Classic, traditional resume formats vary slightly from one field, job type, and circumstance to another. Not all basic, no-frills formulas are the same. Check out our Classic resume template set and find a composition that works for you. These resume templates follow traditional themes, placing the applicant’s name and contact information at the top of the page, followed by a summary. With a simple color scheme, bold but sophisticated fonts, and prominent positioning for classic categories like education, skills, and experience, these templates bring low risk and high benefits since employers can easily find the most valuable information.
Classic Template Advice
This classic resume template is perfect for anyone who wants a clean, simple resume. It’s a smart, conservative template most any hiring manager should appreciate. Resume Builder makes it easy to customize your content and add formatting, so you can personalize your resume.
Resume Tips for Classic Template
As you search for jobs using a classic resume, you can be more efficient by following certain steps:
1. Cultivate your online identity and personal brand. This is simpler than it sounds. The first step is to set your personal social media profiles to private, and then polish up your professional profiles. Remember to update your stated location, if applicable, and then emphasize your skills, talents, and accomplishments. Use keywords, such as your desired job title, any technical skills or certifications that you may possess, and soft skills, such as your ability to quickly learn new processes and technology. Don’t stuff your profile with keywords, because the idea is to stand out in one or two areas. Don’t let important details get lost in the shuffle.
2. Read and comment on blogs in your industry or field of expertise. This will get you noticed as an expert in your field. Remember to always be positive and gracious, no matter what other commenters may focus on.
3. When deciding where to pitch, think in terms of your strengths and gifts and how these align with the advertised positions. This is an especially useful strategy when you are considering a position you’ve never held before. It is important for you to focus on your transferable skills, both to make a good case for yourself during an interview and also to boost your own confidence in your ability to do the job.
4. Mention your job search every day. You interact with people all day long, and you never know who might have a job lead for you. When a store clerk or office receptionist asks what you’re up to today, it’s worth mentioning that you are hunting for a job.
5. Make a plan and stick to it. To find and land a great job, you must be persistent, so create a game plan and carry it out.
Classic Template Job Seeking Tips
Applying for jobs using a classic resume starts with preparing your experience. While your resume should be unique to you and tailored to the job you’re seeking, some ground rules apply to every resume:
1. When entering your educational history, list your degree and major first, then the name of the school, then the city and state where you attended.
2. You have the option of including your minor, GPA, and year of graduation, but consider leaving these items off if you graduated more than 15 or 20 years ago.
3. Don’t list your high school unless you are still attending or have graduated only a few months ago.
4. Include your own phone number, but leave out addresses and phone numbers of employers and supervisors.
5. Don’t include your reasons for leaving your previous jobs. By all means, talk about this in an interview, if asked, or on an application, if required, but keep it positive and emphasize how you’ve grown since you left.