Landing your first job can feel like a daunting challenge, but a well-crafted resume can make a huge difference. I want to share my experience — my LaTeX resume success story — and how using Overleaf helped me create a clean, professional, and ATS-friendly resume that got me hired.
This story isn’t just about formatting; it’s about strategy, presentation, and using the right tools to make your application stand out.
Why I Chose LaTeX for My Resume
As a student applying for internships, I wanted a resume that:
- Looked professional and polished
- Was ATS-friendly for automated screening systems
- Could be easily updated as I gained experience
- Highlighted projects, skills, and achievements clearly
Word templates often broke formatting when edited, and Canva resumes were difficult to maintain in a professional style. That’s when I discovered the advantages of LaTeX, especially for students and fresh graduates.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Template
I started with a student-friendly LaTeX CV template on Overleaf. Some tips for beginners:
- Stick to one-page layouts for internships or first jobs
- Use ATS-friendly templates with minimal graphics and clean structure
- Include sections like Education, Projects, Skills, and Experience
I personally chose the ModernCV template, which was easy to edit and looked professional.
Other templates worth exploring:
Step 2: Customizing Each Section
After picking a template, I focused on clarity and relevance:
- Education: Listed my degree, major, GPA, and any honors
- Projects: Added 2–3 bullet points highlighting measurable outcomes
- Skills: Both technical (programming languages, tools) and soft skills
- Experience: Even small internships or volunteer work count
LaTeX automatically handled alignment, spacing, and fonts, so the resume looked consistent and professional.
Step 3: Exporting and Sharing
Once my resume was ready, I exported it as PDF — essential for ATS systems.
- Always name your file professionally, e.g.,
JohnDoe_Resume.pdf - Avoid heavy graphics or colors that ATS software cannot read
- Test your PDF by opening on multiple devices to ensure formatting is intact
Step 4: The Results
After submitting my LaTeX resume:
- Received interview calls faster than peers using Word or Canva resumes
- ATS systems parsed all my skills and headings correctly
- Landed my first job offer within two weeks
This proved that a well-structured resume can make a huge difference in the hiring process.
Extra Tips for Students Building LaTeX Resumes
- Start with a template – Overleaf has many beginner-friendly options
- Keep it concise – One page is sufficient for students
- Highlight achievements – Use numbers and measurable results where possible
- Consistency matters – Fonts, spacing, and bullet points must be uniform
- Check for typos – LaTeX will handle layout, but content quality is still crucial
- Add links – Include LinkedIn or GitHub URLs for technical roles
- Use ATS simulators – Tools like Jobscan can help ensure your resume passes screening
Related: 10 Best LaTeX CV Templates for Fresh Graduates
Building a LaTeX resume may feel technical at first, but it’s worth the effort. From Overleaf to receiving my offer letter, this LaTeX resume success story shows how a clean, structured, and ATS-friendly resume can help you stand out.
Whether you’re a student, fresh graduate, or early-career professional, using LaTeX is a smart career move. Start with a template, focus on clarity, and watch your applications get noticed.