35+ Free Professional Resume Templates for 2025 

A professional resume template doesn’t have to mean “boring.” A well-structured resume shows confidence, professionalism, and a firm grasp of workplace norms — without relying on flashy colors or over-the-top designs. Save the personality for the interview; your resume’s job is to prove your value at a glance.

I’ve searched high and low for the best professional resume templates for different industries, experience levels, and platforms. Just remember, your resume should reflect you. Use these templates as a base, but don’t be afraid to tweak them to make them your own.

This guide will deliver: 

• A range of professional resume templates and examples. 
• Tips and examples of what to include in your resume. 
• The best tactics to find the best template for you. 

5 Rezi Professional Resume Templates

At Rezi, we believe your qualifications should do the talking, not flashy graphics or bold colors. While Instagrammable designs might look good on paper, they tend to distract from what really matters — your experience and skills.

Our templates are simple and focused on showing why you’re the perfect fit for the job. Plus, our straightforward designs help ensure your resume gets through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) without any trouble.

Check out some of our most popular Rezi resume templates: 

Standard Resume Template 

This Standard Resume has a one-column design, giving plenty of room for a detailed work history without feeling cluttered. Straight-line dividers, bullet points, and bold headings keep things structured. There are also sections for projects and achievements to strengthen your application. 

Modern Resume Template 

The Modern Resume uses bold headings and a hint of blue for a polished touch. A mix of fonts adds personality while keeping things readable. It balances creativity and professionalism, giving you space to showcase your experience, skills, and education.

Bright Resume Template

Our Bright Resume Template uses a pop of orange to add warmth without overpowering your content. Job details are neatly aligned on one line, freeing up space for detailed bullet points in the work experience section. It’s professional, eye-catching, and easy to skim.

Harvard Resume Template

While Harvard Resumes typically emphasize education first, we’ve adapted this layout for job seekers who want to place work experience front and center. Centered headings also help to create a clean look, making it easy for recruiters to find key details.

Structured Resume Template 

Our Structured Resume has a no-nonsense layout, keeping job titles, dates, and bullet points close together for quick readability. Despite its compact design, bold headings and a clear font keep everything easy to follow. It’s perfect for traditional roles where clarity and efficiency matter. 

Check out our complete collection: ATS-Friendly Resume Templates 

10 Professional Microsoft Word Resume Templates 

Microsoft Word offers a variety of resume templates, many of which are organized and professional. But as most are on the simple side, you may need to make some formatting tweaks to fit a more detailed work history. The good news? ATS scanners love straightforward designs — just be sure to add enough detail to make your experience stand out.

Here are the top resume templates for Microsoft Word: 

Basic Professional Resume Template

This Basic Professional Resume focuses on your achievements without unnecessary design elements. Ideal for students and new grads, it places education up top and leaves space for projects and extracurriculars. Once you gain experience, you can shift your work history higher.

Modern Resume Template

The Modern Resume Template creatively blends one- and two-column layouts for a fresh touch. Your name stands out in the top left, and the resume includes brief paragraphs to keep job descriptions concise. If you have a longer work history, I suggest switching to bullet points to make it easier to scan.

Bold Classic Resume Template

Make a statement with your name in oversized text alongside contact details at the top. This Bold Classic Resume keeps things structured with eye-catching section headings. It also includes a resume objective, which focuses more on career goals than past achievements.

ATS Simple Classic Resume Template

Getting through an ATS scanner doesn’t mean your resume has to be dull. A green border and stylish name header add subtle flair while keeping it professional. However, I recommend switching work history paragraphs to bullet points to improve readability. 

Modern Initials Resume Template

The Modern Initials Resume has a sleek design and a standout name header. Bullet points make scanning easy, while the bold contact section catches attention. Consider swapping out soft skills for technical abilities listed in the job description to strengthen your application.

Industry Manager Resume Template

Designed for seasoned professionals, the Industry Manager Resume skips borders and dividers to maximize space for work experience. The template is ideal for those with extensive experience or without a formal degree, as it prioritizes career history over education.

Simple Resume Template

The Simple Resume Template uses a blue color block to add personality — perfect for creative industries or relaxed companies. Work experience gets plenty of room, but swapping bulky paragraphs for bullet points can improve readability and make key accomplishments stand out.

Modern Bold Resume Template

Your name takes center stage with the Modern Bold Resume, ensuring recruiters remember you. This balanced layout gives equal weight to education and work experience, making it a solid choice for those with a strong academic background and a few relevant jobs. 

