Resume Templates

What Makes a Resume Template Actually Good?

A good resume template doesn't shout. It doesn’t try to be clever with fonts or play with colors just for the sake of looking different. It simply gets out of the way. You open it, type in your info, and suddenly it clicks: this looks clean, it reads well, and it doesn’t make the recruiter squint.

You’ve probably seen hundreds of resume templates online. Most of them are noise. Cluttered layouts. Inconsistent spacing. Fonts that belong on birthday cards. But a good one? It feels like someone thought it through. It respects your time.

Here’s what actually matters:

• Keep it readable. You’re not designing a poster. Your resume isn’t a branding exercise. Recruiters skim, they don’t study. Make it easy for them.

• Match the tone to the job. Applying for a designer role? Maybe some subtle style is fine. Going for a role in finance? Clean lines and order win every time. You’re not printing this on glossy paper. You’re sending a message.

• Can you shape it your way? A rigid template might look fine but fall apart when you add a fourth job title or need to list two degrees. You want flexibility. It should bend to your experience—not the other way around.

• Looks like you care. Good spacing. Clear headers. Thoughtful use of white space. This isn’t about being fancy—it’s about showing you actually put in five more minutes than the next person.

• It works. Technically. Nothing worse than a template that breaks when opened in Word or turns into a mess on mobile. Save yourself the pain. Test before you trust.

Should You Use a Resume Template at All?

Honestly? Probably. Unless you love formatting documents from scratch, using a good template saves time and helps you focus on what matters: the content.

But let’s be real—not all templates are built well. Some are more style than substance. Others box you in. You want something that gets you 80% there and lets you take over the rest.

Pros:

• Saves time.

• You don’t need to think about where to place dates or job titles.

• If you pick the right one, it just looks professional.

Cons:

• It can look like everyone else’s resume if you don’t tweak it.

• Bad templates do more harm than good.

Bottom line? Use one. But tweak it. Don’t just plug and send.

Tips for Picking the Right CV Template

Here’s a quick test: if you open a template and your first reaction is "ugh, I need to fix this font and delete all the weird icons," move on.

Pick a template that doesn’t get in your way. It should help you think clearly about how to present yourself. Not force you to figure out why your job titles look misaligned.

Also:

• Some jobs like polish. Others like flair. Know your industry.

• Stick with legible fonts. This isn’t a wedding invite.

• Test it on mobile. Recruiters read resumes in line at Starbucks too.

• Make sure you can actually edit the thing.

Don’t let a template dictate how your story gets told. It should be a frame, not a cage.

PDF or DOC? Let’s Not Overthink This

PDF usually wins. It keeps your formatting locked in. No surprises. The recruiter opens it and sees what you intended.

Word files (DOC or DOCX) are fine if someone specifically asks for them. Or if you’re working with a recruiter who wants to tweak things.

Use PDF if:

• You care about layout.

• You want to look polished.

• You don’t want anyone editing your resume.

Use DOC if:

• It’s required.

• You’re sharing with a recruiter.

Simple.

What Format Works Best in 2025?

Depends on your situation. Really.

• Chronological: If your work history is solid and steady.

• Functional: If you’re switching careers or have gaps. But be careful—recruiters are skeptical.

• Hybrid: Works for most. Skills first, jobs next. Safe bet.

• Targeted: Takes more work but worth it for jobs you really want.

• Creative / Visual: Only if you’re in design or media. And still, keep it readable.

There’s no best format. There’s just the one that tells your story without making someone guess.

What Should Actually Go On Your Resume?

Skip the fluff. Use the space well.

• Your name and contact info (obviously).

• A short summary, if you know what you’re doing.

• Experience. Job title, company, dates, bullet points. Keep it tight.

• Education. If it’s relevant.

• Skills. Actual ones. Stuff you could talk about in an interview.

• Certifications, if they matter.

• Volunteer work? Sure, if it adds something.

Don’t write an autobiography. This is your pitch. One page, maybe two.

So, Which Template is the Best One?

The one you don’t have to fight with.

It lets your experience breathe. It doesn’t try to look like a brochure. It just works.

Simple layout. Flexible structure. Easy to update. Doesn’t crash Word. Doesn’t look like clip art. That’s the one.

If you find one like that, you’re already ahead of most applicants.