Question 1

#1. Should I Use a Basic Resume?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially if you're prioritizing substance over style. Basic resumes work best when you have strong qualifications and want hiring managers to  focus on your work experience  rather than flashy design. They're your safest bet when you're unsure about company culture or applying to multiple types of roles. A basic template is a good choice if you're in a traditional field, have solid work experience to showcase, or want to  get past any ATS out there . However, if you're in a creative industry like  graphic design  or marketing, you might consider something more visually distinctive to demonstrate your design skills alongside your qualifications.

Question 2

#2. How Long Should a Basic Resume Be?

Accepted Answer

One page is more than enough  for most candidates. It forces you to be concise and include only your most relevant qualifications, which is exactly what hiring managers want to see. Two pages  are acceptable if you have over a decade of relevant experience and you're applying for senior-level positions like executive roles. However, even experienced professionals should try to keep things brief. Never go beyond two pages unless you're  writing an academic CV . Remember, hiring managers spend just seconds scanning each resume, so keeping it short and focused increases your chances of holding their attention and landing an interview.

Question 3

#3. How Do I Make a Basic Resume?

Accepted Answer

Start by choosing a clean template with a minimal color scheme. Use simple fonts that aren’t overused, like Roboto or Lora, over something cliché like Arial or Calibri. Create headings to  divide and organize your resume into sections . Include your  contact information  at the top, followed by a  resume summary  or objective, then work experience in reverse chronological order, relevant skills, and education. You can add other sections like volunteering, academic projects, or  foreign languages . Keep your formatting consistent, avoid graphics, stick to black text on a white background, and  save your resume as a PDF  before submitting.

Question 4

#4. What Is the Basic Resume Format?

Accepted Answer

The basic resume format is  the reverse-chronological resume format , which lists your most recent job first and works backward through your career history. This is the most widely accepted and ATS-friendly format, and it’s what hiring managers expect to see. The standard structure includes  a resume header  at the top with contact information and a resume summary or  objective . After that come the work experience, skills, and  education sections . It’s the go-to format, regardless of whether you’re experienced in your field or a recent graduate. However, if you’re changing careers, you might want to consider a  skill-based  or  hybrid resume format  instead.

What Is a Basic Resume Template?

Pro Tip