Best Resume Format: 3 Examples & Templates

A well-structured and properly formatted resume is crucial in landing job interviews. Your resume serves as a snapshot of your qualifications and experiences, making it essential to present your information in a clear, organized, and visually appealing layout. This article will explore different resume formats, provide formatting guidelines, and show three resume template examples. By the end of this guide, you'll have the knowledge and resources to create a standout resume that impresses potential employers.

When applying for a job, your resume becomes  your marketing tool showcasing your skills, experiences, and accomplishments. A well-formatted resume helps you stand out from other candidates and makes it easier for recruiters to navigate and identify your key qualifications. Employers often receive numerous applications, and a well-structured resume can make a lasting impression, increasing your chances of securing an interview.

• Resume formatting guidelines
• Understanding the core elements of a resume
• 3 free resume templates
• Types of resume
• Adapting your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
• Example of an ATS-Optimized resume
• Addressing special cases in resume formatting
• Make a good first impression with your resume
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Resume formatting guidelines

To ensure your resume is visually appealing and easy to read, it's important to follow specific formatting guidelines. Here are some key principles to keep in mind:

1. Layout and design principles

A visually appealing layout can enhance the readability of your resume. 

Consider these best practices:

• Use clear and consistent headings to organize different sections.
• Maintain sufficient white space for readability and visual appeal.
• Utilize an appropriate font and font size that is easy to read.

2. Choosing the right font and typography

The choice of font and typography can impact your resume's overall look and feel. 

Consider the following tips:

• Opt for a professional font such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
• Use font sizes between 10 and 12 points for the main text.
• Emphasize important sections or headings using bold or italic styles.

3. The effective use of bullet points

Bullet points can effectively convey key information in a concise and scannable format. 

Consider the following guidelines:

• Use bullet points to highlight key responsibilities and achievements concisely.
• Begin each bullet point with an action verb to demonstrate your accomplishments.
• Keep bullet points concise and avoid excessive use of jargon or technical terms.

4. Ensuring consistency across the document

Consistency is essential to a professional-looking resume. 

Consider the following tips:

• Maintain consistent formatting throughout your resume, including font style, bullet point formatting, and alignment.
• Pay attention to spacing, indentation, and margins to ensure a polished and professional appearance.

Understanding the core elements of a resume

A well-crafted resume consists of several core elements that comprehensively overview your qualifications. Let's explore each component and discuss how to incorporate them effectively:

1. Incorporating contact information

Contact information is the first section of your resume and should include your full name, professional email address, and phone number. Ensure your contact information is prominently displayed at the top of your resume.

2. Crafting a resume summary 

The resume summary or resume objective is a brief paragraph that highlights your key skills and career goals. Tailor this section to align with the specific job or industry you're targeting.

3. Highlighting your work experience

The work experience section allows you to showcase your professional background. List your previous work experiences in reverse chronological order, including the company name, job title, employment dates, and a concise description of your responsibilities and achievements.

4. Showcasing your skills

The skills section provides an opportunity to highlight relevant skills that apply to the job you're applying for. Categorize your skills into areas such as technical skills, soft skills, and industry-specific skills.

5. Listing down your education history

The education section should provide details of your educational background, including the institution, degree earned, and graduation year. Include any relevant coursework, honors, or awards received.

6. Detailing your certifications and licenses

If you hold any certifications or licenses relevant to the position you're applying for, include them in a separate section. Mention the name of the accreditation, issuing organization, and completion date.

3 free resume templates

This section will introduce three free resume format samples and discuss their suitability for different situations and job seekers. These templates offer a starting point for creating a visually appealing and well-structured resume that aligns with your specific needs and target industries.

1. Modern resume template

Example of a Modern Resume (Template to download)

Understanding a modern resume template

A modern resume template is designed to reflect contemporary trends and make a bold visual statement. It’s characterized by a sleek and stylish appearance. A modern resume template is a design format that incorporates innovative elements to present your qualifications visually and engagingly. Its purpose is to showcase your creativity, forward-thinking mindset, and ability to adapt to modern work environments.

Features and design elements

• Clean and Minimalistic Design: A modern resume template usually features a clean, uncluttered design with ample white space, giving it a polished and professional look.
• Stylish Fonts: Modern resumes often utilize contemporary and visually appealing fonts to create an aesthetic appeal that aligns with current design trends.
• Visual Enhancements: These templates may incorporate visual elements such as icons, graphs, or charts to highlight key skills or achievements. These visual enhancements add visual interest and make your resume stand out.

Situations best suited for a modern resume

A modern resume template is particularly suitable for the following situations:

• Applying in Forward-Thinking Industries: If you're seeking opportunities in technology, design, marketing, or creative fields, a modern resume template can effectively convey your ability to think outside the box.
• Targeting Startups or Creative Fields: Startups and creative industries often value innovation and individuality. A modern resume template allows you to showcase your unique skills and personal branding in a visually appealing style.
• Making a Bold, Creative First Impression: If you want to make a strong first impression and stand out from other candidates, a modern resume template can capture the attention of employers with its distinctive style.

