How to Choose the Right Resume Template — 5 Questions to Ask Before You Pick One
Published on May 19, 2026 • 5 min read
Choosing a resume template feels like a design decision. You browse templates online, select one based on colors or visual aesthetics, and hope for the best. But your template is actually a technical interface. Pick the wrong one, and your application is immediately discarded. Let's make sure you pick correctly.
1. Is the Layout Strictly Single-Column?
If you see a template split into parallel columns, skip it. While two-column layouts are popular online, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) read across the entire width of the page. Sidebars result in scrambled parsing, mixing your contact info and work experience into unreadable nonsense.
2. Does It Feature Floating Text Boxes or Graphics?
Draggable frames, shapes, and skill progress bars break layout parsing. The software hiring teams use cannot read graphics and frequently skips text contained inside complex shapes. Stick to a simple, top-to-bottom plain text flow.
3. Does It Require a Photograph?
Unless you are in the creative arts or modeling, delete photo templates immediately. Modern corporate standards expect clean, text-only resumes to prevent bias and ensure smooth parsing. A photo placeholder wastes valuable space.
4. Are the Section Headings Standard?
Your headings must be recognizable to an ATS. Use standard labels like EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, SKILLS, and PROJECTS. If your template uses creative headers like "My Toolkit" or "Professional Journey," the software will fail to categorize your experience.
5. Can You Select and Copy all the Text?
Once you export your resume to a PDF, open it and try to select, copy, and paste the text into a plain editor. If the text is scrambled, contains weird boxes, or is completely uncopyable, the template is broken and must be replaced immediately.
If you want a detailed technical analysis of your current template, run a free check with Brutus at RoastMyCV. You'll get an honest assessment of your formatting and keyword matching in under two minutes.
The Right Template is a Boring Template
Select a clean, plain, single-column document. It is the single best way to ensure your real career achievements are parsed accurately and seen by recruiters.
Ready to test your resume layout against the ATS?Get your resume roasted free →