top websites for resume building

Best resume builder of 2024

Use the best resume builders to enhance visibility on job search engines and employee finder services

Best overall

Best for features, best for ease-of-use, best job finder, best ai-powered, best affordable, best for speed, best for style, best for versatility, best for phrases, best for recruiters, how we test.

The best resume builders make it simple and easy to write up and manage a CV.

1. Best overall 2. Best for features 3. Best for ease-of-use 4. Best job finder 5. Best AI-powered 6. Best affordable 7. Best for speed 8. Best for style 9. Best for versatility 10. Best for phrases 11. Best for recruiters 12. Best free 13. FAQs 14. How we test

If you’re on the hunt for a new career, you simply can't skip making an effort with every part of the application process, and that means getting your resume right. And to truly stand out, you need to create one with an eye-catching design alongside the relevant information.

The best resume builders transform your resume to create a bold, eye-catching document, and you might not even have to spend any money. Some of the best use free templates with a proven success rate – templates that have helped people land their dream positions.

There are loads of options if you do want to spend some cash, too. Loads of the best resume builders will go above and beyond the best free alternatives if you hand over a bit of money.

Whether you need a free resume builder or a paid option, we’ve got you covered – we’ve compared various resume builders to arrive at the best ones for you. We looked at the variety of templates they offered, the quality of design, the website/app interface, and the pricing plans. We also assessed how swift and hassle-free the entire resume-building process was.

We've also rounded up the best online learning platforms .

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The best resume builders of 2024 in full:

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

1. Resume.com

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

 It’s no surprise that Resume.com is where many people start looking when they want to buy a new resume – after all, that name is a pretty good sign of this site’s key strength.

True to form, the site has loads of fantastic templates that you can use, and the huge popularity of this site means that they’re proven to work – as vast numbers of people have already used these templates to secure interviews and new positions. Resume.com has also spoken to thousands of employees and employers to find out what people are looking for in a candidate, and its templates are based on that evidence.

The company behind Resume.com also owns Indeed.com , which is one of the web’s biggest recruitment websites. That means Resume.com has loads of data available for creating its resume builder and CV templates. That also means it’s easy to share your CV to Indeed.com when it’s finished, so you’ll be able to apply for jobs in no time.

Resume.com is free to use, and its templates cater to dozens of different jobs and industries, so it’s easy to start. Once it’s finished, you can easily download it to your PC or laptop . This may not be the only resume builder on the market, but you shouldn’t ignore Resume.com.

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2. ResumeGenius

A site with a name like ResumeGenius must step up if it’s going to live up to its moniker, and this resume builder does the job in terms of quality and features.

ResumeGenius starts the process by deploying dozens of different CV templates. There are plenty of good-looking resumes available here, although they do veer towards the conventional – you’ll find plenty of traditional resumes but few graphics-heavy modern options.

You can fill out your resume with more than 50,000 pre-written bullet points. They cover all industries and mean you can sound as professional as possible. You can download your resume as a Word document or PDF, and the site also has a cover letter builder and tools that can help you with resignation letters, thank-you notes, and letters of recommendation.

This site doesn’t have the in-depth options of many others, but it’s a free tool that can quickly produce a professional resume – and that makes it worth using.

3. CakeResume

CakeResume uses an intuitive and straightforward drag-and-drop interface to make resume creation easier, even for users who may not be particularly savvy when using technology.

The interface allows you to customize your layout, elements, and information quickly, and CakeResume pairs this intelligent user experience with a range of attractive and impressive templates. You can download your resume at any point in the creation process, which is handy for checking your progress or getting feedback from others.

You can download your finished resume as a PDF for free, but you’re only allowed to create one basic resume using the free service. With the Advanced plan, you can use more than twenty premium resume designs as often as you want, and you can remove the CakeResume branding from your finished CV. The Pro option allows you to track your resume using Google Analytics and share the finished product using a custom domain name.

CakeResume is fast, easy to use, and has loads of attractive and straightforward resume templates. Still, it’s only worth considering if you’re willing to buy one of the paid options – the free tier is minimal.

4. Reed.co.uk

Reed.co.uk is a UK-focused site that offers a resume creation tool as part of its wider set of employment features, like job listings, skills modules, and career advice articles.

You start to create a resume when you register your account, and the site takes you through a simple four-step process to create a basic resume. You add your personal information, work experience, and qualifications alongside a personal statement, and then your basic resume will be available for download as a Word document. You can also make it visible on Reed.co.uk’s wider website so it’s easy for employers to view.

