Best Resume Templates to Download for 2024

Last Updated on February 5, 2024 by Career Reload Team

You have been searching all over the web for free resume templates and just get builders and other options that require signups. If you are searching for the best resume templates that are truly free to download and available for instant download, you have finally come to the right place.

Here we have listed the best resume templates for 2024 in the following formats:

• Word
• Google Docs
• Pages
• Photoshop

Simply just download one of the best resume templates and start editing. Also notice that most of these resumes come with a matching cover letter.

If you are looking for resume examples by industry, visit our resume examples page. For further resume writing help, read our ultimate resume writing guide.

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Best Resume Templates for Word in 2024

Target success with these free resume templates for 2024. Tailored to help you hit the mark with recruiters. Professional, stylish, and free to download! Pick your favorite and start editing.

ATS Compatible Template

This ATS-Compatible Resume Template is designed to help job seekers ensure their resume is fully optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Includes sections for contact information, work experience, education, skills, and certifications, all organized in a manner that’s easily navigable by both human readers and electronic systems.

Download: ATS Compatible Template

Simple Design with a Photo

A 1-column layout that includes a photo. If you want, you can easily remove the photo and use the template as is. Without the photo, the template is ATS-friendly. Includes all the necessary sections to make your application shine.

Download: Simple Design with a Photo

Modern Monogram Resume

This template is great for many industries. Besides summary, experience, and education, it has room for projects, courses, and categorized skills. All section headings can be edited, so you are not limited to these sections. If you want to simplify the template, the monogram can be removed.

Download: Modern Monogram Resume

Modern Resume

This is one of our favorite modern but simple resume designs. All the information is presented clearly. It’s easy for the recruiter to skim through due to clear sections and bolded subheadings.

Download: Modern resume

ATS-Friendly Resume Template

You should always keep an ATS-friendly resume template handy. An applicant tracking system is commonly used by large and medium-sized companies. For your resume to pass, it all begins in the right format that the ATS can read. This is one of the best resume templates for 2024.

Download: ATS-friendly resume template

Modern CV Template

This resume has a more creative design, featuring icons for each section. There is a lot of space for skills, and you can also section your skills. Chronological resume template.

Download: Modern CV template

Professional Resume

A well-organized resume lets you present a lot of information on the page. You can list your skills or awards or change the headline to something else, such as publications, and list them there. You could also add a link to your portfolio or list your social media if that is relevant to the job you are applying to.

Download: Professional resume

Resume With Photo

Creative design with a place for you to add a photo if your profession or country requires that. Alternatively, you can also remove the photo and move the sidebar content up.

Download: Resume with photo

Find more free Word resumes here »

Best Google Docs Resume Templates

Top selection of resume templates to edit on Google Docs in browser document editor. All you need is a free account with Google. Also, Word versions are available of these templates.

Professional Google Docs Resume

Free professional resume for Google Docs that is clean and clear.

Download: Professional Google Docs resume

Modern Google Docs Resume

Modern resume for Google Docs. Edit online and save it as a PDF and send. You can also share a link to the resume, and that way, always share the fresh version of your resume.

Download: Modern Google Docs resume

Traditional Resume Template

Traditional resume template for Google Docs. Use this template when you want to pass the ATS resume bot. Modern, yet ATS-friendly.

Download: Traditional resume template

Modern Google Docs Resume Template

Resume template for Google Docs with a modern approach. This resume has room for all the most necessary information, and it’s presented in a modern way.

Download: Modern Google Docs resume template

Find more free Google Docs resumes here »

Best Pages Resume Templates

Top selection of resume templates for Pages. You can use this template with your Apple Pages or the iCloud browser version of Pages. Word versions are also available of these templates.

Free Resume Template for Mac Pages

Template with a modern touch. Save it as a PDF and email or print it and hand it over to the interviewer or at job fairs.

Download: Free Resume Template for Mac Pages

Free Apple Pages Resume Template

Modern template with plenty of room for your work history bullet points and skills.

Download: Free Apple Pages Resume Template

Free Mac Resume Template

Template with a sidebar on the left. This layout has space for all the essential information.

Download: Free Mac Resume Template

Free Resume Template for Pages

Resume with the sidebar on the right side. Modern design lists education and skills on the sidebar, leaving you enough space for your job history.

Download: Free Resume Template for Pages

Free Mac Pages Resume Template

Pages resume template with a photo. Other than that, the resume has a very minimalistic design.

Download: Free Mac Pages Resume Template

Find more free Pages resumes here »

Best Photoshop Resume Templates

Photoshop is a design tool for professionals working in the creative field. Therefore, these resume templates for Photoshop are a bit more creative in design, making them great for creative fields.

Resume with Charts

Creative resume with bar and donut charts. Use them creatively in your resume to present data. You can change the title to say something else and present your achievements in your present job.

Download: Resume with charts

Creative PSD Resume

Cohesive color scheme with bubble charts and a keyword cluster. Timeline design for you to present your work and education in chronological order.

Download: Creative PSD resume

PSD Resume with Photo

There is a good amount of space for your job experience. It also offers a section to list your certifications.

