Free Resume Template
Our free resume templates below are designed to help you prepare a professional resume using Microsoft Word, OpenOffice, or Google Docs. Our Resume Template can be described as "professional", "elegant", "modern", "classic", or "contemporary". It is all those things, but it is also easy to work with . Most importantly, our resume templates don't contain fancy colors or unique formatting styles that might identify your resume as having come from a resume template repository.
We encourage you to read through the resume tips and guidelines for resume writing on Vertex42.com before using any resume template. You should also browse through as many sample resumes as you have time for, especially those related to your field or position. The more resumes you look at, the more ideas you will have for how to craft your own. Even if you only have basic skills with Word, you should be able to recreate almost any professional resume that you find using one of our two templates.
Resume Template (Table Format)
Description : This resume format uses a table in Microsoft Word (without borders) to place the main section headings (Objective, Experience, Education, etc) in a narrow column on the left-hand side of the resume. This is a very popular method for formatting resumes. The table format can let you have more section headings without using up as much space as the outline format.
License : Private Use (not for distribution or resale)
Resume Template (Outline Format)
Description : In this resume template, instead of using tables, you use margins, tabs, and indention to format your resume. Lines under the main section headings are recommended. The outline format is often easier to customize and edit and can be converted to a text-only resume fairly easily.
How to Use our Resume Templates
If something strange happens when you make a change to a format, like everything turning into bullets, immediately press Ctrl+z (undo) to cancel the automated formatting. You might also want to check your AutoCorrection or AutoFormat settings.
I created these templates from scratch using a minimal set of Styles in Microsoft Word. You can modify the Normal style to change the font from Arial to Times New Roman. You can modify the Heading 1 style to change between All Caps, Mixed Case, Small Caps, or to modify the border line. In the Outline Format, the left margins for the Title , Contact Information , and Heading 1 styles are set to -0.25".
How to Choose a Resume Template
Choosing a resume template is NOT the first step in writing your resume. You shouldn't sift through sample resumes to try to find the best looking resume template and then try to make your details, skills, and qualifications fit a specific format.
When choosing a resume template:
- Avoid unique formats and styles . You should generally avoid anything that will make the employer think that you used a template. Our resume templates are designed using a general style to help avoid this problem.
- Beware of hidden file property information . If you submit your file electronically, file property information may be searchable in a database. The two resume templates above don't contain any hidden file property information. We will just trust that after you delete the note at the top of the template, you will still abide by the terms of use.
- Be aware of scannability . Many templates use italics and underlining , both of which can cause problems when a template is scanned and OCR'd.
- The safest advice might be to only use a resume template to get an idea of how to create your own from scratch.
Regardless of what type of resume you choose ( chronological resume , functional resume , curriculum vitae , etc.), your two main options for laying out the content are either the outline or table format. I have seen nice looking resumes that use both formats within the same file, but you have to be careful to remain consistent and clear.
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Free Resume Templates
Download in Word, Google Docs, PDF
Today is a great day to level up your resume. Free resume templates in every style, format, and design you can imagine.
Discover 180+ Resume Templates
Professional Resume Templates
Professional resume templates for job seekers with ample work experience. Showcase your skills and qualifications. Browse our best free resume templates to give your resume the glow-up it deserves.
- Sleek, functional layout
- “Sells” you as a strong candidate
- Suitable for all job titles
Modern Resume Templates
Modern resume templates for Microsoft Word provide stylish, crisp, fresh design elements that will help you grab a recruiter’s attention in just six seconds. The right resume template for candidates in the tech and startup industry.
- Chronological resume templates
- Made for readability and skimming
- Instant, free download
Simple and Basic Resume Templates
Uncluttered editable resume template with minimal styling. Choose a time-tested basic resume design to avoid any faux pas with employers or applicant screening software.
- Editable and printable resume design
- Easy customization in Word
- Suitable for all resume formats
Creative Resume Templates
Don’t want a bland, blank resume template? These creative resume templates offer a perfectly balanced mix of personality, professionalism, and playfulness to make a strong first impression.
- Free editable resume templates
- Unique personal branding
- Creative layout and formatting
Free CV Templates
Professional CV templates, perfectly suited for academic and federal jobs in the US and any type of job application in Europe. An impactful selection of the best CV templates with proper layout and formatting.
- Full CV layout and formatting
- User-friendly design
- Instant download CV templates
ATS-Friendly Resume Templates
Clean and compelling resume design that sits well with applicant tracking software and hiring managers alike. Optimized fonts, clear formatting syntax, and optimal layout for readability.
- Compatible with popular ATSs
- One-column layout
- Suitable for all experience levels
Resume Templates With Photo
Put a face behind the name to make a memorable first impression. Resume templates with photos to land a dream job in acting, modeling, or creative professions.
- Editable headshot space
- Optimized section layout
- Brandable styles
How to Choose The Best Resume Template?
Not sure which resume design works for your profession? Go with a professional resume template if you’re an experienced worker applying via email. Or download a basic resume template if the company uses an ATS — this way, your resume won’t get filtered out.
Gunning up for a job in a creative industry or a hip startup? Try out one of the modern resume templates or a creative resume design to give your job application a unique, brandable flair. Resume templates with photos also work great!
