Free classic and traditional resume templates

What’s a traditional template resume?

A traditional (also called classic) resume template presents your work history, skills, and education clearly, making it easy for recruiters to read. Although popular with entry-level applicants, these traditional templates are also suitable for higher-level positions.

The format usually fits your information into one page but can extend to two pages if you have over 10 years of experience. Its traditional layout is favored by many job seekers and works well across various industries due to its clean, simple design without flashy graphics or colors.

Usually, classic resumes use a reverse-chronological order, listing your most recent job first. The document starts with your name and contact details, followed by a brief summary, education, work experience, and skills.

Given the evolving job market, it's essential to design resumes for both human readers and ATS systems. To catch a recruiter's eye, your resume must first pass ATS screening. The simplicity of classic resume templates ensures they navigate this process with ease.

When to use a traditional template resume

Using a traditional resume template is a wise choice for many job seekers, thanks to its versatility. Whether you’re a newcomer to the job market, changing careers, or aiming for a higher position, a traditional resume template provides a structured way to showcase your skills and experiences. It’s adaptable enough to fit various industries and is great for getting through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). By organizing your information clearly, these classic templates help ensure your resume gets noticed.

Choosing a traditional resume template is ideal in several situations, making it a versatile choice for many job seekers:

• Entry-level candidates or recent graduates with little professional experience: Traditional resume templates are particularly useful for emphasizing education and early work experiences in a professional manner. They allow candidates to detail relevant skills and experiences effectively, demonstrating their abilities and suitability for the job. College students and recent grads can include details about their education and extracurricular activities, which may create connections with hiring managers.
• Mid-level professionals: These templates offer ample space to elaborate on work experience and skills gained over time. For instance, a mid-level sales representative can highlight sales milestones and performance goals, showing their achievements in previous roles.
• Senior professionals: With extensive work experience, senior professionals benefit from the readability and organized structure of traditional templates. They can present detailed career histories clearly, focusing on significant roles and accomplishments while omitting early career details.
• Career changers: The classic resumes allow candidates to highlight transferable skills and relevant experiences in a logical, easy-to-follow structure, making the transition smoother.
• People in conservative industries: Perfect for sectors like finance, law, government, and administration, where clear, straightforward resumes are preferred. These industries value formats that underscore qualifications without distracting elements.
• Applicants with steady work history: Traditional resumes are advantageous for those with a stable employment record since they typically list the most recent positions first, showcasing a solid track record.

10 benefits of using a traditional resume template

1. A clean and polished resume helps you make a strong first impression.
2. The straightforward layout lets hiring managers quickly see your qualifications.
3. Its ATS-friendly design ensures your resume gets past automated screenings.
4. It underlines your skills and experience without any distracting elements.
5. This template works well for various industries like finance, law, healthcare, and government.
6. It's perfect for all experience levels, from recent grads to seasoned pros.
7. You can easily customize sections to fit your unique needs.
8. Hiring managers recognize and appreciate its familiar, time-tested format.
9. It's simple to update with new skills and experiences.
10. It's quick to create, saving you time when preparing job applications.

Resume tips for creating a traditional template

Here are some tips to guide you in crafting a resume that’s both professional and appealing, making a strong impression in any industry.

Classic layout

Stick to a traditional format with clearly defined sections such as contact information, summary, work experience, education, and skills. This layout is easy to navigate and preferred by many employers.

Standard fonts

Opt for fonts such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Rubik. These fonts are professional, readable, and widely accepted in the business world.

Neutral colors

Choose a color scheme with neutral tones, primarily using black for text. If adding color, use it minimally and select muted shades like dark blue or gray for headings or borders.

Emphasis on content and accomplishments

Highlight your key accomplishments and responsibilities in each role. Use bullet points to list achievements, and quantify them with numbers or percentages when possible (e.g., "Increased sales by 20%").

Formal language

Maintain a professional tone throughout your resume. Use formal language and avoid slang or casual expressions. Action verbs such as "managed," "developed," and "achieved" can help convey your contributions effectively.

Clear section headings

Use bold or slightly larger font sizes for section headings to distinguish them from the rest of the text. This makes it easier for recruiters to locate information quickly.

Balanced white space

Make sure there’s enough white space between sections and around the text. This prevents the resume from looking cluttered and improves overall readability.

What sections should a traditional resume include?

When creating a traditional resume, include key sections to underline your qualifications and experience. These sections help employers quickly understand your background and fit for the job. Here's what to include:

Header

Include your full name, phone number, and professional email address at the top of your resume. Optionally, you can add your LinkedIn profile or a personal website if it showcases relevant work. Ensure your contact information is up-to-date and formatted clearly so potential employers can easily reach you.

Summary or objective

Write a brief statement of 2-3 sentences that highlights your career goals and key qualifications. This section should provide a snapshot of your professional identity and what you aim to achieve in your next role. Tailor it to the specific job you’re applying for to make a strong first impression.

Work experience

Detail your previous job titles, company names, locations, dates of employment, and key responsibilities and achievements. Use bullet points to describe your duties and emphasize quantifiable accomplishments. Start with your most recent position and work backward, ensuring that each entry clearly demonstrates your career progression and relevant skills.

Education

List the degrees you’ve obtained, along with the institutions you attended and your graduation dates. If you’ve completed any relevant coursework, certifications, or received academic honors, include them here. This section helps employers understand your academic background and how it supports your professional qualifications.

Skills

Create a list of relevant skills that apply to the job you’re seeking. Include both hard and soft skills, such as technical abilities, language proficiency, project management, or communication skills. Tailor this section to highlight the most pertinent skills that match the job description and showcase your qualifications.

Here’s what a traditional resume looks like: