What Resume Template Do Employers Prefer? Best Formats & Examples

Crafting the perfect resume can feel like navigating a minefield. With countless templates and design options available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and wonder if you’re making the right choices. One of the most common questions job seekers ask is: “What resume template do employers actually prefer?” This is a critical question because your resume is often the first impression you make, and a poorly designed or formatted document can unfortunately land you in the “no” pile before your qualifications even get a fair look. Understanding employer preferences can significantly boost your chances of landing an interview.

While there’s no single “magic” template that guarantees success, understanding the key elements that recruiters and hiring managers value is essential. Simplicity, clarity, and readability are paramount. Employers generally favor resume templates that are ATS-friendly (Applicant Tracking System), meaning they can be easily parsed by software used to screen applications. They also appreciate templates that allow for a concise and well-organized presentation of your skills, experience, and education, without sacrificing professionalism or making it difficult to find crucial information quickly.

Introduction: Employer preferences in resume templates

When it comes to resume templates, employers generally favor clarity, readability, and a professional appearance. The ideal template should effectively showcase your skills and experience without being distracting or difficult to navigate. Forget overly flashy designs or unconventional layouts, as these can often hinder the applicant tracking system (ATS) from properly parsing the information and may even prejudice the recruiter against you.

Instead, opt for templates that prioritize a clean and organized structure. This means using clear headings, consistent formatting, and ample white space to make the resume easy on the eyes. Think of your resume as a marketing document; it needs to be immediately appealing and highlight the most relevant information for the specific job you’re applying for. Choose a template that allows you to effectively demonstrate your qualifications and tailor your content to resonate with the employer’s needs.

Furthermore, the best resume templates are ATS-friendly. This means they should be designed in a way that allows the software used by many companies to easily scan and extract information such as keywords, skills, and experience. Using simple fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman), avoiding tables or graphics (unless necessary and optimized), and using standard section headings are crucial for ensuring your resume passes through the ATS successfully. Research the industry or specific company to identify keywords and skills they are seeking and incorporate them naturally into your resume. Ultimately, employers want a resume that is both visually appealing and easily digestible by both humans and machines.

Key elements: Clarity, conciseness, readability

Employers consistently favor resume templates that prioritize clarity, conciseness, and readability. These three elements are crucial for ensuring that your qualifications are easily understood and quickly assessed, especially when recruiters are reviewing hundreds of applications. A cluttered or confusing resume can quickly lead to a rejection, even if you possess the necessary skills and experience.

Clarity refers to the straightforward presentation of information. Avoid jargon or overly technical terms unless they are commonly understood within the specific industry. Use clear and concise language to describe your responsibilities and achievements. Employ action verbs to start your bullet points to create a more dynamic and impactful narrative. A clear resume allows the reader to quickly grasp your core competencies and contributions.

Conciseness is about presenting the most relevant information in a compact and efficient manner. Employers appreciate resumes that are easy to scan and don’t waste their time with unnecessary details. Aim for a one-page resume, especially if you have less than ten years of experience. Focus on highlighting the skills and experiences that directly align with the requirements of the target job description. Prioritize quantifiable achievements whenever possible, showcasing the tangible impact of your work.

Readability encompasses the overall visual appeal and ease of navigation through your resume. Choose a clean and professional font (e.g., Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman) with a font size that is comfortable to read (typically 10-12 points). Use ample white space to avoid a crowded appearance. Structure your resume with clear headings and subheadings to guide the reader through different sections (e.g., Summary, Skills, Experience, Education). Consider using bullet points to break up dense blocks of text and make information easier to digest. A well-formatted, readable resume demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism.

Structure: Reverse-chronological vs. functional

When it comes to resume structure, the reverse-chronological format is generally the preferred choice of employers. This format focuses on your work history, listing your most recent job first and working backward. This allows recruiters and hiring managers to quickly assess your career progression and most recent accomplishments. It showcases stability and provides a clear timeline of your experience, making it easy to understand your career trajectory.

In contrast, the functional resume format emphasizes skills and abilities, grouping them into categories and minimizing the focus on specific job titles and dates. While this might seem appealing for those with gaps in their employment history or who are changing careers, it’s often viewed with suspicion by employers. It can be perceived as hiding something or lacking transparency, leading to the assumption that the candidate is trying to conceal a lack of relevant experience.

