What Template is Right for me?

Templates offer an easy guide to crafting your résumé. They can assist with capturing an ideal layout and working with spacing. There are hundreds of résumé templates available online across multiple platforms. Some websites with free templates are

• Canva.com 

• Novorésumé.com 

• Resume.com 

The challenge with these templates is narrowing down the right one that can work for you and your experience. When you pick a template that does not fit your experience, whether you have many or few years, it can do a disservice to your chances. 

Résumés are usually written in one of three formats: reverse chronological, functional, and combination. Chronological résumé formatting is when you list your experience from the most recent to least recent experience. It’s the format that primarily highlights your experience. This format is the most popular and universal option across industries. Secondly, functional résumé formatting showcases your skills more than work experience. In this case, skills would be placed above work experience. Usually, this format works for those returning to the workforce from the military, or those who have a long gap between jobs. Thirdly, combination résumé formatting blends both these formats together. 

When selecting a template, consider these three questions, as they are key factors in narrowing down your choices. 

1. What industry are you applying for/in? 

While designs can be eye-catching and bold, they can also be a disservice depending on which industry you’re applying to. When applying to creative industries such as art, graphic design, or marketing, you may want to involve a design or play with colors since these industries showcase your artistry. In these cases, you may want to consider using a template that includes shapes, a logo, or pops of color. Ideally, you want these to stand out since these industries may look into your level of creativity. On the other hand, when applying to industries such as science, engineering, or law, you may want to consider a simple and professional template. These templates can be black and white, or professional templates that are mostly text. 

1. Does your experience fit smoothly into one or two columns?
   

When scrolling through templates, you may find several one- or two-column résumés. A one-column template is where all information is presented vertically and aligned to the left. These templates are a popular format and are used universally. One-column templates can work for any first-time freshmen or anyone who doesn’t have that many years of experience. These templates may work better for this group because of the spacing. You don’t want to have too much white space on your résumé. These templates are also typically the best for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) since they can scan easily.

Two-column templates usually have a line that divides the pages. Two columns may be divided by experience on one side and then contact, education, and skills can be on the other side. These formats may work for those with a lengthier work experience, or those who want to play with design. This résumé format may assist with the spacing. The major downside to this format is it may not always read well in the ATS because of the spacing and column divide.

1. Does this template have a flow? 

Some templates can also be unreadable because of the way things are laid out. It can get confusing for the recruiter if there’s an odd layout and they can’t find exactly what they’re looking for. 

In this template to the right, the contact and education sections are too low on the résumé. Also, there should be more elaboration in the extracurriculars section.

These additions and arrangements may cause this template to overflow in spacing and not be an ideal choice.

These three questions can make a difference when deciding on a résumé format and beginning the first draft.

Which résumé template do you have currently?

• 0%Creative, one-column
• 0%Creative, two-column
• 0%Simple/Modern, one-column
• 0%Simple/Modern, two-column