Columnist resume template: how to use it, tips & FAQ
Columnist is best for: Writers, editors, communications, PR and content roles.
Use Columnist — freeAll 46 templates
Live preview with fictional sample content, drawn by the same renderer as the builder.
What the Columnist layout looks like
A newspaper-style masthead: large serif name with a thick and thin rule and your title and contacts in one uppercase line. Below, two columns separated by a vertical rule — profile, experience and projects on the left; education, skills, languages and certifications on the right.
The photo only appears if you upload one. In the builder, the Show these details? panel lets you show or hide the photo, date of birth, nationality, marital status and visa status — and that single setting applies to the preview, the PDF, the Word file and printing.
Who the Columnist template suits
Think twice for: Strict portals that ask for a single-column file.
Is Columnist ATS-friendly?
Two columns. Use the Text PDF or .docx, which are one column in your chosen section order.
Whatever design you choose, the builder's Application view shows the same content as a simple one-column page, and the Text PDF and .docx downloads keep selectable text in a clear reading order. No tool can guarantee how a particular employer's system reads a file, so follow the job advert's instructions. More in our ATS-friendly resume guide.
Tips for a stronger Columnist resume
- Italic serif section titles suit an editorial accent such as deep red.
- Keep the right column concise so both columns end close together.
- Use projects for publications or campaigns.
How to make a Columnist resume in 5 steps
- Open Columnist in the free builder — no account needed.
- Enter your details in the form, or import a JSON backup from another device.
- Click any text on the page to edit it in place; press Enter to finish or Esc to cancel.
- Check page flow with the page markers, then look at Application view for portals.
- Download a Text PDF, a Word .docx, a Design PDF or print.
Columnist template FAQ
Is Columnist suitable for a journalist CV?
Yes — the masthead and ruled columns are inspired by editorial design.
How do I control reading order in Columnist?
Design view keeps the two-column layout; Application view, the Text PDF and .docx follow the Sections & order panel.
Is the Columnist template free?
Yes. Columnist is free to edit and download as a PDF or Word (.docx) file, with no sign-up and no watermark.
Can I switch from Columnist to another template without losing my content?
Yes. Your details are stored once and every template reads the same content, so switching designs never deletes anything. You can also undo a change.
Which file should I send to an online application portal?
Use the Text PDF or the Word (.docx) download. Both keep your content in a simple reading order with selectable text. Use the Design PDF when you email the resume directly to a person.