resume format pdf download

PDF Resume Templates

All of our resume templates are downloadable as a PDF. It's the most efficient way to send your resume to recruiters, as it retains the styling, fonts, and formatting to ensure consistency across any device.

Browse templates by resume style

Mix & match unlimited theme, font and color combination..

Use our suggestions to complete your resume 5x faster.

Get a head start with one of our resume examples.

Facebook • Twitter • Linkedin • Pinterest • Crunchbase

• 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.

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

• Create Resume
• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Preferences
• Resume Examples
• AI Resume Builder
• Resume Summary Generator
• Resume Formats
• Resume Checker
• Resume Skills
• How to Write a Resume
• Cover Letter Builder
• Cover Letter Examples
• Cover Letter Templates
• Cover Letter Formats
• How to Write a Cover Letter
• Resume Guides
• Cover Letter Guides
• Job Interview Guides
• Job Interview Questions
• Career Resources
• Meet our customers
• Career resources
• English (UK)
• French (FR)
• German (DE)
• Spanish (ES)
• Swedish (SE)

© 2024 . All rights reserved.

Made with love by people who care.

• Build my resume

• Resume builder
• Build a better resume in minutes
• Resume examples
• 2,000+ examples that work in 2024
• Resume templates
• 184 free templates for all levels
• Cover letters
• Cover letter generator
• It's like magic, we promise
• Cover letter examples
• Free downloads in Word & Docs

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

The site makes it so easy and does all the formatting for you. Several aesthetically pleasing templates to choose from. I’ve used it twice and couldn’t be more pleased. – Laura Hanusek

4.9 out of 5

based on 457 reviews on Trustpilot

• 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 & Professional job-ready free resume templates

Each of Resumod’s templates is designed keeping in mind the modern HR recruiter. Our resume templates are unique, HR tested, and make you stand out from the crowd.

A clean two-column resume template, very easy on the eye, yet professional. A bold top bar to add colour and give a more personalised appeal. Best suited for senior management roles.

A modern approach to resumes for professionals. Graphic elements make this resume template stand out while making it suitable for all profiles. One of the top choices for creative professionals.

The pop of colour makes this resume template eye-catching as well as aesthetic. The provision to add a photograph makes it a preferred choice of professionals in customer-facing roles.

A modern free resume template best for entry-level or junior professionals with up to 5 years of experience. Well laid and spaced out, it works best if you don’t have tons of data to fit into your resume.

A great option for a single-page resume with just a few sections. A resume template that works best for lawyers and finance professionals who don’t want to go for a classic resume format.

A format created for a glance by the recruiter. The two columns of this free resume template let you emphasise your skills and experience.

A classic, spacious, no-brainer single-file resume format widely accepted by recruiters. Also our most used free resume template, especially by CXOs, VPs and Directors.

The bold header instantly draws attention and inspires recruiters to read through. A universal resume template that works across all industries and makes you stand out.

The professional appeal of the skills bar allows you to highlight your skills. This resume template is loved by tech professionals and engineers.

A minimalistic and refined resume template. With a clean structure, it is ATS-friendly and suitable for HR, Tech and other traditional roles.

Our most popular resume template. A creative twist to two columns with the header. A visually striking resume template that is suitable for any industry.

A popular choice for its no-fuss appearance. This free resume template is easy to follow and best suited for chronological resumes.

A spin-off of Apollo 1 with a different design option. This resume template entices the recruiters with its high readability and clean formatting.

Best choice for senior professionals as it can house multiple sections easily. This resume template can easily condense data into one page.

A creative take on the traditional one-column format. Great resume template for creating a high-impact experience section with multiple achievements and roles.

You will not run out of space with this resume template. The symmetry of this format makes it easy to read for both ATS and the human eye.

A spin-off of Venus, we designed this resume template, especially for students and young professionals. The graphic makes this resume template eye-catching and modern. It’s slowly becoming our most loved template.

Resume Templates by Job

A carefully curated selection of job-specific resume templates to help you stand out in a pool of similar-looking resumes. Feel free to browse through our collection and find the perfect template that resonates with your professional identity. Each template is fully customizable, allowing you to add your personal touch while maintaining a polished and professional appearance.

