Basic and Easy Resume Templates + Examples

Let's be real—you're probably here because you need a resume fast, and you don't want to spend hours messing with formatting. I get it. That's exactly why basic resume templates exist, and honestly, they're all you need for most jobs.

In this guide, I'll walk you through everything about basic and easy resume templates, from what makes them work to actual examples you can start using today. No fluff, no complicated design theory—just practical advice to help you land that interview.

What Makes a Resume Template "Basic" (And Why That's Actually Good)

When people hear "basic," they sometimes think "boring" or "uninspired." But in the resume world, basic means something totally different. A basic resume template is built on a simple truth: hiring managers spend about 7 seconds scanning your resume. They're not looking for fancy graphics—they're hunting for your skills, experience, and whether you're a good fit.

Here's what defines a basic resume template:

• Clean layout: Single-column format that's easy to follow from top to bottom
• Traditional fonts: Think Calibri, Arial, or Garamond—nothing that makes readers squint
• Minimal color: Usually black text with maybe one accent color for headers
• Clear sections: Obvious dividers between your contact info, experience, education, and skills
• Plenty of white space: Enough breathing room so it doesn't look cramped
• ATS-friendly structure: Designed to pass through applicant tracking systems without issues

Why Simple Beats Fancy Every Time

I've seen too many people lose out on jobs because they used a "creative" template with multiple columns, graphics, and fancy formatting that looked great but got rejected by the company's applicant tracking system. Basic templates avoid this entirely.

Plus, simple designs work across every industry. Whether you're applying for a job in retail, finance, healthcare, or tech, a clean, professional resume says "I'm organized, I respect your time, and I'm here to get the job done."

The Best Free Basic Resume Templates You Can Use Right Now

You don't need to reinvent the wheel. Here are some solid options for getting started with your basic resume:

1. Single-Column Chronological Template

2. Skills-Focused Basic Template

3. Combination Format Template

How to Actually Build Your Basic Resume (Step by Step)

Okay, so you've picked a template style. Now what? Let's fill it in without overthinking it.

Start With Your Header

Your header should include:

• Full name (biggest text on the page)
• Phone number you actually answer
• Professional email address (not partyguy2000@email.com)
• City and state (no need for full address)
• LinkedIn profile URL (if you have one worth showing)

Write a Professional Summary That Actually Says Something

This 2-3 sentence section sits right below your header and tells employers who you are. Skip the generic "hard-working professional seeking opportunities" nonsense. Instead, mention your years of experience, key skills, and what you're looking for.

List Your Work Experience the Right Way

For each job, include:

• Job title (put this first—it's what employers care about)
• Company name
• Dates worked (month and year is fine)
• 3-5 bullet points describing what you accomplished (not just what you did)

Here's the trick: start each bullet with an action verb and add numbers when possible. Instead of "Responsible for customer service," write "Resolved 50+ customer inquiries daily, maintaining a 95% satisfaction rating."

Add Education and Skills

Education is straightforward: degree name, school name, graduation year. If you're a recent grad with limited experience, put this section near the top. If you've been working for years, it can go near the bottom.

For skills, list 6-12 relevant abilities that match the job description. Mix technical skills (like "Excel," "QuickBooks," or "HTML") with soft skills (like "project management" or "team collaboration").

Making Your Resume Stand Out (Without Getting Fancy)

Even with a basic template, there are ways to catch attention:

• Customize for each job: Swap out keywords from the job posting. If they want "customer relationship management," use those exact words in your skills or experience
• Use numbers everywhere: "Increased sales by 23%," "Managed team of 8," "Processed 100+ orders weekly"—numbers grab eyes
• Keep it to one page: Unless you've got 10+ years of experience, stick to one page. Quality over quantity
• Proofread like your job depends on it: Because it does. One typo can tank your chances

The Easiest Way to Create Your Resume: Use a Builder

Look, I could tell you to open Microsoft Word and format everything yourself. But honestly? That's a waste of time when there are tools designed to do the heavy lifting for you.

Common Mistakes That Tank Basic Resumes (And How to Avoid Them)

Even with a simple template, people still mess up. Here are the biggest mistakes I see:

Real Examples: Basic Resumes That Actually Work

Example 1: Retail Manager

Example 2: Entry-Level Marketing Coordinator

When to Use Basic Templates vs. Creative Designs

Here's a simple rule: if your job involves creativity as the main function (graphic designer, art director, photographer), you might benefit from a more creative resume. For literally everyone else, stick with basic.

Getting Your Resume Past ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)

Here's something most people don't know: about 75% of resumes never reach human eyes. They get filtered out by applicant tracking systems—software that scans resumes for keywords and formatting that match the job.

