Best Resume Templates 2013
Here’s a look at resume templates that were considered effective and popular in 2013, focusing on design trends and functional considerations:
Resume Templates: A Look Back at 2013
2013 saw a shift in resume design, moving away from purely chronological formats towards layouts that emphasized skills and accomplishments. While simple, clean designs remained crucial, there was a growing acceptance of subtle visual enhancements.
Key Trends in 2013 Resume Templates
- Emphasis on Skills Sections: Functional or combination resumes that highlighted skills upfront were popular. These templates often placed a “Skills” or “Core Competencies” section prominently near the top, allowing candidates to showcase their abilities even if their work history wasn’t perfectly linear.
- Infographics (Used Sparingly): While over-the-top infographic resumes were generally discouraged, subtle use of visual elements like progress bars to illustrate proficiency levels or icons to represent skills became more common. The key was to ensure these elements were professional and didn’t distract from the content.
- Clean and Modern Typography: Sans-serif fonts like Arial, Helvetica, and Calibri remained staples for body text, known for their readability. Headings often used slightly bolder or more stylized (but still professional) fonts to create visual hierarchy.
- Two-Column Layouts: These layouts allowed for a clear separation of information, typically with experience on one side and skills/education/other sections on the other. This structure helped recruiters quickly scan the resume.
- ATS-Friendly Design: Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) were increasingly used by employers. Templates that prioritized simple formatting, avoiding complex tables or graphics that could confuse the system, were essential. Text-based resumes that could be easily parsed by ATS were highly recommended.
- Objective Statements Declining: The traditional objective statement was starting to fall out of favor. Many templates replaced it with a concise “Summary” or “Professional Profile” that highlighted key qualifications and career aspirations in a more impactful way.
- Minimal Color Usage: While bright colors were generally avoided, subtle use of color (e.g., a light blue or gray for headings or lines) was sometimes incorporated to add visual interest without appearing unprofessional.
Popular Template Styles of the Time
Several broad styles were widely used:
- The “Classic” Template: This was the traditional chronological resume, updated with cleaner lines and modern fonts. It was still a safe bet for conservative industries.
- The “Functional” Template: As mentioned, this template prioritized skills over chronological work history. It was useful for career changers or those with gaps in their employment.
- The “Hybrid” Template: This combined elements of both chronological and functional resumes. It typically included a strong skills section followed by a reverse-chronological work history.
Where to Find Templates
In 2013, resources for resume templates included:
- Microsoft Word (built-in templates)
- Online resume builders (e.g., Resume.com, VisualCV, Kickresume – though these services have evolved significantly since then)
- Career services websites and university career centers
Ultimately, the “best” resume template in 2013, as now, depended on the individual’s experience, skills, and the industry they were targeting. The focus was on clarity, readability, and highlighting the most relevant qualifications for the specific job.