While functional resumes have a niche, primarily for individuals with extensive gaps in employment or those making significant career changes *and* having a strong networking connection to vouch for them, the vast majority of employers prefer and are accustomed to reviewing reverse-chronological resumes. They want to see your work history clearly laid out, making it simple to understand where you’ve been, what you’ve done, and the skills you’ve developed along the way. Sticking to the reverse-chronological format ensures your resume is easily understood and processed by both human reviewers and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

However, even within the reverse-chronological format, you can tailor the content to highlight specific skills relevant to the target job. This involves carefully crafting bullet points under each job entry to showcase accomplishments and responsibilities that align with the job description. Use keywords from the job posting throughout your resume to ensure it is ATS-friendly. This allows you to emphasize your skills without sacrificing the clarity and credibility of the reverse-chronological structure.

Resume Example: what resume template do employers prefer

Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to what resume template do employers prefer. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.

Full Name

Email · Phone · City, Country · LinkedIn · Portfolio

Professional Summary

1–3 sentences summarizing years of experience, core strengths, and value proposition for what resume template do employers prefer roles.

Key Skills

• Core Skill #1 (relevant to what resume template do employers prefer)
• Core Skill #2
• Core Skill #3
• Tools/Software (ATS-friendly keyword list)

Experience

Job Title — Company (YYYY–YYYY)

• Impact statement with metric (e.g., improved X by Y%).
• Responsibility/result aligned to what resume template do employers prefer role.
• Tools/techniques used (ATS keywords).

Job Title — Company (YYYY–YYYY)

• Achievement/result quantified.
• Relevant project or initiative.

Projects (Optional)

• Project Name: 1–2 lines impact, link if available.

Education & Certifications

• Degree — Institution (Year)
• Certification relevant to what resume template do employers prefer

Additional

• Awards · Publications · Languages

Design: Modern, minimalist, or traditional?

The design of your resume plays a crucial role in making a positive first impression. While personal preferences vary, employers generally favor resumes that are clean, easy to read, and professionally formatted. This often translates to a preference for minimalist or modern designs over overly traditional or visually cluttered options. The goal is to present your information clearly and concisely, allowing recruiters and hiring managers to quickly assess your qualifications.

Modern resume templates often incorporate subtle design elements like strategic use of white space, clear section headings, and professional fonts. However, it’s essential to avoid designs that are too trendy or distracting. Overuse of graphics, unconventional layouts, or elaborate fonts can detract from the content and make your resume difficult to parse, especially for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). A minimalist design focuses on simplicity and functionality, prioritizing readability and clear organization above all else. This can involve using a simple font, consistent formatting, and ample white space to create a visually appealing and easy-to-navigate document.

Traditional resume templates, while sometimes perceived as dated, can still be appropriate for certain industries or roles, particularly those that value formality and experience. However, even with a traditional template, it’s crucial to ensure the design is clean and easy to read. Avoid outdated fonts or overly complex layouts. Regardless of the design style you choose, ensure your resume is ATS-friendly. This means using standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman), avoiding tables or columns (which can be difficult for ATS to parse), and using keywords relevant to the jobs you are applying for.

Ultimately, the best resume design is one that showcases your qualifications effectively and professionally. Focus on clarity, readability, and relevance to the target job. A well-designed resume will not only catch the eye of the recruiter but also highlight your skills and experience in a way that resonates with their needs.

ATS compatibility: Optimizing for scanning systems

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software programs used by employers to automate the recruitment process. They scan resumes to identify qualified candidates based on keywords, skills, and experience. Therefore, choosing an ATS-friendly resume template is crucial to ensure your resume is properly parsed and ranked highly.

Generally, simple and clean resume templates are the most ATS-compatible. Avoid overly creative or complex designs that include tables, text boxes, images, or unusual formatting. These elements can confuse the ATS and prevent it from accurately extracting information from your resume. Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri, and use a font size between 10 and 12 points for readability.

To optimize your resume for ATS, consider the following:

• Use standard section headings: Clearly label sections with titles like “Summary,” “Experience,” “Skills,” and “Education.”
• Incorporate relevant keywords: Review job descriptions for the roles you’re targeting and incorporate the skills and keywords listed into your resume. Use them naturally within your experience descriptions and skills section.
• Submit your resume in a compatible file format: Most ATS prefer .doc, .docx, or .pdf formats. Check the job application instructions for specific requirements. While PDF ensures formatting consistency, some older ATS might have parsing issues.
• Avoid headers and footers: Information in headers and footers might not be properly read by the ATS. Instead, include your contact information at the top of the resume within the main body.
• Use bullet points: Bullet points help to organize information and make it easier for the ATS to scan. Use them to highlight your accomplishments and responsibilities.

