Basic Resume Templates

What Is a Basic Resume Template?

A basic resume template gives you a simple way to organize your work history, skills, and education. It’s straightforward, uncluttered, and easy for hiring managers to read.

You don’t need fancy designs or graphics. Most recruiters spend under 7 seconds on a first scan, so a basic resume keeps the focus on your experience.

I find this template works well for many job seekers, especially if you’re just starting out or looking for a clean, professional look.

Key Elements of a Basic Resume

A basic resume template sticks to the essentials. You’ll see clear sections for your name, contact info, summary, work experience, education, and skills.

Each section has its purpose. For example, the summary highlights your strengths, while the work experience section shows what you’ve achieved in each role.

I always recommend using bullet points for job duties and accomplishments. Numbers-like “cut costs by 18%”-help your resume stand out and show real impact.

When to Use a Basic Resume Template

I use a basic resume template when I want to keep things clean and straightforward. It works best for entry-level jobs, internships, or when you have less experience.

You should pick a basic template if you’re applying to jobs that use applicant tracking systems (ATS). These systems read simple formats more accurately, so your info doesn’t get lost.

There are times when fancy designs distract from your skills. In those cases, a basic resume keeps the focus on what matters-your experience and qualifications.

How to Write a Basic Resume Step by Step

How to Write a Basic Resume Step by Step

Choose the Right Basic Resume Template

Format and Organize Your Resume

Highlight Achievements and Customize for Each Job

How to List Basic Computer Skills on a Resume

Including Basic Life Support Certification and Interpersonal Communication Skills

Basic Objective for Resume: Examples and Tips

ResumeJudge

Writing a basic resume doesn't need to be complicated. I find the simple approach works best-clean design, clear sections, and only the most relevant info.

You want your resume to pass ATS scans and be easy for hiring managers to read. A strong format, skills, and keywords all make a difference.

It's about showing what you bring to the table, keeping things organized, and tailoring each section for the job you want. Let's break down each step.

Choose the Right Basic Resume Template

I always start with a clean, simple template. This makes your resume easy for both hiring managers and applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan.

Pick one page, clear fonts like Calibri, and bold headings. Avoid graphics, multiple columns, or fancy fonts since these confuse most ATS software.

Your industry matters too. If you’re in finance or law, stick to traditional styles. Creative roles sometimes allow a bit more personality in design.

Format and Organize Your Resume

I always start with a clear header: name, city and state, phone, email, and LinkedIn. This puts your contact info front and center.

Use section headings like “Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.” Stick with easy-to-read fonts, like Calibri or Arial, at 10-12 pt for the main text.

List jobs in reverse chronological order. Aim for one page, use one-inch margins, and keep spacing at single or 1.15. Bullet points make details easy to scan.

Don’t cram in extra stuff like photos or references. A clean layout helps hiring managers see your qualifications fast, which is what they want.

Highlight Achievements and Customize for Each Job

Hiring managers want to see what you bring to the table, not just your job duties. I always use action verbs and show real results, like “increased sales by 20%.”

Use numbers whenever possible. For example, “managed a team of 10” or “cut processing time by 30%.” This gives clear proof of your impact.

Always customize your resume for each job. Pull keywords from the job posting, then highlight the experience and achievements that match those requirements. This helps you stand out.

How to List Basic Computer Skills on a Resume

Basic computer skills are a must on most resumes. I usually list skills like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and basic troubleshooting under a separate “Skills” section.

You want to be specific. Instead of just “computer skills,” list tools you actually use-Excel, Word, PowerPoint, or Gmail. This helps recruiters see your real experience.

If job ads mention certain software, add those to your basic computer skills resume. Around 80% of managers want candidates who match their listed tech requirements.

Including Basic Life Support Certification and Interpersonal Communication Skills

If you have a basic life support certification, add it under a “Certifications” section. Employers in healthcare, security, or childcare want to see this on your resume.

I always list the exact name-“Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification”-plus the issuing organization and date. This helps hiring managers verify your credentials quickly.

Basic interpersonal communication skills matter in almost every job. I show these in my “Skills” section and use real examples in my work history, like handling customer questions or resolving conflicts.

You can quantify communication skills too. For example, “Answered 30+ customer calls daily” or “Led weekly team meetings.” This shows you don’t just have the skill-you use it on the job.

Basic Objective for Resume: Examples and Tips

A basic objective for resume is a short statement-usually one or two sentences. It quickly tells hiring managers what you want and what you offer.

Keep your objective direct and tailored to the job. Say something like, “Looking for a customer service role where I can use my communication skills to improve client satisfaction.”

Use numbers if you can. For example, “Seeking a sales position to use my two years of experience increasing monthly revenue by 15%.” This gets attention fast.

Best Practices for Basic Resume Templates

Best Practices for Basic Resume Templates

Keep It Simple and Readable

Customize Structure Based on Experience

Basic Resume Outline: Structure and Sections

ResumeJudge

A basic resume template keeps things clean so hiring managers see your skills right away. I like how these templates focus on clear organization and easy readability.

If you want your experience to stand out, a simple format works best. You can highlight what matters most and avoid unnecessary distractions.

