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Which resume style to choose: Classic or Modern

On this page

  1. Why the builder has two looks
  2. Classic: simple and easy to read
  3. Modern: elegant and formal
  4. Same content, same layout
  5. How to change your style on My Resume
  6. Academic resume or regular resume

The choice

Why the builder has two looks

Different jobs have a different feel. A job in an office or a shop does not feel like a job in a law firm or a university. So the ResumeDB builder gives you two looks, Classic and Modern.

Both are plain, one-column and easy for hiring software to read. The choice is only about how the letters look.

Classic

Classic: simple and easy to read

  • What it looks like

    A clean sans-serif font. Simple, clear and easy on a phone screen.

  • Who it suits

    Most jobs: accounts, sales, support, operations, IT and more.

Not sure? Keep Classic. It is the safe choice for most resumes.

Modern

Modern: elegant and formal

  • What it looks like

    A traditional serif font. Formal and elegant, like a printed document.

  • Who it suits

    Formal roles, such as academic or research work, legal work and government-style jobs.

Look only

Same content, same layout

Switching style does not change what you wrote. Your words, sections and order stay the same. Only the font changes. A style cannot make a weak resume strong. Clear content matters more.

For what to write, read how to write a clean resume.

How to switch

How to change your style on My Resume

  1. 1

    Open My Resume

    Sign in and open your resume from My Resume.

  2. 2

    Pick a style

    Use the Classic and Modern switch. The preview changes at once.

  3. 3

    Download

    Download your resume as a PDF or Word file in the style you chose.

No resume yet? Start with the free builder and choose a style when it is ready.

Academic or regular

Academic resume or regular resume

A regular resume is short. It focuses on your jobs, skills and what you achieved. An academic or research resume, often called a CV, is usually longer. It shows your learning and research in more detail.

These extra sections are common in an academic resume. Check what the institution asks for, because rules differ.

  • Research: your projects, thesis or lab work.
  • Publications: papers or articles you wrote.
  • Conferences: talks or posters you presented.
  • Teaching: classes you taught or assisted.
  • Awards and fellowships, if you have any.

Applying for a regular job? Keep it short and use Classic. Applying for a research or academic post? Modern may suit you, and you can add the sections above.

FAQ

Common questions

What is the difference between Classic and Modern on ResumeDB?

Only the font. Classic is simple and easy to read, in a clean sans-serif. Modern is elegant and formal, in a traditional serif. Your words, sections and layout stay the same.

Which style should I choose?

Classic suits most jobs. Choose Modern if the role is formal, such as academic, research, legal or government-style work. If you are not sure, keep Classic.

Can I change the style after I build my resume?

Yes. Open My Resume and switch between Classic and Modern. You can then download the resume in the style you like.

Is an academic resume different from a regular resume?

Usually yes. An academic or research resume often adds sections such as research, publications and conferences, and it can run longer. A regular resume stays short and focuses on jobs, skills and results.

Related reading

  • Upload your resume
  • Build a resume
  • Get found by recruiters
  • Jobs near home in Mumbai
  • Resume ready: your next step
  • Free resume builder
  • Resume for freshers
  • How to write a clean resume
  • Interview tips: before, during and after
  • How to present yourself at an interview
  • Why small details on your resume matter
  • What is an ATS-friendly resume, and how to check yours for free
  • Where to upload your resume to get a job in Mumbai
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