1. What is a professional resume template?

A resume template is a mockup resume. It allows you to see how your work history, skills, education, and other content would look and helps you make an informed choice on resume design and layout. Resume templates are used by applicants looking to create or reformat a resume, and can be tailored to fit your style with customizable designs and colors. Using a free Word resume template with a resume builder makes creating a professional resume even easier and has more advantages, like: Expert suggestions for the content Applicant tracking system (ATS) compliant templates Professional designs that are aesthetically pleasing Every resume template option in the ResumeHelp Resume Builder lives up to these standards and can be created in a few simple steps.

2. Should you use a resume template or start from scratch?

The advantage of using a resume template is that it takes out the guesswork. The design is ready-made, the sections are placed accordingly and you only have to customize it to your needs. If you have no experience creating a resume or haven’t done it successfully in the past, a professional resume template is a way to go. It’s important to remember that a free downloadable resume template isn’t building your resume for you. Instead, it’s giving you a solid foundation for an aesthetically pleasing resume that also provides the structure to best display your information. A basic free resume template paired with industry-specific resume examples can help you create an effective, professional resume in minutes.

3. What should you include in your resume?

You must include several critical items in a resume to effectively present your information to a hiring manager. As you’ll see in our online resume templates, a resume usually features the following sections: The header with your contact information A resume summary or resume objective The work experience section with your professional accomplishments An education section with your high school diploma or college degree Relevant resume skills with hard skills and soft skills Any additional sections with certifications, awards or activities relevant to the job Resume examples for your specific job can also be very helpful; for example, an entry-level job and a high-level job will need different resumes. When looking at resume samples, make sure you also look at what designs they’re using. With hundreds of examples in our library, we’ll be sure to have a sample resume template that works for your specific industry. Use our resume templates together with our resume samples for the best results.

6. How much does a professional resume template cost?

Hiring a professional to create your resume from scratch can cost around $400 on average. The resume cost can be even higher for executives and managers, with agencies charging upwards of $750. You can avoid these types of costs and create your free online resume with the guidance of the ResumeHelp Resume Builder. Our resume maker takes you step-by-step through the process of building your career information using a resume template of your choosing. You don’t need to pay an agency to create your resume when you have access to Certified Professional Resume Writers that craft perfect sentences to pre-populate your resume template.

7. What is the best template for a resume in 2024?

The best resume template is the one that shows your strengths in the best light. The style and design of your resume show the recruiter a little bit about you before they start reading. Modern resume templates — A contemporary take on the traditional resume, the modern free resume template works great for candidates in traditional industries with nontraditional roles, like marketing, startups and the tech industry. Simple resume templates — Our simple free resume templates are your best bet if you’re starting your career and don’t have professional experience. The focus is entirely on your content with no distracting or out-of-place designs. Candidates from any industry can use this template and its no-nonsense approach. Creative resume templates — A creative resume template will work for you if you work in a creative field, like cosmetology, design, art, media and more. A pop of color and design helps showcase your style and creativity from the very first look. Professional resume templates — A structured resume template will show you as a sharp candidate with a structured layout. Executives and managers — or those on track to become one — tend to choose this template. Traditional resume templates — When in doubt, use a traditional template. This template works well in all industries. Choosing this tried and true template will help you focus on the content of your resume. Remember that you can pick a resume template and a resume example according to your style and industry. From minimalist resume templates to unique resume templates, your focus should be on which template will help you showcase why you’re the best candidate.

8. Where can I get professional resume templates for free?

You can try out our free resume templates available on this page or the dozens of templates in our Resume Builder and download them for free in text format. Using the builder, you can take advantage of all its features, like expert suggestions and easy-to-fill questions regarding your skills and work history. If you’re unsure about the finished resume, simply choose another template for free and the builder will automatically repopulate it with the information you’ve already entered. If you’re looking for a Microsoft Word resume template, no worries — all of our resume templates and CV templates can be downloaded in Word/DOC or PDF formats to fit your needs.

9. What are the advantages of using a resume template?

Using a resume template helps visualize how a design looks, how much content can fit the page and provides a ready-to-use design. By now, you know that a resume is typically a one-page document. But can you visualize how much info it can hold? Do you know where everything should be? A perfect resume template gives you a mockup of an effective resume that allows you to create a document that will have hiring managers focusing on your skills and experience.

11. What is the best font to use for a resume template?

Georgia and Gill Sans are just two of the great resume font choices. According to experts, Calibri and Times New Roman are classic and safe choices. Set the size to be 12 pt. so the font is easily legible on screen and on paper. The most important thing to remember when it comes to fonts is to be consistent with the one you use throughout your resume and on the accompanying cover letter.

