How to Write a Simple, Effective Resume (+20 Examples)

A great resume can help you catch the attention of prospective employers. But what makes a resume “great”? How do you get recruiters’ attention, encourage them to read your resume, and ultimately call you for an interview?

Two words: simple and effective.

In this section, we will provide a step-by-step guide to writing a simple, effective resume. Then, we’ll show 20 examples of what this looks like in practice. Are you ready to upgrade your resume-writing techniques? let’s get started.

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How to Write a Simple Resume

While resume specifics vary depending on the type of job you’re looking for and the experience required, there are seven steps that apply in any situation to help your resume stand out.

1. Choose a format.

Before you start writing, choose a format that suits your personal style and proposed post.

For example, if you are applying for a graphic design position, it may be worth including images in your resume that help highlight your skills.

If the job you’re looking for is a highly technical engineering role, meanwhile, you may want something more simple.

No matter which format you choose, the goal is simplicity. Don’t clutter the resume with unnecessary information or conflicting colors. Instead, let your experience and interest speak for themselves.

2. Start with your contact information.

No surprises here – potential employers need to know how they can contact you. However, despite the need for this contact data, it is not uncommon to see it left out of the resume or relegated to the bottom of the page.

best bet? Place your details – including name, phone number and email address – as a header at the top of the page.

3. Include an overview.

Next is an overview of your professional profile. This may include details of your current position as well as any titles or degrees you hold.

Depending on the role, you may also want to include links to a digital portfolio or work you’ve published online.

4. List your education and experience.

Education and experience come next.

This should be a simple list of your educational history, including any degrees or certifications you have earned and when you earned them, followed by a list of your past work experience.

Bullet points work well here: Each bullet point represents a different job and include details such as job title, responsibilities, and how long you were employed.

5. Talk about your skills.

Now it’s time to talk about your skills as they relate to the job being offered.

Wherever possible, use the same keywords from the job ad. This is because many companies now use automated resume analysis and tracking systems that can prioritize these keywords.

6. Highlight any relevant certifications.

Be sure to mention any relevant qualifications or certifications.

For example, if you’re applying to an IT security firm, you might highlight certifications like CompTIA Security+ or the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) qualification.

7. Add any relevant details.

Finally, add any other details that are relevant to the job, such as volunteer experience in a related field or any professional accolades for your work.

20 Simple Resume Examples

Simple, effective resumes offer the best chance of attracting attention, but there’s no one-size-fits-all template when it comes to design.

Here are 20 simple resume examples.

1. Modern initials (words)

The first four templates on our list are all from Microsoft Word.

To access these templates, open Word, select New From the left sidebar, and then type “reset” in the search box that appears. Word will bring up several resume template options for you to download and use.

Modern is one of the first templates listed and offers a clean and simple format for all your details. Minimal design means your information stands out.

What we like: Simplicity is the focus of this template. Each section is clearly marked, and there is no searching for data.

2. Bold Modern (Word)

This Word template is similar to the example above but adds a sidebar for profile and contact information. This comes with a greater emphasis on your skill set.

What we like: Bold Modern puts you and your skills front and center, making it a great fit for jobs that prioritize real-world experience over specific certifications.

3. Crisp and clean (words)

Crisp and clean is a great description of this template. Unlike Bold Modern, there are no images – instead, a box of color is used to highlight your objective.

What we like: Using boxes, this template thinks a little outside the box with a non-standard setup for information.

4. Creative (word)

Word’s creative templates go back to simple but bring your experience to the forefront.

This effectively divides your personal and professional life into two pillars, which can be a boon for recruiters looking for specific data.

What we like: It’s easy to find what you’re looking for in this template, making it a great choice for a simple, effective resume.

5. Spearmint (Google Docs)

The next five examples on our list come from Google Docs. To access these templates, go to Google Docs and then select template galley In the upper right corner.

First up on our list of Docs templates is Spearmint, presumably named for its green accent color. This template isn’t pushing any boundaries but provides a solid starting point for a simple resume.

What we like: Spearmint reads well. A quick scan of a resume gives HR teams exactly what they need: an overview of your skills, experience, and education.

6. Swiss (Google Docs)

Google Docs’ Swiss template offers a minimalist approach to resume data by separating headings from information.

