Jake's resume template, with or without LaTeX
By Mubeen Jawed, founder of ResumeForDev · Updated
Jake's Resume is a free, single-column LaTeX resume template by Jake Gutierrez that became the de facto standard for software engineering resumes because it's compact, easy to skim, and ATS-friendly. You can use it in Overleaf by editing the LaTeX source, or get the same layout without LaTeX in a builder such as ResumeForDev, which renders a faithful port of the template and auto-fits it to one page.
Key points
- Single column, Computer Modern font, small-caps section headings with a rule underneath.
- Standard sections: Education, Experience, Projects, Technical Skills.
- Produces a text-based PDF, so it parses well in applicant tracking systems.
- The hard part isn't the template, it's the writing that goes into it.
Why engineers use it
The template shows up across engineering forums and resume review threads because it gets out of the way. It fits a lot of content on one page without looking cramped, it reads top to bottom with no sidebars, and its typography looks like a technical paper rather than a marketing flyer. Reviewers who see hundreds of resumes recognise it instantly.
Using it in Overleaf
- Find “Jake's Resume” in Overleaf's template gallery and open it as a new project.
- Edit the heading block with your name and links.
- Copy the \resumeSubheading and \resumeItem blocks for each role and bullet.
- Recompile, check that it still fits one page, and download the PDF.
This works well if you're comfortable with LaTeX. The common pain points are compile errors from unescaped characters (%, &, #, _), fiddling with \vspace to squeeze onto one page, and re-tailoring the source for every application.
Overleaf vs. a builder that uses the same layout
| Jake's template in Overleaf | ResumeForDev | |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | The original LaTeX | A faithful HTML port: Computer Modern, small caps, ruled headings |
| Writing the bullets | You write every line | Asks follow-up questions, then writes bullets from your answers |
| Fitting one page | Manual spacing tweaks | Auto-fits to one Letter page in fixed steps |
| Special characters | Must be escaped | Just type |
| ATS feedback | None | A seven-rule score with the points shown |
| Tailoring to a job post | Edit by hand | Paste the description to re-target (Pro) |
| Cost | Free | First resume free, Pro $8.99/month |
If you like LaTeX and already have good bullets, Overleaf is a great choice. If the template isn't the problem and the writing is, a builder will save more time. There's a fuller comparison in ResumeForDev vs. Overleaf.
What to put in it
The template only makes good content look tidy. For what goes in each section, see how to write a software engineer resume and the bullet point examples.
Frequently asked questions
- Who made Jake's resume template?
- Jake Gutierrez published it as an open-source LaTeX template. It builds on an earlier template by Sourabh Bajaj and is released under the MIT license.
- Is Jake's resume template ATS-friendly?
- Yes. It's single-column, uses standard headings, and compiles to a text-based PDF that parsers can read.
- Can I use Jake's template without knowing LaTeX?
- Yes. You can edit the Overleaf source carefully by copying existing blocks, or use a builder like ResumeForDev that renders the same layout from a form.
- Is it Jake Ryan's or Jake Gutierrez's resume template?
- The template was made by Jake Gutierrez. “Jake Ryan” is the placeholder name in the sample resume, which is why many people search for the Jake Ryan resume template.
- Where do I find Jake's resume on Overleaf?
- Search Overleaf's template gallery for “Jake's Resume”, open it as a new project and edit the .tex file. It's free.
Keep reading
- CompareResumeForDev vs. Overleaf with Jake's resume templateJake's resume in Overleaf or a builder that renders the same layout? Overleaf CV templates vs. ResumeForDev on writing help, one-page fitting, ATS checks, tailoring and cost.Read
- GuidesHow to write a software engineer resumeStep by step: how to write a one-page software engineer resume, with section order, a bullet formula, skills, projects, resume examples, and what ATS software and recruiters check.Read
- GuidesWhat makes a software engineer resume ATS-friendlyWhat an ATS resume is, how applicant tracking systems read developer resumes, the ATS-friendly resume format to use, and how keyword matching really works. No myths, no fake scores.Read
- GuidesA Google Docs resume template for developers: Jake's layout in Docs or WordHow to make a resume in Google Docs or Word using Jake's single-column layout: the exact settings, why many built-in Google resume templates break ATS parsing, and how to keep it to one page.Read
- CompareAlternatives to Jake's resume templateOther templates and tools developers use instead of Jake's resume: Deedy, Awesome-CV, RenderCV, JSON Resume, Docs templates and builders, compared on ATS safety and effort.Read
- GuidesLaTeX resume templates for software engineersThe best LaTeX resume templates for developers (Jake's, Deedy, Awesome-CV, moderncv), how to edit one in Overleaf, whether LaTeX resumes pass ATS, and how to get the look without LaTeX.Read
