Minimalist Resume Templates

Minimalist resume templates are an excellent choice for new job seekers writing entry-level resumes or resumes with no experience because they’re some of the simplest to edit.

Professional resume templates that are minimalistic also work particularly well for jobs in more traditional industries, such as accounting, medicine, IT and law.

Creating a resume using a minimalist template is about striking the right balance between simplicity and effectiveness. Here are some essential tips for making a minimalist resume:

• Choose a simple, professional font.

  Stick with clean resume fonts like Arial, Calibri or Helvetica. Avoid overly decorative or complex fonts that can detract from the clean aesthetic. Keep the font sizes consistent, with headings slightly larger than the body text to create a clear hierarchy.

• Use white space wisely.

  One hallmark of a minimalist resume is the effective use of white space. Don’t be tempted to fill every inch of the page with text. Instead, allow breathing room between sections. Smart use of white space makes your resume easier to read and draws attention to the content that matters most.

• Be strategic with bold and italics.

  Because minimalist resume templates don’t have many design features, you can add some dynamism to the page by using bold or italics sparingly to highlight job titles, company names or critical achievements.

• Choose a subtle pop of color.

  Another design feature used to create an excellent minimalist resume is to add a color like blue, gray, red or green to your resume headings, contact information or line dividers.

• Test for ATS compatibility.

  Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes. With minimal design elements, minimalist templates are generally ATS-friendly.

A minimalist resume should be clear and straightforward, showcasing your most relevant skills and qualifications for the job. Here’s a guide on what to include in your basic resume template:

• Contact information:

  At the top of your resume, include your full name, phone number, email address, city and state location, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable). In addition, you may also add a portfolio link or resume headline to your contact information section.

• Professional summary:

  Provide a brief resume summary or objective statement highlighting your career goals, fundamental skills, and what you bring. Keep it focused and relevant to the job you’re applying for.

• Skills:

  ​​List your most relevant skills in a simple, organized manner. Aim for 6-10 skills that align closely with the job description. Use bullet points or a comma-separated list to maintain a clean, minimalist aesthetic.

• Work experience:

  Start with your most recent position and work backward, including the company name, job title, work location and employment dates. Focus on accomplishments rather than just listing job responsibilities. Use bullet points to highlight quantifiable achievements demonstrating your impact in each role.

• Education:

  Include the institution’s name, location and degree earned. If applicable, you can also add your major, minor or relevant coursework. If you’re a recent graduate, consider listing honors and awards or relevant academic projects.

• Additional sections:

  You may also include additional achievements in extra sections like Volunteer Work, Certifications, Publications, Projects or Hobbies and Interests.