret to writing a good CV in under an hour? Learn how to outline like a pro ! 

Don’t start with a blank page each time. Instead, select your go-to CV template and add draft sections to it. Then quickly tweak it each time before you apply for a new job. 

Every CV has to include the following sections: 

• Header area: Add your name, professional title, and contact information (phone, email, LinkedIn). Then you may include a professional headshot (if you use a photo CV template).
• CV profile: Write a compelling elevator pitch — a 2-3 statement summary of your career history, core competencies, and most marketable skills.
• Work Experience: List all your career information in reverse chronological order. For each job entry, add 2-4 short bullet points, spelling out your duties and some major accomplishment(s). 
• Education: List all your degrees from the highest to the lowest with graduation dates. Include Major/Minor information only if you are a recent graduate. Include other professional training and certifications if relevant. 
• Skills. Make a featured skills section, spotlighting a combination of soft and hard skills. Customize it to match the “required qualifications” in the job ad. 
• Optional : Languages, volunteering experiences, professional affiliations. 

Need more inspiration? Browse our massive collection of free CV samples for different industries , professions, and experience levels! 

FAQs about CV Templates 

Got some more questions about CV formatting and design? We have answers!

Are Freesumes CV templates Really Free?

Yes. You can find over 100 professionally-designed CV and resume templates on Freesumes for free. Select among minimalistic, modern, creative, and standard free CV templates, made by pro designers and vetted by experienced HR executives. 

What should a full CV include?

A full CV should include the following sections: a header with your contact information, a short CV profile, an in-depth work experience section, education, certifications, and languages. Optionally, you can also make a featured skills section or pack this information into a longer profile statement. 

What should you not put in a CV?

You should never put the following information on a CV:

• Age, gender, ethnicity, or marital status 
• Personal social media accounts
• Salary information on past roles 
• Professional references (unless requested)
• Misleading or false statements
• Fake employer information 
• Lengthy personal introductions

Also, make sure that your CV doesn’t look like a wall of text or contains spelling/grammar mistakes. 

How far back should a CV go?

Limit your CV history to the past 10-15 years if you are a tenured employee, Freesumes HR experts recommend. However, don’t list all work experience during this period unless they are relevant to the job you are after. Provide a curated version of your career history — such that explains why you are qualified for the new role. 

What is the best CV format?

The best CV format is (reverse) chronological. In this case, you present your career history from the current (most recent) role to the earliest one. A chronological CV format helps the employer understand your career progression and duration of employment in different roles, plus it lets them easily estimate your current level of seniority. Most recruiters prefer this CV format to alternatives – functional and combinational CVs. 

Should you put your age on your CV?

No, you should never put your age or date of birth on your CV. Most employers have anti-discrimination practices in place, prohibiting them to ask candidates about personal information. When you voluntarily give it away, it puts them in a position where their hiring decisions might be questioned for bias (positive or negative). So for some, it’s just safer to reject candidates sharing personal details altogether than deal with minimal (but possible) accusations later on. 

Does a CV need references?

No, you shouldn’t add a list of references to a CV unless this is one of the job application requirements. Most often, employers will ask to provide a list of professional references later in the application process if these are warranted. 

How long does it take to write a CV?

Depends on your skills and approach to writing. If you are unprepared, you can easily spend 5+ hours, struggling to hit one page. But if you are using a CV template with all sections pre-charted for you, you can get done with CV writing in an hour or so!