Free Resume Templates (Customize & Download)

Choosing the Right Resume Format

Our template library features resumes in the three main formats: chronological, functional, and combination, each highlighting different aspects of your background. Learn how to choose the resume format that best fits your experience and career goals.

0-3 Years of Experience

Functional resume format

Skills-focused format that emphasizes abilities over work history

You’re a student or recent graduate with limited experience.
You want to emphasize skills over a traditional job timeline.
You’re applying for entry-level roles that value skills most.

3-10 Years of Experience

Combination resume format

A middle-ground format that combines skills and work experience

You have strong, transferable skills and a solid work history.
You have gaps in employment or a nonlinear career path
You want to balance career progression with your abilities.

10+ Years of Experience

Chronological resume format

Experience-focused format that highlights steady career progression

You have a steady career path with clear progression in your field.
You’ve built experience over time with no major employment gaps.
You’re applying in traditional fields where work history is key.

Resume Formatting Best Practices

Use one of our professional resume templates and follow the best practices below to create a resume that’s clear, polished, and optimized for recruiters and applicant tracking systems (ATS).

1. Aim for a One-Page Resume

A one-page resume keeps your content focused and scannable. Prioritize only the most relevant skills, experience, and achievements for the role.

2. Pick Standard Resume Sections

Include clear, expected headings like “Professional Summary,” “Skills,” “Work Experience,” and “Education” to ensure nothing important is overlooked.

3. Use Standard Margins

Keep margins between 0.5 and 1 inch on all sides to prevent overcrowding and ensure your content prints and displays properly across devices.

4. Ensure Proper Line Spacing

Use single spacing or up to 1.15 line spacing to create enough white space for easy scanning without wasting room on the page or squeezing text together.

5. Use the Appropriate Font Size

Keep body text sized at 10 to 12 points, section headings at 14 to 16 points, and your name at 18 to 24 points for readability and a clear information hierarchy.

6. Opt for Simple Bullet Points

Use simple bullet points to present your experience in a clear, scannable format. Avoid overly complex symbols or formatting, as they can confuse an ATS.

7. Choose an Easy-to-Read Font

Choose a clean, professional font like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica. Avoid decorative or script fonts, which can reduce readability and appear unprofessional.

8. Save Your Resume as a PDF

Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting, spacing, and layout across all devices and operating systems, unless the recruiter requests a different format.

See What Job Seekers Are Saying About Us

Get Hired Faster With Our Resume Templates

Our resume templates combine modern design with proven formatting strategies to highlight your strengths and help you make a strong first impression on hiring managers.

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Designs for All Industries

Explore job-specific resume templates that focus on highly relevant keywords, skills, and achievements.

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User-Friendly Tools

Edit your template with our builder using intuitive tools like a color picker and drag-and-drop section rearrangement.

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Job-Specific Content Suggestions

Each template includes job-specific content suggestions to save you time and boost your impact on recruiters.

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ATS Resume Check Tool

Optimize your resume with tips from our ATS Resume Checker to ensure you pass the first round of review.

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ATS-Friendly Layouts

Our templates are built with ATS-friendly formatting, ensuring your resume is easily read by screening software.

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Easy Customization

With flexible and intuitive customization options, you can easily edit layouts and adjust formatting.

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Multiple Download Options

Download a free resume template, or customize one with our builder and download it as a PDF or Word file.

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AI-Powered Resume Builder

Edit a template with our Resume Builder featuring integrated AI tools to help you write and improve your content.

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Matching Cover Letter Templates

Pair your resume template with a matching cover letter template for a cohesive, complete application.

Resume Templates for Top Jobs

Discover more resume templates and job-specific examples featuring standout designs and content tailored to today’s fastest-growing careers.

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View All Examples

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How to Pick a Resume Template

Click play to get five pro tips for choosing the right resume template and customizing it so your job application stands out to employers.

