Jen David 
Lose the complexity to win the job
Sometimes, less is more. In this article, we're looking at why a simple resume can often be the one that lands you the interview and why a resume full of graphics, tables, and images isn't going to win you any prizes. Yes, when it comes to getting a job, a simple resume layout is key. Come with us as we explore some effective layouts and share some free resume templates.
Why are simple resumes best?
In the past, you'd mail off your resume – having printed it on fancy paper and added all the bells and whistles that your primitive word processor allowed, before waiting weeks for the recruiters to sift through every application and get back to you. These days, it's a very different story.
Technology has advanced the recruitment process, so that you can apply online in a matter of minutes – and sometimes get a response just as quickly. Often in this situation, your resume will be scanned into an applicant tracking system, or ATS. An ATS is basically just an advanced digital filing cabinet that helps the recruiter to manage the hiring process and store a large volume of resumes.
So far so good, it all seems pretty straightforward. But – and it's a big but – your resume needs to be in a format that the ATS can read and store accurately. There's no point maxing out your software's capabilities producing an all singing, all dancing resume if the ATS can't read it accurately. While technology is advancing all the time, it's still recommended that you use a simple resume layout, with no tables, text boxes, graphics, icons, images or logos, as they can introduce errors into your carefully crafted resume.
Do employers like simple resume layouts?
It's not just ATS that like simple resume layouts – employers do too. Imagine you have a stack of resumes to evaluate. Most use a simple and consistent format, but there are one or two that take a unique approach. In those cases, you need to spend additional time searching for the information you're looking for to make fair comparisons. Simple resume layouts can save hiring managers time, but they can also make their job easier as they're less distracting overall.
So, sadly, that means you need to ditch the Canva resume template that looked so appealing originally and start from scratch with a blank page. Companies want to find out what you can contribute to their company, not how fancy your resume template download is.
How do I create a simple resume layout?
Luckily, it's easy to create a simple resume layout. Start with a header, with your name, job title, and contact details. Below that, you'll need the following headings:
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Profile
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Key skills
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Professional experience and achievements
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Education and qualifications
Depending on your personal situation, you might also like to add a few more sections to give a rounded view of what you can contribute, such as:
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Professional development
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Languages
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IT proficiency
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Professional affiliations
When you've created your headers, it's time to add the relevant detail to each section. The key here is to write concisely, with your target job in mind, and only add details that will support your application.
Dos and don'ts of a simple resume layout
As you prepare your resume, keep these guidelines in mind so that you don't add unnecessary clutter and complexity:
DO:
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Choose a standard, sans serif font
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Use a black font on a white background (although a flash of color is fine)
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Use bullet points rather than paragraphs wherever possible
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Write in reverse-chronological order
DON'T:
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Use tables or text boxes
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Add company or training provider logos
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Include a photo
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Use more than one or two fonts
Remember that a linear format with clearly identifiable sections is best. This resume style will help the recruiter to easily pick out the information they're looking for and ensure that the ATS can read your resume.
How many pages should a simple resume have?
As a general rule, a simple resume layout is two pages. But, as we all know, rules were made to be broken! There are situations when a one- or three-page resume will serve you well – you can find out more in our article, How Many Pages Should a Good Resume Be?
In the spirit of keeping things simple, a resume doesn't need to include every detail of your working life. If you have extensive experience, your resume should only go back in detail over the last 10-15 years. The rest can simply be summarized, which will help you to keep the resume short and punchy.
Simple resume layout examples
Here we have three examples of simple resume layouts, to inspire your own document. These free resume templates use a standard, reverse-chronological format that is easily interpreted by both humans and applicant tracking systems.
Insert 3 x resume layout examples
Note that each example presents information consistently, so that the reader can quickly jump to whichever details they're looking for. A consistent layout also shows your attention to detail and professionalism.
FAQ about simple resume layouts
What resume format do employers prefer?
There's no one single resume layout that's guaranteed to land you an interview, but simple, straightforward resumes tend to perform better than graphic layouts. Focus on the content over the visuals.
What are the three main resume formats?
The most widely-recognized and expected resume format is the reverse chronological. You may also come across the functional (or skills-based) resume and the hybrid (or combination) resume. You can find out more about all of these in our article, The Best Resume Format to Get Hired.
Can I use a creative resume format if I'm in a creative job?
Even if you're applying to a creative role, your resume may still be scanned into an ATS. The safest option is to stick to a simple resume format for the initial application, and follow up with a hard copy creative format in the interview if you really want to show off your creative skills.
Is a CV the same as a resume?
In the UK and Europe, resumes are called CVs and they are essentially the same document. In the US, the term CV is generally reserved for academic resumes, or resumes where more detail is expected.
Do I need to add a cover letter to my resume?
Cover letters can be polarizing – recruiters either love 'em or hate 'em. Our advice is to follow the instructions on the job advert. If it doesn't mention a cover letter either way, it always helps to have one prepared that you can quickly tweak to the demands of the role, just in case.
Keep it simple!
The key takeaway from this article is that the simpler the resume, the more likely it is to result in an interview. With a combination of persuasive content and a clear layout, you should be well on your way to your next role.
If you're not landing the interviews you expect, it could be that the content of your resume simply isn't selling you into the role. Why not request a free resume review from our team of experts, to get you back on track?