MS Word, Google Docs, and a ton of other places online claim they have “the best resume templates” and, because a lot are free resume templates, plenty of people use them.
Here’s a big news flash: resume templates on word, google docs, and other sites are not the key to landing a job. Honestly, employers barely notice a flashy, Pinterest worthy resume template.
Even though online shops make it seem like having a modern resume template is the most crucial part of your job search, it’s really not that big of a deal..
After helping hundreds of students makeover their resumes, I’m sharing my expert advice on the best resume templates in this post. Quick warning: the answer will surprise you- and you won’t like it at first!
The Best Resume Template
Okay, ready for my expert insight into the all time, best resume template, that’s also free, professional, and modern? It is…
One you write yourself!
That’s right: the best free resume template is one YOU make.
Why?
- Employers have seen all of the resume templates on google doc and word. Yes, all of them. After reviewing resumes for just a few weeks, I could immediately spot a template when a client showed me their resume. Using a free resume template automatically means your resume looks exactly like who knows how many- which makes it less likely you’ll actually stand out
- Most of the resume templates- free or for sale- aren’t actually that good. They’re more focused on looking perfect than actually showing off what makes YOU a great candidate- which is the whole purpose of your resume. When you make your own resume template, you get to create it around your experiences and field.
The best part? Making your own resume template isn’t actually that hard. I promise, even if you’re not a graphic designer, you can do this! And, if you aren’t a graphic designer, it’s likely your industry doesn’t expect or want a fancy resume anyway.
Think about it: word, google docs, & other online resume sellers all have a financial reason to make it seem like you need a picture perfect, artful resume.
In reality, employers want to learn more about YOU- they don’t care about someone else’s design skills. And, unless you’re in a design field, they probably don’t care about yours either.
They’re looking for how you are the best fit for their job– so focus on making your resume fit them!
Alright, let’s dive into everything you need to easily make your own personal resume template- for free!
How to make your own free resume template
The first step to making the best resume template for yourself is by creating a master resume.
You’ll never actually send this resume. Instead, you’ll use it as a jumping off point to quickly making a custom resume for each job you’re applying to.
Oh yeah- have I mentioned employers want you to customize your resume to their job? That’s how you actually stand out during our job search- not with a resume ready for pinterest!
A master resume makes the entire process a breeze and, once you’re done, you have your own unique, free resume template saved to your computer!
Here’s where I breakdown how to create and use a master resume!
The best resume format
Now that you know the best resume template is one you make yourself, it’s time to format your resume.
This is easy, I promise. All you’re really doing is putting your contact info at the top and splitting your experiences into 3 categories (don’t worry, I’ll fill you in on the only 3 categories you need for a stellar resume!)
The most important thing to remember when you’re creating a modern resume template is consistency. Employers are also looking for your attention to detail, so make sure your spacing, alignment, and layout are consistent.
Consistency is important, because you don’t know many applicants you’re up against. Honestly, there’s probably a lot more than you think. And a big chunk of them are going to be qualified, so employers start looking at smaller details of your job application.
They have a limited number of interview slots, so if the format of your resume is consistent, the only thing that’ll stand out to them is how amazing YOU are! Which is what we want!
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A few things to check for consistency are lined up dates, font sizes and spacing, even bullet spacing, and uniform margin size (either .5” or 1”!)
Learn more about how to format your resume!
Customizing your resume
One of the big reasons the best resume template is the one YOU make is because you have to submit a custom resume for each job you apply to.
Well, technically, you don’t have to, but it’s definitely how you stand out. Like I said earlier, you don’t know how many other people are applying, and it’s probably a lot. So, your top priority has to be standing out.
The top way to stand out is by customizing your resume for every job. This is why a master resume is helpful, so you can easily copy it and use it as a free template for your custom resume.
Learn all my tricks to easily customize your resume!
How to write powerful bullet points for your resume
Bullet points are the meat of your resume. They give employers details about each of your experiences, so they can get a clear picture of who you are as an employee (and why you’re so amazing!)
Instead of wasting your time looking through resume templates on word and google docs, you should invest it into carefully crafting outstanding bullet points for your resume.
Learn my secrets to writing powerful, professional resume bullet points!
Listing side hustles on your resume
The modern job market pretty much demands you have a side hustle (but I’m not here to rant about the dangerous gig economy rn). You invest your time, energy, and-sometimes- your money into your side hustle, so you should definitely get a return on it by listing it on your resume!
Even if you think your side hustle is “too common,” like driving for Uber/Lyft or delivering groceries, you’re using transferable skills that all employers want to see! Side hustles involve communication, leadership, independence, and time management, which you can use in your bullet points!
Learn how to professionally list side hustles on your resume!
Formatting your resume education section
A modern resume template shouldn’t have an objective or professional summary section- they’re outdated and a waste of valuable space (another reason I don’t like free resume templates: most of them don’t actually know the rules either, they’re just trying to sell something pretty).
Don’t spend your time on an objective section- instead, work on creating your resume’s education section.
Employers will always check out your education section, even if it’s just a quick glance. They need to see you’ve met the minimum requirements for the position, so you can definitely use this space to help you stand out!
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Learn how to expertly format your resume education section!
Avoid common resume mistakes
After reviewing hundreds of resumes for my Career Services gig, I saw the same mistakes constantly.
Between those weird resume rules and common misconceptions, there’s a lot that can be confusing about resumes. Especially when most of the “best” free resume templates are making these mistakes too.
Learn the most common resume mistakes and how to fix them!
Writing a resume with no experience
This is the big question: how do you use a resume template with no experience? First, I want to say: I hate the phrase “no experience,” because most of the time it’s not true.
What people usually mean by “no experience” is they have no relevant experience or they’re underselling the experiences they do have.
Like I mentioned before, side hustles like rideshare driving and grocery shopping are experiences for your resume. So, even if you think you have no experience, you probably do have some- which is just enough for your resume!
Learn all my tricks to writing a resume with little or no experience!
What to do before you send your resume
Once you’ve finished making the free best resume template for yourself, customized it, and formatted it, it’s time to send it off- almost!
There are a few things you should always do before you send your resume, so you make sure it stands out from the pack!
Learn everything you need to do before you send your resume!
Online retailers make it seem like you need a Pinterest worthy resume template to land an amazing job, but that’s just not true. Employers want to learn more about YOU, not someone else’s design skills. Instead of trying to find the best resume templates online, you can easily make your own custom template. Start by making a master resume, getting your format consistent, and then customizing it to every job you apply to. With a little dedication, you’ll have a unique, personalized resume template you can use for everything!
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