You can download Reed’s Word template to do it all yourself if you’d prefer, and your resume and profile are linked – so you can add more experience, qualifications, and information alongside information about your skills and job hunting journey. It’s a free service, and it’s a welcome addition to this popular job site, but be aware that you don’t get to use sophisticated templates or advanced design elements here.

5. Novoresume

Novoresume deploys dozens of different resume templates to help you find the perfect job. They’re all created in conjunction with experienced recruiters, and they’re applicable to loads of different career paths and industries.

You can choose to start with a traditional template, a professional design that includes a photograph or a creative template, and you’ll find other templates that offer a simple, modern, and professional range of designs.

Those templates are a suitable place to start, and Novoresume aims to go further with its extra features. You can use cover letter templates alongside the resume templates. This site has an AI -powered analysis service that suggests resume improvements as you tweak the layout and enter your information.

It’s an intuitive and effective site with straightforward features, and you can use the Basic tier to create a free resume.

The Premium option allows you to use a broader range of fonts and colors, add special sections and graphics to your resume, create more resumes and deploy distinctive styles and templates. That’s all welcome, but this is one of the better sites if you want to create a free resume – it’s not particularly restrictive.

6. ResumeHelp

ResumeHelp is the perfect resume builder to use if you’re not particularly confident with written English, or if it’s not your first language.

This site allows you to create a resume with confidence by inserting pre-written bullet points that emphasize your strengths without focusing on potentially tricky linguistic errors. There are thousands of points that can work in all sorts of resumes, so you won’t be short of things to say, and you’ll also receive help from extra tips as you build your resume.

The site has fifteen different templates available. The designs focus on more traditional, conventional layouts, so this site is ideal if you want to put together a classic, familiar resume. You can customize all the information as you go through the process, upload an old resume to kickstart your new document, and it’s free to download the document after you’re finished.

The upgrade plans are cheap, too: you can buy two weeks of access or a month of access and that plan means you can create more resumes, use more templates, and build cover letters too.

CVmaker is one of the easiest resume builders to use, so it’s an ideal choice if you want to put together a resume quickly and without any fuss.

Creating a resume on CVmaker is simple. The site uses a step-by-step process to gather information about your work experience, education, interests, and references. When that’s done you can switch the design between a selection of different styles and download the document for your use in job applications. You can also add your own sections to the resume, which is a feature that isn’t available on some other sites.

CVmaker is a simple tool, though, especially in its free guise – at this point it’s fine for building a basic resume, but that’s it. If you upgrade to the site’s premium tier you can add more custom sections, use better templates and take advantage of an advanced text editor. It only requires a one-off payment, so it’s one of the cheapest paid resume builder options available.

8. VisualCV

VisualCV is one of the most powerful and versatile resume-building websites around. The process begins with loads of attractive and modern templates that offer more color and visual pop than most other resume building tools, and once you’ve chosen the right look, you’re able to customize each resume to properly suit your needs.

This site goes far beyond resume building. You can use advanced resume tracking to see when your document has been viewed or downloaded, and you can access free guides, blog posts, and articles if you need some extra help. You can import data from LinkedIn to make CV building easier and consult cover letter templates too.

VisualCV allows you to easily share your resume with family and friends for quick feedback, and it has more privacy options than most resume builders, so your information is more secure.

This site’s free package allows you to create one resume using a single template and then download it, but it will have VisualCV branding that can’t be removed. The Pro option gives you more templates and the ability to create an unlimited number of resumes.

9. Resume.io

Resume.io is one of the broadest resume sites on the internet, with a massive range of features that offer impressive quality in every department.

As with any other resume builder, you can quickly use an attractive template to produce a rock-solid CV using Resume.io. This site also benefits from thousands of pre-written phrases alongside automatic spell checking and the ability to export your file in any format you choose.

Elsewhere, this site deploys cover letter templates too. You can also generate automatic summaries for your documents, access recruitment tips, and track any applications that have used the documents you create on the site.

If you use Resume.io for free, you can create a resume and cover letter and share links to those files with prospective employers, but you can only download the resume as a basic text file. If you buy its professional plan, you can create an unlimited number of resumes and cover letters using the site’s full library of tools. That’s the option we’d recommend.

10. KickResume

KickResume places a big emphasis on easy resume creation, and it includes loads of different tools that will simplify the process and help you avoid common pitfalls.

This site serves up more than fifty professional templates that cover traditional and modern design alongside many key jobs and industries. The site has more than 20,000 pre-written phrases that can be slotted into your resume – perfect if you want to include professional language in a quick and straightforward fashion.

