Best Resume template (2026)

A resume template gives you a consistent structure so you can focus on content instead of design.
When you use a proven template you ensure the most important details, like job titles and dates, are easy to find for both recruiters and software.

A template also speeds up tailoring for multiple roles.
With a reliable layout you can swap keywords and reorder bullet points without breaking the overall flow.

Pick a template that matches the job and industry you are targeting, and make sure it fits one page for early career or two pages for extensive experience.
Look for simple fonts, clear headings, and consistent spacing rather than heavy graphics or multiple columns.

Choose a template that can be saved as Word and PDF so you can upload to different application systems.
Test the template by copying and pasting plain text into it to confirm the layout holds up.

A solid resume template includes a header, summary or profile, experience, education, and skills section, with optional sections for certifications and projects.
Each section should start with a clear heading and contain short, achievement-focused bullets rather than long paragraphs.

For example, under Experience use 3 to 6 bullets per role that start with a strong action verb and quantify impact when possible.
Under Skills list 8 to 12 relevant skills grouped by theme such as Technical Skills or Communication Skills.

Keep formatting simple so applicant tracking systems can parse your resume, and avoid embedded images, unusual fonts, and excessive tables.
Use standard section headings like Work Experience, Education, and Skills because ATS software often searches for those exact terms.

Save your resume template as a clean PDF for human readers and keep an editable Word copy for parsing by some systems that prefer DOCX.
Use left-aligned text, single or 1.

15 line spacing, and 10 to 12 point font for body text to maximize readability.

Always tailor your resume template to the job description by mirroring key phrases and prioritizing the most relevant experience near the top of each section.
Replace generic bullets with specific accomplishments that align with the employer's needs and required skills.

Adjust the order of sections when it strengthens your case, such as moving Projects or Certifications above Experience for a technical role.
Keep the core layout intact so the resume remains consistent and professional even after edits.

Follow these steps to apply the resume template to your background: 1.
Start with the header and contact details, using a professional email and clean phone format.

2.
Write a two to three sentence summary that highlights your role, years of experience, and top skills.

3.
Add Experience entries in reverse chronological order with 3 to 6 concise achievement bullets per role.

4.
Include Education and Certifications with dates and relevant honors.

5.
Add a Skills section with grouped keywords that match the job posting.

6.
Save a clean PDF for submission and keep an editable copy for future edits.

After completing these steps proofread for typos and run a quick ATS check with a simple parser to ensure sections are recognized.
Ask a peer to read your resume for clarity and to confirm your most important achievements are easy to find.

Reverse-chronological templates emphasize your recent roles and are a strong default for most applicants who have steady career progression.
Functional templates focus on skills and achievements and work well for career changers or gaps, but use them carefully since some recruiters prefer clear timelines.

Combination templates blend both approaches by listing skills up front followed by a concise work history, which can be useful for technical professionals with strong projects.
Choose the template type that presents your strongest selling points first while remaining honest and readable.

Summary example: "Product designer with 6 years of experience creating user-centered mobile apps, led design for a product that grew active users by 40 percent.
" This summary is two short sentences that state role, experience, and a measurable result.

Experience bullet example: "Redesigned onboarding flow, reducing user drop-off by 18 percent and increasing conversion from trial to paid subscription.
" Keep bullets outcome focused and include numbers when available to show impact.

Use a template when you need speed, consistency, and a proven structure that hiring managers recognize.
Templates save time and reduce formatting mistakes that can distract from your accomplishments.

Build from scratch only if you have a unique portfolio or need a specialized layout that templates cannot accommodate, but keep the same clarity and simplicity.
Even custom resumes should follow ATS-friendly rules and maintain clear section headings.

Below is the required Article schema for publishing this resume guide, which includes author, datePublished, and dateModified fields.
Include this JSON-LD in the page head so search engines can identify the guide and its metadata.

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