Resume Templates by Experience

Whether you're just starting your journey, a seasoned professional, or somewhere in between, our templates cater to your unique career stage. Elevate your resume and showcase your skills with designs tailored to highlight your experience effectively.

Resume Templates by Format

Discover the perfect resume template for your dream job, Each template is meticulously designed to capture the essence of various roles, helping you present your skills and qualifications in the best light. Elevate your job application process by choosing a template that resonates with your career aspirations.

Reviewed by the community. Trusted by professionals.

4.7 out of 5, resumod is perfect.

Resumod is one website which is perfect if you want your resume to be created with utmost perfection. All we have to do is upload information and it will prepare the resume automatically with proper format in the PDF form. It gets super easy. And this website is super useful. I’ve already recommended all my post graduation friends to definitely try this. With all the final placements coming, I’m sure this will be the most useful for all of us.

Chirag Gupta

Outstandingly Genuine

I had only previously used the old builder of resumod and there was some problem when it shifted to the new builder and I contacted the team. Nikita was the person who walked me through the 24 yards of Resume writing and I am immensely thankful to her. I was allowed only 3 calls but she stuck with me for 6 atleast and told me all I needed to know. She was patient and very genuine throughout our interactions and that's what I liked the best. I'd recommend them to anyone who's having any issue with their resumes irrespective of where they are in their career. Absolute top notch team.

Anamitra Bhattacharyya

A great application

I found Resumod through a friend when I had to apply for an internship. Created my Resume within 30 minutes. The formats on the site are appealing and the samples on the site helped me write the content. Highly recommendable :)

Nikita Kalra

Free Modern Resume & CV Templates, download in PDF & Word

There are mixed opinions about the usage and effectiveness of resume templates and formats online. Many job seekers find free resume templates difficult to use while for others, resume templates are a “go-to” solution when in need of a new Resume.

But what should you do? Let us clear the air.

At Resumod.co, our resume templates are developed to make your life easier. You just need to enter your information and your resume is ready in minutes. Here are a few other reasons to opt for Resumod’s online resume builder:

• Created by experts: Our resume templates are created by resume writing experts who understand recruiters’ psychology, ATS, and job seekers’ requirements. With so much thought put into a template, there is no way you can go wrong with any of Resumod’s curated CV templates.
• Properly structured: An important aspect of nailing a resume is getting its structure right. When you use a template, you don’t need to fret over the structure and placement of sections. Our Resumes have clearly defined sections so that you only have to enter your information.
• Comprehensive and Universal: Resumod’s modern resume templates are designed to ease your work. They contain all the sections that you might need to describe your career. We also provide you with additional custom sections, just in case you have some more info!
• Time-Saving: With everything in place for you, Resumod.co’s resume templates are big time savers. With just minor edits, you can create multiple versions for various job openings and send as many resumes as you want.

The Best Resume Format and Template for Job Search

Resumod.co offers resume templates that are modern, effective and can fit most of your information in one page without the clutter. Below is a quick guide that tells you all about how a good resume should be structured. (The format is reference is Venus).

Resumod’s Simple, Creative, Modern and Professional Resume Templates

Here’s our quick introduction video to show you how easy it is to build your resume for free on Resumod.co

Tips to Create Free Resume Using Resumod's Online Resume Maker

We’ve told you why free online resume templates work, and you know where you can find the best resume templates online, but you have to make sure that your resume stands out.

Here are some things to remember when you use online resume templates.

• Avoid misspellings and grammatical errors: This part often gets missed once you have a format and entered the data. Proofread your entire resume once it is complete as misspellings and grammatical errors portray carelessness.
• Use reverse chronological order: This means that your resume showcases your most recent activity i.e. education or experience first. Recent education or experience on the top makes your resume much easier to glance at.
• Incomplete contact information: Include your complete name, phone number, address, and email Id. If available, also add links to professional platforms like LinkedIn.
• Do not use overrated and cliché words: Your resume should be easy to read and understand. Keywords and important industry terms must be included but without making your resume look verbose.

A top-notch resume serves as a benchmark in the selection procedure. Our suggestion - while you build your resume using resume templates online, ensure simplicity, avoid being too fancy, and present your resumes with complete information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a resume template.

