Free simple resume templates

What’s a simple resume template

The human brain performs a ton of super complex tasks each second, which requires a lot of energy. So, it’s no wonder it loves clarity and simplicity—they reduce the strain. Another major reason we're drawn to the simple and basic is that it's easier to predict.

The same goes for basic resume examples. They're designed with all the necessary sections to communicate your experience while remaining easy for both recruiters and applicant tracking systems to process.

Simple templates follow a predictable format, using reverse chronological order and clear section headings. Unlike creative templates, they don’t use much color or graphic elements. The sections typically flow like this: header, career summary, experience, education, and skills.

When to choose the simple resume format

When it comes to choosing a resume template, keeping it simple is your best bet. Simple resume examples excel in lots of situations:

• Traditional industries: Fields like finance, law, and healthcare usually prefer straightforward, professional resumes that clearly show your qualifications.
• Technical or physical fields: Jobs in areas like engineering, IT, or construction often value clear and concise resumes that focus on relevant skills and experience.
• Strong career path: If you’ve got a clear and steady career progression, a simple format can showcase this without any distractions.
• Conservative company cultures: Some companies are more traditional and prefer a minimalist approach to resumes.
• ATS scannability: Simple resume templates are more likely to get through these systems without a hitch since they avoid fancy formatting that can cause confusion.
• Experience over design: When your work history, skills, and accomplishments speak for themselves, a simple template makes sure these shine.
• Early career professionals: If you’re just starting out, a simple resume can clearly present your education, internships, and early work experiences.

5 benefits of simple resume templates

A simple resume can help your application stand out for all the right reasons. Here are 5 benefits that make it worth considering:

• Simple resumes are straightforward and easy to read, making it easier for recruiters to quickly find the information they need.
• With a clean layout and standard formatting, simple resumes are more likely to pass through applicant tracking systems without any issues.
• They give a professional and polished appearance, which is especially important in traditional and conservative industries.
• A simple design ensures that your experience, skills, and accomplishments are the stars of the show, not overshadowed by flashy graphics or colors.
• Basic templates work well for a wide range of jobs and industries, from technical and physical fields to early career positions and beyond.

Top sections on a simple resume

If you want to know how to write a simple resume, there are a few key sections you’ll want to include. Here are the top ones to make sure your resume is both comprehensive and easy to read:

Resume header

This is where you put your name and contact information—location, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile or portfolio link. Make it easy for recruiters to reach you!

You should also consider a clear headline that communicates your current role or expertise, making sure it’s relevant to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for a truck driver position, avoid using just ‘Truck Driver’ as your headline. Instead, opt for something like ‘Professional CDL Truck Driver | Long-Haul and Local Deliveries’.

Career summary

A brief, punchy summary at the top of your resume provides a snapshot of who you are as a professional and what you bring to the table. This is especially effective for traditional roles where experience and skills are crucial. Write 3-5 sentences highlighting your key qualifications, qualities, and achievements, and how they match the job.

If you have less than 2 years of work experience, it's best to use an objective statement. This is perfect for entry-level candidates or career changers. Write up to 3 sentences focusing on how your skills and long-term goals align with the job opportunity.

Experience

This is the meat of your resume. It lists your jobs in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. Include your job title, company name, dates of employment, and bullet points highlighting your key responsibilities and achievements.

Here, it's critical to provide measurable achievements so recruiters can gauge your potential. Start each entry with an action verb to emphasize your initiative in previous positions.

Education

Whether you’re fresh out of school or have been in the workforce for years, include your relevant educational background. List your degrees, schools, and graduation dates, and make sure you focus on those that will give you a competitive edge over other applicants.

A simple rule of thumb: always consider the relevancy of your education to the role.

For instance, if you're applying for a job in operations management and logistics but decided not to pursue further education after high school, it's best to leave your high school diploma off your resume. Instead, focus on any relevant certificates you have that pertain to the job.

Skills

This section is perfect for showcasing your relevant skills, especially those that match the job description. It can include both hard skills (like software proficiency) and soft skills (like teamwork). Note that while practical skills can be listed in a dedicated section, it’s preferable to insert relevant skills throughout the document where they can be supported by evidence.

The elements of a simple resume template

Creating a simple resume template can make a world of difference in how your application is received. By focusing on clarity and organization, you ensure that your qualifications are easily accessible to recruiters and hiring managers. Here are some essential features to keep in mind when building your simple resume:

• Simple resume design: Your resume layout should be clean and uncluttered. Avoid decorative elements such as tables and graphs and make sure the sections are easy to navigate.
• Standard sections: Include a header, summary (or objective), experience, education, and skills. Each should clearly communicate your qualifications and be easy to find.
• Basic resume fonts: Prioritize legibility by opting for classic, easy-to-read fonts like Rubik, Lato, Bitter, Times New Roman, Montserrat, Calibri, or Volkhov. The font size should be 10-12 pt for the main content and 12-14 pt for section headings.
• Neutral resume colors: Avoid bright and contrasting colors that can distract recruiters and make your resume look unprofessional. Instead, stick to a limited color palette with one primary color (usually grayscale) and one accent color for highlighting key information.
• Basic resume layout: Opt for a single- or double-column format to effectively utilize space. Try to keep your resume to one page, as this length is sufficient for most candidates.
• Basic resume formatting tips: Use plenty of white space to create a clean layout. This helps you draw attention to separate sections and emphasize essential information.
• Short and quantifiable sentences: Apply the KISS principle (Keep It Short and Simple) throughout the entire resume. Remember to use action verbs and quantifiable results to showcase your achievements.

Free simple resume template to download

Our resume builder allows you to download your resume template as a PDF with just one click. PDFs are the most common format for resumes, preserving formatting across all devices and systems. However, always check the specific requirements of the job you're applying for, as some may request a Word document.