General Resume Examples and Templates for 2025
Job seekers widely use general resume templates during the hiring process. The key benefit of using a more general template instead of an overly stylistic layout is utility. This template can be used by any type of professional, no matter their career level or industry. While a general resume template is typically less flashy than modern or creative templates, it keeps the reader focused on the most important things: your qualifications and experience.
General Resume Examples and Templates [Download in App]
Certified Nursing Assistant Resume Example
High School Student Resume Example
Full-Stack Developer Resume Example
Server Resume Example
Project Manager Resume Example
Java Software Developer Resume Example
Acute Care CNA Resume Example
Assistant Project Manager Resume Example
Teacher Resume Example
Data Analyst Resume Example
Fine Dining Server Resume Example
English Teacher Resume Example
CNA Instructor Resume Example
Senior Project Manager Resume Example
Special Education Teacher Resume Example
General Text-Only Resume Examples
General Resume Templates
Unlike other specialized templates, general resume templates don’t have a defining attribute. Instead, this layout is notable for providing a simple and clean structure that allows you to capture your achievements, work history, and skills succinctly. The template itself isn’t eye-catching, and that’s the point, as the goal is to draw the hiring manager’s attention to your content rather than visual aesthetics.
What makes a general resume template?
- Header: A general resume template features a clean header that presents your contact information clearly.
- Profile: These templates usually include an opening summary at the top of the document that allows you to provide an overview of your career.
- Professional experience: General templates always include a section that highlights your work history using bullet points.
- Skills: Most general resume templates also feature a skills section where you can organize your technical competencies and interpersonal skills into categories.
- Education and certifications: General resume templates provide sections to feature your industry credentials and college degrees.
- Lack of visual elements: These templates usually employ a minimalist design with limited color to keep the reader focused on your experience.
- Standard fonts: General resume templates typically favor highly readable fonts such as Garamond, Cambria, and Arial.
- Customization: Because general resume templates aren’t specialized, they’re easy to customize according to your unique career needs.
When to pick a general resume template
General resume templates are perfectly viable in nearly any situation, but some circumstances might call for them more than others. If you lack a clear focus or are in the process of making a career change, a general template is an excellent choice. Entry-level candidates can also benefit from a more generalized layout during the early phases of their careers.
How to get the most out of this template
To get the most out of a general resume template, you need to make it your own. This doesn’t mean adding unnecessary colors and graphics but rearranging sections and content to suit your needs. For example, a recent graduate with a software engineering degree might opt to move their academic projects below the summary, while a candidate transitioning into project management might feel inclined to list their newly obtained PMP higher up on the resume.
Resume.org offers free, HR-approved resume templates to help you create a professional resume in minutes.
Build Your ResumeFrequently Asked Questions: General Resume Templates
Do general resumes work?
Yes, general resume templates are suitable for any job seeker. In fact, opting for a more generalized layout can be especially helpful if you find yourself struggling to select a template that truly captures your personal brand.
Do employers prefer general resumes?
Not necessarily, as it depends on your profession and career goals. For instance, a graphic designer might be better served using a creative template that conveys their design talents, even though they could generate interviews using a general template.
What are the benefits of a general resume?
The primary benefit of using a general resume template is that you can employ this layout for any application or job opportunity. Flashier templates often risk alienating the hiring manager with distracting visual components, while a general template offers a simple structure that prioritizes your content.
Career Coach
Irina Pichura, founder of Resumeology, is a renowned career coach with over 10 years of recruiting experience at Fortune 500 companies like Goldman Sachs and ADP, as well as startups such as Investopedia. With a degree in Psychology from Fordham University in New York City, Irina offers a unique perspective on what it takes to stand out in a competitive job market.
Resume.org offers free, HR approved resume templates to help you create a professional resume in minutes. Choose from several template options and even pre-populate a resume from your profile.