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Expert Reviews of LiveCareer

Bridget Baggett

Senior Recruiter

As a Sr. Recruiter and Career Strategist, I know there are limited options that allow you to create a resume as seamlessly as the LiveCareer Builder. I was impressed with the well-thought-out, professional, and modern template designs. The software is easy to use and uniquely customizes your resume down to the color schemes and content options. I was fascinated with the job-targeted phrases and text suggestions that would potentially increase your chances of getting your resume in front of a hiring manager.

The LiveCareer Builder is a perfect tool for anyone looking to update their resume or create an entirely new one. It allows you to write your professional story with the keywords that will set you apart from the competition.

Tiffany Rabara

Director of Talent Acquisition

Navigating the job search can be quite challenging. As a professional deeply engaged in the talent industry, I’m continually seeking ways to support my community and job seekers in their journey. One of the questions I frequently encounter is, “What advice do you have for me to get noticed by recruiters?” My consistent recommendation has been to update your resume regularly. This allows you to capture your achievements while they are still vivid and fresh in your memory.

LiveCareer has been a game-changer in simplifying the resume-building process. I’m particularly impressed by its user-friendly and intuitive interface. Moreover, the designs are incredibly creative and eye-catching, making standing out in job applications much more achievable. This tool significantly streamlines the process and makes it accessible for everyone to always have a freshly updated resume.

Jennifer Parker

Senior Recruiter

As someone in the recruiting industry for 20+ years, I’ve seen many resumes (good and bad). The most successful candidates have very clean, clear, and visually appealing resumes. The current candidate market is very competitive, and while updating our resume is a daunting and tedious process, it is imperative to have an up-to-date resume.

I was impressed with how easy the LiveCareer Builder is to use. The process was straightforward and even enjoyable! Being able to visually see what the resume looks like in real time was fantastic. The content suggestions were professional, relevant, and conducive to today’s market. The entire process took less than 30 minutes, and the finished product is something that I’d be proud to share with recruiters and managers. I highly encourage job seekers to use LiveCareer’s Builder to create a fresh resume that stands out for the right reasons and broadens their opportunities to get noticed!

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated on June 21, 2026

What is the best template for a resume?

The best resume template is one that’s clean, ATS-friendly, and tailored to your industry and experience level. It should clearly highlight your skills, work history, and achievements while avoiding overly complex designs. While the ideal resume template also depends on your role, simple, professional layouts are typically most effective for getting noticed.

How do I download a free resume template?

To download a free resume template, go to the “Price” filter at the top of this page, select the “Free” option, then choose a template and click “Download Template.” Enter your name and email to access your download. You can also get a resume template free download by exporting premium templates as a plain text (TXT) file.

Can ChatGPT write my resume?

ChatGPT can write your resume by drafting, structuring, and refining each section based on your experience and target job. It can generate summaries, bullet points, and keyword-optimized content. You should, however, always review and personalize the final version to ensure accuracy and that it reflects your unique skills.

What are the three C’s of a resume?

The three C’s of a resume are clarity, conciseness, and consistency. A strong resume should clearly communicate your experience, keep content brief and relevant, and maintain a consistent format throughout. Our resume templates are designed around these principles to help you present your qualifications in a clean, professional way that’s easy for hiring managers to read.

What should I not put on my resume?

The seven-second rule in a resume means hiring managers spend about seven seconds scanning your resume before deciding whether to keep reading. This means it’s essential to ensure that key information is immediately visible and easy to understand at a glance, including your years of experience, skills, and top achievements that relate to your target role.

Which resume format do employers prefer?

Employers generally prefer the chronological resume format because it clearly shows your work history, career progression, and most recent experience first. This structure is easy to scan, familiar to hiring managers, and highly compatible with ATS systems. The best format, however, still depends on your experience and the role you’re targeting.

What is the most successful resume style?

The most successful resume style uses a clean, modern design with clear hierarchy, consistent spacing, and simple fonts that make information easy to scan. Recruiters prefer layouts with strong section headings, bullet points, and plenty of white space. Avoid heavy graphics or clutter, as readability and ATS compatibility matter more than visual decoration.

See more on our FAQ page