Should You Make a Two Column Resume? Guide + Templates

One of our users, Chris, had this to say:

Use this resume template

Let’s make one thing clear—

Should you use a one- or a two-column resume?

Benefits of two-column resumes:

• Two-column resumes help group certain pieces of information in a side column: your contact information, technical skills, or languages.
• They are easy to read for recruiters because all sections are clearly separated from one another. Also, they prevent lengthy single lines that span across the whole width of a resume.
• Most two-column resume templates are easily adjustable—you can decide which sections you move to the side column and which ones you want to highlight in the central part.
• Two-column resumes let you save space and transform an otherwise two-page resume into a single-page one.

Disadvantages of two-column resumes:

There’s only one potential pitfall of using a two-column resume—it might not pass through some older Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). You’ll have to go the extra mile to get your formatting right so that it doesn’t annoy those little bots.

We can’t guarantee that all resume templates in the gallery below have been optimized to pass ATS scans. All of Zety’s resume templates are ATS compliant.

Let’s begin with one of ours then:

1. Crisp by Zety

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One of our favorites—the clean Crisp resume template from Zety.It’s got a left-hand side column, but a full-width header area up top for your name, title, and all-important resume summary or objective.

Available in our resume builder.

2. Clean Resume

The “Clean Resume” available at Creative Market gives a direct proof that even two-page resumes can be easily scannable when section titles stand out and the two columns are well thought-out.

You can download this 2-column resume template in Word, as well as INND and PSD.

Here’s the link.

Not sure whether a 2-page resume format is right for you? Find out: Ideal Resume Length and check out Resume Templates: Simple, Clean, Basic

3. Minimal CV

“Minimal Resume CV” by UX-Group uses two columns in work experience and education sections, making it easier for you to keep your resume one-page without having to jam-pack your content. As a bonus, you’ll get a cover letter template and a ready-to-print business card.This one’s available in PSD, INDD, IDML, and DOC.

Here’s the link.

Minimalist designs are your cup of tea? Just don’t go too minimal with your resume. Check out our guide: Minimalist Resume Templates

4. Free Two Column Resume

The first free two column resume template in our gallery has been created by Tolgahan Yurtseven. It’s a perfect balance between an informative and a creative resume. Plus, the use of trendy icons helps to guide the recruiter’s eyes to what you’d like to highlight the most.

You can download this free double-sided resume for InDesign or Photoshop.

Here’s the link.

5. Modern by Zety

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How about the resume columns on this template? Some of its artistic features include: block rating system (for languages and skills), ribbon-style arrows preceding each section title, and a clean design throughout with numerous color combinations to choose from.

“Modern” is included when you create a resume in our builder, along with many other two-column resume templates.

6. Neat and Balanced

This two sided resume created by Ahsanyaja Corp uses two symmetrical columns to help you save space, but it’s also very generous on the white space, giving recruiters some breathing room. You can download this resume template in INND, PSD, and AI.

Here’s the link.

Interested in one-page resume templates specifically? See another gallery of ours: Single-Page Resume Templates to Download and Use Now

7. Cubic by Zety

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Here’s another one of ours, our take on a modern two column resume template.The top header is reserved simply for your name and title for you to stand out. A right-hand sidebar switches it up. Filled-in circles for your languages and skills allow you to showcase your knowledge in style.

You can get access to this resume template when you create a resume in our builder.

8. Perfectly Symmetrical

SHOWY 68 and Mee Hoang’s “Simple Professional Resume Template” delivers on what’s promised in its title. It’s got the right balance between a typical, formal resume design and a sprinkle of creativity.

Here’s the link to this two column resume editable in Word, Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.

See What Should a Resume Look Like for more.

9. Vibes by Zety

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We’ve named this one “Vibes.” And what sort of vibes does it send, huh?

Simplicity, they say, is the ultimate sophistication and here you can witness simplicity at its finest. A great two-column resume layout for corporate jobs and traditional industries.

Making a resume with our builder is incredibly simple. Follow our step-by-step guide, use ready-made content tailored to your job and have a resume ready in minutes.

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10. Colors Can Speak Louder Than Words

Another two-column resume on our list built around an axis right in the middle. SHOWY 68’s “Watercolor Triangle Resume Template” is a fantastic pick for job hunters seeking gigs in more casual industries.

Here’s the link to this MS Word two column resume template.

11. Free Resume for MS Word

This free modern resume template for Word has been created by Sadique P on Behance. Notice how the two columns add a creative touch to this otherwise basic resume.

Here’s the link to this free two-column resume for Word.

For more amazing Free resume templates editable in MS Word, see: Free Resume Templates for Word

12. Creative (by MOO)

Created by Microsoft in collaboration with MOO, a digital design company, this MS Word resume template is very neat, clean, and legible. Thanks to two distinct columns all sections are easily visible so that recruiters will know where to look for the most important information about you.

Here’s the link.

13. Personal Branding

That’s how personal branding works on a resume! The header of this template immediately stands out from the rest of the text. The little personal logo grabs attention. Thanks to a neat footer, this could also be used for making a two-page resume.

Here’s the link.

14. Neat as a Pin

Another free 2-column resume for Word we’ve picked for you. Two columns are below a distinct header which makes this resume design very fresh and dynamic. White space will guide recruiters’ eyes to where you want them to go, a little color here and there will make sure no information passes unnoticed.

Here’s the link.

15. Contrasting Columns

Last but not least: “Simple Resume” by Julio A. Ramirez De Freitas. Two contrasting columns will surely interest recruiters but they also make this template not ideal to print out on resume paper. Use it only for digital job applications.

Here’s the link to this two column resume format.

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here’s what it may look like:

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Key Takeaway

Keep these points in mind as you write a 2 column resume:

• A two-column resume will help you save space and fit more contents into less pages.
• Remember, though, that not all resumes with columns will make it through the ATS scan.
• Finally, keep in mind that the contents of your resume matter much more than the design!

For choosing the most adequate template for your resume, you may like to check these various templates:

• Modern Resume Template
• Traditional Resume Template
• Cool Resume Templates
• Google Docs Resume Template
• Eye Catching Resume

Want to have a resume that lands you that dream job? Here’s a quick list of must-reads for you.First, learn the critical rules. This quick guide will take you from a resume rookie into expert in 5 minutes: How to Make a Resume: A Step-by-Step Guide

Then, pick a professional format. This is key to presenting your strongest suit to employers. Make them realize they need you: Resume Format: How to Format a Resume RightOnce you’ve got the general idea for your resume contents, get the show on the road. Ain’t as easy as it seems? Well, we’ve just made it easy: How to Start a Resume: A Complete Guide with Tips

One last thing:Do write a cover letter.

Here’s how: How to Write a Cover Letter in 8 Simple Steps