Simple Resume Format

This resume format is used by professionals, students, and job seekers applying to roles that require a clean, text-based document without graphic elements or color blocks. It is often submitted for early-career positions, administrative jobs, and roles where applicant tracking systems (ATS) are in use, as the layout emphasizes clarity in section flow and keyword alignment. The template is available in Microsoft Word and Google Docs formats and includes placeholder text to indicate what type of content belongs in each section.

It uses a single-column layout and covers all standard resume components—summary, education, work experience, skills, certifications, references—as well as optional sections for volunteering and affiliations. The guide below explains how each part should be completed and what to consider when adjusting or removing optional fields.

Contact Section

Replace the placeholder fields at the top with your full name, complete address, phone number, email, and any relevant links such as a LinkedIn profile or portfolio site. Emoji symbols are used beside each label to visually separate fields; these can be kept or deleted depending on the formality of the role or personal preference.

Summary

Write a short paragraph summarizing your background, areas of focus, or key strengths. This section should reflect the type of role you are applying for. It is not meant to list every skill, but to give a concise overview of what you bring professionally.

Adjust this section to reflect keywords or phrases from the job description. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) often scan for exact matches, and alignment here can increase the chances of passing the initial review.

Education

Enter the degree name, institution, city and state, and graduation date. If you have multiple entries, they should be listed with the most recent first. Additional qualifications can also be included here if they follow the same format.

Certifications and Awards

List certifications, licenses, or professional awards that are relevant to the role. Each entry should include the title, issuing organization, and the month and year received. Keep items brief and limited to achievements with recognized value.

Work Experience

Start with your most recent job and include the title, employer name, city and state, and dates of employment. Beneath each job, use bullet points to describe responsibilities, tools used, or outcomes delivered. Two example blocks are included in the file; more can be added by copying the format.

Skills

Include technical tools, soft skills, and subject knowledge that relate to the role you’re applying for. When possible, explain how or where the skill is used, or indicate your experience level. Avoid listing general terms without context.

Skills with clear context are easier for hiring teams and automated systems to evaluate. Instead of listing “communication” alone, note how it applies—such as leading meetings, writing reports, or resolving client issues.

Professional Affiliations

Mention any relevant memberships in professional organizations. Include the organization name, your role (if any), and dates of membership. This section is useful for candidates in regulated or credentialed industries.

Volunteering Experience

This section uses the same layout as the work experience. Include the role, organization, location, and dates, followed by a short description of your involvement. This is optional and can be removed if not applicable.

Interests and Hobbies

Use this section to include personal interests that reflect discipline, creativity, or consistency—such as competitive sports, writing, or language study. Avoid casual or unrelated hobbies unless relevant to the company culture.

References

Two sample reference entries are provided. Each should include the contact’s name, title or relationship to you, company, phone number, and email address. Confirm permission before listing someone. If references are not requested during initial application, you may write “Available upon request” or remove the section entirely.

Languages

List each language followed by your proficiency level—e.g., native, fluent, conversational, or basic. You may include up to four entries or remove the section entirely if not relevant to the role.

Listing language proficiency can strengthen your application in roles that involve cross-cultural collaboration, international clients, or bilingual environments. Even when not required, it reflects adaptability in communication and may be considered useful in team settings or client interactions.