A resume template is a pre-designed format that outlines the structure and arrangement of a resume. It includes all sections in a resume like personal information, work experience, education, skills, and other relevant details. A pre-designed format, a resume template helps you create your professional resume in just a few clicks. Resumod has professional resume templates for over 500 profiles starting from freshers through to industry veterans and CXOs.

Why should I use a resume template instead of a Word doc?

Unlike a resume you build from scratch on MS Word, our free resume templates are designed by experts. Therefore they are widely accepted by recruiters across all industries globally. Further, resume templates are time-saving, are ready to use, and maintain a professional appeal. Resumod’s free resume templates guide you through the process and help you focus on the content of your resume rather than spending excessive time on formatting.

Are resume templates customizable?

Yes, all templates on Resumod are customisable including our free resumes templates. You can customise font and font size, resume colour, section headings, as well as placement of sections. With so many customisation options, resumes built using our free AI-powered builder are as good as personalised resumes, built by professionals.

Where can I find free resume templates?

Resumod offers free resume template(s). Our free resume template(s) are universal and can be used by anyone and downloaded in PDF form.

Can I use a resume template if I have limited work experience?

Our resume templates are created for all professionals at all levels of their careers. Therefore they are adaptable. If you are someone with limited work experience, you can focus on showcasing your skills, education, volunteer work, and any relevant projects to make your resume stand out. Our templates have dedicated sections for all of these.

Are there specific templates for different industries?

Although resume templates on Resumod are universal, we have segregated them as per industry to help you pick a format faster. Some templates are tailored to emphasise skills and experiences relevant to specific fields, such as healthcare, technology, or creative industries.

What sections should a standard resume template include?

A standard free resume template on Resumod includes all the important sections of a resume including name, contact information, summary, work experience, education, skills as well as additional Sections (such as Certifications, Awards, and Volunteer Work). Further, all resume templates are fully customisable, you can add and delete sections as per your profile.

Can I use a template if I'm applying for a creative job?

Yes, you can use our resume templates for creative roles. Our sample pages have resumes of creative professionals like fashion designers, video editors, photographers, and graphic designers among others. You have the option to edit fonts and colours in each of our templates including the free resume templates to give a more creative flavour to your resume.

Are there templates for entry-level positions?

Yes, there are templates designed for entry-level positions. These templates focus on highlighting your education, skills, internships, and any other relevant experiences. We are partners with many leading universities and their students use our templates for applying to internships and their first jobs.

Are there mobile-friendly resume templates?

All resume templates on Resumod are mobile-friendly. You can create your resume using our templates on both your mobile and desktop. Further, we offer PDF download which automatically makes our templates accessible and responsive across all operating systems and devices.

What file format should I save my resume template in?

It's best to save your resume in a universally compatible format like PDF. This ensures your formatting remains intact across different devices and software, along with making it ATS compatible.

Can I use a template if I'm changing careers?

Yes, resume templates on Resumod can be adapted for career changers. We have a career change category on our samples page where you can see samples of professionals with career breaks and career changes. Bonus tip: Emphasise transferable skills and experiences that align with your new career path.

Are there free resume templates suitable for executives or senior-level positions?

Yes, there are templates suited for executives and senior-level positions. These templates often emphasise leadership skills, accomplishments, and strategic thinking.

Try our Professional Resume Builder

User our content suggestion engine or upload your LinkedIn profile to create a brand new CV within minutes.

Convert Your LinkedIn Profile Into a brand new CV. Get content and skill suggestions based on your tittle and designation.

Copyright Resumod Made with in India for the world

• Resume Styles

Download Free Resume Formats

(Shri says don't be fooled, quality is more important than quantity))

Creative Dance

Modern Contemporary

Smart and Secure

Lean and Cool

Crack of Dawn

Smart and Balanced

Confidence and Strength

These sections come in your free resume template download.

(Everything you need for a proper and complete resume)

Get a higher quality resume format

Our Resume Builder ensures best practices, logic, formatting standards and job matching opportunities from thousands of job boards and portals around the world.

By clicking Start Your Resume, you are agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .

How To Pick A Resume Format

Would you not carefully choose your appearance on the day of the interview? We don’t live in movies where Will Smith could get away being a garbage man. This is real world, and this is real interview. In the whole process of preparation, we often tend to undermine the appearance of our resume. It's almost dressing your resume up. We want you to remember the two forces that work in a resume being picked up among a pile of others. "The What and The How"? You may have worked ten thousand feet below the sea rigging Oil for this major oil and gas company, or you may have single handedly pioneered a startup or just starting out of college. In any of the case resume format are designed in a way to highlight the best of your abilities in the most readable way. Resume formats make sure that your greatest achievements are right there on the top, ready to be noticed.