You can view resumes that have helped candidates land jobs at companies like Facebook, NASA, and Google . KickResume has in-built proofreading alongside a cover letter builder.

It’s free to create four resumes using KickResume, and you can have a basic website and get access to the full library of pre-written phrases too – this is one of the more generous options for free resume creation. But if you upgrade to the Pro plan, you’ll get more templates, full customization options and AI resume review alongside priority support.  

Zety prides itself on its speed and ease of use, and there's certainly lots to like here: users can build a comprehensive and attractive resume with more than 20 templates, and you can upload your existing CV or add new information to get a document produced within minutes.

The site's resume generation tool delivers context-sensitive tips from professional recruiters as you create your document, and once it's done you can tweak the file with extensive editing options.

Zety has a cover letter builder alongside its resume tools, and users can also access resume and cover letter templates. The site also explains which resume formats are best-suited to different industries and employment situations, and Zety's extensive blog has in-depth articles about resumes, cover letters, and loads of other employment topics.

It's free to build a resume on Zety, but you'll have to pay if you want to download that file in different formats and access the site's full range of features. Happily, it's affordable.

Indeed is one of the largest and most reliable job boards on the web. It offers job listings, great options for employers, and impressive salary data and career advice – and, alongside all of that, it’s got a great resume builder.

Once you’ve registered and verified your account you’ll be ready to get started, and Indeed’s resume builder is pleasingly straightforward. There are eight clean, modern templates to use, and users can deploy a small selection of different accent colors and fonts to personalize the document. It’s easy to type in your personal details, education history and previous employment, and Indeed suggests relevant skills that you can add to the document with a single click.

Once you’ve added those and any extra professional certifications, the basic resume is finished, and you’re given a preview of the document alongside the option to add sections for languages, website links, awards, community achievements and more.

You can make the document public or private – if you choose the former, it can help you apply for jobs on Indeed.com – and you can also download the resume as a PDF file if you’d like to use it for applications elsewhere. And, if you don’t want to use Indeed’s full resume builder, you can use a wizard to create a basic document with a step-by-step process.

It’s extremely easy to edit your resume and add information after you’ve been through the initial creation process, and a personalized link is also available if you want to share the document with other people online. And, if you pay extra, Indeed.com also offers resume reviews.

Indeed.com’s resume builder is basic compared to many of the others mentioned here – you don’t get as many editing and layout options as other sites. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, though, because it means that Indeed.com can quickly and easily create an effective resume that contains all the information that recruiters need – and, as an added bonus, it’s completely free.

Also check out the best freelancer websites .

What is a resume builder?

Resume builders are online apps that offer interactive templates and forms for swiftly building a seamless resume. While some resume builders need you to fill out all the information manually, some provide relevant pre-written phrases and allow you to import data. 

You'll find various free and paid resume builders online. 

How to choose the best resume builders for you?

To determine the best resume builder for yourself, start with considering whether you want a free or paid option and all the areas you need support with — design, content, or review. If you have your content ready and just need a tool to set up a cohesive and attractive resume, go with a resume builder that offers lovely templates and allows you to import data. 

If you need help with the content, check out builders that offer context-relevant insights and pre-written phrases. For those who want further assistance in reviewing the quality of their resume, you’ll want to opt for a builder that has a review or consultation service.

We tested many resume builders to select the best resume builders. We looked at their pricing plans — whether they were free, subscription-based, or if they had one-time payment options. We evaluated the variety of templates they had, the quality of their designs, the level of customizability they offered, and if there were data-importing options.

We considered whether they offered pre-written phrases and context-relevant tips, if there was a review service, and how straightforward the interface and resume-building process was. We also analyzed their customer service to check how prompt, helpful, and customer-oriented they were.

Read more on how we test, rate, and review products on TechRadar .

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Désiré has been musing and writing about technology during a career spanning four decades. He dabbled in website builders and web hosting when DHTML and frames were in vogue and started narrating about the impact of technology on society just before the start of the Y2K hysteria at the turn of the last millennium.

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10 Best Free Resume Builders

By Biron Clark

Published: February 15, 2024

Resume/CV | Reviews

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

There are quite a few free online resume sites, but some are MUCH better than others.

Some also appear to be free but will make you pay at the very end or you won’t be able to download your newly-created resume.

So in this article, I’m going to review the 10 best resume sites that offer completely free resume builders.

These are the websites that offer the best resume templates, best building software and user experience, and don’t charge you to download a printable resume.

