Free Traditional Resume Templates

Free traditional resume templates with classic, time-tested designs. Conservative formatting trusted by recruiters in corporate, legal, government, and finance industries.

What Makes Traditional Templates Special

Classic serif typography (Times New Roman, Georgia)
Conservative black-and-white design
Standard reverse-chronological format
Traditional section ordering and headings
No decorative elements or colors
Proven format trusted by established industries

Who Should Use Traditional Templates

  • Legal professionals and attorneys
  • Government and federal applicants
  • Finance and banking professionals
  • Senior executives in traditional industries

Tips for Using Traditional Resume Templates

Use Times New Roman, Georgia, or Garamond at 11-12pt
Stick to black text with no color accents
Follow reverse-chronological order strictly
Include formal section headings: Professional Experience, Education, Skills
For federal resumes, follow the specific USAJobs format requirements
Conservative does not mean outdated: strong content keeps it current

Resume Templates in This Style

Frequently Asked Questions

When is a traditional resume template best?

Traditional templates are best for conservative industries like law, government, banking, academia, and established corporations. They are also ideal for senior-level positions where formality is expected.

Is a traditional resume template outdated?

No. Traditional templates remain highly effective and preferred in many industries. What matters most is the content quality. A well-written traditional resume is more effective than a flashy design with weak content.

Should I use a traditional or modern resume template?

Match the template to your industry. Traditional templates for law, finance, government, and academia. Modern templates for tech, marketing, startups, and design. When in doubt, lean traditional: it is universally accepted.

Create Your Resume Now

Start with our free traditional template and customize it with your details — no sign-up required.