What do you do if you can't pick the best resume writing template for your job search?

I love those videos where men show up at an event (church potluck, group date night, family gathering) and slowly realize they have the same shirt as every other guy in the room. They are funny pranks that make me chuckle every time. The shirts aren't bad; in fact, most of the time, they’re great. But when everyone shows up wearing the same shirt, it seems weird. Far too many think the "right" template will get them callbacks, so they hunt for template sites, hoping to stand out. Well, when everyone does that, you don’t look unique; you look like everyone else. Content is KING, not CREATIVE. Templates don't get calls; results and qualifications do.

There are a ton of resume templates out there, it can actually be overwhelming. For the majority of job seekers I would recommend an ATS-friendly format. After you have that narrowed down, you may want to do a deep dive into your own goals. You may choose a format that allows you to highlight a few achievements or one that helps you prioritize your technology skills. The best one for you may not be the best one for the person next to you.

Different industries have different norms and expectations when it comes to resumes. In creative fields, for instance, a more visually engaging template might be well-received, whereas in finance or law, a straightforward, conservative layout is preferred. Drawing from my background, I always recommend researching industry standards and potentially even reviewing LinkedIn profiles of professionals in your target field to gauge what styles are most effective.

A Professional Resume Is Not A Graphics And You Don't Need All The Colors To Make A Perfect Resume Hiring Managers Don't Want To Look At The Design But Your Value Written Down Maybe Graphics Designer and Some Other Titles Might Need It Because It's Their Work ATS Machine Won't Even Get Your Resume/CV Scan If You Have A Lot Of Colors Use A Template That Allows The Text To Breath Use Black Color For The Text Have Your Name Written At The Very Top If There A Space For Your Job Title, Show It Underneath Give Space On Your Format Lastly, Make Sure You Follow It From The Personal Details To The Required Areas

Yes it’s true that some industries prefer specific templates. For example, marketing fields might prefer a creative format with colors, etc. However, for most industries, you will want to stick with a professional and simple format. Don’t worry about graphics or creative fonts. The most important things to consider for your resume template are: - Is the resume readable? - Is the resume focused? - Is the resume relevant? - Is the resume ATS-optimized? As long as you have a clear and professional format, and your resume is tailored to the job description, you will have success.

If selecting the best resume writing template proves challenging, consider several factors to guide your decision. Evaluate the industry standards and norms for resume formats, ensuring compatibility with applicant tracking systems (ATS). Assess your personal preferences regarding layout, design, and content organization, aiming for clarity and readability. Seek advice from professionals or utilize online resources that offer templates tailored to specific industries or job roles.

For the most part, it really doesn't matter what industry you are in when choosing a template. That statement might upset a few of you. So I will let it marinate for a moment. Your resume is a marketing document that allows you to sell your personal skills and abilities. For the majority, I would recommend an ATS-friendly document. I like to add just a bit of flare, including coloring, bolding, shading, etc. You would be surprised how many times I have seen these beautiful resumes (ahem - marketing & design peeps I'm looking at you), but they aren't getting any traction at all. Choose your template wisely, friends!

Choose a template that aligns with your industry norms and the level of experience you have. For example, creative industries may prefer more visually appealing and unique templates, while traditional industries may favor more conservative and straightforward designs.

Matching your resume template with your industry is crucial for creating a professional and tailored document that resonates with employers in your field. My recommendation: Align your resume template with your industry to ensure it reflects the standards and expectations of your profession, presenting your qualifications and experiences in a manner that is familiar and relevant to potential employers.

𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 (𝐀𝐓𝐒) 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐨𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭. 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐝! This means you need to avoid "tables" and if you do "center" your headers and such, they need to look just as nice if they get pushed flush left. Once you get to the desk of the hiring manager you have 7 to 10 seconds to SOLVE their problems, so your resume has to be easy to navigate with a very simple layout. Don't get too cute and don't be mesmerized by resumes you've seen with colors, graphics, and photos... basically everything that requires a GPS to navigate. Keep it simple so your problem-solving abilities are not in competition with anything else...

One of the most important elements of a great template is that you can easily modify it. If your resume is well-written, then you shouldn't need to make major changes. But you certainly do want to tweak it each time you apply. If your format turns into mush every time you make a change, then somethings gotta give. Keep it simple, yet elegant at the same time.

Share your resume draft with trusted peers, mentors, or career advisors for feedback. They can provide insights on the effectiveness of the chosen template and suggest improvements for better presentation and impact.

I would like to add this: Your resume must have clear sections, so avoid using templates that are cluttered and make it tough to interpret information, both by ATS and by the hiring manager. Unless your role demands a creative template, don't go for it; choose a content-driven template with less formatting. Prefer readability over fancy elements.

Whichever template you choose, make sure it's easy to read and understand. Avoid overly complex designs or cluttered layouts that may distract from your qualifications. Customize the template to ensure clarity and readability, focusing on clear headings, bullet points, and concise language.

Regardless of the template you choose, prioritize clarity and readability of the content. Ensure that your resume effectively highlights your skills, experiences, and qualifications in a clear and organized manner.