Find a style that suits your application
The Classic
A restrained layout with straightforward typography and section dividers. A useful starting point for many roles.
Use Classic →The Modern
A stronger accent at the top and lightly shaded headings, while keeping the same linear content structure.
Use Modern →The Editorial
Serif display typography gives the heading a more traditional feel. The content remains clear, selectable text.
Use Editorial →What makes a template easier to parse?
A simple reading order helps a reader follow your roles, employers, dates, and achievements. CareerLift avoids photos, skill charts, decorative sidebars, and text boxes in the resume templates. Contact information sits in the main document body.
These choices reduce common formatting risks; they do not guarantee a successful parse in every system. After exporting, inspect the text and review any fields the application portal fills automatically. The existing-resume checker can help you inspect a final file.
Customize the document without crowding it
Choose an accent colour, body font, comfortable or compact spacing, and A4 or US Letter paper. Move sections and entries so the most relevant evidence appears earlier. Empty sections are omitted from the exported resume.
Give the content enough room to breathe. If the resume feels crowded, remove repetition before reducing spacing. A focused single page is useful when it covers your relevant evidence; a second page can be appropriate when your experience needs it.
Download a useful file format
CareerLift exports a real editable Word document and UTF-8 plain text. For PDF, choose Print / Save as PDF, match the selected paper size, use no browser margins, and turn off browser headers and footers. Check that the PDF text can be selected and copied.
Word can paginate differently from the browser preview. Follow the employer’s requested format and inspect the exact file you plan to submit. The resume itself has no watermark or CareerLift branding.