17 free templates
Single-Column Resume Templates
A single-column resume reads straight from top to bottom. That makes it the most reliable layout for applicant tracking systems and the easiest to read on a phone screen.
These designs still have plenty of character, from minimal and classic to industry-specific layouts for healthcare, law, teaching and government.
Use templateClassic
Single-column · classic
Use templateMinimal
Single-column · minimal
Use templateExecutive
Single-column · executive
Use templateGraduate
Single-column · graduate
Use templatePortfolio
Single-column · portfolio · 3 pages
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 templateHR & People
Single-column · HR & recruiting
Use templateTeacher
Single-column · Education
Use templateHospitality
Single-column · Hospitality & retail
Use templateGovernment
Single-column · Public service
Use templateMonogram
Single-column · spec
Use templateAccent Line
Single-column · spec
Use templateDeveloper
Single-column · Technology
Tips for using these templates
- Put your most relevant section first, usually experience, or education if you are a recent graduate.
- Group skills on one or two lines instead of a long list.
- Use bold job titles and right-aligned dates so the page is easy to scan.
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 one column is the safest layout
A single-column resume is read the same way by every person and every applicant tracking system: from top to bottom. There is no risk of a parser reading your skills sidebar in the middle of a job description or mixing up dates between columns.
One column also works best on small screens. Recruiters increasingly review applications on phones and tablets, where a two-column layout has to be zoomed and scrolled sideways.
To make a single-column resume efficient, put compact information on one line: group skills by type, combine city and dates on the same line as the job title, and keep your summary to three lines.
Frequently asked questions
- Is a single-column resume better?
- For online applications, usually yes. It is read in the correct order by every applicant tracking system and works well on mobile screens.
- Does a one-column resume look too plain?
- Not with a good design. Typography, spacing and a subtle accent colour make a single-column resume look polished.
- Which single-column template should I choose?
- Classic is the safest all-round choice. Pick an industry template if one matches your field.
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