The Truth About Resume Templates (What to Look For)

When it comes to writing a resume, staring at a blank page can be one of the most intimidating parts of the job search. That’s why resume templates have become so popular — they promise a head start, a professional layout, and in many cases, the kind of polish that’s supposed to get you noticed. But while a good resume template can absolutely help you get going, not all of them are created equal. And in some cases, the wrong template can actually hurt your chances more than help.

The truth is, resume templates are only as good as the person using them — and understanding what makes a great template (and what to avoid) is essential if you want to stand out for the right reasons. Let’s take a look at the real pros and cons of using templates, and what you should be looking for when choosing one that suits your goals.

Templates: Helpful tool or shortcut gone wrong?

First things first, resume templates aren’t inherently bad. In fact, they can be an excellent starting point — especially if you’re not confident in graphic design or formatting. A good template provides structure, helps you organise your information, and makes your document look neat and professional.

But they can also be a trap. Some templates prioritise style over substance, including designs that look impressive at first glance but confuse recruiters or get blocked by applicant tracking systems (ATS). Others are so rigid in structure that they leave little room for customisation or creativity — which is a problem if you’re trying to tailor your resume to a specific industry or job ad.

Templates should support your content, not overshadow it. They’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. A resume that works for someone in marketing might not suit a FIFO worker, an admin professional, or a graduate in finance. Choosing a template blindly or copying a friend’s layout may not do your experience justice.

So how do you choose the right one? Here are some practical things to keep in mind.

Clarity always beats clever design

There are plenty of resume templates floating around the internet that look like they belong in a design magazine. Fancy fonts, bright colours, columns, icons, graphs — they might seem impressive, but they don’t always play well with recruiters or automated software.

In most cases, especially in Australia, recruiters and hiring managers are looking for clarity. They want to see your name, contact details, work experience, education, and relevant skills — all in a format that’s easy to skim quickly. A resume that’s too busy or too artistic might look good on screen but ends up distracting from the actual content.

Unless you’re applying for a creative role where design is part of your job (think graphic design, digital marketing, or video production), a simpler, more traditional layout will generally serve you better. Clean lines, legible fonts, and consistent formatting are far more effective than trying to reinvent the wheel.

Make sure it’s ATS-friendly

Here’s something a lot of jobseekers don’t realise: most large companies (and many smaller ones) use applicant tracking systems to filter resumes before a human even sees them. These systems scan your resume for keywords, qualifications, and formatting cues — and if your document isn’t ATS-friendly, it could be rejected without a second glance.

Some templates use features that trip up ATS software, such as text boxes, columns, images, or embedded graphics. Others save the file in formats that aren’t easily readable by the system.

When choosing a template, opt for one that’s built with ATS in mind. Look for simple layouts, single-column formats, and text that’s written in real paragraphs (not inside shapes or tables). Word documents are generally safer than PDFs when it comes to ATS compatibility, though some systems can now handle both.

A beautiful resume that no one sees doesn’t do you any good — so don’t let formatting be the reason you get overlooked.

Focus on content — not just looks

It’s easy to get caught up in formatting, but the truth is, your words matter more than your layout. A sharp design might grab someone’s attention, but it’s the quality of your content that will keep them reading.

Before you even pick a template, make sure you know what you want to say. Take time to list out your work experience, skills, accomplishments, and qualifications. Think about what each role taught you, and how that applies to the kind of jobs you’re targeting now.

Then, when you apply a template, it becomes a way to present your story — not create it for you. The best templates support your content by making it easy to read, logically structured, and visually tidy.

Free doesn’t always mean best

There are plenty of free resume templates online — some are fantastic, others not so much. Many of the best ones come from trusted career websites, universities, or job boards like SEEK, Indeed, or LinkedIn. You can also find great templates in Microsoft Word or Google Docs.

But beware of overly “flashy” templates from unknown sites or paid services that promise a dream job just from using their layout. A paid template might look great, but it’s not going to magically land you an interview if the content inside isn’t up to scratch. It’s often better to use a simple free template and focus your energy on writing a strong resume, tailored to the job you want.

If you’re ever unsure, show your draft to a friend, a mentor, or even someone in the industry. A second pair of eyes can help you decide if your layout is clear, professional, and doing your skills justice.

Final thoughts

Resume templates can absolutely be helpful — when used wisely. They’re a tool, not a solution. The best template is one that highlights your experience clearly, professionally, and in a way that supports the content you’ve worked hard to create.

Always start with the job you’re applying for. Think about what the employer is looking for, and then choose a layout that helps you show them that you’ve got exactly what they need. Keep it simple, clean, and adaptable — and never forget that the story you’re telling is far more important than the font or colour scheme.

So if you’re about to update your resume or start from scratch, don’t panic over the design. Reach out to Adrienna’s Resume Writing Services to help you create a reliable, readable template — and then fill it with the kind of content that shows why you’re the right person for the job. That’s what gets noticed — every time.

If you’d like personalised support—whether it’s professional Resume and Cover Letter writing, FIFO Resume, Employer Sponsorship Resumes and Cover Letters, SEEK and LinkedIn profile optimisation, Selection Criteria for Government Jobs, one-on-one Job Interview Coaching or Other Professional Writing Services —call us on 0423 686 904 or email us at hello@adriennasresumes.com