Best Resume Layout Examples, Templates & Ideas (2024)

Resume Layout

A professional resume is key to a successful job search. A big element of any great resume is a layout that effectively showcases your skills and previous work experience. But how do you decide which resume layout will work best for you? We’re here to help!

On this page, we’re going to:

• Give tips on the best resume layout, depending on your qualifications and experience.
• Provide great resume layout examples and templates you can use for your resume.
• Show a guide to laying out each section of your resume.

Resources for Your Next Career Move

Explore our complete resume examples selection for tips and resources tailored to every career path.

The best resume layouts you can use

ResumeHelp has dozens of beautiful resume templates that you can use as inspiration for your resume layout. We have many resume designs available, from modern resume templates to simple resume templates and minimalist resume layouts. The best part? You don’t have to edit it alone! You can use our Resume Builder to customize the resume layout of your choosing and truly make it your own.

The resume layouts below are some of our user’s favorite designs. Consider the job you’re applying for and how you want to present yourself to the potential employer before choosing a professional resume template.

Give your resume layout the right format

There are three main resume formats to choose from for your resume layout and each has its strengths and weaknesses to consider.

Chronological resume

The chronological format is the most commonly used format and is suitable for most job seekers with at least nine years of professional experience. This format requires you to list your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your current or most recent position. This format is popular because it’s ATS-friendly but can hinder your performance if you have employment gaps or lack work experience.

Functional resume

A functional resume format prioritizes and emphasizes the skills and qualifications you have rather than your work history. The main strength of this resume layout is the way it showcases your skills and training for potential employers, making it ideal for job seekers with less than two years of experience. If you want to emphasize linear career progression, however, it may not be the right choice.

Combination resume

As the name suggests, a combination resume layout draws slightly from the other two formats. A combination layout lets you balance your work history and skills section. This format is best for those changing careers or candidates with three to eight years of work experience.

Resume layout design: basic tips and guidelines

Formatting your perfect resume after you have chosen a layout that suits you is one of the most important steps.

Use professional margins

The right margin size will ensure you have the most space to play while retaining a professional appearance and reducing white space. Whether you have a basic or creative resume, your margins should never be less than a half-inch. One inch all around is preferable in most cases.

Create an attention-grabbing header

The header of your resume should be eye-catching and contain your name and contact information. Ensuring it is placed at the top of your resume and stands out will ensure that recruiters don’t have to look too hard for your number.

Pick an appropriate font

Choose a font that is legible, clear and professional if you want your resume to be ATS-friendly. You don’t have to stick with the default but you should stick with sans serif fonts like Arial or Times New Roman and keep the size at 10.5 or above for your main resume text.

Stick to convention with your sections

Even a basic resume will need a summary statement, as well as skills, education and work experience sections. Follow the lead of our resume samples on where to place each section and for standardized headings that are familiar to recruiters.

Keep it concise

While a CV will typically be longer, your resume should be one to two pages at the most (one is preferable), as it represents a singular snapshot of your qualifications. Make use of bullet points and short, punchy phrases to stand out.

More resume tips and examples

ResumeHelp has hundreds of articles with career advice and expert resources to make the best of your resume layout.

• How to Write a Resume: Follow our expert guide to make sure your resume doesn’t just look good, but reads great.
• Resume Design Tips: Use our design tips to polish your resume layout.
• Best Resume Fonts: Keep it professional with our list of the best resume fonts.
• How to Put References on a Resume: Find out how to properly send recruiters your list of professional references.
• Tips for Writing a Resume With No Experience: Writing a resume with no work experience is possible. Follow our expert resume-writing tips and advice!