How to Pick the Right Resume Template (With 15+ Examples)

Choose a resume template that fits your career story and the job you want. The reverse chronological format is the most popular and reliable choice. Opt for a clean, simple design that’s ATS-friendly. Avoid fancy fonts, graphics, multiple columns, or text boxes that can affect the ATS. Match the style to your industry: keep it classic for traditional fields and add subtle creativity for design roles. Pick a flexible template that’s easy to update, so you can tailor your resume quickly without any hassle. 

The options for a new resume template are endless. 

Between Canva, Google Docs, Word, and Adobe, you’re staring at options with sidebars, headshots, questionable fonts, and designs that look more like party invites than resumes. 

And it’s not just all about looks. 

If your resume isn’t formatted properly, the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) might struggle to read it, meaning it could get buried before a human ever sees it. 

This guide breaks it all down: 

• The best and worst types of resume templates. 
• What to look for (and avoid) in a template. 
• Our favorite picks from Rezi, Google Docs, and MS Word. 

If you want to get started now, try our AI Resume Builder. Or check out these helpful reads: 

• How to Show Achievements on a Resume 
• Best Free Resume Templates & Tips 
• 35+ Professional Resume Templates 
• How to Update Your Resume 

The Best and Worst Types of Resume Templates 

In short: the best resume templates are those that are ATS-friendly and easy to customize. A single-column layout with minimal, and professional designs work best. Avoid graphic-heavy or double-column layouts because these can be hard to edit, not optimized for space, and often unreadable by ATS. 

The worst types of resume templates? Graphic-heavy, highly visual, or double-column layouts. They can trip up ATS, be a headache to edit, and often put style over substance. Canva templates might look great, for example, but their text boxes can make them unreadable to ATS. As for Google Docs or MS Word templates, some are fine, but others have hidden formatting that ATS can’t process. 

Resume templates, designs, and formats explained 

People often use “resume templates,” “design,” and “format” as if they mean the same thing, but they don’t. 

• A resume template is a ready-made layout you can fill in with your own details. It decides where each section goes and ensures everything is neatly arranged. 
• Resume design is the styling of that layout: fonts, colors, spacing, and visual elements that can give your resume more personality. 
• Resume format is the structure of your content: the order of your sections and what you choose to emphasize first. The three main resume formats are reverse chronological (the most recommended), skills-based (for career changers or gaps), and combination (a mix of skills and experience). 

Relevant guides: 

• The Reverse Chronological Resume Format 
• The Combination Resume Format 
• The Skills-Based Resume Format 
• The Functional Resume Format 

How to Choose the Right Resume Template 

Here’s what to look for when choosing the right resume template: 

• Pick a layout with the best ATS-readability. Use a single-column layout with standard fonts (like Arial or Calibri), clear headings, and no tables, text boxes, or fancy graphics. 
• Consider your experience level: pick a modern layout when you’re early in your career, or a compact one for longer work histories.
• Match the industry and role’s expectations. Keep it classic for corporate jobs and add subtle flair for creative fields. 
• Customize as needed for each application.

Steer away from templates that aren’t optimized for ATS scans and go for those that are easy to edit. Skip photos unless the role specifically requires one. 

Picking the wrong template can lead to formatting disasters and do-overs you don’t need. Keep these tips in mind while you browse, and you’ll save yourself time (and a few rounds of starting from scratch). 

1. Pick a resume template with the best ATS-readability 

Before a recruiter ever lays eyes on your resume, it’s almost guaranteed to be scanned by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). If the ATS can’t read it, your application may never reach human hands, no matter how qualified you are. 

We recently tested nine resumes built with different popular resume builders (including our own), plus two plain-text versions from Word and Google Docs. When we uploaded them into a common ATS, even the best template only had 58% of its information parsed correctly. (Read more about the experiment on why resume scanners don’t work.) 

Although resume scanners are far from perfect, most companies rely on them for filtering candidate applications, so they’re still crucial to consider when building a resume.

Our resume templates at Rezi are all designed with ATS readability in mind — clean structure, no hidden formatting, and a layout that keeps your content intact. If you use Rezi, our standard resume template is the safest choice: single column, minimal, and professional. 