12. Should you include a cover letter with your resume?

You should always include a customized cover letter with your resume. This is true even if the job you’re applying for doesn’t require one. ResumeHelp has a variety of cover letter examples you can use to create your own. You can also use our cover letter templates to develop the perfect cover letter match for your resume. Whether you need a simple, generic cover letter format or a cover letter for something more specific like a career change, our builder can provide a professional cover letter in minutes that helps get you to the interview stage.

Professional free resume templates

Q: 4. What types of resumes can I make with a resume template?

You can create any of the three types of resumes (also known as resume formats) with a blank resume template. These formats are most commonly used by job seekers and recognized by hiring managers and recruiters; they are the chronological format, functional format and combination format (sometimes referred to as hybrid). Each format takes a unique approach to how they emphasize each resume element. Chronological format — Focuses on work experience. Use it when you have a decade or more of consistent employment within the same industry and are looking to move on. Functional format — Focuses on skills. Use it when starting your career, switching industries or returning to the workforce after an employment gap. Keep in mind that this type of resume isn’t always a hit with hiring managers. Combination format — It balances both skills and work history. Use it when you have between three to nine years of experience and want to take your career to the next level. All three resume formats have their place and our resume templates can accommodate them. No matter what you’re trying to highlight in your resume, you can use our resume templates to do it.

Q: 5. How many pages long should my resume be?

A resume should be a one-page document, if possible. Recruiters spend an average of 7.4 seconds screening a resume, which means you do not have much time or space to make a great impression. Our resume templates are designed to make the most out of a one-page resume. Good resume templates ensure that you have a nice-looking, concise resume with the right amount of information. It’s important to note that you could stretch your template into a two-page resume if you have over a decade of experience.

Q: 10. Do you need a new resume template if you change jobs?

Revising and updating your resume when applying for a new job is always a good idea. It allows you to find any errors, remove information that is no longer relevant and customize it to the company’s needs. With a resume builder, you can upload your current resume, select a new template that suits you better and tailor it to the job application. Our Resume Builder has unlimited storage, which means you can update and save as many resumes as you’d like until you find a result that showcases why you’re the best candidate for the job.

Explore our collection of professional resume templates designed to help you stand out. Easily customize, follow expert suggestions, and download your resume in minutes. Find the perfect resume template to match your career goals and make a lasting impression.

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Job-winning resume templates

Using a resume template saves you time and ensures a polished, professional layout that highlights your strengths, helping you stand out from the competition and catch the attention of hiring managers.

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Empire
+
This resume template places your name on the right margin without compromising your career highlights and information.
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Revival
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Communicate your skills and work experience with this two-column resume template.
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Hollywood
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Make a name for yourself with a one-page resume template that showcases your skills and qualifications.
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Flapjack
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Make a colorful statement with a unique resume template that’s perfect for less conservative jobs and companies.
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Blueprint
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This creative resume template features a fun banner with your initials, allowing you to stand out easily.
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Fold
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Give your existing resume a fresh look with this modern resume template that will catch the recruiter's attention.

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Free Resume Templates

No payment required! You can create a resume by simply downloading these predesigned free resume templates and updating the content with your unique career-related information.

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Cashmere

This free resume template is a great option for a job candidate who wants to balance modernism and professionalism.
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Felicity

This sleek design presents your powerful summary, skills, and experience in an easy-to-read format.
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Pristine

The two-column design places the focus on your resume objective and skills, demanding attention from the hiring manager.

Popular Resume Templates

Job seekers have spoken—these are ResumeHelp’s most popular premium resume templates. Select one of our expertly designed layouts to create a resume that showcases your professional experience with clarity and impact.

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Empire
This resume template places your name on the right margin without compromising your career highlights and information.
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Kingfish
A versatile resume template options for candidates who want a modern design that perfectly organizes their credentials.
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Providence
Sleek and straightforward, this is the perfect resume template for virtually any job.
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Akimbo
Simple horizontal lines divide the resume sections, making it a breeze for recruiters to locate your skills and experience.

Creative Resume Templates

At ResumeHelp, you’ll find quality resume templates for creative jobs. Apply with style and a colorful resume layout that speaks to your ability to think outside the box.

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Blueprint
This creative resume template features a fun banner with your initials, allowing you to stand out easily.
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Flapjack
Make a colorful statement with a unique resume template that’s perfect for less conservative jobs and companies.
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Revival
Communicate your notable skills and work experience with this two-column resume template.
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Greetings
Say hello to hiring managers and recruiters using a creative resume template with fun icons for your contact information.

Modern Resume Templates

A modern resume template is a great option if you’re applying for a job in the tech industry or companies with strong brand identities.

