Classic resume: a traditional and elegant model (+ templates)

There are still professionals who prefer bet on the classic, simple and traditional when submitting your Curriculum vitae. It is absolutely valid and, in fact, suggested for very conventional jobs. For this reason, the classic model is still with us.

And be careful, that classic does not mean boring or unattractive. In this guide we tell you what a classic resume, how it differs from modern design and, above all, we present you with a compilation of our best classic resume templates. ✔

What is a classic resume?

Something classic is that which does not completely go out of style, it is there available for those who want to stay traditional by choice.

This is what happens with the classic CV.

It is not more than the conventional curriculum vitae template to which we have been accustomed for years. As its name implies, it is a classic format that fits without any problem in traditional professional races, especially.

This CV presents the job and academic trajectory of the candidate in a chronological structure showing your professional evolution by mentioning, first, the oldest works creating a timeline towards the most recent works.

It may surprise you, but this standard format still used in formal positions; since it is preferred by professionals and conventional companies. Even in the case of the latter, there are recruiters who prefer the classic formats because they allow them to read easier and faster, avoiding distractions due to invasive designs.

In short, it is a safe, simple and sober bet.

💡 Reminder: before, erroneously, it was placed “Curriculum vitae” in the center of the sheet to identify this document. This is not necessary, the title of your CV is your name, surname and profession or occupation.

Classic CV or modern CV: how are they different and which one to use?

exist many noticeable differences between the classic format and the modern format. Beyond the design, there are other aspects that have also been transformed over time, new sections that have been included… In short, the CV has been greatly modernized.

So that you can appreciate this evolution, look at the differences separately and in lists 👇:

Characteristics of the classic CV

It focuses on the job and training trajectory of the candidate without including more data.
The information follows a chronological order (from the oldest to the most recent).
It is a format for professionals with work experience.
The design is very clean, simple, sober and elegant.
The typography is classic (Arial, Calibri and Times New Roman, mainly).
The color palette is neutral (white, black or gray).
It is ideal for conventional professions.
It usually exceeds the first sheet, it is not common to compress everything into one.
It is not customary to mention skills or interests.

Characteristics of the modern CV

The format can be reverse chronological, functional or mixed.
It is a format for professionals with or without work experience.
The models are very colorful and include graphic resources.
The fonts are more modern leaving aside the classic ones.
It is ideal for both traditional professions and current professions.
The extension does not usually exceed one page, everything is summarized in one.
In addition to experience and training, skills, social networks are mentioned…

As you can see, they do exist. very obvious distinctions between one model and another; however, what is most noticeable is in which area each model is most recommended.

For example, the classic resume is ideal for conventional professions (engineers, finance, business, industrial, among others), while the modern resume can be used for both traditional and current jobs. It is indifferent.

The decision is up to you, because it is about your resume, your candidacy, your professional opportunities. You decide how to present your professional information taking into account, of course, the type of employment (formal or informal), the company, the hiring requirements and your professional profile (with or without work experience).

The structure of the Curriculum vitae classic

As we mentioned, the structure of the classic CV It’s very simple. The sections are based, above all, on work experience and academic background. That is 👇:

Contact information.
Professional profile.
Work experience.
Academic training.
Labor references.

The skills section is not common , but it will always be recommended, especially to apply for technical positions. Also, if the job ad calls for any required competencies, it is recommended that you include specific skills for the position.

💡 To keep in mind: This is the usual structure of the traditional model, but not mandatory. Remember that you have the freedom to structure your Curriculum vitae as best suits you to increase your chances of winning the position.

Advantages of the classic resume

Its design is very clean, clear and elegant.
Focus attention on the content avoiding distractions due to the design.
Facilitates and speeds up reading.
It shows the professional evolution of the candidate.
Many recruiters prefer this format.
It does not force to compress the information in a single page.

Our best classic templates

If you have made the decision to bet on a classic CV design, then we share our template selection with classic look for highlight your candidacy 👇:

Chicago

When it comes to visual assets, you have 2 options: include graphics or your photo. This model gives you the freedom to choose between one or the other, depending on how you want the presentation of your CV.

But in this Chicago templateespecially, you can include a personal stamp as a kind of logo that gives distinction to your Curriculum vitae classic, if you prefer to avoid your photo.

It is a very minimalist design, elegant and clean. A formal and conservative model to apply for senior management positions, first and foremost.

sydney

Another design with a very sober, simple and professional style without very striking or invasive visual elements that could hinder reading. On the contrary, it keeps blank spaces so that the recruiter can rest their eyes and continue reading more lightly.

Like the previous model, the sydney template It is also ideal for formal contexts due to its very conservative presentation.

Perth

Both the distribution of the sections and the design in general are very similar to the previous models; but it differs in one aspect: the optimization of the spaces is given for professionals with little work experience. So if this is your case, Perth suits you.

How could it be otherwise, it also conveys an elegant, sober and conventional image like all our classic templates.

Budapest

The classic does not have to be boring and with this template we prove it.

It is an easy and quick structure to digest with little modern touches to maintain a good balance, but without neglecting the simplicity and elegance of this CV format.

Budapest It’s a template with an understated look, ideal for formal positions if you stick to a dark color palette; but if you want to provide more visual lightness, you can use a lighter color and it will become the perfect presentation for semi-formal or informal stands.

prague

To continue appealing for what is different to succeed and stand out, here is another model.

Although it is still a classic structure, it includes a couple of graphic elements to give it more elegance and presence and thus help you advance until the job interview.

As two of the most important aspects are your name and profession, as well as your professional profile, this squad Prague it highlights them in the header in a very delicate way.

The classic resume design maintains a perfect balance between professionalism, elegance and simplicity. It is a generic format that you can use to apply to any vacancy in your sector without having to update the design over and over again, just the information, if applicable. ✔