You’re on the hunt for a job, but you need to finish your job application first.
The good news is that your resume doesn’t have to take up a lot of time or look too flashy to grab the hiring manager’s attention.
This is where the right resume template comes in.
You need a basic resume template to make a good impression on the hiring manager.
To make things easier for you, we’ve made a list of the best resume templates to choose from.
Simply pick your favorite, complete the details, and download the final result!
Let’s dive in.
Want to make a basic resume easily? Use our professional resume builder to create your resume in minutes!
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What Is a Basic Resume Template?
A basic resume template uses a clean, straightforward design that highlights your qualifications without any distracting graphics or complex layouts.
Basic resume templates feature simple, readable fonts, clear section headings, minimal color usage, and traditional layouts with plenty of white space. This type of template guarantees a resume that's easy to read and looks professional in any field.
The real advantage of basic resume templates is that they’re reliable and easy to tailor to your needs. Whether you're applying for a corporate position, a part-time job, or even for college, a basic resume template always highlights your strengths with no distractions.
Plus, basic resume templates are ATS-friendly by default, since they don’t use complicated formatting that can confuse applicant tracking systems. You don’t need to worry about getting rejected at the initial screening because the ATS couldn’t scan your resume properly.
But basic doesn't mean boring or ineffective. A simple, clean design can be the best choice because it relies on clear communication over flashy graphics. Basic resume templates are the best choice for job seekers in more traditional industries, like finance, law, and healthcare, as well as many government positions.
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Pro Tip
Are you new to resumes? Learn how to make a resume with our full beginner’s guide!
9 Basic Resume Templates
Here are some of the best basic resume templates you can choose from. Just take your pick and go to our free resume builder to finish your application in no time!
#1. Basic Resume Template
You can see the core principles of basic resume design with this clean black-and-white color scheme and straightforward layout. The simple formatting makes it easy for hiring managers to scan your information quickly, while the traditional structure is perfectly ATS-friendly. It's the perfect choice when you want your qualifications to speak for themselves without any flashy design.
#2. Traditional Resume Template
Featuring a professional layout with clear section divisions and minimal design elements, this template is incredibly reader-friendly. There’s a modern touch with subtle icons and an organized sidebar to create visual interest without overwhelming the content. This design works particularly well for corporate environments that still appreciate some creativity, such as IT, communications, and marketing.
#3. Simple Resume Template
Clean typography and well-organized sections can naturally guide the hiring manager’s eye toward the most important sections, as evidenced by this simplistic template. The minimal color accent adds just enough visual interest while maintaining the professionalism employers expect. The layout leaves plenty of white space so your achievements and qualifications are always the focal point.
#4. Modern Resume Template
Through sleek design and strategic use of white space, this template proves that basic doesn't mean outdated. The professional photo placement and clean formatting create a contemporary look that's still conservative enough for traditional industries. The organized layout makes it incredibly easy for recruiters to find the information they need at a glance.
#5. Executive Resume Template
A clean, uncluttered design and professional typography make this template pop. The structured layout can highlight extensive experience without overwhelming the reader, so it’s ideal for senior-level positions.
The minimal and delicate color scheme ensures that it looks good both printed and on a computer screen, so your application can maintain its professionalism across any format.
#6. Minimalist Resume Template
True to its name, this template strips away unnecessary elements to focus entirely on your content and achievements. With a single-column layout and a strategic use of color highlights, it creates visual hierarchy without compromising readability. This design is perfect for recent graduates who don’t want too many sections crammed together.
#7. Functional Resume Template
This template is perfect for organizing information through clear section headings and a logical flow that's easy to follow. The modern accents and icons add personality while maintaining the professional standard expected across the private sector. The layout is simple and perfect for presenting your skills in the most compelling way possible.
#8. College Resume Template
This template is fresh, approachable, and education-focused. It’s designed for students and recent graduates entering the job market. The soft color palette and neatly organized sections show a professional yet positive application that appeals to entry-level positions. Thanks to the simple formatting, it's ATS-friendly while still allowing your potential to shine through.
#9. General Resume Template
This is a versatile template that combines professional design elements with functionality across all industries and career levels. The bold header design and clearly defined sections make it easy for hiring managers to assess your qualifications quickly. The balanced layout works equally well for both digital applications and printed copies.
7 Tips to Create a Basic Resume
Now that you have basic resume templates to choose from, it’s time to use one to create your resume.
Just follow these resume tips to take your job application to the next level:
- Stick to one page. Most hiring managers spend less than six seconds skimming each resume, so be concise and clear. Only include your most relevant experience and skills for the position you're applying for.
- Write a resume headline. Include a two- to four-sentence summary at the top of your resume that highlights your experience, key qualifications, and goal. This grabs the hiring manager’s attention and lets them know your value at a glance.
- Use reverse chronological order. Always list your most recent job first and work backwards. This format is what hiring managers expect to see and makes it easy for them to see your career progression so far.
- Highlight your achievements. Use bullet points to list achievements for different roles you’ve had. Start each bullet with a strong action verb and, whenever possible, include specific metrics such as a percentage, timeframe, or scale. This adds credibility and makes your accomplishments easier to read for the hiring manager.
- Use keywords from the job ad. Weave in industry-specific terms and required skills mentioned in the job description throughout your resume. It can help you get past the ATS, and it shows you're a good match for the role.
- Include relevant skills. List whatever skills you have that the employer explicitly needs. Mention both hard skills that show your experience as well as soft skills that prove you can fit into the company’s culture and team environment.
- Proofread carefully before submitting. Check for any typos or grammar mistakes. This is one of the biggest resume red flags for hiring managers, and it can lead to an instant rejection.
FAQs About Basic Resume Templates
Do you still have some questions about using a basic resume template? Check out the answers to the most frequently asked questions below.
Key Takeaways
And that’s our listicle for the basic resume templates you can choose!
Before you go land that dream job, let’s just do a quick summary of what we covered:
- A basic resume template is the go-to choice for a traditional industry like finance, law, or government.
- Basic resumes have a simple layout, minimal design elements, and a modest color scheme. They prioritize substance over style and are very easy to read.
- The simple formatting makes basic resume templates naturally ATS-friendly, so they don’t get filtered out by applicant tracking systems before a hiring manager sees them.
- Our resume templates are super easy to work with. Instead of spending ages creating a basic resume from scratch, you can just use one of them and create your application in under five minutes.
- Your basic resume should optimally be around one page. Two pages are only acceptable if you’re going after a senior position and you have over a decade of relevant experience.