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Classic Resume Template

Follow these user-friendly guidelines to create a straightforward resume that can work to your advantage in any industry.

By Omar Sommereyns, Monster Contributor

Let’s get back to basics. Sometimes, that’s all you need. A classic resume template allows for a simple, traditional approach that can nonetheless be very effective in describing your professional experience and accomplishments.

When it comes to structure, here are the most important elements you should focus on:

  • Start with a professional summary. Keep it short, but also make it instructive.
  • Continue with a section that catalogs your skills. Highlight the ones that are most relevant to the job you’re applying to (and do that for each application based on the job ad).
  • Then go into your work experience. Give examples and quantify your efforts. All throughout, write with a self-assured voice and use action verbs.
  • Add the following sections if they’re needed: Technical Skills (such as software knowledge); Languages (only if you’re able to use them at a professional level, or if you’re a translator, or if they may help you communicate with co-workers); and Achievements (such as rewards, recognitions, and accolades).
  • Put your education, training, and any licenses you may have at the end.
  • You can opt for serif fonts (such as Times New Roman, Garamond, and Cambria) or sans-serif fonts (such as Helvetica Neue, Futura, and Calibri), but aim for consistency and readability. Do not use any cursive or fanciful fonts.

Overall, a classic resume emphasizes clarity—making it easy to read for recruiters and hiring managers who have limited time to do so during their workdays. It’s also very versatile, so you can readily customize it depending on the job posting.

Classic Resume Template

First Last

Email | Phone | Location | LinkedIn

JOB TITLE

Professional summary that highlights key skills and your personal value proposition.

KEY SKILLS

Skill Skill Skill

Skill Skill Skill

Skill Skill Skill

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Job Title | Company Name | Location | Year to Year

Brief description of general job duties.

  • Specific achievement with metrics.
  • Specific achievement with metrics.
  • Specific achievement with metrics.

Job Title | Company Name | Location | Year to Year

Brief description of general job duties.

  • Specific achievement with metrics.
  • Specific achievement with metrics.
  • Specific achievement with metrics.

Job Title | Company Name | Location | Year to Year

Brief description of general job duties.

  • Specific achievement with metrics.
  • Specific achievement with metrics.
  • Specific achievement with metrics.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Any software or specialized equipment relevant to your target job.

LANGUAGES

Any languages with professional proficiency. Omit if not relevant.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Any relevant awards or recognitions. Omit if not relevant.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Degree Name | University Name | Location | Year

Training Name | Organization Name | Location | Year

Want to jump in already? Then feel free to download this classic resume template.

How about pay? Monster has tons of salary data. Just go to our Salary Tools site, and key in the type of job you’re seeking and the city you’re curious about.

Additionally, here are some popular occupation categories that may interest you:

Plus, you can review all the jobs available on Monster too and quickly come upon the right fit for you.

Find Any Job You Want With Monster’s Help

But first, take a moment to properly lay out your professional background—starting with our classic resume template. You can personalize it as you wish, but don’t overdo it. Oftentimes, simplicity will go a long way. But if you get stuck or frustrated or don’t have much time, just contact our certified experts and they will create a first-rate resume for you. This will ensure that you present your best possible self to recruiters—and close the deal on the job you’re pursuing.