If you’re not using Rezi, here’s how to tell if a template is ATS-friendly: 

• Avoid multiple columns, tables, text boxes, or decorative fonts. 
• Skip overly designed resumes. For example, the text box formatting from some Canva templates are often unreadable by ATS. 
• Choose standard fonts (Arial, Calibri). Use clear headings and bullet points. Display and informal fonts not only look unprofessional, but they also usually fail to comply with ATS standards. 
• Keep margins at about one inch, spacing at single or 1.15, and contact info at the very top (not in a header tool). 

2. Consider your experience level 

The amount of experience you have should shape the template you choose. 

If you’re entry-level or just out of school, go for a layout that highlights your skills, education, and internships — without making a short work history look empty. A modern option, like Rezi’s modern resume template, balances white space and content so it looks polished at any experience level. 

If you’re mid-career or highly experienced, pick a template with enough room to showcase your accomplishments without cramming them in. For example, the Rezi compact resume template is a great choice — it handles longer work histories while staying clean and uncluttered. 

3. Match the industry and role’s expectations 

Not every job calls for the same kind of resume. If you’re going for a position in a conservative field like finance, law, or anything corporate, stick to a simple, no-frills resume template (think monochrome with no distractions). 

But if you’re applying for a role in a more creative field like design or media, a bit of color may help you stand out (just keep it subtle and readable). 

Avoid any design that includes a photo, unless you’re in acting or modeling, it’s the norm in your location, or the company specifically requests it. For everyone else, it’s just unnecessary space — and sometimes even a red flag. 

4. Customize the layout as needed for each application 

Your template should work for you, not against you. 

Adjust the font size (9–12 pt for body text, 14–16 pt for headings), rearrange sections, tweak spacing, whatever your resume needs. 

Alternatively, you can use the Rezi auto-adjust feature to automatically optimize your resume format without you battling margins and line breaks. 

Every application is different, so your resume should be too. That might mean tailoring your summary, reordering accomplishments, highlighting specific skills, and throwing in keywords from the job posting. A clean, flexible template makes this quick to do, without the formatting drama. 

One Rezi user, Elizabeth, said that this was her favorite feature: 

The Best Resume Templates That Look Professional and Optimized for ATS Readability

These Rezi templates are hands-down the best resume templates you can use. They’re clean, ATS-friendly, and built to put your skills and experience front and centre. They’re available in both PDF and .DOCX formats. Go with a standard layout for traditional roles, or try a pop of color if you work in a more creative field. 

Standard resume template 

The classic for a reason. This is our most popular layout — simple, professional, and versatile enough for any role. If you’re ever in doubt, this is the one you can count on. 

Minimalist resume template 

Simple, professional, and checks all the boxes. It’s ideal if you’re early in your career and want your content to take center stage. No distractions, just a layout that works in almost any industry. 

Trendy resume template 

Professional with a pop of color. Great if you want to stand out a bit, especially in creative roles or customer-facing jobs, while still keeping it ATS-friendly and easy to read. 

Modern resume template 

Sleek and well-organized, with the blue font separating the sections nicely. A strong pick if you want your resume to feel polished and professional without being too flashy. 

Smart resume template 

Love the sleek look of the Modern template, but not sure about the color? The Smart template keeps the same sharp design but in a clean, color-free style that’s still professional. 

Vibrant resume template 

Want just a hint of personality? This one adds a subtle colored border in blue, red, orange, or green, without messing with readability or ATS compatibility. It’s a great pick for creative roles or startups. If I had to pick a favorite, it’d be this one — it stands out just enough to feel modern, but still looks polished and professional. 

Neat resume template 

Clean and adaptable across industries. Smart formatting makes your experience easy to scan, and the lighter font for dates and locations gives the layout a nice visual balance. 

Structured resume template 

Need room to show off years of experience? This one keeps everything tidy, even with more text. Ideal if you have a lot to include and want it all to fit without looking cramped. 

Compact resume template 

For the experienced professionals who’ve got plenty to say. This layout maximizes every inch of space and gets straight to the point. It’s great for roles in law, finance, or other traditional fields. 

Maximum resume template 

Think of this as the bold, confident cousin of the Compact template. Your name, job titles, and degree names stand out in bold, making them impossible to miss. It’s text-heavy, but the clean layout makes it easy for recruiters to scan and spot the highlights. 

