8+ Simple Resume Templates for 2024

30 October
4 min read
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You’re looking for a job.

You know hiring managers are busy, and you want to make sure your resume catches their attention right away.

You don’t want to submit a resume with a design so flashy it takes away the attention from your experience. But you also don’t want something so barebones that they get bored just looking at it.

The best way to find that perfect balance between minimalism and individuality is to choose a simple resume template.

Wondering where to get started? No worries.

We’ve curated a list of some of our best simple resume templates to help you make an impactful, no-frills resume that gets results.

Let’s dive in!

8+ Simple Resume Templates

#1. Creative

simple creative resume template

Great for more creative industries like graphic design or marketing. This template allows you to showcase your innovative spirit while maintaining a professional look. 

It's perfect for those who want their resume to be a testament to their creativity.

#2. Basic

basic simple resume template

A no-nonsense resume template that's perfect for fields like medicine or psychology. It presents your qualifications clearly and concisely, letting your experience speak for itself without any unnecessary frills.

#3. Modern

modern simple resume template

This eye-catching resume template comes with an extra visual flair to make every section stand out. It's a great choice for project managers as well as for roles in digital marketing, tech startups, or innovative nonprofits.

#4. Executive

executive simple resume template

This template is sophisticated and polished, ideal for any managerial or executive role. It conveys a sense of leadership and professionalism and is perfect for those aiming for top-tier positions.

#5. Simple

simple resume template

This resume template sticks to the basics and uses a strategic pop of color for the sections to stick out. It's clean and efficient, making it easy for recruiters to quickly find the information they need.

#6. Functional

functional simple resume template

This bold and colorful resume template lets you focus on the facts and highlight your skills and work experience above all else. 

It's great for showcasing your capabilities, especially if you're changing careers or have a diverse skill set.

#7. Professional

professional simple resume template

Ideal for any field, from customer service to IT, this resume template is simple, professional, and easy to navigate. Its versatility makes it a solid choice for a wide range of industries and positions.

#8. College

College simple resume template

This resume template is perfect for any college applicant or recent graduate. The ample white space between sections lets the information pop and is sure to grab the hiring manager's attention immediately!

Don’t know how to make a resume? Check out our dedicated article for a detailed, step-by-step guide!

What Makes a Simple Resume Template?

Simple resume templates are designed to make your job application as clear and effective as possible. Here are the essential features that make these templates stand out:

  1. Clean Layout. A simple template uses a straightforward structure that guides the eye naturally through your information. This makes it easy for employers to find what they're looking for quickly.
  2. Professional Fonts. These templates use clear, professional fonts that are easy to read on both screen and paper. No squinting required!
  3. Ample White Space. Simple templates aren't cramped. They use white space strategically to break up sections and make the overall design feel less cluttered.
  4. Clear Section Headings. With bold or differently styled headings, these templates make it easy to navigate between different parts of your resume. Employers can jump straight to the sections they're most interested in, whether that’s work experience or personal projects.
  5. Minimal Color Palette. Simple doesn't mean boring. These templates tend to use one or two colors strategically to add visual appeal without overwhelming the content.
  6. Easy to Skim Through. These resumes are designed to be quickly scanned, with key information like job titles or essential skills easy to spot at a glance.
  7. Consistent Formatting. From heading sizes to the use of bullet points, simple templates maintain consistent formatting throughout to give your resume a polished, professional look.

Looking to create your resume as soon as possible? Check out our free resume builder to get started!

Why Choose a Simple Resume Template?

Using a simple resume template can be your secret weapon during a job search. It cuts through the noise and lets your qualifications shine brighter than the design.

Here are seven compelling reasons to go with a simple resume template:

  1. Instant Readability. Simple templates are perfect for the six-second resume test since they make it easy for busy hiring managers to find the information they need.
  2. Highlights What Matters. With a clean design, your skills and experience take center stage on your resume.
  3. ATS-Friendly. Simple templates are great for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), so they increase your chances of getting past the first screening.
  4. Looks Professional Across Industries. A simple template looks sharp, whether you're in tech, finance, or creative fields.
  5. Easy to Customize. The straightforward layout of simple resume templates lets you quickly tailor your resume for different job applications.
  6. Time-Saver. Simple resume templates can be filled out quickly, so they let you focus on perfecting your content instead of fiddling with the design.
  7. Print and Digital Ready. These templates look great both on screen and on paper, so you can share your perfect resume in any format.

Key Takeaways

That wraps up our guide to simple resume templates! 

Let's quickly recap the main points:

  • Simple resume templates help your qualifications stand out by getting rid of any unnecessary distractions like flashy designs or cluttered layouts.
  • These templates use clean layouts, easy-to-read fonts, and effective white space to help the hiring manager find what they need in your resume at a glance.
  • Simple doesn't mean boring - these resume templates still look professional and can be customized to suit your style and reflect your personality.
  • Using a simple template saves you a ton of time that would otherwise go into trying to perfect the design, and instead, you can focus on what your resume’s content is.