Customizing the layout for your background is key. You can adjust sections or reorder them depending on your industry and experience level.

Keep It Simple and Readable

I always go for a clean, straightforward layout. This keeps my resume easy to scan, and recruiters spend less than 7 seconds on a first look.

You want to use clear fonts like Calibri, Garamond, or Cambria. Avoid flashy colors, graphics, or busy backgrounds-these only distract from the main point: your experience.

There’s no need to overcomplicate things. A simple, readable design looks professional and makes it easier for hiring managers to focus on your skills and achievements.

Customize Structure Based on Experience

You want your resume structure to match your career level. For example, if you’re just starting out, put your skills and education first, above your work history.

If you’ve got years of experience, showcase your biggest achievements and leadership roles near the top. This helps you grab attention right away.

I always look for templates that let me move sections around. That flexibility makes it easier to highlight what matters most for each job I’m after.

Basic Resume Outline: Structure and Sections

A basic resume outline usually starts with your contact info at the top. You follow this with a summary, work history, education, and relevant skills.

You can add sections like certifications, volunteer work, or projects if they support your goals. I find most recruiters expect this order because it’s clear and easy to scan.

Each section should have a clear heading. Keep everything in a single column. This helps recruiters find key info quickly-most spend less than 8 seconds on a first scan.

With a simple structure, you focus on what matters: your experience and skills. That’s what helps your resume make a strong first impression.

Basic Resume Template Examples

I know starting with a basic resume template saves time and stress. These templates help you organize your info fast, without any confusing extras.

You’ll see simple, modern, and classic styles here. I’ll also cover options for Google Docs and Word, so you can pick what works best for you.

Simple and Classic Resume Templates

If you want a straightforward resume that works in almost any field, simple and classic templates do the job. I see these used by everyone from retail to healthcare.

These templates use clean lines, basic fonts, and clear section headers. They make your experience easy to scan, which recruiters love. There’s no clutter, just the essentials.

I always recommend starting with your name and contact info at the top. Then, list your experience, education, and skills. You get a clean look that’s easy to update.

Modern and Creative Resume Templates

If you want your resume to stand out visually, modern and creative templates are worth a look. These often use pops of color or a unique font to highlight key details.

I see a lot of people in tech, design, and marketing use these templates. They help show off your personality without overdoing it or making things hard to read.

Modern templates often balance style with readability. You still cover basics like skills and experience, but small design tweaks can make your resume feel fresh and current.

Basic Resume Template Google Docs and Word Options

If you want a basic resume template, Google Docs offers five free options. These are easy to edit, save online, and share with anyone.

Microsoft Word also has a range of basic resume template Word formats. You can find over 20 free templates in the Microsoft gallery, ready to download.

I like that both Google Docs and Word templates keep things simple and ATS-friendly. Just stick to standard fonts and layouts, and you’re good to go.

This wraps up my rundown of basic resume template examples. Whether you use Google Docs or Word, you’ve got plenty of straightforward, effective choices.

Dos and Don’ts for Basic Resumes

Dos and Don’ts for Basic Resumes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Tips for Standing Out with a Basic Resume

Basic Cover Letter Examples to Pair with Your Resume

ResumeJudge

Getting a basic resume right is all about balance. You want it simple, clean, and easy to read, but not boring or incomplete.

I always focus on clarity and structure first. A basic template helps you organize your info and highlight what matters most to employers.

It's easy to miss small details that make a big difference. Let's look at what works-and what doesn't-so your resume stands out for the right reasons.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I see people using cluttered layouts or fancy fonts that are hard to read. A basic resume depends on simplicity, so stick to clean lines and standard fonts.

You might forget to tailor your resume for each job. Generic resumes get overlooked-over 60% of recruiters prefer targeted applications with clear relevance.

Don’t ignore typos or formatting errors. Even one mistake can lead to rejection. Proofread your resume and use consistent headings, spacing, and bullet points throughout.

Tips for Standing Out with a Basic Resume

You can grab attention by using strong, specific action verbs. Numbers matter-quantify your results, like “Reduced onboarding time by 15%” or “Handled 50+ daily customer inquiries.”

I always recommend tailoring your resume for each job. Scan the job description and mirror keywords. This gets your resume past automated tracking systems and in front of real people.

Highlight unique experiences, like relevant volunteer work or side projects. Recruiters notice these. Even entry-level candidates can show initiative this way, making the resume feel more personal.

Basic Cover Letter Examples to Pair with Your Resume

Pairing your resume with a clear, direct cover letter works. I see basic cover letter examples focus on skills, experience, and why you fit the job-nothing fancy, just facts.

You want your cover letter to match the resume’s tone and structure. Use simple greetings, one-page length, and concrete details. Hiring managers spend about 6 seconds skimming, so clarity matters.

If you’re stuck, look at basic cover letter examples online. These show how to introduce yourself, mention the job title, and quickly explain your value. This wraps up your application neatly.

Summary and Next Steps

A basic resume template keeps things simple and easy to read. You stick to clear headings, bullet points, and standard fonts.

Most hiring managers spend just six seconds on a resume. You want yours to stand out for the right reasons.

Next, I’ll walk you through how to highlight your strengths, organize your info, and tailor your resume for any job.