Basic Resume Template

Learn how to create a basic resume that applies to any field.

By Dillon Price, Monster Contributor

Whether you’re an expert in your field or are applying for your first job, it’s critical to know how to write and format a winning resume. Employers often sort through heaps of resumes, only to pick a handful of candidates to consider for interviews. Not sure where to start when creating a resume? You’re in luck. Monster has created a basic resume template that highlights the key elements to include and provides examples of what to write.

But first, some resume 101: When creating your resume, be honest about your skills and credentials. Employers value both industry-specific skills and soft skills. Even if you haven’t mastered computer programming or project management, an employer may be looking for exceptional problem solvers, communicators, and leaders. You can take a look at the core competencies section in our basic resume template to see how it’s done.

Basic Resume Template

Joe Johnson

555.555.5555 | JoeJohnson@email.com | Boston, MA 02101

Creative and innovative professional offering experience in sales, customer support, and data entry. Natural ability to gain trust, build strong business relations, create enthusiasm, and motivate teams. Ambitious self-starter with attention to detail and solid communication skills. Proven to design and implement forward-thinking projects and programs.

Core Competencies

Customer Satisfaction | Creative Problem Solving | Team Player | Outstanding Organizational Skills

Data Collection & Entry | Social Networking | Promotions & Events | Self-Starter | Cross-Functional Collaboration

Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy | Training | Video Production | Administrative Support

Professional Experience

Company One | Boston, MA | 20XX-20XX

Customer Service Representative

Communicated with business customers as first point of contact for purchasing and account specifics. Provided elevated customer experience to generate a loyal clientele.

  • Supported 25 customers daily, ranging from general questions to account support.
  • Recognized for quickly and calmly resolving issues.
  • Managed calls on a wide variety of products and services, always remaining current in product specifics.
  • Utilized Excel to update spreadsheets with new products.
  • Processed adjustments to client accounts; created new accounts and recorded account information.

Company Two | Boston, MA | 20XX-20XX

Sales Representative

Served as first point of contact for this organization. Answered telephones; greeted clients and guests.

  • Attended sales events to assist with promotions and marketing.
  • Maintained upbeat and positive demeanor; greeted large numbers of people while promoting the company.

Company Three | Boston, MA | 20XX-20XX

Video Production Assistant

Assisted the production team with taping highlights for promotional videos and news clips.

  • Engaged stadium fans while filming contests.
  • Recorded live concerts and game highlights to be aired during post-game interviews.

Internships

Company Four | Philadelphia, PA | 20XX-20XX

Administrative Intern

Handled and redirected incoming client calls. Managed data entry.

  • Researched information relevant to various company projects.

Company Five | Philadelphia, PA | 20XX-20XX

Video Intern

  • Utilized video editing programs.
  • Created a short documentary for the Philadelphia String Band.

Education

Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration – University One, Philadelphia, PA

Also feel free to download this basic resume template in Word.

Now that you understand what a basic resume looks like, it’s time to consider which jobs best fit your skill set. If you have no idea, you can start by browsing job postings in these popular fields:

Once you’ve found a job you’re interested in, your next question is probably, “How much will I get paid?” To find the median salary for your job title in your location, look it up using Monster’s Salary Calculator.

You can also take a look at our list of full-time jobs and apply by clicking on the ones that interest you.

Found a Job You’d Love? Let the Experts Write Your Resume

Ready to create your own resume using Monster’s basic resume template? Or, do you want an expert to give you a helping hand? Consider using our professional resume writing service to whip up that first draft. Once you submit information about your experience and career goals, one of our certified resume writers will craft a custom resume that utilizes strong, attention-grabbing action verbs and keywords that will get your resume past recruiters’ screening software and into the hiring manager’s hands.