Start With Strong Foundations
No matter which template you choose, keep these rules front of mind:
- Use one or two fonts max — ideally a sans-serif for readability.
- Keep section headings consistent with all-caps or small caps styling.
- Leverage white space and subtle lines instead of heavy graphics.
- Avoid text boxes, tables, and icons that break ATS parsing.
Save the document as a PDF once finalised to preserve layout, and keep a Word version for quick edits.
Pick the Right Layout
Match the template structure to your content needs:
Strategist
Two-column layout with a narrow sidebar for contact details and skills. Ideal for consultants and managers with lots of achievements to showcase.
Builder
Single-column format with bold section headings. Works well for technical roles that need clear chronological storytelling.
Narrator
Hybrid layout featuring key accomplishments in a highlight box on page one, followed by detailed experience.
If you are unsure, start with a single-column layout — it's the most versatile and easiest to scan.
Customise With Confidence
Once you pick a base template:
- Swap colour accents for your brand palette (navy, charcoal, teal).
- Use the skills matrix framework for a polished capabilities section.
- Integrate quantified achievements from theresume playbook to back up claims.
Before sending, run your resume through an ATS simulator or copy text into a plain document to ensure everything parses correctly.
