Traditional & classic resume templates

Stay timeless with our classic resume templates. Designed for those who appreciate a traditional look with a focus on professionalism and simplicity.

Simple resume templates

Embrace simplicity! Our simple resume templates blend ease and professionalism: perfect for the no-nonsense, efficient job seeker.
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Picture resume templates

Create a resume with a photo to put a face to your qualifications. Download our templates designed to combine a polished layout with your professional image.
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Resume templates for Microsoft Word

Save time with our Microsoft Word resume templates. Download, edit, and customize for a polished, professional look that gets noticed by recruiters.
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ATS resume templates

Enhance your job search with our ATS resume templates. Impress human and robot recruiters with an effective design. Beat the algorithm, and showcase attention to detail.
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Two-column resume templates

Our two-column resume templates help you maximize space while keeping your resume clean and organized, making it easy to showcase your strengths at a glance.
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Google docs resume templates

Our Google Docs resume templates offer a hassle-free way to create your resume. Edit, download, and share online—ideal for quick updates on the go.
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What resume format is considered the most traditional?

There are three basic resume formats: reverse-chronological, functional, and hybrid. However, when you think about a “traditional” resume format, you’re most likely picturing the reverse-chronological.

A reverse-chronological resume lists the work experience with the most recent job first, and works backward. It contains the following sections, generally in this order:

The classic reverse chronological is especially useful for those who have a clearly-defined career path, as it shows a linear progression from the start of a person’s career to the present day. 

This format and style are also concise and easy to read, with the candidate’s information placed in a straightforward, logical order. 

It also tends to be ATS-friendly, as the systems can easily parse the information, increasing the chances your resume lands in the hands of a recruiter.

Formatting your resume in a classic reverse-chronological order highlights your commitment to your career trajectory, current skills, and achievements.

Are traditional resumes effective?

Yes, they are. Traditional resumes, such as the reverse-chronological with a classic style, are the most common, and the ones that hiring managers and recruiters are most used to seeing.

Traditional, classic resumes are commonly used in fields such as finance, law, healthcare, and education, where a straightforward narrative of a candidate’s career trajectory is highly valued.

The effectiveness of traditional resumes is due to the following factors:

  • It looks professional: a traditional resume avoids distracting elements often found in more modern or creative templates, ensuring your experience and skills take center stage.
  • It’s customizable: the straightforward layout of a traditional resume allows the candidate to easily tailor it for each job they’re applying for.
  • They are familiar and consistent: hiring managers are accustomed to the traditional format and can easily skim to find the information they need.
  • It is concise yet detailed: the traditional format allows for a thorough encapsulation of a candidate’s career and includes skills, accomplishments, and overall experience.

Pros and cons of a traditional resume

Before deciding if a traditional resume is right for you, consider the following:

Pros

  • Easy for recruiters to follow and understand due to the straightforward layout.
  • They work well with Applicant Tracking Systems ( ATS resume).
  • Are preferred in industries where a formal presentation is expected.

Cons

  • Depending on the field, they may appear less creative or innovative compared to modern designs.
  • Can make it harder to stand out in a competitive job market.
  • Not ideal for roles that emphasize design or personal creativity

Classic resume examples for specific jobs

If you’re still wondering if a traditional resume is right for you, it might help to look at a few examples from resume.io’s library of resume templates.

London template

Use this resume

Classic and streamlined, this traditional resume is perfect for the academic looking to highlight educational accomplishments and skills.

Santiago template

Use this resume

Clean, clear, and easy to read, this traditional resume is perfect for the car sales professional with its clearly defined sections and plenty of room for sales achievements to stand out from the crowd.

Athens template

Use this resume

With a simple, straightforward layout and pop of color, this traditional resume shows off accomplishments and skills to take the field sales representative to the next level of their career.

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Build your resume in 15 minutes
Build your resume in 15 minutes
Use professional field-tested resume templates that follow the exact ‘resume rules’ employers look for.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Resume.io builder free?

Resume.io’s resume builder offers a free option, a seven-day trial option, and tiered pricing plans. Read more around billing and using Resume.io for free here.

What are employers looking for in a resume in 2025?

Employers are looking for resumes that quickly get to the point and show why a candidate has the exact qualifications to fill a role at their company. Accomplish this by customizing your resume for each job you apply to. Learn more about customizing your resume here.

How many jobs should you list on a resume?

The general rule of thumb is to list as much relevant experience as you’ve obtained in the past 10 years. If you are a student or recent grand, we recommend including at least three jobs. As you progress in your career, make sure to remove less relevant positions to make room for more impressive roles.

How many pages should my resume be?

We recommend keeping your resume to one page in virtually all situations. However, exceptions may apply for executive level candidates, those with particularly impressive careers, or candidates applying in countries outside of the U.S. and Canada.

Which of the following should not be on your resume?

What to include on your resume header often depends on the country where you intend to work. In the U.S. and Canada, you should not include personal information such as date of birth, age, marital status, or religion. A headshot is also unnecessary except in certain industries where the candidate’s appearance is part of the job.

Should you put your address on your resume?

We do not recommend adding a street address to your resume, as an email address and phone number are generally considered sufficient contact information. You may choose to add a state or city if you wish.

How many bullets should you have on a resume?

Each employment history entry should contain 4-5 bullet points. We recommend a minimum of three entries on each resume for a total of at least 12-15 bullet points.

Do employers like resume templates?

Employers want to see resumes that are easy-to-read and quickly convey the information they are looking for. While resume templates are a useful tool for creating a professional application, recruiters will not favor copy-paste resumes that have not been customized for the job description.

How do I write a resume summary?

A great resume summary will contain a combination of positive adjectives describing your character, your most impressive accomplishments, and any qualifications or experience required for the role.

How do I list skills on a resume?

The skills section of your resume is generally formatted as a bullet point list containing both technical and job-specific skills ( hard skills) and personality traits or character qualities ( soft skills). Make sure to refer to the job description before listing skills on your resume to determine what the employer prioritizes in the role.

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