Modern Resume Templates

If you’re looking for more information about modern resumes, check out these frequently asked questions:

Should I use a resume template?

Yes, you should use a resume template if you want to save yourself time and have your resume pre-formatted.

Using a resume template can make the task of writing a resume a lot easier, and save you the trouble of having to format a Word document from scratch.

That’s why all of our resume templates are free to download, so you can simply choose the one you like best, download it, and edit it directly in Word (we also have Google Doc resume template options).

Which resume template is best?

Which resume template is best depends on your level of professional experience, the industry you’re applying for work in, and your personal preferences.

The optimal resume template for you will be the one that does the best job of showcasing your strengths as a candidate. That means, for example, that if you’re a student without much professional experience, you should choose a resume template that emphasizes your education section.

Another consideration is what type of role you’re applying for. If you’re seeking work in a formal industry, like law or finance, it’s probably best to stick with a no-frills template, whereas if you’re applying for work in a creative industry, it’s okay to use some more color and design elements (as long as they don’t detract from your resume’s content).

The best resume template for you will ultimately be the one that presents you as the professional you want to be. Choose something that aligns with your style and personality, so employers can get a sense of who you are.

What is the best resume format?

The best resume format for you will depend on your professional background and experience. For most job seekers, the chronological resume format is the most common and effective way to showcase their professional backgrounds. It places the focus on work experience, with smaller sections devoted to skills and education.

However, if you’re writing a resume as a recent graduate or switching careers, choosing a different format might help highlight your most relevant skills and qualifications.

The functional resume format places heavy emphasis on your skill set, while a combination resume format is in the middle ground between the chronological and functional formats.

What should I put on a resume?

You should put the following information on your resume:

• your name
• contact information (at a minimum include your phone number, email address, and location)
• a resume introduction that highlights your key qualifications as a candidate
• a work experience section that showcases your most relevant professional experience
• an education section listing your highest level of education
  your job-specific skills
• any other relevant resume sections that can strengthen your resume

When should you put a photo on your resume?

You should put a photo on your resume when you’re applying for jobs in countries where this is common practice. If you’re writing a resume for a job in India, for example, it’s customary to include a photo. In many European countries, professional photos are also a common addition.

In other countries that have stringent anti-discrimination laws, such as Canada, the US, or the UK, adding a photo to your resume can do more harm than good. That’s because many employers won’t consider applications that include a photo to avoid any potential legal trouble.

If you work in a creative industry and you’re sure that adding a photo is acceptable for the company you’re applying to, then it’s okay to add a picture. Otherwise, it’s best to be cautious and leave it out.

How long should a professional resume be?

A professional resume should be one page long.

If you have extensive professional experience, or you’re applying for a role in which longer resumes are standard, then it’s okay for your resume to be two pages (or longer). For example, if you’re writing an academic CV or an executive-level resume, your resume might be several pages long.

Fost most job seekers, however, a one-page resume is standard. The key is to make sure that everything on your resume is relevant to the job you’re applying for, and to keep it as concise as possible.