Resumes & cover letters: Free resume templates

Writing a resume can be harder than it looks. To help you get started, we have compiled three most popular resume formats in downloadable Word template formats.

These templates were deemed the most popular types by our highly-experienced consultants who assess hundreds of resumes on a weekly basis.

Choose the template that is right for your experiences and make sure you highlight your accomplishments in a way that tells your story best.

Reverse chronological resume template

The reverse chronological resume is the most common and traditional type of resume. With this resume format, you list your relevant work experience in reverse chronological order, beginning with your most recent position and proceeding backwards.

For each job, provide dates, location and the name of your employer, and succinctly outline your key responsibilities and achievements. The advantage of using the reverse chronological format is that it highlights your upward career progression and continuous
work history.

Functional resume template

The functional resume is perfect for those with gaps in their employment, changing career tracks or those who have a long work history.

A functional resume format emphasises your skills and abilities, or ‘functional areas’, rather than chronological employment history and is especially useful when you are changing your career focus, when you are returning to work after a break,
or when you want to highlight your skills and achievements from older jobs or from volunteer or extracurricular experience.

One-page career summary template

Another resume layout option is to prepare a one-page career summary that is a shorter, more targeted version of your resume. Providing a snapshot of your key achievements, strengths, competencies, experience and qualifications, it is particularly relevant
for senior executives with many accomplishments and years of professional experience.

A one-page career summary can act as a useful marketing tool that can stand alone or can accompany a full resume providing more detailed information.