Top 10 Free Online Resume Builders

1. cultivated culture.

Cultivated Culture provides free tools and information to job seekers. It’s run by Austin Belcak, who’s spent his recent career developing formulas for crafting effective resumes, writing engaging cover letters, and landing high-paying jobs at some of the world’s top companies.

His free resume builder includes eight resume templates that are ATS friendly , full design customization, and expert advice throughout the process to help you craft the perfect resume.

The tool is user-friendly and makes writing a resume simple. Here’s how it works:

• Choose your resume template.
• Select a color scheme.
• Create your resume. You’ll be able to add information to the various sections of your resume , including personal information, experience, education, and skills . You can remove and add sections as needed.
• Once you’re happy with your resume click “Finalize.” Here you’ll be able to adjust the font size, line spacing, and margins.
• Download your resume as a PDF or Word file, or save it to your Google Drive.

You can use this tool to build an unlimited number of resumes.

Cultivated Culture also offers two other free tools that will help you develop a more professional resume. They have a scanner that offers suggestions and keywords based on your desired role and also provides a feature to help you write more effective bullet points.

2. NovoResume

NovoResume is an online resume builder that offers eight free templates to choose from, a content optimizer, pre-written resume samples, a cover letter builder, and templates for your cover letter.

After you choose one of their resume template options you’re taken straight into their resume builder. You have to sign up for a free account before continuing, but this just takes a moment.

The free version of NovoResume allows you to build one single-page resume. Click on any of the resume sections to edit and customize it however you like. You can also change the font, template, design, or layout throughout the process if you’re not happy with the way it’s looking. 

If you want a little more flexibility you can upgrade to the premium resume builder, which lets you create unlimited resumes and gives you access to additional fonts, templates, and various customization options.

3. LiveCareer

LiveCareer offers a free resume builder designed by certified resume writers. They also offer example resumes, templates, a cover letter builder, cover letter templates, and everything else you need to build an eye-catching resume.

The first thing you’ll notice about their resume builder is the number of templates they offer. There are over 30 templates to choose from, which gives you the freedom to create a resume that suits you. They’ll also recommend templates for you, based on your level of experience and the job title you’re applying for.

Once you choose one of their templates you have the choice of starting from scratch or uploading your current resume for LiveCareer to reformat. 

When creating a new resume, the resume builder will walk you through each section one at a time and ask you to provide the required information. During the resume-building process, LiveCareer will suggest bullet points that are related to the job titles you list in your work experience.

They’ll even provide a pre-written summary for you based on all the information you provide (although you also have the option to write your own summary if you like).

After you’re done you can download your resume to your computer in a PDF, Word document, or plain text. 

With LiveCareer’s free resume builder, you can make multiple resumes and download them in plain text format. However, if you want unlimited downloads in Word or PDF you’ll need to upgrade to one of their premium options. While there isn’t a free 30-day trial, for just $2.95 you can try it for 14 days. However, after 14 days, the plan auto-renews at $23.95, billed every 4 weeks, unless you cancel it .

Zety offers all the tools you need to build a resume that will catch an employer’s attention. In addition to their online resume builder, they give you access to over 20 resume templates, writing tips, pre-written examples, a cover letter builder, templates for your cover letters, and more. 

Once you select one of their resume templates, you can choose to start a resume from scratch or build off of an existing document (Zety will reformat it for you).

You’ll find Zety and LiveCareer’s resume builders are virtually identical (they seem to be built on the same platform), and they have all the same features and download options. Zety also has the same payment structure, where to download multiple resumes or gain access to their more advanced tool options, you’ll need to purchase a premium subscription.

5. USA Jobs

USA Jobs provides the best resume builder software when applying for government jobs.

Their online resume builder is geared toward the exact application process and requirements of the typical government role.

(And those requirements are quite overwhelming if you haven’t applied to many government jobs in the past, so it’s fantastic that their software helps.)

You’ll need to set up an account with USA Jobs to get started, but it’s well worth it.

After joining, follow these steps to start creating a resume for government jobs:

• Sign into your account.
• Go to your Documents.
• Click “Upload” if you want to edit an existing resume or “Build Resume” if you want to create a new one.

From here, you can add text to the various sections of your resume (work experience, previous job title, education, references, etc.). There’s also a section where you can add additional information, like job training, languages, and affiliations. Once you finish your resume you’ll be able to access it in your documents list and can use it to apply to various government positions.