Components of a modern resume

When using a modern resume template, consider incorporating the following elements to maximize its impact:

• Personal Branding Statement: Craft a concise and compelling personal branding statement that showcases your unique value proposition and aligns with the specific job or industry you're targeting.
• Infographic Elements: Utilize visually engaging elements, such as graphs or charts, to highlight your key skills, achievements, or qualifications. These infographics help to communicate complex information in an easily digestible format.
• Social Media Handles: Include your professional social media handles, such as Twitter, to showcase your online presence and digital engagement with your industry or field of interest.

2. Professional resume template

Example of a Professional Resume (Template to download)

Understanding a professional resume template

A professional resume template is a classic format emphasizing a traditional and polished appearance. It is widely accepted in conventional or corporate industries. A professional resume template is designed to present your qualifications clearly and concisely, focusing on professionalism and highlighting your experience and expertise.

Features and design elements

• Formal Layout: Professional resumes typically follow a standard layout, with clear section headings and consistent formatting throughout the document.
• Standard Fonts: These templates use standard and widely accepted fonts, such as Arial or Times New Roman, to maintain a professional look and ensure readability.
• Conservative Design: Professional resume templates generally have a conventional design, emphasizing readability and simplicity over flashy or elaborate elements.

Ideal scenarios for a professional resume

A professional resume template is well-suited for the following scenarios:

• Applying in Traditional or Corporate Industries: If you're seeking opportunities in fields such as finance, law, healthcare, or government, a professional resume template is the preferred choice. It aligns with the expectations of these industries and showcases your professionalism.
• Highlighting a Long, Linear Career Path: If you have a consistent and linear career progression, a professional resume template effectively communicates your experience and expertise in a structured manner.
• Emphasizing a Strong Professional Background: If your professional achievements and qualifications are the key selling points, a professional resume template allows you to showcase them prominently.

Key sections of a professional resume

When using a professional resume template, make sure to include the following key headings:

• Comprehensive Work History: Provide detailed information about your previous positions, including job titles, company names, employment dates, and concise descriptions of your responsibilities and achievements.
• Detailed Skills Section: Dedicate a section to list your relevant skills and areas of expertise. Use bullet points to highlight specific skills and demonstrate your proficiency.
• Professional Affiliations: If you are a member of professional associations or organizations related to your field, include them in a separate section to showcase your commitment to professional development and networking.

3. Simple resume template

Example of a Simple Resume (Template to download)

Understanding a simple resume template

A simple resume template offers a clean and minimalistic design, focusing on clarity and readability over style. It is best suited for entry-level positions or individuals with limited work experience. A simple resume template presents your qualifications in a concise and straightforward manner. 

Features and Design Elements

• Clean Layout: Simple resume templates have a clean and uncluttered layout, allowing employers to quickly and easily navigate the document.
• Standard Fonts: These templates utilize standard and easily readable fonts to ensure optimal legibility.
• Minimalist Design: Simple resume templates avoid excessive embellishments or distracting elements, focusing on essential information and readability.

When to use a simple resume

A simple resume template is particularly suitable for the following situations:

• Applying for Entry-Level Positions: If you're starting your career or applying for entry-level positions, a simple resume template lets you showcase your relevant skills and education clearly and concisely.
• Limited Work Experience: If you need more work experience or gaps in your employment history, a simple resume template helps to emphasize your skills and potential, compensating for the lack of extensive experience.
• Prioritizing Clarity and Readability: If you want to ensure that employers can quickly grasp your qualifications and key information, a simple resume template offers a straightforward and easy-to-read format.

Essential elements of a simple resume

When using a simple resume template, include the following essential elements:

• Clear, Concise Career Objective: Begin your resume with a concise career objective highlighting your professional goals and aspirations.
• List of Relevant Skills: Dedicate a section to list your relevant skills, focusing on those that align with the job requirements. Use bullet points to highlight each skill.
• Brief Work or Volunteer Experience: If you have limited work experience, briefly outline your relevant work or volunteer experiences, highlighting your responsibilities and achievements in each role.

Types of resumes

When crafting a resume, there are various formats to choose from. Each format has its advantages and is suited for different situations. In this section, we will provide an overview of the different types of resume formats, discuss their suitability for specific scenarios, and highlight the pros and cons of each format. We will also include samples of each class to give you a better understanding.

1. Chronological resume format

The chronological resume format is the most common and widely used. It focuses on presenting your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. This format is ideal for individuals with a stable work history and consistent career progression.

