Free Classic & Traditional Resume Templates & Examples
Get more interviews with our free classic & traditional resume templates. Download real examples and use our expert writing tips to help you stand out to employers.
Choose from 339 ATS-friendly templates
Create Your Professional Resume With Monster Resume Templates

Choose a Template
Select an expertly crafted template and start building a polished resume that highlights your key skills and qualifications.

Customize and Tailor
Add your experience with guided prompts and ready-made content. Adjust layouts, fonts, and colors to match your style.

Download and Apply
Preview your resume, download it in your preferred file format, and share it with employers to start landing interviews.
How Our Free Resume Templates Help You Land the Job
Monster helps you create a professional resume that gets results. With recruiter-friendly designs and AI-powered tools, you can easily craft a resume that stands out to employers in your field.
ATS-Friendly for Better Visibility
Our templates are optimized to pass applicant tracking systems (ATS), featuring proper formatting and targeted keywords that get you noticed.
Simple and Intuitive to Use
Create your resume quickly and easily. Our powerful builder guides you step by step so you can focus on showcasing your skills instead of formatting.
Built to Impress Recruiters
Each template is designed with key hiring trends in mind, making your skills and achievements easy to scan so recruiters see your unique value right away.
Professional, High-Impact Designs
With polished, professional layouts, our resume templates help you present your experience effectively and make a strong impression on hiring managers.
Customizable to Match Your Style
Personalize every detail to reflect your style and career goals, from layout and color to font and spacing. Adjust with ease to make your resume truly your own.
AI-Powered for Optimal Results
AI-powered content suggestions help you update your resume and tailor your experience to each role, boosting your chances of landing interviews.
Finding Your Best Resume Template
Choosing the right resume template is the first step to making a strong impression. Consider your career level, industry, and personal style to select a template that highlights your skills.

Identify Your Career Level
Select a free template that matches your experience, whether that’s entry-level, experienced, or executive, to ensure your resume effectively presents your achievements.
Determine the Resume Type
Assess whether a chronological, functional, or combination resume best fits your experience and career goals. The right format emphasizes your strengths for maximum impact.


Pick a Visual Style
Select a design that reflects your personality and profession. Choose from creative, modern, or traditional styles to showcase your skills and make a strong impression on employers.
Select the Layout
Consider how information is organized on the page. Opt for a resume or CV template that ensures your top skills and qualifications are easy to spot at a glance.


Match Your Career Field
Select from professional resume templates tailored for your career field. Industry-specific designs help you showcase your strengths and align with employer expectations.
Start Building Your Job-Winning Resume
Use Your Existing Resume
Import your current resume to transfer your information to one of our professional templates.
Create a New Resume
Start fresh with a template that catches your eye and follow the prompts to add your details.

Frequently Asked Questions
Last Update:
How long should my classic & traditional resume be?
A classic resume should be one to two pages depending on experience. This format prioritizes substance over style—focus on clear, well-organized content that makes your qualifications easy to evaluate at a glance.
What’s the best resume format?
Reverse-chronological format is the standard for classic resumes. Use traditional fonts like Times New Roman or Georgia, clear section headings, consistent formatting, and conservative design. This approach works well for traditional industries like law, finance, or government.
Should I include a cover letter with my resume?
Yes, a formal cover letter complements a classic resume. Use traditional business letter formatting and a professional tone that matches your resume’s style. Address it to a specific person whenever possible.
How do I customize my resume for different job postings?
Focus on tailoring your experience bullet points and skills to match each job’s requirements. Use the employer’s terminology and emphasize relevant accomplishments. The classic format makes it easy to adjust content without redesigning the document.
What are common action verbs to use on a resume?
Classic resumes benefit from straightforward, professional language. Use verbs like managed, developed, implemented, coordinated, supervised, analyzed, prepared, administered, maintained, and executed. These convey competence and reliability.