Or better yet, test-drive several free resume templates to see which one gets you the most positive responses!
Resume Templates for Different File Formats
Get a free editable resume template in your preferred format — Microsoft Word (.doc), PDF, or Google Docs.
Free Word Resume Templates
The best resume templates for Microsoft Word. Our most downloaded and top-rated designs in .doc and .docx format are the ones you have seen on this page until here, so make sure to scroll back to the top if MS Word format is what you are looking for.
Google Docs Resume Templates
Discover attention-grabbing resume templates for Google Docs. Download and edit your new resume design in the cloud, then share it with others with one click.
Free Resume in PDF
Use our free tool to make a resume online in PDF format. Write your resume faster with contextual tips and instantly generate a PDF copy for free. No account is required.
Check our free resume builder
Resume Templates By Professions
Get done with writing faster by downloading a pre-filled resume template for your position. Take advantage of the pointers and sample texts created by a professional team of resume writers.
Our remarkable set of role-based resume templates includes the optimal visual layout paired with text snippets you can use to model your own resume.
How to Use Your Free Editable Resume Template
- Select a design you fancy and download a free copy to your computer.
- Open the template in Microsoft Word or Google Docs to personalize.
- Fill in the blanks using your personal details. Refer to relevant resume examples for ideas and tips.
- Review and edit your resume. Include strong verbs and adjectives to add persuasion.
- Save and name your document: Resume – First name and Surname.
- Create a PDF resume version to send via email. PDFs help avoid formatting issues.
How To Write A Resume
A resume template is the best cure for the blank page syndrome. You’re halfway done — all that’s left is to fill in the blanks in the resume template and hit save.
Select The Right Resume Format
The 3 most popular resume formats are chronological, functional, and combination resumes.
- Chronological resume organizes the information like LinkedIn does – from the latest position to the first one, with education, interests, and additional info listed later. It’s the most popular resume format, preferred for recruiters. Go for it unless you’re entry-level or changing careers.
- Functional resume keeps the focus on your skills and experience, rather than employment history. It’s the go-to choice for candidates with employment gaps and those without much hands-on work experience.
- Combination resume takes the best of both worlds and allows you to spice up your “dry” employment history with some juicy details about your skill set and achievements. Startups and edgier companies may prefer this.
Create a Compelling Summary
A resume summary is a two-sentence statement highlighting your key qualifications, skills, and value proposition for the role. It sits in the header area, right after your name and contact details. Think of it as a teaser to a movie — you should put your most marketable skills upfront to immediately capture the hiring manager’s attention and get them interested in reading the full copy.
Add Work History
List your employers in reverse chronological order. Each entry should include the employment date, job title, company name, key responsibilities, and achievements listed in bullet format . Include 3 to 5 bullet points for each position. Don’t get long-winded — your resume must fit into one page.
Include Marketable Resume Skills
With skills-based hiring on the rise, you must demonstrate specific competencies rather than just tenure and educational credentials. Showcase your best hard and soft skills in a featured sidebar section, plus your resume summary and work experience entries.
Check the following posts for ideas:
- Business acumen skills for resume
- Critical thinking skills for a resume
- Conceptual skills for a resume
- Leadership skills for a resume
- Organizational skills for a resume
- Technical skills for a resume
- Childcare skills for resume
- Nursing skills for a resume
- Transferable skills for a resume
- Retail skills for a resume
List Education
Unless you are a recent graduate, don’t dwell on this section too much. Simply list all your degrees (highest to lowest), the name of your educational institution, and your graduation date. But if you’re still in college, you can also add your GPA , dean’s list , or research .
Learn more from our ultimate guide to writing, styling, and formatting a resume .
FAQs about Resume Templates
Your popular Qs about our free resume templates answered.
How can I format my resume for free?
Download a free pre-formatted resume template from Freesumes.com in your preferred format (Word or Google Docs). Open a copy in the word processing software and edit the blank sections with personal details. Click save, and you’ll have a professionally formatted resume in no time.
Is there a truly free resume builder?
Yes, Freesumes resume builder is 100% free to use. No account registration is required. Using our free generator, you can make a resume in PDF using one of the six free templates and contextual writing prompts created by expert writers.
What is the most popular resume template?
The most popular resume templates are chronological resume templates. You can find several dozen popular, professional resume templates on Freesumes in Word and Google Doc formats. Our templates have been downloaded over 4 million times!
How to get a free resume template?
Head to freesumes.com and check our collection of 180+ fabulously free resume templates in different styles and formats. Select a design you like and click the download button to get an instant free copy in .docx format without any account registration.
Do employers not like resume templates?
Employers don’t mind resume templates as long as they are professionally made and properly formatted. A sloppy or too vivid design, however, will make you look amateurish. Choose a simple, well-structured resume template in neutral colors, and you’ll always get a positive impression from a prospective employer.
Is it better to make your own resume or use a template?
This totally depends on you. If you have an eye for design and know information architecture best practices, you can make a stellar resume on your own. Otherwise, you can save heaps of time by using a premade professional resume template to avoid any mishaps with layout or font selection.
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