Job Hunting? Here’s a Free Resume Template and Tips to Boost Your Search

Resumes have a reputation for being a hassle. Often, we approach them reluctantly, usually during times of change or uncertainty. We spend too much time agonizing over the wording and layout, trying to present our skills and qualifications in the best possible way.

But, honestly, it doesn’t have to be that difficult.

A resume is just another tool—similar to a cover letter or LinkedIn profile—designed to grab the attention of a hiring manager. It should be straightforward, professional, and focused on what you bring to the table. While you’ll need to update it occasionally, adding new keywords and relevant achievements, keeping it concise is crucial.

Here’s a practical guide to creating a resume that recruiters won’t overlook, along with a free template you can download and personalize.

1. Pick a Smart Format and Font

Let’s be real: The job market is tough right now. With hiring down, unemployment up, and wages stagnating, according to a recent Labor Department report, standing out is harder than ever. You might be tempted to get creative with your resume, adding video intros, headshots, or infographics.

While that might work if you’re a graphic designer, for most job seekers, a traditional format (reverse chronological order, left-aligned) with a clean, no-frills layout is still your best bet. This is particularly true when applying through a company’s online hiring portal or a job posting site like Indeed. These platforms use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to sift through large volumes of resumes, and these systems tend to ignore photos and graphics—or worse, reject applicants who include them.

Dana Leavy-Detrick, founder of Brooklyn Resume Studio, advises using the same font style throughout your resume but varying weights and sizes to highlight key sections. Sans serif fonts usually work best—Franklin Gothic, Calibri, and Avenir (used in the downloadable template) are some of her favorites.

2. Add a Touch of Color

If you’re aiming for a job in investment banking, a bright-pink resume probably won’t do you any favors. However, subtle pops of color, like the orange used in this template, can work for nearly everyone. “It’s very minimal and adds a bit of a design element,” says Leavy-Detrick.

That said, if you decide to use color, “Stick to one color,” she advises, and “use it sparingly.”

As for length: If you’re not applying for an executive position, keep your resume to one page. Think of it as a highlight reel, not an autobiography—showcase your most impressive achievements and leave out the rest.

3. Spotlight the Right Skills

Start with the important stuff. The top of your resume should feature “critical keywords and a quick snapshot of your core strengths,” Leavy-Detrick says.

Prioritize hard skills, which are tangible abilities that can be easily measured. If you’re in a tech-focused field, showcase your software and programming expertise. If you work in sales, marketing, or a creative industry, highlight your experience with data and analytics tools like Excel, Salesforce, and Oracle, or project management tools like Asana, Trello, and Jira.

4. Quantify Your Impact

To make a strong case, focus on tangible results. Statistics that build on your skills section are particularly powerful—bonus points if they show a track record of growth, revenue, or profitability, Leavy-Detrick notes.

If you’re struggling to come up with examples, consider focusing on ways you could address a “problem area” for the company you’re applying to, such as improving customer retention, streamlining internal processes, or even enhancing company culture.

“Impact doesn’t always have to be measured by metrics,” she adds.

5. Trim Irrelevant Details

Be selective with what you include—skip salary requirements and avoid listing every job you’ve ever had. The same goes for social media profiles. Unless your Instagram or TikTok feed is directly relevant to the job, it’s better to leave them out.

“The resume is a high-level snapshot of your skills, experience, and accomplishments,” Leavy-Detrick explains. If a hiring manager has to sift through an overly detailed resume, “they’re more likely to miss key responsibilities.”

6. Make Your Resume AI-Friendly

Don’t make the mistake of using the same generic resume for every job posting. Take the extra time to tailor your resume to match the keywords and phrases in the job ad. You’ll have a better chance of advancing to the next stage if the company uses AI or a computer-based tracking system to filter candidates.

“Get as close as you can to the language of the job description, or at least look for common denominators,” Leavy-Detrick suggests.

If you’re casting a wide net by uploading a general resume to your LinkedIn or Indeed profile, ensure it’s tailored to the main job you’re targeting—then update your keywords when applying to roles that differ from your usual pursuits.

7. Understand What Recruiters Want

In today’s job market, flexibility is crucial—for both workers and their resumes. Change is inevitable, whether it’s advancements in technology, shifts in staffing, or modifications to workflow. More than ever, demonstrating your ability to adapt is key to securing (and maintaining) a job.

This is especially important for older job seekers, who “aren’t perceived to be as versatile as their younger counterparts when it comes to technology,” Leavy-Detrick says.

If you’re in that category, emphasize the digital skills you have, whether it’s email marketing, social media, or cybersecurity.

8. Find the Right Balance

Leaving out information can raise red flags with recruiters, particularly if there are significant gaps in your employment history. Ensure your resume doesn’t have too much white space or unexplained gaps in time. If you worked in a different industry while between jobs, mention it briefly in an “additional experience” section.

However, resist the urge to include every detail about your personal life—if you took time off to raise a family or write a novel, it’s probably best to save that for your cover letter.

FAQs:

1. Should I include a photo on my resume?
   No, especially if you’re applying through online portals. Photos can be ignored or cause your resume to be automatically rejected by ATS.
2. How long should my resume be?
   Keep it to one page unless you’re applying for an executive role. The goal is to highlight your best achievements.
3. Is it necessary to tailor my resume for every job application?
   Yes, customizing your resume to reflect the keywords in the job description increases your chances of passing AI screening and making it to the next stage.