The big difference between USA Jobs’s resume builder and other similar tools is the amount of information it asks you to include. For example, federal government recruiters review, audit, and score a wide variety of information, and this builder ensures you don’t omit anything that the recruiters require for you to be considered.

I found out about this tool through a colleague on LinkedIn, and here’s how they explained it:

So, if you’re applying to any government jobs, this is THE resume builder to use .

6. My Perfect Resume

My Perfect Resume offers free resume builder software and over 30 proven resume templates to help you get started. They also provide a resume optimizer, cover letter builder, cover letter templates, and several different customization options to help you land your dream job.

This resume builder uses the same platform as LiveCareer and Zety. You start by indicating how long you’ve been working and based on that My Perfect Resume will recommend a few templates for you. Then they’ll walk you through each section so you can fill in the correct information. They’ll offer suggestions along the way and will even write your bullets for you if you wish.

Once you’ve completed the process you can download your resume as a PDF, Word document, or plain text file. To enjoy unlimited downloads in Word or PDF, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid account. There is no free trial, but a 14-day full access for $2.95. After two weeks, the subscription auto-renews at $23.95 billed every 4 weeks, unless you cancel it.

7. Resume.com

Resume.com is a completely free resume builder. They also offer information on how to write an effective cover letter, career advice for job seekers, and more.

Their resume builder is simple to use:

• Enter the type of job you want to apply for.
• Choose a resume template. Resume.com offers 15 different templates.
• Click on each section of the template to edit it. Tips are provided for each section to help you craft the perfect resume.
• When you’re finished, you can choose to print or download your resume as a PDF or text file.

In addition to resume building, Resume.com partnered with Indeed. You’ll use a single account for both platforms. By creating a resume, you agree to create a public resume on Indeed and to receive job opportunities from employers. However, you can change this at any point.

JobScan is known mainly for its flagship software that allows you to match your resume up to the job description before applying (also known as tailoring a resume ).

However, they recently launched a free resume builder that’s among one of the best we’ve seen. It features great resume templates and design options, and it also offers writing guides, cover letter templates, and more.

I’d certainly put this among the free best resume-making sites available right now.

Once you begin, their resume builder gives you the option of building a resume from scratch or editing an existing file. You can even download your LinkedIn profile as a PDF and parse it as an “existing resume.”

If you choose to create a new resume you’ll start by picking one of the three resume templates they have to offer. Then you’ll simply fill in the required information for each section of the resume. Additionally, unlike other resume builders, Jobscan offers 15 Google Docs resume templates, designed by their team.

JobScan provides labeled fields for all the details you need to provide for every section, and a number of these fields are required to ensure you don’t miss anything.

If you already have a resume you’re reasonably happy with you can upload it to the resume builder and JobScan will reformat it and fill in your information based on what’s provided in your resume.

Once you’re done building your professional resume you’ll have the option to scan it based on the job you’re applying for.

JobScan will give your resume a grade ( match rate score) that’s judged on several factors, including skills match, education match, ATS tips, keywords, word count, and more. Based on these results, you’ll be able to build a resume that’s perfectly suited to the job you’re applying for.

9. Kickresume

Kickresume is one of the best resume builders I was able to find while researching. You’ll have to create an account before using it, however, this process only takes a moment.

Once you’re inside the resume builder you have the option of starting a resume from scratch, importing your resume from your LinkedIn profile, using one of their example resumes, or creating a new resume with AI.

Click on the different sections and fill in the fields to make your resume. You can also add and remove sections to personalize the document.

Click “Customization” along the left-hand side to change the colors, format, font, and template. There’s also an option to have it proofread by a professional, although there is a charge for this service.

When you’re happy with your resume, click “Download” to export it as a PDF file or Word doc, email it to yourself, or save it to Dropbox.

Kickresume also has a premium option. The free option should be good enough for most, as it allows you to build unlimited resumes and gives you access to plenty of resume examples and pre-written phrases for you to use.

But if you want access to all the resume templates and tools you might want to consider the premium option. You can choose a monthly, quarterly, or yearly plan. While they don’t have a free trial they do offer a 14-day money-back guarantee.

Indeed is known mostly as a job search tool to find employment opportunities in your local area. However, the company also offers a free resume builder to help job seekers perfect their resume before applying for postings.

Once you choose one of their eight different templates you’re taken to the resume builder where you can edit the document. You can switch templates at any time, adjust the color scheme, and add or remove sections. Once you’re satisfied with what you created about can download your resume as a PDF file.

While there are better resume builders out there, if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to create a resume, this one is a good choice.

