A quick search for “resume templates” online will reveal thousands upon thousands of ready-made templates that allow you to fill in the blanks with your own details. But most career experts advise jobseekers not to use a template at all. Why?

  1. 1One size never fits all when it comes to the job search
  2. 2Won’t accurately represent your unique skills
  3. 3Won’t accurately represent your attributes

Many templates also use:

outdated formats
clichéd catch phrases and keywords
make your resume seem unoriginal

However, if you’re prepared to tailor the content yourself and are just looking for some guidance with the formatting, a basic resume template can give you a better idea of where everything goes and help you get organised.

Try to view templates more as guidelines than ready-to-use resumes, and keep in mind that even though something may be formatted in a certain way; you can always switch things around a bit to better reflect your skills or industry.

Rich Grant

According to Rich Grant

Author of the blog Rich Career

In the following two resume examples from career advisor Rich Grant, you can see two basic resume templates from two different jobseekers.

The second resume does better. Click on the four circles below to find out why.

The second resume does better.

JoanJoan Resume

Resume Resume Resume Resume Resume

LucieLucie Resume

Resume Resume Resume Resume Resume

Click on the download icon to see a bigger version. Click on the four buttons to see the reasons why Lucie’s resume is better.

Lucie's resume highlights the applicant’s accomplishments by positioning recent educational accomplishments higher up on the page.

Lucie's resume provides specific examples of leadership, teamwork and organisational skills. Joan's resume just lists buzzwords.

Lucie's resume uses space more efficiently by leaving out irrelevant information like high school and references.

Lucie's resume uses a ‘qualifications summary’ rather than an ‘objective’ in Joan's resume.