Short answer: a two-column resume puts short items (contact, skills, languages) in a narrow sidebar and experience and education in the wide main column. It fits more on one page and looks modern — just use an ATS-safe template rather than a DIY layout with text boxes.
Why choose a two-column layout
A two-column resume uses space efficiently. By moving short, scannable details — contact info, skills, languages, certifications — into a narrow sidebar, you free up the wide main column for the things recruiters actually read: your summary, experience and education. The result fits comfortably on one page and looks more modern than a plain single column.
What goes in each column
Sidebar (narrow)
Contact details, links (LinkedIn, portfolio), key skills, languages, certifications, and optionally a short list of strengths or interests.
Main column (wide)
Professional summary, work experience with achievement bullets, education, and projects — anything that needs room to read well.
The ATS catch — and how to avoid it
Some applicant tracking systems struggle with columns built using text boxes or tables, because they read the page in the wrong order. The fix is simple: use a template that's designed to stay ATS-readable, where the underlying text still flows in a single logical order even though it looks like two columns. The two-column templates here are built exactly that way — so you get the modern look without the parsing risk.
Two-column resume — example layout
Sidebar
Contact · LinkedIn · Skills (Python, SQL, Excel) · Languages (English, Hindi) · Certifications
Main column
Summary → Experience (with achievement bullets) → Education → Projects
Want it done for you? Generate an ATS-friendly two-column resume below — free, no sign-up.
Frequently asked questions
Is a two-column resume ATS-friendly?
It can be, if the template is built so the text still reads in a single logical flow for parsers. Our two-column templates are designed to stay ATS-readable — avoid DIY layouts that use text boxes or tables, which some ATS misread.
What should go in each column of a two-column resume?
Put short, scannable items — contact details, skills, languages, certifications — in the narrow sidebar, and your experience, summary and education in the wider main column where they have room to breathe.
When should I use a two-column layout?
When you want to fit more on one page and your content is skill-heavy. It suits freshers, designers, and technical roles. For very senior, text-heavy resumes a single column can be safer.
Is a two-column resume better than one column?
Neither is universally better. Two columns save space and look modern; one column is the safest for ATS and very traditional industries. Pick based on the role and how much content you have.
Can I make a two-column resume for free?
Yes. You can generate an ATS-friendly two-column resume here free with no sign-up, then download the PDF. Browse all layouts on our resume templates page.