The most commonly used and preferred resume formats by Job hunters, Job seekers and Human Resources Managers across is the Reverse Chronological format. As, the name suggests this format highlights your career profile, educational summary or professional profile as it may seem fit for the job. It is like watching a movie backward. Choosing what to place first among the three once again should be a well thought over decision. What you place on the top is what you want to be seen first. If not sure we suggest you take professional advice as these very things which might seem trivial play a vital role in the final decision. Click here to learn more about different resume styles.

If you are a fresher, we have freshers resume examples and samples available for free downloads.

This is literally the best resume builder I could rely on, on the last minute and that's not even the best part, it has no tricks and no hidden charges. Completely professional resume, absolutely free of cost!

One of the best resume maker in India. Easy to use with lot of options and features. Using it features for more than 3 years

It's very easy, just enter the details and right guidance, the resumes gets auto designed which can impress the hirers.

Love this website. It helps me in creating best resume without charging anything and it is easily guided version.. Thank you

Resume Format Trends: Optimize Your Job Application in 2024

Choosing the right resume format can feel confusing. Your resume is your first chance to impress a potential employer . This article will guide you through the three main types of resumes and how to use them best.

Keep reading for insights that could transform your job search .

Chronological resume templates

A chronological resume lists your work history in order of time, starting with your most recent job and going backward. This format highlights a steady progression in one's career.

It is straightforward, making it simple for hiring managers to see your job trajectory and major accomplishments at each position. Employers often prefer this type because it clearly shows the candidate’s work timeline and growth.

In writing a chronological resume, start with your latest position and include the company name, location, dates of employment, and key responsibilities. For every job listed, focus on achievements that can be measured or observed.

Use action verbs to describe these accomplishments vividly. This approach helps potential employers understand not just where you worked but how you made a difference there.

Functional resume templates

The functional resume format focuses on skills and experiences instead of a chronological work history. This layout helps job seekers highlight their strengths without emphasizing gaps in employment or frequent job changes.

It groups qualifications into skill categories , making it easier for employers to see how the candidate's abilities match the job requirements.

Job applicants use this format to draw attention away from less relevant positions and toward what they can do well. They list their most impressive skills at the top, followed by their work history and education in brief sections.

This approach is ideal for those with limited work experience , changing careers , or with periods of unemployment .

Combination resume templates

Combination resume formats blend the best parts of chronological and functional resumes. They show off your skills and your work history. You start with a focus on your skills. These could be leadership, communication, or any other important skill for the job.

Then you list your jobs in reverse order , starting with the most recent. This format lets you highlight what you can do right away but also backs it up with where and when you did it.

Choosing this format means you get to play up both your experience and talents . It's great for people who have a mix of old and new skills, or those changing careers but still want to show relevant past work .

Now we'll move on to tips for writing each type of resume format effectively.

Tips for Writing Each Resume Format

Write tips for each resume format with brevity and impact:

- Craft your chronological resume by listing your work experience in reverse order.

- For a functional resume, focus on highlighting your skills and achievements rather than the timeline of your work history.

Writing tips for chronological format

When creating a resume in chronological format :

• Start with your contact information at the top of the page.
• List your work experience in reverse - chronological order , beginning with your most recent position.
• Use clear and concise bullet points to describe your roles and accomplishments at each job.
• Highlight your achievements and quantify them when possible to showcase your impact in previous roles.
• Include relevant educational background and any additional certifications or training.
• Tailor each section to highlight the most important and related experiences for the specific job you're applying for.

Writing tips for functional format

Transitioning from discussing the chronological format to the functional format, let's delve into some practical writing tips tailored towards this specific resume structure:

• Highlight your skills : Focus on showcasing your skills and abilities at the beginning of your resume.
• Tailor the content : Emphasize relevant experiences and achievements rather than providing a comprehensive work history.
• Use clear headings : Organize your resume into clear sections such as "Summary of Qualifications" and "Professional Experience."
• Incorporate keywords : Include industry-specific keywords related to your skills and expertise for online application systems.
• Show impact : Demonstrate how your skills have positively impacted previous roles through concise bullet points.
• Omit irrelevant details : Exclude unrelated work experiences or tasks, keeping the focus on applicable skills and accomplishments.