3 Google Docs Resume Templates 

If you want a free, no-fuss option, Google Docs has five resume templates you can access with just a Google account. They’re simple, easy to edit, and get the job done without overwhelming you with choices. 

Quick tip: Don’t put your full address like they do in the templates. Just your city and state (or country) is enough. 

Coral resume template 

This template is simple, warm, and professional. Use one readable font throughout, add a short summary/objective at the top, and rearrange the layout to follow it with experience, education, and then a bullet-pointed skills list. Skip the “hello” and make sure your name stands out in 20–24 pt font. 

Spearmint resume template

Neat, spacious, and easy to skim. The green border adds just the right amount of personality. Include a summary/objective up top, aim for 3–6 bullets per job, and move your skills below your education. Highlighting your job title under your name isn’t necessary, but it gives it a strong opening. 

Modern resume template 

A creative, stylish pick that still keeps things professional. The bold name up top makes an impact, and the layout flows well. Just add an objective/summary, bullet your skills, and feel free to swap out the awards section on your resume for something more useful. 

For more Google Docs options, check out 40 Free Google Docs Resume Templates. 

3 MS Word Resume Templates 

Here are some of the best MS Word resume templates — clear, one-column layouts with no text boxes, graphics, or formatting that’ll confuse the ATS. They’re simple, effective, and designed to impress hiring managers. For more options, browse the Microsoft template gallery. 

Professional resume template 

This template was made for a managerial position, but it works across all levels and industries. The layout uses space efficiently, as the job title, company, and dates are on one line, giving you more room to show off your experience without clutter. 

ATS resume template 

Sleek, structured, and versatile, this one works for just about any field. There’s plenty of space for your experience, and the layout keeps everything looking good. Just remove the “references” section (they’ll ask if they need them) and fill out each job with three to six clear bullet points. 

Simple resume template 

The red accents give it personality without sacrificing professionalism. The section headings are easy to spot, and the layout is super readable. Just flesh out your work history with solid bullet points so it doesn’t look too light. 

Summary 

Here’s a recap of how to pick the right resume template: 

• Use a reverse chronological format for most roles, skills-based if you’re changing careers or have gaps, and the combination format to highlight experience and skills equally. 
• ATS-friendliness is a must, so avoid text boxes, graphics, and Canva templates. Stick to standard fonts, clear headings, and one-column layouts. 
• Match the style to the industry: clean and simple for traditional fields, subtle flair or color for creative roles. 
• Choose a layout that fits your experience — compact for a short work history, roomier if you have more to show off. 
• Your template should be easy to edit: if one change breaks the format, it’s not the one. 
• Avoid templates with photos. Unless you’re an actor or model, they’re distracting and unnecessary. 
• Consider using an ATS-friendly builder like Rezi to simplify formatting. 
• Use bullet points, one-inch margins, and consistent spacing throughout. 

FAQ 

How many pages should a resume be? 

Stick to a one-page resume if you’re early in your career or don’t have extensive experience. A two-page resume is fine if you’ve been working 10+ years or have lots of relevant achievements. Just make sure every line adds value. And if you’re just spilling onto page two, trim it back. 

Does the template of your resume matter? 

A clean, well-organized template makes your resume easier for both humans and the Applicant Tracking Systems to read. Flashy fonts, graphics, or cluttered layouts can get in the way of your content, even if you’re a great candidate. Keep it simple and skimmable. 

What is a CV vs. a resume? 

A resume is a short, tailored summary of your experience and skills (usually one or two pages). A CV is longer and more detailed, used mainly for academic, research, or scientific roles. It includes your full career, publications, awards, and detailed education history. 

For more on this, read CV (Curriculum Vitae) vs. Resume: The Difference Explained. 

How far back should a resume go? 

Your resume should cover the last 10–15 years of experience — that’s usually enough to show your most relevant work. If something older is truly relevant, it’s okay to include it. Otherwise, leave out anything that doesn’t support the job you’re targeting. 

Can I use color or graphics on my resume? 

Yes, but keep it minimal. A little bit of color in your name or section headings is fine if it looks professional. Avoid background colors, images, or graphics that can distract or affect the ATS. Choose readable and modern over creative-for-creative’s sake. 

Should I include references on my resume? 

You don’t need to list references or write “references available upon request.” Employers will ask if they want them. Use that space to focus on your skills, accomplishments, and experience instead.