Resume Example: what resume template do employers prefer

Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to what resume template do employers prefer. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.

Full Name

Email · Phone · City, Country · LinkedIn · Portfolio

Professional Summary

Results-oriented professional with 5+ years of experience in [relevant industry] seeking a role focused on [what resume template do employers prefer]. Proven ability to [key skill 1] and [key skill 2] to drive [positive outcome]. Adept at using [tool/software relevant to ATS keywords].

Key Skills

• [Core Skill #1 relevant to what resume template do employers prefer]
• [Core Skill #2]
• [Core Skill #3]
• Microsoft Office Suite, Project Management Software (Asana, Trello), CRM (Salesforce, HubSpot)

Experience

Project Manager — ABC Company (2019–2023)

• Led cross-functional teams to successfully deliver projects on time and within budget, resulting in a 15% increase in efficiency.
• Developed and implemented project plans, utilizing Agile methodologies and project management software.
• Utilized MS Project, Jira, and Confluence for project tracking and collaboration.

Business Analyst — XYZ Corporation (2017–2019)

• Identified and analyzed business requirements, resulting in the development of new solutions that improved customer satisfaction by 10%.
• Managed the implementation of a key initiative to streamline operations.

Projects (Optional)

• Process Improvement Initiative: Streamlined the onboarding process, reducing onboarding time by 20%.

Education & Certifications

• MBA — University Name (2017)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)

Additional

• Awards · Publications · Languages

Resume Example: what resume template do employers prefer

Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to what resume template do employers prefer. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.

Full Name

Email · Phone · City, Country · LinkedIn · Portfolio

Professional Summary

A highly motivated and detail-oriented professional with 5+ years experience analyzing resume effectiveness and employer preferences. Proven ability to identify trends in resume design and provide data-driven recommendations for optimal presentation. Expertise in ATS compliance and candidate experience.

Key Skills

• Resume Design Best Practices
• ATS Optimization
• Employer Branding
• Data Analysis (A/B testing)
• Keyword Research
• Applicant Tracking Systems (e.g., Taleo, Workday)

Experience

Resume Template Analyst — Resume Experts Inc. (2019–2024)

• Increased resume acceptance rate by 15% through optimized template selection and keyword integration.
• Conducted A/B testing on various resume templates, identifying those most favored by recruiters.
• Utilized ATS software to ensure template compatibility and keyword visibility.

Recruiting Coordinator — Tech Solutions Corp. (2017–2019)

• Streamlined the resume screening process, reducing time-to-hire by 10%.
• Analyzed applicant resumes to identify top talent for open positions.

Projects (Optional)

• Resume Template Project: Developed a highly effective resume template that increased candidate interview rates by 20%.

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor of Science in Human Resources — University of Example (2017)
• Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR)

Additional

• Awards · Publications · Languages

Action verbs and quantifiable achievements

When it comes to crafting a resume that employers prefer, focusing on action verbs and quantifiable achievements is crucial. Instead of simply listing your responsibilities, you need to showcase the impact you made in previous roles. Using strong action verbs demonstrates initiative and competence, while quantifying your achievements provides concrete evidence of your skills and contributions.

Think about how you can translate your daily tasks into measurable results. For example, instead of writing “Responsible for managing social media accounts,” try “Increased social media engagement by 30% within six months through strategic content planning and targeted advertising campaigns.” This demonstrates not only your responsibility but also your ability to achieve tangible results.

Here are some examples of strong action verbs to use on your resume:

• Achieved
• Improved
• Developed
• Managed
• Led
• Increased
• Reduced
• Implemented
• Created
• Optimized

When quantifying your achievements, consider using numbers, percentages, and specific timeframes. Did you increase sales by a certain percentage? Did you reduce costs by a specific amount? Did you complete a project ahead of schedule? These details add credibility to your resume and help employers understand the value you can bring to their organization. Remember to tailor your action verbs and quantifiable achievements to align with the specific requirements and keywords mentioned in the job description.

Finally, don’t be afraid to showcase projects or initiatives you’ve undertaken, even if they were not part of your formal job responsibilities. These demonstrate initiative, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to go the extra mile. Quantify the impact of these projects whenever possible to further strengthen your resume.

Customization: Tailoring to the specific job

While a clean and modern resume template provides a strong foundation, the real key to attracting employers is customization. Tailoring your resume to each specific job you apply for demonstrates that you understand the company’s needs and possess the required skills and experience. This goes beyond simply changing the job title at the top – it involves strategically highlighting the aspects of your background that are most relevant to the position.