Internal Transfer Resume Template 

Are you applying for a new role in your company? The Internal Transfer Resume shows your professional growth and contributions. Highlight key accomplishments with quantifiable results, and consider shifting your education section lower to focus more on your work experience and current impact. 

Bold Red Resume Template

The Bold Red Resume Template features a striking red block with your initials and contact details, projecting confidence and ambition. It balances style and substance, offering plenty of space for work experience, with bullet points to keep job details easy to read.

5 Professional Google Docs Resume Templates

Google Docs is a familiar favorite — you just need a Google account, and you’re ready to go. You can find five resume templates in the Google Docs template gallery, all of which keep it simple with a subtle touch of color. 

The catch? They’re a little basic. While perfect for ATS scanners, you might need to add extra details to fully highlight your experience and skills.

Take a look at the official Google Docs resume templates:

Swiss Resume Template

The Swiss Resume Template stands out with a subtle orange accent, giving it a professional pop. Line dividers and bold headings keep things neat. However, the left space limits room for detailed work experience, so it’s not the best choice if you have an extensive job history. 

Serif Resume Template

The Serif Resume Template has a modern look with blue headings and a two-column layout. It uses white space and bold headings for a clutter-free design. Plus, there’s room for extra sections like skills, awards, and languages, so you can highlight what makes you stand out.

Coral Resume Template 

The Coral Resume Template adds a creative touch with playful fonts like Playfair, Lato, and Italic. The skills section sits at the top, making it easy to highlight your technical abilities right away — perfect for roles that focus on expertise and qualifications.

Spearmint Resume Template

The Spearmint Resume Template includes large bullet points to highlight your experience and accomplishments. A bold green color makes a statement without distracting from your content, making it a smart choice for those who want to get noticed without overwhelming the reader.

Modern Writer Resume Template 

The Modern Writer Resume adds a hint of pink to keep things professional but fun. It uses a one-column layout with skills at the top, perfect for jobs requiring specialized skills. The source code font is also a subtle nod to coding languages, making it a solid fit for tech roles.

8 Professional Canva Resume Templates

Canva makes design easy for everyone — even if you’re not a pro. But when it comes to resumes, less is more. It’s tempting to go all out with snazzy styles, but a simple, professional layout keeps the focus where it matters: on your content.

I’d suggest making all your edits in Canva first to avoid formatting headaches when transferring to another platform.

Check out the best professional resume templates on Canva:

Corporate Resume Template 

The Corporate Resume uses dividers to organize sections, with a standout work experience area. Consider removing references to free up space, as employers typically request them separately. You can also swap the language section for notable projects or achievements. 

Minimalist Resume Template 

Neat boxes separate sections, making the Minimalist Resume Template easy on the eyes. Your work experience has the largest section, and your name takes center stage. With a simple gray and black color scheme, it’s perfect for a minimalist look that’s still impactful.

White and Orange Resume Template

The White and Orange Resume adds a touch of color to divide sections while keeping things professional. The layout includes areas for contact details, work experience, skills, and education, with extra space for awards or projects. Its bright design feels modern and approachable.

Modern Resume Template

This Modern Resume includes a bold name and icons to immediately grab attention. The clean layout uses headings to break up sections, leaving plenty of space to expand on experiences. Sections for education, skills, and certifications are perfect for showing your technical expertise.

Blue and White Professional Resume Template

Hints of blue throughout this Blue and White Professional Resume create a polished, organized look. Your bold name and profile help set the tone for your application. With separate sections for work experience, education, and skills, it’s easy to highlight your technical abilities and certifications.

Professional Modern CV Resume Template

Organized and sleek, the Professional Modern CV Template uses dividers and a gray block to separate key sections. The layout is perfect for readability, but be cautious about including a photo, as many U.S. employers discourage it. Research your industry or location to see if it’s acceptable.

Purple and White Resume Template

The Purple and White Resume uses purple accents to give this template personality, while the professional format keeps it grounded. One-line job details maximize space for bullet points, allowing you to detail your experiences. 

Blue Simple Professional CV Resume Template

The Blue Simple Professional CV uses light blue splashes to make this template easy to read without overshadowing your content. Clear section borders ensure your work experience and education stand out, and bullet points help with readability. 

5 Professional Adobe Resume Templates

Adobe is a firm favorite amongst marketers, artists, and graphic designers, and their resume templates definitely show it. While the bold colors and artistic formatting can shine in creative fields, they might not be the best fit for a more traditional professional resume. 

Lucky for you, I’ve found some templates that strike the perfect balance — they’re still polished with a touch of personality. 