Ideal scenarios for a chronological resume format

• When you have a solid work history with no significant employment gaps
• When you want to highlight your career growth and progression
• When applying for positions within the same industry or field

Pros of the chronological resume format

• Highlights your work experience and career trajectory
• Demonstrates a clear and logical progression in your professional journey
• Easy for employers to navigate and quickly identify your recent experiences

Cons of the chronological resume format

• May emphasize employment gaps if you have them
• Less suitable for career changers or individuals with limited work experience

Sample chronological resume

[Include a sample chronological resume here]

2. Functional resume format

The functional resume format focuses more on your skills and achievements than your work history. It highlights your abilities and qualifications, making it suitable for individuals with non-linear career paths, career changers, or employment gaps.

Perfect situations for a functional resume

• When you are changing careers and want to emphasize transferable skills
• When you have limited work experience but possess relevant skills and accomplishments
• When you have employment gaps and want to focus on your capabilities rather than specific job titles or dates

Pros of the functional resume format

• Emphasizes your skills and abilities, making it easier to showcase your qualifications.
• Allows you to downplay employment gaps or lack of relevant experience.
• Highlights transferable skills that apply to the desired position.

Cons of the functional resume format

• It may raise questions about your work history and specific job roles
• Some employers may prefer a more traditional resume format and find the functional format less familiar

Sample functional resume

[Include a sample functional resume here]

3. Combination resume format

As the name suggests, the combination resume format combines elements of both the chronological and functional formats. It comprehensively overviews your skills, achievements, and work experience. This format suits individuals who want to highlight their relevant skills and accomplishments while showcasing their work history.

Situations where a combination resume works best

• When you have a diverse skill set and want to demonstrate their relevance to the position
• When you want to highlight specific accomplishments or projects within your work experience
• When you want to showcase a combination of transferable skills and a strong work history

Pros of the combination resume format

• Allows you to showcase your skills, achievements, and work experience in a balanced manner
• Provides a comprehensive view of your qualifications to potential employers
• Offers flexibility in highlighting the most relevant information for each specific application

Cons of the Combination resume format

• It can be more time-consuming to create due to the need to tailor it for each application
• Requires careful organization and structure to ensure a cohesive presentation

Sample combination resume

[Include a sample combination resume here]

4. Targeted resume format

The targeted resume format is specifically tailored to a particular job or industry. It focuses on highlighting the skills, experiences, and qualifications that directly align with the requirements of the targeted position. This format allows you to customize your resume to maximize its relevance to a specific job opportunity.

Instances to use a targeted resume

• When applying for a highly specialized or niche position
• When you want to demonstrate your strong alignment with the job requirements
• When you want to stand out by showcasing your specific expertise and accomplishments

Pros of the targeted resume format

• Demonstrates a strong fit between your skills and the requirements of the targeted position
• Shows a high level of attention and effort, which can impress employers
• Allows you to highlight your most relevant achievements and experiences

Cons of the targeted resume format

• It may require significant customization for each job application
• Not as suitable for general job searches or when applying to diverse roles

Sample targeted resume

[Include a sample targeted resume here]

Adapting your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Many companies utilize Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes before human review. 

To increase your chances of passing the ATS screening, consider the following tips:

• Use standard resume formats like .docx or .pdf to ensure compatibility.
• Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description to increase your chances of getting through the ATS screening.
• Avoid using headers, footers, or complex formatting that may confuse the system.

Example of an ATS-optimized resume

[Include an ATS-optimized resume here]

Addressing special cases in resume formatting

You may need to address specific challenges or unique situations in your resume. 

Consider the following tips:

Addressing Gap Years: If you've taken a gap year, focus on transferable skills acquired during that time and emphasize any relevant experiences or accomplishments.

Navigating a Career Switch: If you're transitioning to a new industry or role, highlight transferable skills and emphasize accomplishments that apply to the new field.

Formatting a Resume with No Work Experience: If you have limited or no work experience, focus on internships, volunteer work, academic projects, and relevant coursework to showcase your skills and experiences.