Caution: Before Using ANY Online Resume Builder

There’s one more piece of information you should know before acting on ANY of the online resume builder reviews above.

In my experience, too many job seekers focus on an eye-catching resume design when applying for jobs or emailing recruiters , but they don’t put enough focus on writing great content and information that will appeal to the reader. So no matter which of these top 10 resume builders you choose, focus mostly on the text and information you add, not the design.

In fact, I still recommend a single-column layout.

And the truth is, if I were creating my own resume today, I’d use a regular Word template, not any online software or tool.

I discussed this with a colleague on LinkedIn here:

Microsoft Office has good templates available , and Hloom is another good site for templates.

I can understand if you don’t want to tinker with resume formatting , spacing, etc., and everything that comes with creating it in a Word doc, but that’s what I’d personally do.

Just keep this in mind when choosing any drag-and-drop software above; you should always pick a design that lets you focus on the content and info because that’s what employers want to see. Don’t choose a format that doesn’t give much space to describe your recent work, accomplishments, etc.

Because the FIRST place I look as a recruiter is your work history, under your one or two most recent roles.

I’d also never recommend a resume layout that doesn’t begin with your employment history on the top half of page 1.

Employment experience is often the first thing hiring managers look for (unless you’re an entry-level job seeker), and you should never make them scroll far down the page (or look on page 2) to find it.

Conclusion: Choosing the Best Online Resume Site for You

There isn’t one single best resume builder for all people in all industries, but the 10 choices above provide good, basic options that are user-friendly and will impress hiring managers.

I recommend visiting a few of the sites above and seeing which builder and templates look best to you. Each site offers different features/options, so you’ll want to get a sense of which one feels best to you before creating and downloading a resume.

And if you read my “Caution” statement above and decide to build your own resume in a document rather than in an online app, I have many free resources to help you here.

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

More Resume Tips & Guides

Crafting the perfect resume for teens (template & expert advice), are resume writers worth it, don’t say you’re a quick learner on your resume, what do recruiters look for in a resume, chronological resume: the best format (and how to write it), the 3 best colors for a resume, career change resume: examples and tips from experts, what makes a good resume 9 ways to know, how long should a resume be, walk me through your resume: answer examples.

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What makes a great resume?

What’s a resume builder, the 16 best resume builders, choosing a resume builder: 5 tips, prepare for your dream job.

A resume is often a potential employer’s first impression of you. But unlike a face-to-face meet and greet, this document has to hype you up almost immediately.

On average, recruiters spend seven seconds deciding whether a resume goes in the “Yes” or “No” pile. The perfect resume quickly tells a hiring manager what they need to know to make this decision.

An excellent way to ensure your resume catches a recruiter's attention is with an effective design that isn’t too crowded. If you’re not a graphic design whiz, a resume-building platform is the best way to create this document fast. 

Here’s more about the qualities of a great resume and some of the best resume builders so you can choose the right one for you.

A great resume summarizes your skills, education, and experience. It’s a straightforward document that’s easy to follow and gives readers a good first impression of your background. 

A cluttered resume reflects poorly on important traits such as attention to detail , organizational skills , and communication skills . That may cost you an interview, and it also increases the chance that applicant tracking systems (ATS) can’t understand or analyze your resume effectively. 

When you upload a resume, most companies use an ATS to filter applicants based on details like specific soft or hard skills or resume buzzwords  like “communicative” or “ ambitious .” If this document isn’t clear, concise, and organized, the tracker might dismiss your qualified application. 

Hiring managers also often sort through hundreds of candidates, so being as clear and concise as possible is essential. A resume differs from a curriculum vitae (CV) , which is a detailed explanation of your career and academic history. Instead, a resume should focus on the highlights most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Keep this in mind when prioritizing clarity and consistency. 

Certain qualities are worth including to make a resume stand out. Your resume should also be up-to-date, descriptive, and specific. You may have to demonstrate those skill proficiencies or career accomplishments in an interview , so always include accurate information.

An online resume builder is an interactive platform that allows you to build from resume templates. Most online resume makers offer several customization options and professional templates to guide you through the writing process and follow key dos and don’ts .

Depending on the platform’s interactive features, pricing ranges from free resume templates for basic documents to paid services for more customizable features. Before you choose one, decide what you’re looking for and what you want to prioritize. If you’re a graphic designer looking to show off your creativity, more detailed or colorful templates might be a key selling point for you.

Job seekers have a variety of resume builders at their disposal. Here are six of our favorites, with pros and cons to help you decide which is best for you:

Zety offers 18 professional resume templates highlighting different color palettes, types of resumes such as chronological and functional resumes , and bar graphs and infographics to give your skills a visual element.

