This Is The Best Resume Layout (If You Want Interviews In 2026)

Go online, and you’ll find hundreds of resume layouts. Some are funky. Others are minimalist. But not many have the power to impress recruiters.

Unless you’re working in a creative industry and are fairly junior (e.g., a photographer, graphic designer), resist the temptation to make your resume look “fun”.

The best resume layouts follow classic design principles.

They create a clear visual hierarchy, guiding the reader’s eye from the most important information to the least.

The reader’s gaze will land on your name first. From there, the layout will pull their gaze downward – through your profile, employment summary and professional history.

What Does A Bad Resume Layout Look Like?

Until roughly 2015, many resumes looked something like the one below. Does this abomination ring a bell?

The layout was popularised by professional resume writers who bought into this myth –

Notice how the resume overwhelms you with information. Regardless of how long you stare at it, you never quite know what you need to pay attention.

Your eye darts from one detail to another – but your brain doesn’t register any insights:

What Does A Great Resume Layout Look Like?

I recommend you avoid two- and three-column layouts.

Yes, they’re all the rage on Canva right now, but they do a poor job of creating a visual hierarchy.

Here’s what makes this layout great:

Header. Separated from the rest of the page with colour code, it draws your attention to its most important element – the person’s name. It also contains contact details and a headline.

Profile. Notice the abundance of white space around this section. This is intentional. Rather than cramming “as much as will fit”, the design allows the resume to “breathe”.

Employment Snapshot: The reader now gets a bird’s-eye view of the person’s career history. This helps understand career progression.

Key Assets. Here you offer the reader proof of claims you’ve made in the sections above. The goal is to help them form a concrete view of you – before they turn the page.

Professional Experience. There’s a lot of text here. Yet, your eye isn’t confused by the detail. Each role contains a mandate, responsibilities and achievements – in that order.

Final Word About The Best Resume Layouts.

Recruiters and employers expect you to submit an attractive, easy-to-read resume.

An overwhelming layout was unlikely to raise red flags 5-10 years ago, as finding an attractive resume layout was not easy.

Fast forward to today, and you’ll find dozens of downloadable templates with attractive resume layouts on Canva and Shutterstock.

Make sure you don’t overlook this vital part of your job application.

Irene