Download: PSD resume with photo

Elegant Resume

This resume has a creative but elegant design. You can fit a lot of important information into one page. Includes bubble charts, space for achievements, and plenty of room for your work experience.

Download: Elegant resume

Entry Level Resume

This resume is good for applying for an entry-level position. There is plenty of space to list your skills and certificates.

Download: Entry level resume

Find more free Photoshop resumes here »

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the best resume templates for 2024.

What is The Most Effective Resume Template?

When considering the most effective resume template, it’s essential to understand that the best choice depends on your career history and the industry you’re targeting. The chronological template is widely recognized and appreciated for its straightforward listing of work history in reverse order, making it ideal for those with a solid and consistent work history.

However, for those with gaps in their employment or those changing careers, a functional or skills-based template might be more effective as it allows you to focus on your skills and experiences rather than the timeline of your work history. The combination template is another versatile option that brings together the best of both worlds, highlighting relevant skills at the top, followed by a chronological work history, which can be particularly useful for those with a diverse set of skills and experiences.

Which Template Do Most Employers Prefer For Resumes?

Employers typically prefer a chronological resume that is easy to read and quickly highlights the candidate’s qualifications. While creative and heavily designed resumes might catch the eye, most employers favor a simple and clean layout that allows them to easily find the information they need.

What is The Best Template For a CV?

For CVs, which are often used in academia, science, or international positions and tend to be more detailed than resumes, the best template is one that is well-organized and comprehensive. An academic or European CV, for example, will include detailed sections on education, research, publications, teaching experience, and more.

The key is to choose a template that allows you to include all relevant information in a clear and organized manner, making it easy for the reader to understand your academic and professional journey.

What is The Best Resume Format for 2024?

Looking ahead to the best resume format for 2024, the hybrid or combination format is gaining popularity. This format acknowledges the dynamic nature of the modern workforce and allows candidates to showcase both their skills and their work history in a balanced manner.

Additionally, with the continued prevalence of ATS, choosing a format that is friendly to these systems is crucial. This means opting for a straightforward layout with standard headings and avoiding graphics or tables that might confuse the software.

Where Can I Get Resume Templates for Free?

You can create a resume in Microsoft Word by using our free templates or use the resume templates for Google Docs. There are plenty of free templates to choose from.

How do you write a simple resume using a free resume template?

1. Start by downloading the free resume template
2. Add your contact details in the heading
3. Start listing your professional accomplishments in the work history area
4. Next, move on to the education area and list your highest degree
5. Make a skill list that is specific to the job description
6. Include additional sections like credentials, honors, or volunteer work
7. Write the professional objective or summary

…or instead, if using the resume builder, you would simply need to drag and drop the content onto your resume. That is how easy it can be to write a resume, for instance.

Should I Use a Template?

Certainly, templates are a great way to get started, especially when there are so many great free options available nowadays. They save you time with formatting and can be edited to suit your needs. Moreover, resume templates are also well organized, and recruiters prefer organized resume designs. Besides, rather than suffering with a cumbersome word processor, you simply get to spend more time doing what you enjoy because templates will save you time.

What is The Best Template For a Resume?

A resume template that has the “the best” label can fit your entire list of relevant professional accomplishments on one page. It applies to academic accomplishments in the same way to entry-level candidates. The ideal resume design also arranges your qualifications in reverse chronological order, placing the most recent ones first. Additionally, it never overlooks the extra sections to impress.

The greatest free resume templates are formatted correctly as well. They have a modern resume design appropriate for your industry, and when paired with a cover letter, they reveal a little of your personality.

What Are The Top 3 Resume Templates?

The top three resume templates generally recognized for their effectiveness and broad appeal are chronological, functional, and combination. The chronological resume is favored for its straightforward presentation of work history, making it a great choice for individuals with a strong and steady career progression.

On the other hand, the functional resume, which emphasizes skills and abilities over chronological work history, is particularly beneficial for those with gaps in employment or those changing industries.

The combination resume offers a blend of both, spotlighting relevant skills while also providing a detailed work history, catering to a wide range of candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Do Companies Prefer Word or PDF Resumes?

Employers will indicate the preferred format for your resume in the job listing. If they haven’t specified or have allowed any format, choose PDF. Refrain from submitting your resume in both Doc and PDF formats, as it can complicate the recruitment process.

The formatting in Word documents can sometimes shift when opened on different devices or software versions, which can disrupt the carefully arranged layout. PDFs, on the other hand, are widely favored for their ability to maintain consistent formatting regardless of where or how they’re viewed. They present the resume exactly as the candidate intended, with a professional and polished appearance. However, some older Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) may have difficulty reading PDFs, which is a crucial consideration for job applicants.

Does ATS Read PDF?

ATS systems are designed to scan and parse resumes for quick evaluation by employers, and their ability to read PDFs can vary. Modern ATS systems are typically equipped to read and understand PDFs, especially those that are text-based and not image-based. However, some older systems may still struggle with PDFs, potentially missing critical information. Consequently, candidates are often advised to follow the application instructions provided by the employer or to opt for a Word document when in doubt to ensure maximum compatibility with ATS systems.