Make a good first impression with your resume

A well-formatted resume is crucial for making a positive impression on potential employers. By following the formatting guidelines, understanding the core elements of a resume, and utilizing the provided examples and templates, you will learn how to format a standout resume that effectively communicates your qualifications. Remember to tailor your resume to each job application, highlight your achievements, and ensure your resume is error-free. With these tips and resources, you're now well-equipped to write a compelling resume that can impress employers and lead to job interviews.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best resume format for my experience level?
   ⁠The best resume format depends on your experience level. The chronological resume format is recommended for candidates with a stable work history and consistent career progression. It highlights your work experience in reverse chronological order, showcasing your career growth. However, if you have a non-linear career path, are transitioning to a new field, or need more employment, the functional resume format may be more suitable. It emphasizes your skills and accomplishments rather than focusing solely on your work history. Consider selecting a format that aligns with your experience and presents your qualifications most compellingly.
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2. How do I know if my resume is too long or too short?
   ⁠It is important to find the right balance in resume length. Generally, a resume should be one to two pages long. If your resume exceeds two pages, it may be too lengthy and you might lose the reader's attention. Conversely, if your resume is too short, you might need to provide more information to showcase your qualifications effectively. To ensure optimal length, include relevant and impactful details, such as your work experience, skills, and achievements. Review your resume critically and leave off any unnecessary or repetitive information on your resume that does not contribute to your qualifications.
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3. Should I include a photo on my resume?
   ⁠It is advisable only to include a photo on your resume if the employer specifically requests it or the job application requires it. In many countries, including the Philippines, it is considered unnecessary and may lead to potential bias in the hiring process. Instead, highlight your qualifications, skills, and experiences through well-written content and a professional resume layout.
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4. How do I make my resume stand out?
   ⁠To make your resume stand out from the competition, consider the following tips:
   • Tailor your resume to the job you're applying for by emphasizing relevant skills and experiences
   • Use strong action verbs and quantify your achievements to showcase your impact and results
   • Include a professional summary or objective statement highlighting your unique selling points and demonstrating your value to potential employers
   • Use a visually appealing and well-structured resume format that is easy to read and navigate
   • Incorporate keywords from the job description to demonstrate alignment with the desired qualifications
   • ⁠Proofread your resume carefully to ensure it is error-free and professional in tone
   • Consider incorporating visual elements, such as graphs or infographics, if appropriate and relevant to your industry
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5. Can I use a non-traditional resume format?
   ⁠While non-traditional resume formats can be creative and eye-catching, it's important to consider the industry and company culture before using them. In more traditional or corporate industries, sticking to a conventional format is generally recommended to ensure professionalism and compatibility with hiring practices. However, a non-traditional format that showcases your creativity and unique skills may be more appropriate in creative or design-oriented industries. It's crucial to balance standing out and maintaining professionalism to make a positive impression on potential employers.
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6. How do I tailor my resume to a specific job posting?
   ⁠To tailor your resume to a specific job posting such as a job in hotel and restaurant administration, follow these steps:
   • ⁠Carefully review the job description and identify the required key skills, qualifications, and experiences
   • ⁠Customize your professional summary or objective statement to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job requirements
   • ⁠Tailor your work experience section by emphasizing relevant accomplishments and responsibilities that demonstrate your suitability for the position
   • ⁠Adjust your skills section to include the specific skills mentioned in the job description
   • ⁠Incorporate keywords from the job posting throughout your resume to optimize it for applicant tracking systems (ATS) and showcase your fit for the role
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7. What should I include in my skills section?
   ⁠In your skills section, include hard skills (specific technical abilities) and soft skills (personal attributes and interpersonal skills). Select skills relevant to the job you're applying for and align with the desired qualifications in the job description. Examples of hard skills include programming languages, software proficiency, or industry-specific knowledge. Soft skills can have communication, problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork. Be concise and specific in listing your skills, and consider providing examples or achievements that demonstrate your proficiency in each skill.
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8. How do I explain gaps in my work history on my resume?
   ⁠When addressing gaps in your work history on your resume, consider the following tips:
   • ⁠Be honest and transparent: Provide a brief and honest explanation for the gap, such as personal reasons, voluntary work, or upskilling.
   • ⁠Focus on transferable skills: Highlight any relevant experiences or skills gained during the gap period that applies to the position you're applying for.
   • ⁠Use a functional resume format: If you have extensive gaps, consider using a functional resume format that focuses on skills and achievements rather than chronological work history.
   • Discuss the gap during the interview: Use the resume to briefly address the gap, and be prepared to provide more details during the interview if necessary.
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9. Should I include references on my resume?
   ⁠It is optional to include references on your resume. The standard practice is to provide references upon request. Instead of having them directly on your resume, create a separate document with a list of professional contacts. Inform your references in advance and ensure they will provide a positive recommendation. If the job posting specifically asks for references, follow the instructions provided and include the references as requested.
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10. How do I know if my resume is ATS-friendly?
    ⁠To ensure your resume is ATS-friendly, consider the following guidelines:
    • ⁠Use standard resume formats: Save your resume as a .docx or .pdf file to ensure compatibility with applicant tracking systems.
    • ⁠Keep the formatting simple: Avoid using complex formatting, graphics, or images that may not be recognized or properly parsed by the ATS.
    • ⁠Use relevant keywords: Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description to increase your chances of passing the ATS screening.
    • ⁠Avoid headers and footers: Some ATS systems may have difficulty reading information placed in headers and footers, so it's best to include important details within the main body of your resume.
    • ⁠Proofread and test: Review your resume for any errors or inconsistencies, and consider using an ATS compatibility tool to assess how applicant tracking systems may parse your resume.