This detailed list provides actionable advice for crafting an effective functional resume that highlights your key qualifications.

Writing tips for combination format

When crafting a combination format resume , adhere to the following writing tips:

• Begin with a strong summary that highlights your skills and accomplishments.
• Emphasize transferable skills from previous positions in bullet points.
• Prioritize relevant experiences over outdated or unrelated ones.
• Showcase both work history and functional skills near the top of the resume.
• Use clear section headers to distinguish between different areas of expertise.
• Ensure that your resume's design is visually appealing and easy to navigate, enhancing readability for potential employers.

Moving on to "Pros and Cons of Each Resume Format"...

Pros and Cons of Each Resume Format

Chronological format highlights work history; may reveal employment gaps. Functional format emphasizes skills and achievements; can downplay career progression. Combination format merges both, showcasing skills and work history concurrently.

Learn more about the best fit for your profile.

Pros and cons of chronological format

The chronological resume format is a traditional and widely used structure that emphasizes a job seeker's work history . This format lists employment experiences in reverse chronological order , starting with the most recent position. It allows potential employers to see a candidate's career progression and stability in their field at a glance. Below is a detailed look at the pros and cons of adopting a chronological resume format.

Employing a chronological format demonstrates a straightforward narrative of your professional journey. It suits stable, upward career trajectories best. Yet, it may not be the optimal choice for all, particularly those with gaps in their employment or career switchers. Always consider aligning your resume format with your unique work history and the positions you're aiming for.

Pros and cons of functional format

Transitioning from the chronological format, we now shift our focus to the functional resume format . This style emphasizes skills and experience over chronological job history, making it a distinctive choice for many job seekers. Below, we explore the advantages and disadvantages of employing a functional resume format.

Employing the functional format lets job seekers craft a resume that truly reflects their capabilities and achievements, focusing on their potential to excel in the role. Nonetheless, it's crucial to weigh these benefits against potential drawbacks, such as acceptability concerns among certain employers or industries. Choosing this format demands careful consideration of both individual career history and the expectations of potential employers.

Pros and cons of combination format

Shifting focus from the functional resume format, we now explore the combination resume format . This style merges elements of both the chronological and functional formats, emphasizing both skills and work history.

What is reverse-chronological resume

Reverse-chronological resume is a common resume format that focuses on your work experience in reverse order, starting with the most recent job and working backwards. This format is popular because it highlights your career progression and shows potential employers your most recent accomplishments. When formatting your resume, it's important to keep your resume layout clean and easy to read. You can use resume templates to help you create a professional resume in minutes. Whether you prefer a simple resume template, a modern resume design, or a creative resume template, there are many options available online for building your resume. Remember to also include a resume objective and relevant resume sections to make your resume stand out to potential employers.

When creating your reverse-chronological resume, you can use resume examples or sample resumes to guide you in formatting your resume. By using a free resume template or popular resume format, you can create a professional resume that will impress employers. It's important to format your resume correctly and keep your resume to one page if possible. Whether you choose a traditional resume or a more creative resume, make sure to read your resume carefully before submitting it to potential employers. With the right resume design and cover letter templates, you can create a perfect resume that will help you land your dream job in 2024.

Choosing the Best Resume Format for Your Situation

Choose the Best Resume Format for You:

- First-time job seekers

- Experienced professionals

- Career changers

Considerations for first-time job seekers

• First - time job seekers should focus on highlighting their education, internships, and any relevant volunteer work.
• Emphasize transferable skills gained from extracurricular activities or part-time jobs that demonstrate responsibility, teamwork, and leadership.
• Tailor the resume to showcase accomplishments and abilities rather than extensive work experience.
• Use a clean and straightforward format to make the resume easy to read and understand by potential employers.
• Prioritize education details by including GPA, relevant coursework, academic achievements , and any honors or awards received.
• Include a strong objective statement at the beginning of the resume that clearly states career goals and how they align with the position being sought.

Considerations for experienced professionals

Experienced professionals need to showcase their extensive work history effectively. They should:

• Emphasize accomplishments and leadership roles .
• Use a chronological or combination format to highlight career progression.
• Tailor the resume towards the specific job and industry .
• Avoid listing every job held; focus on relevant experience .
• Show continuous learning and professional development through training and certifications .

Considerations for career changers

When transitioning to a new career, consider these essential points:

• Highlight transferable skills and experiences that are relevant to the new field.
• Emphasize accomplishments that demonstrate your adaptability and quick learning in diverse environments.
• Tailor the resume summary and objective to align with the requirements and goals of the desired career.
• Showcase any relevant certifications , training, or educational achievements acquired for the new career path.
• Address the career change directly in your cover letter , demonstrating passion for the new field and readiness to contribute effectively.

Remember not to oversell items that do not pertain directly to the new career direction.

Considerations for Resume Formatting

• Contact Information : Use a bold font for the name, and include a professional email address and contact number.
• Core Strengths : Use industry-related keywords and highlight skillsets relevant to the job.
• Value Statement : Clearly state the benefit you'll bring to the employer, much like a personal pitch.
• Experience : For those with a professional background , emphasize roles and responsibilities in current and previous positions.
• Education : For new graduates, detail education, relevant dates, and certifications.

Guidelines for Structuring a Resume

When structuring a resume, individuals should adhere to the following guidelines to ensure clarity and professionalism:

• Alignment : Align text to the left for standardized readability.
• Margins : Maintain uniform 1-inch margins for a balanced appearance.
• Font Choice : Opt for a professional font that's easy for employers to read.

Effective organization of a resume can be outlined as follows:

Additional formatting considerations include the following:

• Headers : Use distinctive headers for each section to improve navigation.
• Bullets : Present work experience and qualifications in bullet points to improve readability and conciseness.
• Consistency : Apply consistent formatting throughout to present a cohesive document.

Crafting a Resume with Optimal Structure Through Our Builder

Creating an effective resume is a critical step to landing a job. With the vast array of resume builders available, it's easy to find one that will guide users through the process of crafting a resume with the right format.

These builders provide an assortment of templates that cater to various jobs and industries, allowing users to select the most appropriate one for their needs.

Key Features of Our Resume Builder :

• Template Selection: Choose from professional templates that are field-tested and suitable for a wide range of job applications.
• Customizable Sections: Add or remove sections as necessary to focus on the strengths and skills most relevant to the job being applied for.
• Guided Experience: Follow expert tips and suggestions that assist in filling out each section of the resume accurately and effectively.
• Easy Download: Once the resume is complete, download it in multiple formats, including PDF, Word, or plain text, to suit various application requirements.

How to Utilize the Resume Builder:

• Select a Template: Start by picking a layout that aligns with the intended industry and role.
• Fill in Details: Enter personal information, work experience, educational background, and skills.
• Customize Content: Tailor the resume's content to highlight achievements and abilities that are in line with the job description.
• Edit and Revise: Review and revise the content to ensure clarity and a strong first impression.
• Finalize Format: Choose a format that is professional and readable, and ensures that critical information stands out.

Key Resume Inquiries

Essential elements of a basic resume structure.

A straightforward resume should encompass:

• Personal Information : Full name, contact number, email, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable).
• Objective Statement : A concise declaration of career goals (optional).
• Work Experience : Listed in reverse-chronological order, mention job titles , companies, durations, and responsibilities.
• Education : Degrees obtained, institutions attended, and graduation dates.
• Skills : Relevant hard and soft skills.
• Certifications or Achievements : Any pertinent accomplishments or qualifications.

Streamlining Resume Formatting for Job Applications

To effectively format a resume for job interviews:

• Use a professional font like Arial or Calibri (10-12 pt).
• Ensure margins are even, generally around 1 inch.
• Categorize content with clear headings .
• Apply bullet points for concise descriptions.
• Emphasize achievements with bold text where appropriate.

Benefits of Microsoft Word Format for Resumes

Using a Word document for a resume format offers:

• Flexibility in editing : Easy to alter text and layout.
• Compatibility : Widely accepted by many organizations.
• Tracking Changes : Useful for collaborative editing.

Crafting a Resume for Beginners

For freshers, a resume should reflect their potential by:

• Focusing on academic achievements and projects .
• Including internships , volunteer work , or any relevant experience.
• Highlighting transferrable skills and extracurricular activities .

