Modern resume templates
A modern resume with a bold header, a row of headline numbers and clean sections, plus a more colourful creative version for designers and marketers. They stand out when a person reads your resume first, such as through a referral or a direct email.
Templates
- Modern resume (document): A bold one-page resume with a coloured header and highlights section that stands out to design-friendly employers and in referrals. Use the ATS-friendly resume for online applications.
- Creative resume (document): A colourful one-page resume for designers, marketers and other creatives, with a portfolio link up top and selected projects that show your work. Best for design-friendly employers; use the ATS-friendly resume for online applications.
How to use these templates
- Choose modern for most roles, or creative if you work in design, content, marketing or media and have a portfolio.
- Tell the AI your job title and three results you are proud of; it turns them into the highlights row at the top.
- Ask it to "pick a different theme" or change colours until it suits your field, then check the page still reads clearly in black and white.
- Download as PDF to keep the design exactly as you see it.
Making a modern resume work for you
- Use one accent colour. A second or third colour rarely adds anything and makes printed copies look muddy.
- Lead with numbers. The highlights row works because "3x sign-ups" or "$2M budget" can be read in a glance.
- Keep a plain ATS version alongside it. Upload the plain one to job portals and send the modern one when you email a hiring manager or meet someone at an event.
- For creative roles, put your portfolio link at the very top and make sure it opens on a phone.
- Avoid skill bars and star ratings. "Python: 4 out of 5" tells a reader nothing, while a project you built with Python does.
Frequently asked questions
Are modern resume templates ATS-friendly?
These two use real text, so tracking software can read them, but colour blocks and a highlights row are not what parsers expect. For online applications, use the ATS-friendly template instead.
Is a modern resume professional enough for a corporate job?
The modern template, with one accent colour and clear sections, suits most corporate roles. Save the creative version for design-led employers and agencies.
Should I add a photo to a modern resume?
Not in the US, UK, Canada or Ireland, where photos can raise discrimination concerns. In parts of Europe, the Middle East and Asia a photo is more common; follow what is normal for the country you are applying in.
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