3 Resume Template Options

1. Job Search Engine Template- The 1st resume template example is what I like to call the “Job Search Engine template.” This template is a more ATS-Friendly resume design. And resumes that are ATS compliant are considered to be more universally accepted by hiring managers.
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ATS stands for the Applicant Tracking System. The ATS is a type of software that is used during the hiring process to scan and identify specific skills and key words that the Employer is looking for in your resume.

The idea is to submit resumes that will get past the bots and into the hands of an actual hiring manager. Which is why job seekers are encouraged to upload ATS Friendly resumes, versus resume formats that may possibly be rejected by the ATS system.

Here are a few things that you may want to avoid to prevent ATS robot rejection:

• Avoid using too many fancy fonts that are hard to read. Instead, consider using fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Georgia, versus fonts like: Times New Roman and Lucida Console.
• Avoid using too many unorganized; margins, tables, and graphs on your resume.
• Avoid using images on your resume (there are a few exceptions to this rule).

Although everything I mentioned may seem very appealing to the eyes, and may even catch the Manager’s attention, it’s best not to upload them on job search engines that utilize ATS systems. And most major job search engines such as Indeed, Monster, CareerBuilder, ZipRecruiter, and Glassdoor all utilize the ATS system. 

2. Job Interview Template- The 2nd resume template example that I recommend is what I like to call, the Job Interview Template.  This template design is recommended for professionals who may be applying for certain jobs where managers and recruiters may be more receptive to creative resume designs.

These job titles may include positions such as: artist, actors, singers, dancers, photographers, models, videographers, graphic designers, and other creative arts professions. Managers and recruiters in these industries, tend to accept resumes with creative formats that include more color, graphic designs, and images, much more than other professions. And as I mentioned before, this is usually the only exception to the ATS rule.

However, I recommend that this particular resume template be revised to reflect a 1-page resume with your most relevant resume experience. I also recommend that your resume be printed out and presented to the employer in person- the day of your interview, as it’s still not the best format to use for resume submission through the applicant tracking system software.

Resume Tip: Of course, you’re able to use this method with other professions as well, just as long as they are only seen by the managers eyes during the actual job interview, versus the ATS system. This is also a great way to stand out amongst other job seekers. This template design allows you to showcase your personality and your own unique creative brand, versus the traditional resume format.

3. LinkedIn Profile Template – The 3rd Resume template example that I recommend is the LinkedIn resume template. Obviously, this method is only recommended if you are applying for a job on LinkedIn. When using this template, you will want to add your resume as a featured link on your account. It will then be saved and permanently featured directly on your profile for employers to see as soon as they review your LinkedIn account.

On that note, be mindful that although LinkedIn may be considered a job search engine, it’s also more commonly referred to as a public social networking site. And resumes may tend to include information that your LinkedIn profile doesn't. So, to maintain privacy, consider making a modified version of your resume that doesn't include information about yourself or your work experience that you don't want to make public. Which is why I recommend that you omit your personal contact information when using this method to upload your resume on LinkedIn.

This resume template option proves to be one of the best ways to stand out amongst other job seekers. Uploading your resume as a featured media link, is also one of the best ways to optimize your profile, as it puts you in the front of the line and quickly grabs the hiring managers attention.

Keep in mind that, when using this method, you are also encouraged to upload a resume with color, graphics, or designs to your profile, as this resume option will likely never be scanned through the ATS system. The LinkedIn Resume is a great way to showcase all of your valuable skills and experience in a way that’s sure to establish you as a standout candidate, by any hiring managers standards.