Preference for PDF Resume Formats

PDF resumes are preferred when:

• Consistency is needed across different devices and platforms.
• The job application system specifies PDF as the required format.
• Preventing alterations is crucial to maintain the resume's integrity.

Best Practices for Resume Crafting

When writing a resume, adhere to these practices:

• Customize the resume to match the job description.
• Include keywords from the job listing to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems .
• Keep the language concise and focused on quantifiable achievements .
• Proofread for grammatical errors and ensure clarity in communication.

In conclusion, understanding the different resume formats is crucial for crafting a compelling and tailored document . Tailoring your resume format to your specific situation can significantly enhance its impact.

Whether you're a first-time job seeker, an experienced professional, or undergoing a career change, choosing the right format can make all the difference in showcasing your skills and experience effectively.

By considering these tips and insights when selecting a resume format, you will be better equipped to navigate the complexities of the job application process with confidence and clarity.

Kshama Sharma - Resume, CV and Cover Letter Writing Expert

India's premier resume service

Your life story begins here

Resume Templates

/ 0 - 5 years of experience

Resumes Student/Intermediate

Cover Letters All levels of experience

Pick from 8+ [Free] Resume Templates

Pick one of our free resume templates, fill it out, and land that dream job! Create and download your professional resume in less than 5 minutes.

Traditional

Professional

Skill-Based

See what our customers think

Why Novorésumé?

Free AND Premium

We offer both free and premium resume templates, so whatever your budget might be, you can still take advantage of our resume builder.

Creative & Professional Resume Templates

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

NO Hidden Fees

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

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

ATS Friendly

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

Expert Reviews

Oana Vintila

Career Counselor

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

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

Biron Clark

Former Executive Recruiter

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

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

Gabriela Tardea

Career Strategist, Coach & Trainer

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

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

Resume Resources

What is a resume.

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

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

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

How to Write a Resume for Your First Job?

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

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

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

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

What to Put on a Resume?

The most common sections on a resume are:

Contact information

Resume summary or objective

Work experience

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

Volunteering experience

Hobbies & interests

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

How to Format a Resume?

There are 3 typical resume formats:

Reverse-Chronological Resume

Functional Resume

Combination Resume

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

Unless you’re looking to create a career change resume , we’d recommend sticking with this format.

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

How Long Should a Resume Be?

Ah, the most popular resume question in the world: “how long should your resume be?”

Short answer: one page. If you have a lot of work experience (10 years +), sometimes it makes sense to make it 2 pages MAX if everything you mention is super relevant for the position you’re applying for.

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

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

How to Write a Resume Summary?

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

Want your resume summary to stand out? Use this proven formula:

“Professional [job title] with X+ years of work experience in [job responsibility] . In the past Y years, I have [your top 1-2 achivements] . Seeking a position of [job title] at [company name] ”

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

On the other hand, if you’re a student or just don’t have a lot of work experience, read our article on how to create a resume objective instead.

How to List Work Experience on a Resume

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

Each work experience entry should contain the following:

Position title

Company name/description/location

Achievements or responsibilities

Dates employed

Now, if you want to create a work experience section that stands out , you want to focus on quantifiable achievements. What this means is, instead of creating an entry like:

“Carried out sales operations”

You list an achievement:

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

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

How to List Skills on a Resume?

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

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

How to Make a Cover Letter For a Resume?

Every job application asks for a cover letter (in addition to your resume). Here are some of our tips on how to do this right:

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

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

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

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

What is the Best Resume Template?

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

For example, if you’re applying for a position at a bank, you’d want a more professional resume template. On the other hand, if you want a job in a startup where they value innovation more, you should stick to a creative resume template .

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

Get Inspired with Our Resume Examples

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

Follow these simple steps:

Choose one of our top resume templates above

Follow the tips & tricks built-in our resume builder

Fill in your work history and other experiences

Hit download and start applying to jobs!

What If I Am a Student?

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

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

Are These Resume Templates Free?

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

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

Who Created These Resume Samples?

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

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

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

Are These Resume Templates ATS-Friendly?

Yes! All Novorésumé resume templates are created with applicant tracking systems in mind.

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

Do You Offer One-Page Resume Templates?

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

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.