Check out my top picks for Adobe resume templates:

Yellow and White Resume Template

The Yellow and White Resume uses a subtle yellow accent to divide sections. The two-column layout highlights your work experience while providing space for skills and education. There’s also room for software, great for showcasing your technical expertise.

Simple Resume Template

Perfect for new grads, this one-column Simple Resume Template emphasizes your education and includes a section for memberships to highlight your passions outside the classroom. However, I would skip the photo unless the employer specifically requests one.

Bold Resume Template

The Bold Resume delivers a strong first impression with a bold name and lines to separate sections. Ideal for students or recent grads, it allows space for extracurriculars, awards, and skills. It’s perfect for showing potential, even without a ton of work experience.

Minimalist Resume Template

This Minimalist Resume has a unique corner design that adds a creative touch. The layout places work experience and skills side by side, emphasizing your technical abilities with quantifiable achievements. It also includes a section for certifications to highlight your expertise.

Blue and White Resume Template

The Blue and White Resume has a dark blue border for a formal and dynamic feel. The template also offers plenty of space for detailed bullet points in the work experience section. However, I suggest expanding your contact details with LinkedIn or portfolio links to make it more comprehensive.

5 Professional University Resume Templates

Are you a college student looking for a job? Many universities provide resume templates and career resources to help you get started. Since students often have limited work experience, these templates highlight education with sections for projects, extracurriculars, and skills — helping you show your potential and stand out to recruiters.

Here are some of the top university resume templates: 

The University of Texas at Austin Resume Template 

This editable template offers helpful tips throughout to help you build your resume. It emphasizes education, with sections for projects, leadership, skills, and awards — great if you’re a recent grad with little work experience who wants to show off your drive and accomplishments.

Southern Louisiana University Resume Template

This template divides work experience into general work and customer service (which you can swap out for another industry). While not traditional, it could be useful to highlight certain experiences, like volunteer work, or emphasize specific roles that align with the job. 

University of Northern Iowa Resume Template

This resume template puts education at the top and offers a section for technical skills — perfect for jobs requiring specific software knowledge. It also includes space for college activities, so you can demonstrate your skills and passion beyond the classroom.

American University Resume Template

This one-column resume is great for professionals with an extensive job history. If you have a strong background, move your education section lower, unless it’s relevant to the position. The template’s straightforward format suits traditional and professional employers.

University of Minnesota Resume Template

This template is perfect for academic roles, as it highlights education, projects, leadership, and awards. However, if you have a few years of experience, consider a template that focuses on work experience more — employers often prioritize practical experience over academic achievements.

Are you fresh out of college or high school? Learn more: How to Write a Resume With No Experience

How to Choose the Best Professional Resume Template?

Short answer:

Choosing the best resume template starts with keeping it professional and easy to read. Look for a template with clear section headings, a simple layout, and minimal design elements. A reverse-chronological format works best for most, since it highlights your work history and career progression. Ensure the template is ATS-friendly, using standard fonts (like Arial or Calibri), and avoids text boxes or images that could confuse applicant tracking systems. Tailor your resume for each job and pick a format that allows for quick edits without messing up the layout.

Review the job description and requirements 

Always tailor your resume to the job — sending out the same cookie-cutter resume for every application doesn’t exactly scream enthusiasm to employers. I’m not saying you need a new template for every job (procrastination at its finest), but picking one that fits your experience level and industry is a smart move.

Applying for entry-level roles? Go for a template that focuses on education. Since you might not have much work experience, highlighting your coursework, projects, and extracurriculars on your resume can help bridge the gap.

A functional resume template with skills at the top of the resume could be a smart choice for technical roles. If the job posting emphasizes specific software, tools, or certifications, pick a design that lets those abilities shine to show recruiters you’re a match. 

And what about photos? It’s best to leave them off altogether. Most U.S. resumes skip them because of strict hiring policies, but they might be expected in countries outside the U.S. Always check the standards for your field before deciding.

Select the right layout and order 

Recruiters go through dozens of resumes — don’t make their job harder with an overly “creative” layout. They’re in skim mode, scanning for key details to see if you’re a good fit as fast as possible.

Your best bet? Stick with a reverse chronological order. List your most recent job first and work backward. It highlights your career growth and, more importantly, it’s what recruiters expect.

A typical resume includes these sections in the following order: 

• A summary or objective
• Work experience
• Education
• Skills
• Additional sections, like certifications or languages

If you don’t have much work experience, move the education section higher up and highlight relevant coursework, projects, or academic achievements.

