Build My Resume
Build My Resume
Table of Contents
Table of Contents

Simple Resume Examples and Templates [Download in App]

Medical Assistant Resume Example

Paralegal Resume Example

Cybersecurity Analyst Resume Example

Construction Project Manager Resume Example

Event Coordinator Resume Example

Social Worker Resume Example

Real Estate Agent Resume Example

Executive Assistant Resume Example

Bartender Resume Example

Customer Success Manager Resume Example

Financial Advisor Resume Example

Data Entry Clerk Resume Example

E-commerce Specialist Resume Example

Simple Resume Templates

Many job seekers tend to overthink when selecting a resume template. The variety of designs and layouts you can choose from is nearly limitless. Many are vibrant and creative, sporting a modern aesthetic. The truth, however, is that for a large number of candidates, the path to success is a simple resume template that emphasizes focus and clarity over visuals. In this guide, we’ll provide expert tips and insights to help you select the right template for your individual career goals.

What makes a simple resume template?

A simple resume template doesn’t have many defining characteristics, which is precisely its aim. This style of layout omits frills and flashy aesthetics, enabling your content to shine as the focal point of your resume. Simple templates usually favor single-column structures so the hiring manager can evaluate your experience and qualifications easily and sequentially.

First, omit graphics and minimize aesthetics. A simple resume template uses limited color and avoids flashy design elements that could keep your resume from being seen and take the emphasis away from your qualifications, such as icons, bulky headers, and graphs.

Second, avoid overly decorative fonts in favor of simpler and clearer options such as Cambria, Arial, Garamond, and Times New Roman. Make the resume as easy to read as possible.

  1. Contact Information: Simple resume templates always have your contact information at the top that lists your name, phone number, city, state, email address, and LinkedIn URL. You can also include a link to your personal website or portfolio if you’re in a more creative industry.
  2. Job title: Even the simplest resume templates include a title. Make sure the title is the title of the job that you’re applying to; it’s meant to change with every submission.
  3. Summary: Simple resume templates include 2-3 statements that demonstrate that you have addressed the company’s needs before.
  4. Key skills: Simple resume templates always feature a section to list relevant industry terminology, technical proficiencies, and interpersonal skill sets. This section is particularly important for optimizing your resume for applicant tracking systems (ATS).
  5. Professional experience: Simple templates provide a work history section with bullet points beneath each company name and position title that you can use to describe your professional experience and accomplishments. We recommend featuring your past jobs in reverse chronological order, so starting with your most recent employment and working back.
  6. Academic or independent projects: If your layout doesn’t include a section for projects, you can add one. Academic projects are recommended for recent graduates and entry-level candidates without years of hands-on experience.
  7. Education and certifications: Simple resume templates enable you to highlight your academic degrees, certifications, and licenses.

When to pick a simple resume template

Simple templates are more appropriate for corporate applications. For in-person networking and more creative positions like designers at creative agencies, a second, more aesthetic resume might be appropriate. It’s important to note that the hiring team might not agree with the aesthetics that the job seekers loves.

Expert tip: How to get the most out of this template

To get the most mileage out of this template, you need to prove why you deserve the job instead of someone else through impactful and meaningful content. Because the design is minimalistic, it’s important to provide compelling descriptions of your career accomplishments and industry experiences to make a lasting impression on the hiring manager. Be sure to incorporate hard numbers and metrics to substantiate your contributions whenever possible.

Frequently Asked Questions: Simple Resume Templates

Should I use a simple resume template?

Everyone except artists are better off using a simple resume template for your career needs.

How many pages should my simple resume template be?

There is no standard length for resumes. Studies and surveys show that reader interest drops off dramatically after the second page. New graduates tend to limit their experience to one page, because they don’t have experience in the real world, but everyone else can use up to two pages.

Should I use AI to write my resume?

Using artificial intelligence (AI) to write your entire resume is generally a bad idea. Although natural language processing tools such as ChatGPT have improved dramatically over the past five years, an AI-generated resume won’t show your impact or results, and you have a 50 percent chance of the information being wrong. If you find yourself struggling with a blank page, using AI is a great way to get started, but plan to re-read and correct all statements.