Free resume template
Classic Serif Resume Template
Two-column résumé with a fixed sidebar and serif headlines.
An ATS-friendly resume template is a single-column (or carefully structured) layout with standard headings, real text instead of images, and no tables that scramble parsers such as Workday, Greenhouse, and Lever. Free includes 1 resume, a watermark-free PDF, and a standard portfolio. Pro unlocks unlimited resumes, unlimited ATS scoring, cover letters, academic CVs, and Pro portfolio themes.
Who it is for. Legal, academic-adjacent, and senior professional services roles that want serif gravitas.
ATS notes. Two-column without tables; still prefer Harvard Classic if the employer is extremely conservative.
When not to use it. Avoid for high-volume US tech ATS if you can pick a simpler one-column sans layout.
Free plan: 1 resume with PDF export · ATS scoring is a Pro feature
Classic Serif pairs serif headlines with a fixed sidebar for contact details, skills, and education — a layout familiar from executive résumés and established professional services firms. The main column carries your summary and experience with room for measurable achievements.
Serif type conveys tradition and trust, which can help in legal, academic, publishing, and senior leadership contexts. The two-column structure is implemented without parser-hostile tables, keeping section text accessible to ATS while still delivering visual separation on the printed page.
Choose Classic Serif when you want gravitas without a dated Word template look. Photo support is off by default to maximize ATS compatibility; custom sections let you add awards, board roles, or speaking engagements.
Start with Classic Serif in the free builder — no paywall on PDF download. Preview changes live, tune typography spacing, and export when your résumé is ready to send.
Role examples that fit this layout
Classic Serif FAQs
- Is the Classic Serif resume template ATS-friendly?
- Mostly. Sidebar is text, not a table; use Harvard Classic if you want zero-column-risk.
- Can I download the Classic Serif template as a PDF for free?
- Yes for 1 resume: watermark-free PDF on the free plan. Unlimited extra resumes and ATS scoring are Pro.
- Can I switch templates without losing content?
- Yes. Content is stored separately from styling. Switch templates in the builder without re-entering sections.
- When should I not use this layout?
- Skip photo and heavy two-column layouts for conservative US corporate ATS pipelines. Use a single-column template instead.
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Create an ATS-friendly resume and export a watermark-free PDF. Free includes 1 resume. Pro adds unlimited versions and ATS scoring.
Before you apply, use our free ATS resume scanner to check your resume against the job description. One scan is free; unlimited scans are Pro.
Browse our free ATS-friendly resume templates — 10 resume templates, watermark-free PDF on the free plan.