Basic templates are naturally ATS-friendly because they use standard formatting. But here's how to make sure yours gets through:

• Use standard section headings: "Work Experience" not "Where I've Been," "Education" not "Learning Journey"
• Avoid tables, text boxes, and graphics: ATS software can't read these properly
• Include keywords from the job posting: If they say "project management," use "project management" not "overseeing initiatives"
• Save as a PDF or DOCX: These formats preserve formatting while remaining readable
• Don't get too creative with formatting: Stick to standard fonts and simple bullet points
• Spell out acronyms: Write "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)" the first time, then use SEO after

The One-Page vs. Two-Page Debate

Everyone asks this, so let me settle it: for most people, one page is plenty. Here's when you actually need two pages:

• You have 10+ years of relevant experience
• You're applying for senior or executive positions
• You have extensive publications, certifications, or technical skills required for the role

If you're early in your career or switching industries, keep it to one page. It forces you to be selective about what matters most, and honestly, hiring managers appreciate the brevity.

Should You Include a Cover Letter With Your Basic Resume?

Short answer: yes, when possible. A cover letter gives you space to explain your story in a way a resume can't. It's where you connect the dots between your experience and why you're perfect for this specific job.

Keep your cover letter just as simple as your resume—three or four paragraphs, professional tone, specific examples of why you're interested and qualified. And please, don't just rehash your resume. Use it to share context or elaborate on one key accomplishment.

Updating Your Resume for Different Jobs (Without Starting From Scratch)

Here's a time-saver: create a "master resume" with everything you've ever done, then customize shorter versions for each application. This way you're not rebuilding your resume every time—you're just selecting the most relevant pieces.

For each job application, spend 10 minutes:

• Reading the job description and highlighting key requirements
• Adjusting your professional summary to mention those specific skills
• Reordering your bullet points so the most relevant ones are first
• Adding keywords from the posting into your skills or experience sections

This small effort can triple your callback rate because your resume actually matches what they're looking for.

Free vs. Paid Resume Templates: What's Actually Worth It?

Honestly? For basic templates, free options are perfectly fine. Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and Canva all offer solid basic templates at no cost. The main limitation is that you'll spend more time adjusting formatting.

Where paid tools shine is in convenience and guidance. Platforms like AdaptIt Pro don't just give you a template—they walk you through each section with suggestions and examples, automatically format everything correctly, and make it easy to create multiple versions for different jobs. If you're applying to lots of positions or you're just not confident about what to write, the guidance is worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Basic Resume Templates

How long should my basic resume be?

One page for most people. Two pages only if you have 10+ years of relevant experience or are applying for senior roles. Any longer and you're just adding fluff that nobody will read.

What font size should I use?

10-12 point for body text, 14-16 point for your name. Stick to the larger end if you're trying to fill space, smaller end if you're trying to fit everything on one page.

Should I include references on my resume?

No. The line "References available upon request" is outdated and wastes space. Employers will ask for references when they need them.

Can I use the same resume for every job?

Technically yes, but you'll get way fewer interviews. Spend 10 minutes customizing each resume with keywords from the job posting. It makes a huge difference.

What if I have employment gaps?

Don't lie. Use a functional or combination resume format that emphasizes skills over chronological history. In your cover letter, briefly explain the gap if needed (caring for family, additional education, health reasons—keep it simple).

Should I include my GPA?

Only if you're a recent graduate (within 1-2 years) and your GPA is 3.5 or higher. Otherwise, skip it.

Do I need to list all my jobs?

No. Focus on the last 10-15 years and positions relevant to the job you want. Very old or unrelated jobs can be summarized in one line or left off entirely.

What's the difference between a resume and a CV?

In the US and Canada, a resume is 1-2 pages focused on relevant experience. A CV (curriculum vitae) is longer and includes your complete academic and professional history—typically used for academic, scientific, or research positions. In the UK and Australia, "CV" is the standard term for what Americans call a resume.

Quick Checklist Before You Send Your Resume

Before hitting submit, run through this checklist:

• ☐ Contact info is accurate and professional
• ☐ No spelling or grammar mistakes (read it out loud!)
• ☐ Bullet points start with action verbs
• ☐ Numbers and metrics included where possible
• ☐ Keywords from job posting are naturally included
• ☐ Format is consistent (same font, spacing, bullet style throughout)
• ☐ File name is professional (e.g., "Sarah_Chen_Resume.pdf" not "resume_final_FINAL_v3.pdf")
• ☐ Saved as PDF or DOCX format
• ☐ One page (or two if truly necessary)
• ☐ Looks clean when printed or viewed on different devices

Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple, Keep It Professional

Here's the thing about resumes—they're not supposed to be works of art. They're business documents designed to get you an interview, nothing more. A basic, clean template lets your actual qualifications do the talking instead of distracting with unnecessary design elements.

The job seekers who get hired aren't the ones with the fanciest resumes. They're the ones who clearly communicate their value, customize their application for each job, and follow up professionally. Your basic resume template is just the foundation—what you put in it is what matters.

Whether you're building your resume from scratch or using a tool like AdaptIt Pro's resume builder to streamline the process, the goal is the same: create a document that quickly shows hiring managers you're qualified and worth interviewing.

Now stop overthinking it and get your resume done. That job isn't going to apply for itself.