Jake's resume template, with or without LaTeX

By , founder of ResumeForDev · Updated

Short answer

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

  1. Find “Jake's Resume” in Overleaf's template gallery and open it as a new project.
  2. Edit the heading block with your name and links.
  3. Copy the \resumeSubheading and \resumeItem blocks for each role and bullet.
  4. 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

Two ways to get a Jake-style resume
Jake's template in OverleafResumeForDev
LayoutThe original LaTeXA faithful HTML port: Computer Modern, small caps, ruled headings
Writing the bulletsYou write every lineAsks follow-up questions, then writes bullets from your answers
Fitting one pageManual spacing tweaksAuto-fits to one Letter page in fixed steps
Special charactersMust be escapedJust type
ATS feedbackNoneA seven-rule score with the points shown
Tailoring to a job postEdit by handPaste the description to re-target (Pro)
CostFreeFirst 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.

One page, every line yours.

Answer a few questions about what you built. ResumeForDev asks follow-ups, writes the bullets, and never adds a number you didn't give it. Your first resume is free.

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