How to Choose the Best Resume Template for You

Best Resume Templates

In a crowded job market, a great resume is the best tool that a job seeker has at their disposal. Your resume will make up the largest portion of your job application and, therefore, should display the very best of your skills and experiences. The right content is not all that matters in a resume; the right design and format are crucial if you want to make a strong first impression.

What is the Difference Between a Resume Format and a Resume Template?

Your resume will have to follow a certain format (or structure) in order to be coherent and pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) that employers often use to scan resumes. There are three main resume formats that you can choose from when undertaking a job application:

• Chronological format

  A chronological resume format is the most traditional and widely accepted. This format prioritizes professional experience and features work history at the top of the page. If you work in traditional industries like law or medicine, then this will be the best format for you.

• Functional format

  A functional resume format is one that prioritizes the soft and hard skills that a job seeker has. In this format, the skills section is the largest part of the resume, and it is located at the top of the page. This format is best for people who are first time job-seekers, or have an inconsistent or skimpy work history.

• Combination format

  A combination resume or hybrid resume is one that gives a balanced view of a job seeker’s work experience and skills. This is a strong resume format for anyone who has a limited but relevant work history and plenty of relevant skills.

Each of these three formats can be used in conjunction with a professional resume template. Resume templates are like decorative frames that you can slot your resume into. In short, resume formats determine how the content of your resume is structured, while resume templates determine how the finished article will look when it lands on a recruiter’s desk. Each format and template has its own benefits.