Resume Templates
Our professionally designed resume templates are employer-ready, ATS-friendly and easy to customize. Choose from dozens of top-notch free resume templates, or use our Resume Builder to create the perfect job-winning resume in minutes.

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Resume resources
How to choose the best resume format
Your resume format will determine how your resume is organized and the best resume template to use. For example, if you’re a first-time job seeker, you’ll want to create a resume that emphasizes your skills and training rather than your work experience (or lack thereof).
Choose your resume format based on these guidelines:
- Functional format: This format emphasizes skills by breaking them into subcategories. It’s perfect for jobs that rely on skills more than experience or if you lack experience. Good resume templates for the functional format should include different skills sections, such as the “Summary of Qualifications” and the “Professional Skills.”
- Combination format: If you have a few years of experience or are changing careers but can point to essential skills, use this resume format, which features a balance of skills and work experience. Sample resume templates for the combination format should feature the “Summary of Qualifications,” as well as a skills list.
- Chronological format: If you can show substantial progression in your career field, or are aiming for a senior position, use this format, which gives you plenty of space to describe your work history. Chronological resume template examples will have the work history section directly below the resume summary.
How to write a resume on a free downloadable resume template
Think of a resume as a summary of your career and professional qualifications. In the space of one to two pages, your resume template should communicate your strengths as an employee and what makes you the best fit for the job.
When filling in your free resume template, focus on customizing it for the specific job: highlighting your skills and work experiences that match what the job needs. Include keywords that show employers (and the ATS systems they use to scan resumes) that your background is in line with what they need. Use strong action verbs and short phrases and bullet points, and keep your resume concise. Our free downloadable resume templates are all created with these crucial points in mind, so use them as a guide.
For a complete guide on how to write your resume from top to bottom, visit our page on How to Write a Resume.
How to write a resume summary
The summary in a professional resume template is your first chance to make a good impression with your resume. Think of it as an “elevator pitch” that’s a few sentences long and answers these questions:
- What makes you a good employee? Think in terms of notable skills or achievements.
- What makes you right for the job? Emphasize abilities that fit the job.
To make the best of the summary in your downloadable resume template, visit our How to Write a Resume Summary page.
How to write a work history section on your free resume template
In the work history section of your resume template, avoid listing ordinary everyday duties. Instead, emphasize special projects or achievements that set you apart. Quantify your accomplishments using numbers (e.g., “Managed schedules for 50 employees” or “Headed media campaign that resulted in 23% increase in user subscriptions”).
Our How to Write Your Work History Section page provides more pointers to effectively summarize your work experience in your job resume template.
How to list skills on a resume template
Your resume format will determine how you put your skills section together. If you’re displaying more than a handful of skills, organize your skills section by skill categories (e.g., administrative skills, software skills). Be sure to include:
- Hard skills: abilities you can learn through study and training, such as knowledge of specific software programs or the ability to perform medical procedures.
- Soft skills: intangible traits that tell employers how you can interact with others and approach work, such as attention to detail, communication or teamwork.
For our recommendations on top hard and soft skills to include in your resume, as well as how to best present your skills on your free downloadable resume template, visit our How to Write Your Skills page.
Resume templates for different file formats
PDF resume templates
Employers often prefer resumes in PDF format because they’re readable on any browser and can be submitted “as is” for many job applications. The good news? All of our resume templates on My Perfect Resume can be downloaded as a PDF. For more tips and good resume templates to get you started on a polished PDF, visit our PDF resume template page.
Plain text resume
Having a resume in plain text format can help you in several job application situations, such as submitting your resume through an online form or in the body of an email. For a step-by-step guide for composing a resume in plain text (yes, there are a few rules involved), visit our plain text resume page.
Google Docs resume templates
For document sharing and flexibility in format downloads, Google Docs resume templates are another choice for your resume. For more about the pros and cons of using Google Docs, along with helpful pointers, see our Google Docs templates page.
Microsoft Word resume templates
Microsoft Word is one of the most common file types for submitting resumes — and all of our resume templates can be saved in Word. Get your resume looking its best in Word by following our tips on our Microsoft Word resume templates page.
What do customers think about our resume templates?
We’ve helped millions of jobseekers create professional resumes that get interviews. We know you’ll see our resume builder can do the same for you. Read what our customers have to say about their experience using our resume builder.
Resume template FAQ
Why should I use a resume template?
Some might argue that using a template “boxes” you into using a design and shows a lack of creativity, but as long as the template has a solid resume outline that passes muster with hiring managers and ATS scans, there’s no downside to using them. If anything, having an employer-ready template and ATS-friendly resume template saves you from having to create one of your own and worry about whether the layout will be easy to read.
What is ATS? Do you have ATS-friendly resume templates?
Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes before they reach human eyes. A resume that’s readable and contains the right keywords that match up with what the job needs (e.g., one job might stress “problem-solving” while another might emphasize “customer service”) will have a better chance of passing ATS. Our free downloadable resume templates are specifically designed to be readable by ATS. All that you need to do is adjust the content, so you have the right keywords.
How do you use a resume template?
Think of a resume template as the foundation on which you can build your resume. Once you choose the best resume template for what you need, you can update the content to fit your situation and the job for which you’re applying. Better yet, pick one of our professional resume templates and our Resume Builder can walk you through the process and provide helpful job-specific suggestions to fill out your resume along the way.
Which is the best resume template?
The best resume template for you will depend on your experience and skills and the type of job for which you’re applying. Suppose you’re looking at a more senior role that depends heavily on experience. In that case, our professional resume templates are a good bet, as they make the right impression with a company that values steadiness and efficiency. If you’re eyeing a job that focuses on creativity and cutting-edge work, go with a creative resume template that shows off imagination as well as your credentials. If you’re a first-time job seeker or lack experience, use a basic resume template that can show off your job-ready qualifications and training without resorting to visual bells and whistles.
Do employers prefer one-page resume templates?
Employers typically only spend a few seconds scanning an individual resume, so if you can keep your resume one page long while including all the crucial information you want to get across, a one-pager is an excellent way to go. But if you’re applying for a job that favors lots of experience, you shouldn’t hold back from a two-page resume that accommodates all your essential qualifications and work history. Our resume templates are built to look their best, whether your resume is one or two pages long.
Do you have free resume templates?
We have plenty of free resume templates you can use. Simply click on the downloadable resume template of your choosing and customize it for your specific needs without charge.
How do you write a cover letter?
Many job applications will ask you to submit a cover letter along with your resume. Keep in mind that your cover letter should complement your resume, not simply repeat it. Hit these points in your cover letter:
- Provide further explanation of why you’re interested in the job and why you think you’re a good fit.
- Give more details about an achievement or skill you have that’s relevant to the job.
- Communicate your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
Our cover letter templates are designed to complement our resume templates, so you can look like the professional you are. For step-by-step guidance for writing your letter, visit our How to Write a Cover Letter page.
More resume help
10 Tips to Get Your Resume Through an Applicant Tracking System
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Six Resume Mistakes that Could Cost You an Interview
Despite best intentions and a solid effort to keep an open mind, most managers draw drastic conclusions about your abilities, your workplace behaviors and your skills when they come across a glaring resume mistake.
Update Your Resume: a Quick Fix Guide
It’s never a bad idea to keep an updated, polished, edited resume on hand so when the time comes, you can take action and make your next career move without hesitation.