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Fold
Give your existing resume a fresh look with this modern template that will catch the recruiter's attention.
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Vision
This modern resume template emphasizes your name and includes clear section headings, ensuring compatibility with applicant tracking systems that scan resumes.
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Hollywood
Make a name for yourself with a one-page resume that effectively showcases your skills and qualifications.
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Craftsman
Fill this resume correctly with our guidance and let your professional qualifications shine on their own.

Classic Resume Templates

Sometimes, a classy and simple resume template is the best way to impress hiring managers. Choose from one of our simple resume designs to communicate your information seamlessly.

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Splendid
This clean resume template features a sleek resume format ideal for job applicants applying for senior-level positions.
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Angora
With a clear resume layout that highlights career accomplishments and progression, this traditional resume template works great for people with many years of experience.
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Cinematic
Sophisticated font and elegant lines make this one of the best resume templates for different jobs and industries.
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Gazelle
Simple doesn’t have to mean boring. Change the colors of this simple resume template in our Builder and have a resume ready with just a few clicks.

Why should you use ResumeHelp's resume templates?

The days of writing resumes from a blank piece of paper are long gone! Resume Templates are the best way to create your next resume. Here are three benefits of using our resume templates:

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Customizable resume styles that fit you

With our top online resume builder, you can easily customize any template by adjusting the sections with just a few clicks, allowing you to make unlimited changes to your resume before downloading it as a text file or PDF.

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ATS-Friendly Resume Design Options

Our resume designs feature easy-to-read fonts with standardized section headings. We offer ATS-friendly resume to ensure your resume passes applicant tracking systems and reaches hiring managers.

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Auto-populated text from Certified Resume Experts

Our industry-specific resume templates offer expertly crafted content that highlights your experience, skills, and qualifications. Pre-filled sections save you time while ensuring a professional and impactful resume.

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What to write in a resume template

Here are the key sections of a resume where you will simply adapt with your own information and experience, following our resume writing tips.

1
Name

[First and Last Name]
2
Contact information

[Your email address] | [Your phone number] | [Your city and state]
3
Skills

List 8-10 resume skills using bullet points. Tailor the skills to the job.
4
Education

List your degree name, major, school, location and start/end date.
5
Professional Summary

Include resume summary or objective, a short 2-3 sentence paragraph.
6
Work Experience

Include 3-5 bullet points per job title. Focus on key accomplishments.

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Professional Advice for Tailoring Your Resume Template

Customize your resume templates with ease using our expert writing tips. Our Resume Builder offers step-by-step guidance from Certified Professional Resume Writers and hiring managers, helping you make a resume that stands out and secures the job you want.

Do's:

Select the best resume format for your needs and years of experience.
Tailor your resume to the job description and company.
Include keywords and phrases in your resume.
Select a resume template appropriate for the job and industry.

Don'ts:

Use a complicated infographic resume template that’s not ATS-friendly.
Exceed a two-page resume. Resumes should be concise and straightforward.
Download your resume template in the incorrect file format.
Forget to proofread and edit your resume before submitting it.

Easy-to-use and simple resume templates

No need to start from scratch—use a pre-designed resume template to showcase your skills and experience. With ResumeHelp, you can quickly customize your resume and find the perfect resume template for your career goals.

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Registered Nurse
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Sales Associate
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Teacher
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Customer Service
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Manager
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Administrative Assistant

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Effortless Custom Resume Templates

With a resume template, you don’t have to waste time setting up your resume. Instead, you can focus your time on perfecting the content of the resume — and we can help you there too.

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Choose from resume templates with tailored designs

When choosing your resume template, remember that hiring managers spend mere seconds on each resume. Opt for a template that suits your style and career goals, offering diverse layouts, colors and text fields.

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Use resume examples for inspiration when crafting your resume template

Don't stress over filling out your resume template. Use our hundreds of resume examples to find job-specific content and get the right suggestions for skills, experiences and qualifications that match your target job.

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Check grammar and spelling with built-in checks and suggestions

Create a standout resume with our error-free templates. Our professionally designed templates, checklist, and writing tips ensure a polished, accurate resume that highlights your skills and credentials perfectly.

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What else you should know about resume templates

As a job seeker, it’s essential to create a resume that stands out. While investing time in the writing process is crucial, having an eye-catching, informative, and well-organized resume design is just as important. That’s where our premium resume template can help.

Opt for a premium resume template and follow our step-by-step instructions to craft a professional resume. You can also download it in text format, free of charge, download our free MS Word template or open a free template in Google Docs.

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FAQ: Resume templates

Have questions? We’re here to help.

1. What is a resume template?

A resume template is a pre-designed layout that helps you organize your resume in a professional format. It provides structure and formatting guidelines, saving you time. Templates make it easy to create a visually appealing resume without needing advanced design skills.

