9 free templates
Simple Resume Templates
A simple resume lets your experience do the talking. These designs use a clean single column, generous white space and restrained styling, so a recruiter can scan your history in seconds.
Simple does not mean plain. Each template still has a clear hierarchy for your name, job titles and dates, and a subtle accent that makes the page look finished.
Use templateClassic
Single-column · classic
Use templateMinimal
Single-column · minimal
Use templateHealthcare
Single-column · Healthcare
Use templateFinance
Single-column · Finance
Use templateLegal
Single-column · Legal
Use templateAcademic
Single-column · Academic
Use templateSales
Single-column · Sales
Use templateMonogram
Single-column · spec
Use templateAccent Line
Single-column · spec
Tips for using these templates
- Lead with a two- or three-line summary that says what you do and what you are looking for.
- Keep bullet points short and start each one with a strong verb.
- Use one font family and one accent colour throughout.
Check your resume before you apply
Upload your finished resume to the free ATS checker to see what applicant tracking systems read and which issues to fix first. It works in any language.
Why simple resumes work so well
Recruiters often skim a resume in seconds before deciding to read it properly. A simple layout helps them find your current role, your strongest results and your key skills immediately, without decoration competing for attention.
Simple designs are also the most versatile: they suit almost every industry and seniority, print cleanly, read well on a phone and are parsed reliably by applicant tracking systems. If you only want to maintain one resume, a simple template is the safest foundation.
To keep a simple resume from feeling plain, invest in the content: a sharp two-line summary, bullet points that start with action verbs and include numbers, and a skills section that mirrors the job posting.
Frequently asked questions
- Is a simple resume better than a creative one?
- For most roles, yes. Simple layouts are faster to scan and read reliably in applicant tracking systems. Creative designs suit design, media and marketing roles where presentation is part of the job.
- What should a basic resume include?
- Contact details, a short summary, work experience, education and skills. Add projects, certifications or languages when they support the role you want.
- Can I make a simple resume stand out?
- Yes, through the content: specific results, numbers and skills that match the job description stand out far more than design elements.
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