General resume templates have all the basic sections and a plug-and-play format. You can fill in your information in a few minutes and have a resume ready. Although a general resume isn’t tailored to one specific organization, it should be written in a way that appeals to the core strengths and requirements of the position you’re applying for.
If you’re a job seeker looking for versatility, check out our step-by-step guide on how to make a resume to help you build effective general resume templates that work across industries.
While this template style doesn’t work well for every job opportunity, it can be effective in specific scenarios. Ideally, every resume you submit should speak directly to that specific company’s needs, job requirements, and work values. However, this may not always be a practical option, especially if you’d like to hand out resumes at a job fair or networking event.
A general resume template design should be simple and well-organized to appeal to various industries and potential employers. Avoid anything with bold colors or intricate fonts, which can distract from your qualifications and make it harder for a hiring manager to skim.
When you think of what to put on a standard resume template, what comes to mind? A reverse chronological list of work experience will likely take up most of the page, along with a small skills list and a section to display your educational and professional training.
In most cases, it should include all the basic resume sections, presenting your past success with a clear focus on your unique value as a professional. The layout is often organized like this:
General resume templates are referred to as “universal” for a reason: they should apply to a wide range of industries, occupations, and experience levels. With a solid structure that includes all the essentials, your professional information is presented clearly and concisely. The 10 main components of a general resume template are:
A general resume template isn’t for everyone, but it can be a practical solution in certain situations. For example, imagine you’re a college student or recent graduate planning to attend a job fair on campus. Realistically, you can’t tailor every resume you distribute because you need your document ready to go. This is where a general resume can shine, highlighting your strengths and overall work experience.
Or, suppose you’re a food service worker, such as a barista or server. If you have experience, you know what hiring managers are looking for and that your skills will often transfer well from one cafe or restaurant to the next. Creating a general resume focused on your service achievements makes distributing among local establishments you’d like to work for easy.
Here are the top five reasons to choose a general resume template:
For those seeking flexibility, our guide on best resume formats can help you refine your general resume templates for different opportunities.
Even though general resume templates are a universal option, they should still be used with a strategy in mind. Simply listing your job duties and education won’t be enough — you must demonstrate that you’re well-qualified for the role. Next, we’ll discuss how you can maximize your potential with this template style:
Versatility is key in today’s job market — remember, our comprehensive approach to general resume templates ensures you’re always ready to impress.
Looking for a different resume template? Check out this list:
Hybrid Resume Templates and Examples | Minimalist Resume Templates and Examples |
Resume Templates and Examples For Microsoft Word |
After you provide your contact information, start with a resume profile. This brief paragraph is two to four sentences long. It describes who you are and the unique value you can bring to potential employers. For example, suppose you have experience in hospitality, and you’re applying for positions as a front desk attendant for hotels in your area. You might write something like:
“Customer-focused hospitality professional with three years of experience in front desk operations at luxury hotels. Known for handling guest complaints with a positive attitude, receiving positive survey feedback, and maintaining a 95% guest satisfaction rating.”
The key difference between the two lies in the level of customization. General resumes are only customized to the typical requirements of the job title you’re applying for.
Alternatively, a tailored resume requires deeper research on the job opening, company, and industry. It uses specific language in the job ad throughout the document to show how an applicant aligns with that unique employer’s needs.
While a tailored resume takes more time, it usually pays off by establishing you as a well-qualified candidate. However, you can explore a broader range of opportunities with a general resume, pursuing multiple openings simultaneously.
For those who prefer a one-size-fits-all approach, our general resume templates provide a strong foundation, while our professional resume templates offer industry-specific customization.
This can be answered with both “yes” and “no.” General resumes are suitable for select circumstances. This option can save you time and energy but may lack the specificity to land an interview. While a general resume may be versatile, its impact on hiring managers may be reduced if it doesn’t adequately address the position’s needs.
A general resume template can be a good starting point for your job search. Use it to create a master copy of your most relevant experiences, skills, and training. Then, make new copies and adjust them as you apply for different opportunities.
General resume templates offer a straightforward layout that works across many industries. They provide a plug-and-play format that lets you quickly fill in your details, making the resume creation process fast and efficient. Many websites even offer free resume templates, so you can experiment without cost. Using these templates helps ensure your resume is clear and well-organized, which is essential when you’re sending out multiple applications. They serve as a solid starting point that you can further customize to better match the job requirements.
Resume Templates 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.