Creative template

Compact resume template

A two-column resume template that fits a long career on one page without losing reading order. See a filled-in example and who it suits.

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The Compact layout filled with sample data for a fictional person. Your own details replace it in the editor.

Who it suits

Compact moves contact details, skills, education and languages into a left column so the main column is all experience. That is useful when you have a lot to say and a page to say it on: senior engineers, specialists with long tool lists, and people with several certifications. The density is tighter than other layouts, so the page holds more.

How the layout works

  • A narrow left column with name, headline, contact, skills, education and languages.
  • A wide right column for summary, experience and projects.
  • Tighter spacing than the comfortable layouts, in a forest green accent.
  • An optional photo at the top of the left column.

ATS notes

Compact uses two columns. People read it easily, but an older parser may read straight across both columns and mix them. Folio labels two-column layouts Creative for this reason. If you are applying through a large company’s portal, consider a single-column layout or keep a plain-text copy ready.

When to pick something else

You are applying through an automated screening system and have no way to check how it reads columns. Prefer Modern, Classic or Margin there.

Tips for filling it in

  1. Keep the left column to facts: skills, tools and education. Put results in the main column.
  2. Aim for no more than 12 skills; the narrow column makes a long list look heavy.
  3. Check the preview at print size so the small type remains readable.

Compact template questions

Is Compact good for senior people?

Often, because it makes space for years of work without a second page. If you need a second page anyway, a single-column layout is simpler to read.

Will an ATS read two columns?

Many modern ones do, some do not. Folio marks the layout Creative rather than ATS-safe for that reason. Test with the plain-text export before you apply.

Resume examples that use this layout

Each example is a fictional person, with a summary, bullets and skills written for the role.

Related templates

Try the Compact layout with your own details

Open the editor with this template, replace the sample text, and watch the page update as you type.

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Free to write and edit. You pay only when you download.