The platform is excellent for people without an existing resume or who want to start from scratch. The site walks you through the entire process, prompting you to include essential information in every section with tips to write more effectively. There are also cover letter and CV templates so you can finish every document in the same place.

Pros: Zety has intuitive ease of use, with plenty of helpful tips to write compelling job descriptions and optimize your skills and experience.

Cons: Zety’s free plan only allows you to download your resume in a TXT file and charges for different file types. Some templates also use graphics or colors incompatible with ATS.

2. My Perfect Resume

My Perfect Resume is excellent for more experienced resume writers. While it offers dozens of resume formats with different styles, you can also start from scratch with a blank template or edit an existing resume. There’s also a feature that suggests ATS-optimized language for work experience and skills to help you get through automated resume-reading programs. And if you’re stuck, you can work with one of My Perfect Resume’s experts to perfect your writing.

Pros: It’s easy to use and has a responsive chat feature to walk you through the process. The platform also has additional resume sections like certifications, social media, or public speaking experiences that benefit entry-level workers with less background.

Cons: The free version lets you download your resume in a TXT file. To download a DOCX or PDF, you must sign up for a 14-day trial.

Canva has a free resume builder feature with hundreds of templates from graphic designers with a flair for the creative. Although this platform is meant for people in any industry, it's ideal for those looking to express themselves through visual design.

Pros: It’s infinitely customizable with an expansive library of fonts, text sizes, and colors, and includes photo editing capabilities to crop and add filters. Canva also allows you to edit and save multiple versions to build new resumes for different jobs.

Cons: Canva doesn’t offer the option to upload your resume, so you must start from scratch. Many fonts and templates also aren’t ATS-friendly.

4. Resume.io

Resume.io offers 18 classic resume templates emphasizing clean and simple design. Job seekers going after more senior positions or in more corporate or formal industries, like law, accounting, or engineering, might find Resume.io to be a great option.

Pros: The platform is easy to use, intuitive, and has hundreds of examples to give you ideas for your resume. It also suggests action verbs and phrases that vary based on your job title and includes a built-in grammar checker.

Cons: You can’t modify the templates. The free version of Resume.io allows you to download your resume in a TXT file. To download a DOCX or PDF, you have to sign up for a seven-day trial.

5. LiveCareer

LiveCareer has a selection of around 30 resume templates that professional job recruiters have screened and approved. The platform's templates emphasize clean organization and straightforward design, and you can customize the colors to make them a little more personal.

LiveCareer is designed for social media sites, and you can upload your resume directly to your LinkedIn profile .

Pros: This resume builder software allows you to import your own resume to edit directly, so you don't have to re-enter all your information to use the platform's tools.

Cons : LiveCareer requires you to sign up for a trial package to download your document.

6. Resume Genius

Resume Genius is a free resume builder with a selection of conventional-looking templates. The platform is easy to use and ideal for job seekers applying for more senior, corporate, or specialized positions.

Pros: Resume Genius has 50,000 pre-written bullet points for every industry, making it easier to sell your skills — like active listening or trustworthy leadership — when you lack inspiration . You can also download DOCX or PDF files.

Cons: Resume Genius has limited visual components.

7. Resume.com

Resume.com has several straightforward templates, all of which are free. The platform is user-friendly, with resume examples from various industries and job levels to guide your design. 

Pros: The platform partners with Indeed, which is one of the top job sites in the world . You can access both services with a single account, allowing you to upload your resume to Indeed’s website easily.

Cons: While the platform boasts specialized templates for different job markets, free templates have a basic design and little variation. For creatives, the basic layouts may not stand out from other candidates.

8. Kick Resume

Kick Resume stands out from other resume builder sites for its AI-powered system that helps you string together the right words. The platform simplifies the process by providing a first draft, letting you quickly create a competitive resume. 

Pros: It has more than 400 job-specific resume and cover letter examples from human resource and design experts. A resume checker service, designed by recruiters, compares your resume to successful job seekers’. 

Cons: The platform's most advanced features require a monthly membership. 

Jobscan is a job-hunting service that doubles as a resume builder focused on optimizing your resume and cover letters to past ATS. It shows you exactly how searchable and accessible your resume is, giving unique insight into how recruiters might react.

Pros: This resume checker lets you analyze your resume against your target job application and how it’ll perform on an ATS. 