You’ll also need to decide between a one-column or two-column layout — both have pros and cons. Here’s a quick comparison: 

• One-column: ATS-friendly, easy to read, and great for corporate or traditional roles.
• Two-column: More visually appealing and can fit more details, but can trip up ATS. 

When in doubt, stick with a one-column layout — however, it’s usually your experiences and skills that are the deciding factor. 

Stick with professional formatting 

While content is king, it’s much easier to digest if your formatting is on point. You’ve already lost points if a recruiter has to squint to figure out your experience, 

Here are some formatting tips to keep in mind when choosing and editing your template: 

• Font: Use professional resume fonts like Calibri, Helvetica, and Georgia. Didot and Lato can also work if you’re in a creative field. Avoid outdated (hey, Times New Roman) or overly decorative fonts (looking at you, Brush Script). Keep the main text 10–12 pt and headings 14–16 pt. 
• Spacing and margins: Stick to single or 1.15 spacing with one-inch margins around the sides. This keeps everything looking neat and prevents overcrowding.
• Length: A one-page resume is ideal, but a two-page format can also work if you’ve got years of relevant experience. Just make sure every section adds value and is tied to the position. 
• References: No need to list references on your resume — recruiters will ask if they need them. Save that space for more important content, like achievements and skills.
• Bullet points: Use bullet points in your experience, education, and skills sections. Limit each job to six bullet points max — focus on impact, not fluff. 

Find out more about ATS-friendly formatting tips: The Best Resume Format

Check the download instructions

Before downloading a resume template, make sure it’s compatible with your preferred software, such as Google Docs or Microsoft Word. Not all templates work as expected, so double-check before you commit.

For example, the site GDoc claims its templates are compatible with Google Docs and even has a button that says “Start editing now in Google Docs.” But when you click it, you’re actually taken to Google Slides, which isn’t ideal for resume formatting (not to mention misleading).

The takeaway? Always check the download instructions. Save yourself the hassle by verifying the file type before you start customizing. 

Summary

Here’s a recap of everything you need to know when finding and customizing a professional resume template: 

• Opt for resume templates with clean layouts and minimal design elements. A pop of color is fine for creative fields, but keep it professional for traditional industries.
• Choose templates that let you easily edit sections and formatting without disrupting the layout. Ensure ATS compatibility with templates that avoid complex elements like images and charts. 
• Check that your resume is easy to skim with clear headings, bullet points, and enough white space. Stick with professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica. 
• Select the right format for your industry and experience level. Going with a reverse-chronological layout is the safest bet — it’s familiar and shows your career progression. 
• Don’t overcrowd your resume with unnecessary sections — focus on relevant skills, experiences, and education.
• Edit and tailor your resume to match the job and company you’re applying for, ensuring it reflects the required qualifications.

FAQ

What is the most professional template for a resume?

A professional resume template is easy to read and well-organized. Templates work best with a simple one- or two-column layout, clear section headings, and minimal design elements. Avoid excessive colors, graphics, or fancy fonts — recruiters care more about your experience than flashy visuals. 

The reverse-chronological format is widely accepted because it highlights your work history and career progression. Google Docs, Microsoft Word, and platforms like Rezi offer ATS-friendly templates that keep things professional while making your resume stand out.

How far back should a resume go?

For most professionals, you shouldn’t go beyond 10 to 15 years. Employers care about your most recent and relevant experience, so there’s no need to include every job you’ve ever had. If you’re early in your career, include all relevant experiences, even internships or part-time jobs. For senior roles, focus on key achievements rather than listing outdated positions.

Find out more: How Far Back (How Many Years) Should a Resume Go?

What do you include on a student resume?

If you’re a student or recent graduate, your resume should highlight education, skills, internships, part-time jobs, and relevant coursework. 

Since your work experience may be limited, include extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or projects that show leadership, teamwork, or communication skills. Don’t forget a strong resume objective at the top, emphasizing what you bring to the table and your career aspirations. Keep it clear, concise, and relevant to the job you’re applying for.

What is the best site for resume templates?

Google Docs and Microsoft Word offer free, simple templates. Canva has visually appealing designs (though not always ATS-friendly). If you want an optimized, ATS-compliant resume, check out Rezi, which provides structured and simple templates designed to get past applicant tracking systems.

Which format do most employers prefer for resumes?

The reverse-chronological format is the most preferred resume layout because it clearly presents your work history, starting with your most recent job. It’s easy for recruiters and hiring managers to skim and helps ATS scan your experience. Hybrid and functional resumes are alternatives, but they’re not as common and are only really suited for career changers or those with employment gaps.

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