2. What makes the best resume template?

The best resume template strikes a balance between professionalism, readability, and customization. It should have a clean, structured layout with clearly defined resume sections. A great template allows you to adjust formatting to match the job or industry. It should also be ATS-friendly.

You should also keep in mind what industry you’re applying for. A formal company might want a more refined, simple resume template, while a startup application could benefit from a more modern resume template.

3. Should I use a resume template or start from scratch?

Using a resume template has several benefits and makes the process much easier by eliminating guesswork. The layout of the resume is already designed for you, with sections arranged in the right order. If you’re new to resume writing or struggle with writing one, a template can be a huge help.

4. What should I add to a resume?

You should add the following sections to your resume:

The header with your contact information
A resume summary or resume objective
The work experience section with your professional accomplishments
An education section with your degree
Relevant resume skills with hard skills and soft skills
Any additional sections like certifications, awards, or activities relevant to the job

5. How many pages long should my resume be?

For most candidates, a resume should be one page long. However, if you have extensive work experience, a two-page resume may be appropriate to highlight your qualifications without sacrificing important details. Always match the length of your resume to your experience, but don’t exceed two pages.

6. What types of resumes can I make with a resume template?

A blank resume template allows you to create one of three common resume formats:

Chronological Resume: Focuses on work history and is best for those with consistent experience in one industry.
Functional Resume: Emphasizes skills, ideal for career changers or those with employment gaps.
Combination Resume: Mixes both, perfect for those with 3–9 years of experience seeking career growth.

ResumeHelp’s resume templates work with all formats to help you showcase your unique resume strengths.

7. What types of resume templates are there?

There are multiple types of resumes to choose from:

Modern resume templates: Great for roles in marketing, tech, and startups, offering a fresh spin on traditional resumes.
Simple resume templates: Ideal for those just starting their careers, keeping the focus on content without distractions.
Creative resume templates: These are perfect for artistic fields like design and media, with pops of color and style to showcase creativity.
Professional resume templates: Suitable for executives or managerial roles, with structured layouts that emphasize professionalism.
Traditional resume templates: A safe bet for all industries, ensuring your resume content takes center stage.

Remember that you can pick a resume template and a resume example according to your style and industry. From minimalist resume templates to unique resume templates, your focus should be on which template will help you showcase why you’re the best candidate.

8. Do you need a new resume template if you change jobs?

It’s always a good idea to revise and update your resume when applying for a new job. This gives you a chance to correct any errors, remove outdated details, and customize the resume to match the company’s needs.

With a resume builder, you can upload your current resume, choose a new template that better fits the role you’re applying for, and tailor the content accordingly. Plus, our Resume Builder offers unlimited storage, so you can update and save multiple versions until you find the one that highlights your qualifications perfectly for each job application.

9. What is the best font to use for a resume template?

The best fonts for a resume template are professional, clean, and easy to read, both digitally and in print. Commonly recommended fonts include Calibri, Arial, Garamond, Times New Roman, and Helvetica. The best resume fonts are mostly Serif fonts.

The most important thing to remember about fonts is to be consistent with the one you use throughout your resume and accompanying cover letter.

10. Should I add a photo to my resume template?

Adding a photo to your resume template depends on the country and industry you’re applying in. In countries like the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., a photo is something you should leave out of your resume. Employers in these countries often avoid reviewing resumes with photos to prevent bias.

Your resume header should consist of:

Your job title
Phone number
Professional email address
Links to LinkedIn, portfolio, or professional website

Professional free resume templates

Job-winning resume templates

Customer Reviews You Can Trust

Free Resume Templates

Cashmere

Felicity

Pristine

Popular Resume Templates

Creative Resume Templates

Modern Resume Templates

Classic Resume Templates

Why should you use ResumeHelp's resume templates?

Customizable resume styles that fit you

ATS-Friendly Resume Design Options

Auto-populated text from Certified Resume Experts

What to write in a resume template

Name

Contact information

Skills

Education

Professional Summary

Work Experience

Professional Advice for Tailoring Your Resume Template

Easy-to-use and simple resume templates

Effortless Custom Resume Templates

Choose from resume templates with tailored designs

Use resume examples for inspiration when crafting your resume template

Check grammar and spelling with built-in checks and suggestions

What else you should know about resume templates

FAQ: Resume templates

1. What is a resume template?

2. What makes the best resume template?

3. Should I use a resume template or start from scratch?

4. What should I add to a resume?

5. How many pages long should my resume be?

6. What types of resumes can I make with a resume template?

7. What types of resume templates are there?

8. Do you need a new resume template if you change jobs?

9. What is the best font to use for a resume template?

10. Should I add a photo to my resume template?