Start by carefully analyzing the job description, identifying keywords and key responsibilities. Then, review your resume and identify instances where you’ve demonstrated those skills or accomplished similar tasks. Emphasize these experiences in your bullet points, using the same language used in the job description whenever possible. This helps your resume pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and shows the hiring manager that you’re a strong fit.

Think about the specific problems the company is trying to solve and how your skills can contribute to their solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible, using numbers and metrics to demonstrate the impact you’ve made in previous roles. Instead of simply stating your responsibilities, focus on the results you achieved and how they benefited your previous employers. For example, instead of “Managed social media accounts,” try “Increased social media engagement by 30% within three months, leading to a 15% increase in website traffic.”

Remember to tailor your skills section to reflect the requirements of the specific job. Include both hard skills (technical skills, software proficiency) and soft skills (communication, teamwork, problem-solving) that are relevant to the role. Prioritize the skills listed in the job description and ensure they’re accurately represented in your resume. Finally, consider adding a brief summary or objective statement at the top of your resume that is tailored to the specific job. This statement should highlight your key qualifications and explain why you’re a good fit for the position.

FAQs

Many job seekers wonder which resume template is preferred by employers and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). The truth is, there isn’t a single universally “best” template. However, employers generally favor clean, simple, and easily readable templates that highlight relevant skills and experience. The primary goal is to ensure your resume is easily scannable by both humans and machines, allowing your qualifications to shine through without visual distractions.

Several factors influence the “ideal” resume template: the industry, the specific role, and even the company culture. For instance, creative fields might appreciate a slightly more visually interesting resume, while more traditional industries often prefer a classic, understated design. Regardless of the design choice, prioritize readability. Avoid overly complex formatting elements such as tables, text boxes, and excessive graphics that can confuse ATS and make it difficult for recruiters to quickly assess your suitability for the role.

Here are some common questions and answers regarding resume templates:

• Should I use a fancy, visually-designed template? Generally, no. While visually appealing, these templates can often be problematic for ATS and may distract from the content. Opt for a clean and simple design instead.
• Are templates offered by word processors okay to use? Some are, but exercise caution. Review the template carefully to ensure it is easily editable and doesn’t rely heavily on graphics or complex formatting.
• What file format is best for my resume? PDF is generally the preferred format, as it preserves formatting across different devices and operating systems. However, always check the specific job posting instructions, as some employers may request a .doc or .docx file.
• Does the length of my resume matter? Yes. While there are exceptions, aim for a one-page resume for entry-level and mid-career positions. For senior-level roles with extensive experience, a two-page resume may be acceptable.
• How important are keywords in my resume? Very important. Tailor your resume to each job application by including relevant keywords from the job description. This will help your resume pass through ATS filters and demonstrate your understanding of the required skills.

Resume Example: what resume template do employers prefer

Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to what resume template do employers prefer. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.

Full Name

Email · Phone · City, Country · LinkedIn · Portfolio

Professional Summary

Results-driven professional with X+ years of experience in [Industry/Field]. Proven ability to [Key Achievement 1] and [Key Achievement 2]. Seeking a [Job Title] role where I can leverage my skills to contribute to [Company]’s success.

Key Skills

• [Skill 1 related to job]
• [Skill 2 related to job]
• [Skill 3 related to job]
• Microsoft Office Suite, [Software 1], [Software 2], [Tool 1]

Experience

[Job Title] — [Company] (YYYY–YYYY)

• Increased [Metric] by X% through implementation of [Strategy].
• Managed [Responsibility] ensuring [Positive Outcome].
• Utilized [Software/Tool] to streamline [Process].

[Previous Job Title] — [Previous Company] (YYYY–YYYY)

• Successfully delivered [Project] on time and under budget.
• Developed and implemented [Initiative] resulting in [Quantifiable Result].

Projects (Optional)

• [Project Name]: Developed [Description], resulting in [Impact]. [Link if available]

Education & Certifications

• [Degree] — [Institution] ([Year])
• [Certification Name] - [Certifying Organization]

Additional

• Awards: [List Awards] · Languages: [List Languages]

Crafting Your Winning Resume: The Takeaway

Ultimately, employers aren’t as concerned with flashy templates as they are with clearly presented, relevant information. Focus on tailoring your resume to each specific job description, highlighting your accomplishments, and ensuring it’s free of errors. A well-written resume that showcases your skills and experience is far more valuable than any particular template.

We hope this guide has given you a clearer understanding of resume preferences. Remember to revisit our site for more helpful tips and resources as you refine your job application materials and navigate your career journey. Good luck with your job search!