Simple Resume Templates and Examples

What is a simple resume?

A simple resume is one that uses a straightforward, text-only format and a traditional font. It takes a minimalist approach to content and does not contain any images or complex design elements. Simple resumes are visually organized, highly readable, and free from unnecessary components.

Using a simple resume helps hiring managers easily scan your document and quickly identify your qualifications. Its basic design ensures the reader isn’t distracted by font, color, or image choices and can instead focus on your skills.

Who should a simple resume?

Candidates who prefer a clean and simple style
Applicants for jobs that require a text-only resume
New graduates and people who don’t have a lengthy work experience to showcase
Candidates who want to keep the focus on their qualifications

Who shouldn’t use this type of resume?

Job seekers in creative fields like design or media
Candidates who want to include more than just the fundamental information
Applicants to companies that heavily value innovation or originality

Simple resume format and key components

Resumes using a simple format look similar to one another. They include a handful of core resume components, which are usually stacked one above the other in a single-column layout. The order of those components may vary slightly from one candidate to the next.

The simple resume format does not include customized design elements like graphics or creative formatting.

Simple resume sample including contact information, objective, experience, education, and skills.

Here are the resume components you’ll want to include if you’re using this format:

Contact information
You only need to include the basics: your address, phone number and email. This gives the hiring manager the information they need to get in touch with you without taking up excessive space.
Objective or summary
This is a brief statement that sums up what you’re looking for or your key qualifications as a candidate. In a simple resume format, this section can be brief–just one or two sentences or even a few bullet points is sufficient.
Experience
List your work history by position in reverse-chronological order. Include the title of the job, the company name, and the dates you were employed.

Stick to simple text formatting that’s consistent from one job to the next; our sample resume shown here uses bold for the job title, normal text for the company name, and italics for the dates of employment. This makes it ultra-easy for a hiring manager to quickly assess your experience and see your job progression.

In a simple resume, the minimalist style also extends to the content. So, when describing your work experience, use clear and direct language. Eliminate unnecessary words and “fluff” and stick to quantifiable accomplishments.
Education
This section can also be brief, requiring just your degree and the school you attended. It’s optional to include the dates.
Skills
This may be in a bullet-point list or straight text. List technical skills like software proficiency, soft skills like customer service, and job-specific skills like data analysis. Be sure to address the key qualifications called for in the job description so the reader can easily see if you fit the criteria.

FAQs

Why are simple resumes used?

Simple resumes are used to quickly convey an applicant’s qualifications in a clean and easy-to-read format. They’re a good choice when a text-only resume is required, like with application systems that require you to copy and paste your resume into a text box.

What are the benefits of using a simple resume?

A simple resume is a great option for candidates who don’t want to organize numerous elements or wrangle complex formatting. They can be useful when you want to focus the hiring manager’s attention on your most relevant qualifications, like your current job, and eliminate irrelevant information like previous jobs in an unrelated field.

What are the most important parts of a simple resume?

A simple resume should contain the candidate’s contact information, an objective statement or summary, their work experience, education, and skills.

Is there a specific order for the elements in a simple resume?

While most simple resumes follow a similar format, there is no required order in which the elements must appear. You can arrange the sections in a simple resume based on what you want to emphasize.

What is the difference between a simple and traditional resume?

A simple resume uses only basic formatting and is briefer than a traditional resume. It’s typically limited to a single page and doesn’t include any complex design elements, like custom fonts or multiple columns.

How far back should resume work history go?

In a simple resume, it’s fine to include only your last two to three roles. If you want to showcase a more extensive work history or you’re applying for a job that requires it, a less basic resume format may be the better choice.

What should I do if I have had multiple positions at the same company?

The straightforward formatting of a simple resume makes it a great option for professionals who’ve held multiple positions at the same company. For example, you might list company names in all caps and position titles in bold. This formatting makes it very easy to understand that these were sequential positions under the same employer.

Should I list references on a simple resume?

References should not be included in a simple resume.

How many pages should a simple resume be?

A simple resume should be limited to one page to make sure the hiring manager sees all the most important information. Other formats, like traditional and creative resumes, may extend beyond a single page.

What font should be used in creating my resume?

In a simple resume, use a basic, traditional font that can be read by all types of applications. Tahoma, Arial, and Verdana are good options.

Do I need to worry about keywords in my resume?

Since a simple resume uses fewer words than other resume formats, it’s essential to choose those words widely. Zero in on the most important keywords in the job description or use a keyword finder tool to help you identify which words and phrases to include in your resume.
Related: How to find keywords in a job description to use in your resume

What are some common mistakes people make when creating a simple resume?

One of the most common mistakes candidates make when creating a simple resume is including too much information. Only include details and experience that are directly relevant to the position you’re applying for.
Another common mistake is using inconsistent formatting. Be sure your format choices, like the font styles and sizes you use for each resume element, are consistent throughout your document.

Should I include an objective in my resume? Is it always needed?

It’s up to you whether to include an objective section. In a simple resume, which aims to convey information clearly and efficiently, using an objective can help you give the hiring manager an instant summary of what makes you a strong candidate.

Should I list my hobbies or interests?

A simple resume should not include supplemental information like hobbies or interests.