Simple resume templates that work

A simple resume template keeps the page plain so your experience does the selling: one or two typefaces, standard headings, generous margins and little or no color. Most designs that look simple share those basics, so the choice comes down to a few details that change how your resume reads. Compare them with your own details in place, not the sample text.

Should a simple resume use one column or two?

Pick one column if you want the plainest page. Everything runs straight down, so a reader moves from your summary to your latest job without jumping sideways, and a single column stays easy to follow when a resume is opened on a phone. Two-column designs put contact details or skills in a narrow side panel. They fit more on one page, which helps when you have a long list of tools or certifications, but the side panel competes with your work history for attention. Our article on whether to use a two-column resume covers when the extra column earns its place.

What separates one simple template from another?

Look at four details in the preview before you decide:

• The header: a centered name feels formal, while a name aligned left with contact details on one row saves space.
• The dividers: thin rules between sections give structure, and white space alone gives an even quieter page.
• The color: black and gray suit formal fields, and a single accent color on the headings adds warmth without clutter.
• The type: a larger name and bold section headings help a recruiter skim, as long as the body text stays easy to read.

Classic and Dignified are two of our plainest designs, with black text and thin dividers. Start there if you want the most traditional look, then compare one design that adds an accent color.

Does a simple template suit your field?

For most jobs, yes. Plain designs are the norm in finance, law, government, healthcare administration and the trades, where employers expect a traditional page. In sales, tech and most office roles, a simple design with one accent color looks current. Creative fields are the main exception: a designer or marketer may want a little more personality, though the same clean structure still applies underneath.

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How much should you fit on a simple template?

Fill the page with substance rather than decoration. On a simple template the words carry the design, so aim for three to five bullets under each recent job, each starting with a verb and ending on a result where you have one. A short summary at the top and a skills section grouped by type give the page shape. With less experience, move education or projects higher and let the white space stay; a tidy half page reads better than a stretched one.

How do you test a simple template before you commit?

Put your real details in first, because sample text makes every design look tidy. Then check the page the way a recruiter will:

1. Read only the section titles and the opening bullet of each. Your latest title and best result should stand out.
2. Shrink the preview or look at it on your phone, and make sure nothing feels crowded.
3. Switch to a second simple design and compare. Your words carry over, so this takes no retyping.

If both look good, choose the one that suits your field and move on to the wording. Our guide to what to put on a resume covers each section, and the ATS-friendly resume templates page explains how a plain layout helps screening software read your details.