Cons: JobScan isn’t a comprehensive resume builder. It’s best for optimizing your existing resume. Be sure to take word suggestions with a grain of salt to avoid creating a resume full of relevant keywords but lacking cohesive writing. 

10. CakeResume

Cake Resume stands out from other resume builders for its free online portfolio builder , ideal for creatives who need eye-catching design across materials. The platform has an extensive library of career advice articles and step-by-step tutorials to perfect your writing, like how to build a 3D artist portfolio, write a career objective , or include teamwork skills . 

Pros: The resume builder is highly customizable without sacrificing usability. 

Cons: The free plan only includes a single resume. Active job seekers will need to sign up for a quarterly subscription to tailor resumes to different job postings. 

11. Adobe Express

You might know Adobe for its creative design platforms like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Lightroom. But Adobe Express’ resume builder allows you to add the same eye for design without being an expert in traditional design programs. 

Pros: The resume builder has a wide selection of fonts, colors, and templates to capture your personal brand within a one-page resume.

Cons: Job seekers in less creative industries may find the service overwhelming and unnecessary. 

12. NovoRésumé

NovoRésumé’s customizable templates are excellent for resume writing novices or non-tech-savvy job seekers who want to create unique, design-forward resumes. Despite its many customization options, the platform is intuitive. 

Pros: Customizations like resume icons, spacing, and color create dynamic resumes that can still get through an ATS. Live feedback walks you through a step-by-step process to help you avoid writer’s block. 

Cons: Novo Résumé only offers a downloadable PDF. Double-check the hiring manager’s preferences (like a Microsoft Word format) to ensure compatibility.

13. VisualCV

VisualCV is the world’s top resume and CV builder , with more than 4 million users. It’s a straightforward, user-friendly platform with ready-made templates and analytic tools to help you craft a competitive resume. 

Pros: The platform allows you to build your own resume or CV from scratch or import an existing one to edit. You can also share it on social media quickly and manage several resumes for different job applications. 

Cons: The best features, like building several resumes and accessing analytics, are only available with a premium account.

14. Do You Buzz

Do You Buzz is an excellent choice for resume-writing beginners. It breaks the writing process down into clear section-by-section instructions. With a $4.90 monthly premium subscription, you can join live video workshops to get the best out of your resume. 

Pros: The live resume writing service helps you make the most out of the platform. 

Cons: Do You Buzz offers 15 templates, meaning there’s little variation in style and design.

It makes sense that Indeed, the world’s largest job site, has its own resume builder . If you use Indeed for job searching, this is a convenient way to upload your resume to your existing account. 

Pros: The platform is free and easy to use with simple formatting. 

Cons: There are just sight templates with no options to customize different sections. For example, the education section doesn’t allow you to differentiate between types of degrees like a BS or BA.

16. Resume Now

Resume Now has over 900 real resume examples reviewed by professional resume writers. Once you find the industry-relevant option that inspires you, the platform customizes it to your needs.

Pros: Thousands of pre-written phrases help you find the right words to catch a hiring manager’s eye. Extra features like corrections from a human resume reviewer can help you craft the perfect resume. 

Cons: What is and isn’t included in free and paid plans may confuse some users, according to reviews .  

The right resume for you depends on what types of jobs you’re applying for and what you want to highlight — whether skills, experiences, or professional accomplishments. Consider the following when picking a platform:

• Price: If you’re looking for a free online resume builder, pay careful attention to the fine print. Many free services only offer downloads in file types that recruiters don't want — like plain TXT files. Check the pricing for other options before spending hours designing a resume.
• Functionality: A great resume fits the job you’re applying for. Choose a platform that allows you to easily edit and download various resumes. 
• Design: A digital designer will likely want a different template than a recent law graduate. Based on your industry or the company you’re applying to, decide whether you want a clean and straightforward resume design or a template with more visual embellishments. Choose a site with templates most suitable to those needs.
• Consistency: Most resume-building services provide cover letter builders and CV templates. If your job search requires all three, choose a platform where the aesthetic is consistent for each document.
• Customization : If you’re an entry-level job seeker, look for resume builders that allow you to customize different sections like certifications, honors and awards , or professional skills to bolster your resume.

You’ve got the experience, demeanor, and skills necessary to handle the job. The best resume builders can help you deliver this information effectively. Tailor this document to company values and the job description, using a more visually creative or basic resume design when applicable. This will help your resume stand out from the crowd, increasing your chances of getting an interview. That means you’re one step closer to applying for — and hopefully starting — your dream job.

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Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

CV versus resume? Demystify the differences once and for all

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