Resume writing is an art on its own, and a good resume needs to be well written before it can be well designed. It’s easy to get carried away and include too much information. Once you have the content down, it’s time to try out a few layout options, like two columns versus three. You can sketch out a few resume samples on paper before creating them in InDesign.
The right font is an important part of the design, so experiment with a few and see what you like. Set character and paragraph styles to make easy changes later. Go the extra mile by designing a custom logo or graphic for your resume in Adobe Illustrator and import it to InDesign.
Download one of these stylish, free resume templates and you’re on your way to making a big impression. Just enter your own impressive skills in the Adobe InDesign CC template. Don’t have InDesign? No worries. A contemporary resume layout with eye-catching color. Two color options. Customizable paragraph, character, and object styles. Photos are not included. This resume makes a statement with a striking header. Customizable paragraph, character, and object styles. A modern, clean resume you can make your own. Customizable paragraph, character, and object styles. Photos are not included. A classic two-column resume, updated with a photo. Customizable paragraph, character, and object styles. Photos are not included. A simple resume template that says “professional.” Customizable paragraph, character, and object styles.
Key steps to create an effective English resume in InDesign
- Plan content first - start with a clear structure: contact information, summary or objective, skills, experience, education, and optional sections like certifications or languages.
- Choose layout wisely - compare two-column and three-column options to determine which presents your information most clearly.
- Set styles for consistency - define character and paragraph styles to ensure uniform typography across the document.
- Incorporate visuals cautiously - a custom logo or graphic can enhance branding, but avoid clutter; keep it professional.
- Curate templates - test multiple templates to find a balance between aesthetics and readability; color should support readability, not distract.
Templates can range from contemporary layouts with bold headers and color to classic two-column designs. Photos are sometimes included, but not always; decide based on your field and geographic norms. A modern, clean resume offers a strong starting point for customization, while a simple professional layout emphasizes clarity and readability. Fonts play a crucial role, so try several options to discover the one that aligns with your professional persona. Custom object styles allow you to adjust elements quickly if you need to update information later.
For designers, the workflow might include creating a vector logo in Illustrator and importing it into InDesign, then applying the same style to other resume sections for cohesion. If you’re not using InDesign, you can still achieve a polished look with contemporary templates that provide customizable styles and layout options. The emphasis remains on concise content, legible typography, and a layout that guides the reader through your career story.
The Architectural Resume that will Get you Hired
Template features to look for
- Two-column vs three-column options
- Customizable paragraph, character, and object styles
- Availability of a striking header without overcrowding
- Color options that enhance readability
- Compatibility with InDesign CC and export formats
In practice, you can use a classic two-column resume or a modern layout with a bold header and color accents. Ensure that the template supports you in organizing sections logically and provides room for impactful prompts such as a professional summary and quantified achievements. The ability to import a custom logo from Illustrator gives you a cohesive personal brand across documents.