Resume template: plain, one-column and easy to edit
A good resume template is boring on purpose: one column, standard headings, clear dates, and bullets that show results. Copy the layout below into a word processor, replace the brackets, and save it as a PDF or Word file as the employer asks.
At a glance
- One page for under ten years of experience; two pages for longer careers.
- Reverse-chronological order: newest first.
- Bullets start with a verb and end with an outcome.
- Contact details in the body, not only in the header.
- Remove any line that does not help for this job.
Template
[Your Name] [City, State] | [Phone] | [Professional email] | [Profile link, optional]
Summary [Two lines: your role, years or focus area, and the kind of job you want.]
Experience [Job Title], [Employer], [City] | [Month Year] to [Month Year or Present]
- [Verb] [what you did] [result].
- [Verb] [what you did] [result].
- [Verb] [what you did] [result].
[Previous Job Title], [Employer], [City] | [Dates]
- [Bullet]
- [Bullet]
Education [Degree], [School] | [Year]
Skills [Tools], [Languages], [Certifications]
Bullet formula
Action verb + what you did + how or with what + outcome. For example: "Scheduled appointments for three providers using the clinic's booking system and cut double bookings." Use a number only when it is true.
Choosing a layout
| Situation | Layout |
|---|---|
| Steady career | Reverse-chronological |
| Career change | Add a skills section above experience. See career change resume |
| No experience | Education and projects first. See resume with no experience |
Checklist before sending
- Spelling and grammar checked.
- Dates consistent.
- File name like "Firstname-Lastname-Resume".
- Text copies cleanly into a plain text editor. See ATS formatting.
- Contact details correct.
Using it on LiveRec
You can upload your finished file from your account's Resumes page. See upload or replace your resume.
Frequently asked questions
Should I include a photo? In the US, resumes usually do not include one.
How far back should I go? Usually the last 10 to 15 years, unless older work is relevant.
Do I need a summary? It helps readers see your target quickly, especially for career changes.
Next step
Fill in your last two jobs first, then trim to fit one page. See what recruiters read first.
This page is general career information.