What we like: Since the titles are separate, hiring teams don’t have to scan the entire document to find what they want. Instead, they can simply find the title they want and skip straight ahead.

7. Modern Writers (Google Docs)

This template is very suitable if you are applying for writing or publishing jobs. One nice thing is that the font used looks very similar to typewriter.

What we like: The unique font helps this example stand out from the crowd. Noteworthy? It’s best to use fonts sparingly. Go too far into left field – such as with Comic Sans – and your resume may not have the desired impact.

8. Coral (Google Docs)

Corel is similar to Modern Writer but with a more familiar font. There’s nothing fancy about this example, which is why it works: all the relevant data is presented in an easy-to-view and easy-to-read format.

What we like: The “Hello, I’m…” description at the top offers a slightly different take on the typical resume introduction, which can help you get attention.

9. Serif (Google Docs)

Serif splits your data into two columns, skills and awards on one side and education and experience on the other. This is an easy way to highlight what you offer while keeping your resume easy to read.

What we like: Finding information on this resume is quick and easy, which is ideal given the number of resumes that teams frequently review.

10. Infographic (Vengage)

This Vengeance template takes a vastly different approach to resumes by using an infographic format that relies on graphics rather than text. This is a great way to grab instant attention.

What we like: Rating bubbles for skills demonstrate not only ability but proficiency, which can help you get attention.

11. Streamlined Infographic (Vengage)

Another infographic example from Venge, this template splits the resume into two parts with graphics at the top and text at the bottom, as well as a photo in the middle.

What we like: By using graphic skills illustrations at the top of the resume and explanatory text below, it is easy to get a general sense of the applicant’s abilities and skills.

12. Data Centric Infographic (Venage)

This infographic is about skills, education and experience data.

Using a combination of skills and timelines with simple graphics, this resume manages to communicate a substantial amount of data without becoming too complex.

What we like: The three-block design used is a great way to break resume text into manageable pieces.

13. Chronological (Resume Builder)

This resume builder example focuses on chronological work experience. Then, it follows key skills and education.

What we like: A chronological resume is a great way to show job responsibilities and promotion progress over time.

14. Functional (Resume Builder)

This example explores professional experience with a detailed description of job responsibilities and roles. While the experience section remains chronological, the focus is not on time, but on effort.

What we like: By highlighting each previous job role and responsibilities, this resume helps applicants make the case for why they should be considered.

15. Targeted (Resume Builder)

Our final resume builder example is designed to target a specific role. Although all the familiar sections remain, each includes information that speaks to the applicant’s ability to excel if hired.

What we like: Creating a targeted resume can help you get attention because it means you’ve taken the time to read and review what the company is looking for in its new employees.

16. Cube (Zeti)

Cubic chooses a three-tone grayscale approach that differentiates each section. This makes it easier for recruiters to focus on what’s important instead of searching your resume for specific data.

What we like: The bold background used for the header puts your name and contact information front and center.

17. Primo (Zeti)

Primo uses a right-hand sidebar with star ratings to showcase your skills, linked with a timeline of work experience in the main body.

What we like: This resume changes the standard format enough to be interesting, but not so much that recruiters become frustrated trying to find relevant information.

18. Cascade (Zeti)

Cascade goes in the opposite direction to Primo with a sidebar on the left and a section on the right that contains more detailed information.

What we like: The bold, left-hand sidebar is great for a brief description of the skills that are relevant to your potential new role.

19. Concept (Zeti)

Concepts is a great option if you have the education and skills but lack deep work experience. The solid-color sidebar works well as a timeline background, which helps pace the resume.

What we like: Even without a lot of work experience, you may still be a good fit for a new role. This template helps show a complete picture of your skills and abilities.

20. Crisp (Zetti)

Crisp black and white offers simplicity. The rounded icons and rating scale keep this template from being all text, but do not diminish your accomplishments and experience.

What we like: This is a great example of simple and effective without being boring. All the relevant data is here, but it’s not just a wall of text.

Simple Resume: Basic But Not Boring

A simple, effective resume helps you get noticed by making it easy for HR teams and recruiters to find the information they need and make decisions.

But simple doesn’t mean boring. Although there’s no need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to creating your resume, the templates listed above can help your resume stand out for all the right reasons.