Two-Column Resume Templates

A main column for your experience and a sidebar for the short lists: skills, languages, contact details and often a photo. More on one page, and a stronger look.

22 designs. Your words stay put when you switch, so try as many as you like.

When two columns work best

A person reads it first

After a referral, at a career fair or by email to a hiring manager, a two-column design stands out and shows a lot at a glance.

Lots of short lists

Skills, languages, certifications and links fill a sidebar neatly instead of trailing down the page.

Applying through portals

Some older tracking systems read across both columns and mix up the text. For portals, prefer a design rated "Works with most ATS" or better: Column, Gutter and Graduate keep the second column plain and are rated ATS-friendly.

Questions

Can applicant tracking systems read two-column resumes?

Most current ones can, but some older systems read across the columns. Each template shows its rating; the ATS-friendly two-column designs keep the second column short and plain.

What goes in the sidebar?

Short lists that do not need full sentences: contact details, skills, languages, certifications and links. Your experience and education belong in the main column.

Can I switch to one column later?

Yes. Your words stay as they are when you change template, so you can keep a two-column copy for people and a one-column copy for job portals.