indeed resume builder review

Recruiting Explained

Is It Better To Use Indeed’s Resume Builder or Upload Your Own Resume?

Your resume is the most important part of your job application process. Depending on how well you design a resume, you will have better or worse results when you apply for a job.

This is one reason why there are so many resume writing services; many of which are overpriced or not reliable sadly. Even if you happen to be in a college that will prepare a resume for you (most city and state colleges provide free resume writing services) it’s not a guarantee that you will get a well formatted resume.

And of course there are many online resume builders to choose from. Some job posting sites like Indeed allow people to submit their own resume or use a custom resume builder.

The decision on what type of resume to use: custom resume builder or your own. There are some pros and cons to each method, which we can discuss below.

Table of Contents

What is the Indeed Resume Builder?

Indeed is one of the most used job posting sites in the country. If you are searching for work, then you’re going to probably end up on Indeed. Unless you are a high profile executive, or a person who is in a career field that uses LinkedIn instead of Indeed, then it’s inevitable.

Indeed is where recruiting firms, temp agencies, hospitals, and small businesses turn to post jobs. They are also a repository for jobs for the non-profit sector.

Because many of the jobs on Indeed are in industries where people might not normally have a good resume prepared (medical staff, labor staff, back to work individuals in the non-profit sector, and so on) they have a smart little feature.

The feature on Indeed that is particularly useful is their built in resume builder. This allows people who have never had a resume to create one in the program.

Now, you might wonder who has never written a resume? Well, it’s not that uncommon. If you went to a public school, then there were programs funded for students that helped them create the resume. However, many private schools do not have such funding. Students tend to be more proactive in private schools and they can create their resumes online with templates, but there are still those who might have graduated years ago and only have printed resumes.

Also, some people who are not computer savvy or working in fields such as medical work or non-profit workers might not even have a copy of their resume. In some instances, the agency that they work for creates a resume for them and sends it out to hiring managers.

So, the benefit to the Indeed resume builder is that you won’t have to stress about creating a resume on your own if you want to apply for a job. You can simply use the built in resume builder.

Do Resume Formats Matter?

Yes, resume formats matter when you are submitting to an online job posting. As covered in a prior article, you should only submit a resume in word or PDF. There’s a good reason why recruiters only want you to send them are resume in either of these formats .

It’s simply because other formats are not useful and don’t transfer well between different systems.

If you send someone a resume in HTML or Txt, then you can assume that it won’t be read. It’s simply not a clear and professional method of sending someone your resume.

Why Does Indeed Have a Resume Template Builder?

Indeed probably has a resume builder because they want to accommodate everyone. There are many people who do not have a resume, or perhaps do not have a up to date copy of their resume in a digital format.

Those people should be allowed to apply for jobs just like anyone else. So, in a wise move, there is a resume builder built into the functionality of the system.

Job sites want people to apply to jobs on their system, it makes them more successful. If no one applies, the companies would not use their platform to advertise.

So, in an effort to make applying to a job as easy as possible, it makes sense that Indeed has a resume builder.

When It Makes Sense To Use Your Own Resume

If you are in a professional industry: sales, marketing, tech, Project Management (at the corporate level) Communications, or any other white collar business, then you should have your own resume.

Most of the time, executive roles and professional roles in corporate environments will be found through LinkedIn or headhunters, however they occasionally might be sourced through a job posting site.

However, it’s much more common for job posting sites to have openings for non-executive roles and less competitive roles. The majority of the work will be in industries such as medical (hospital workers and clinic workers), non-profit work, manual labor work, construction, and other non-professional jobs.

For many of these people, the ability to create a resume is something that is a barrier to the job market. In many nursing schools, for instance, there are guidance counselors who are paid to write resumes for all nursing students so that the new graduates can obtain work when they graduate.

It makes sense to use your own resume that you’ve created if you happen to be applying to a competitive job in the private sector. As a good rule of thumb, private sector employers will want to see your personally crafted resume. They will likely assume that if you do not have the time or ability to make your own resume, then you’re not a good candidate for their office.

So, the first step is to consider the job that you’re applying for. Is it in a highly competitive, professional environment? Then you should use your own resume.

Is the job in a mainstream government, non-profit, or medical setting? Is the role a labor role, retail, or basic administrative role? Then you can use a standard resume builder design.

The important thing to remember is that your resume should be well written, regardless of what system you use to compose it. A poorly written resume with gramatical errors won’t yeild many jobs. It’s one of the main reasons people don’t get callbacks on their resumes.

If you are applying for a job in any of the following areas, then you can use a resume builder:

• Medical Work (nurses, techs, hospital administrative staff)
• Construction Work
• Non-Profit (Case Managers and Support Staff)
• Property Management
• Restaurant Work
• Labor and Skilled Labor (trade work)

The industries above are not in the professional, corporate world. Because of this, there is less importance placed upon resume presentation. In many instances (Medical and Construction, for example) the only requirement to be hired is a certification or license. In many fields, companies don’t even ask for ID when hiring on employees (which is not a legal practice).

If you’re applying for a role in one of these industries, then you should have your own resume:

• Sales Executive
• Account Management
• Account Executive
• Marketing/Public Relations

Hey I’m Chris . 20+ years in the industry.  I’ve worked every role from Executive recrutier to Agency founder and consultant.  If you want to learn more or reach me,vist the about page or use my contact form.

Indeed Resume Builder and Resume Review Service: Is It Worth It?

3 key takeaways

• Indeed offers a Resume Builder and a personalized Resume Review.
• Indeed's Resume Builder is free to use.
• Teal's AI Resume Builder is part of a comprehensive platform to support the entire job search.

Job searching has changed dramatically over the last few years. Job posts are getting hundreds of applicants and many job seekers are spending hours personalizing their resume for each job. Enter the rise of resume builders. With the right resume tools, updating a resume for each application is easy.

Indeed's Resume Builder and Resume Review service help you write and improve your resume. But Teal’s AI-powered Resume Builder is arguably a stronger contender because of the AI suggestions and resume scoring features. The article dives into the features, pros, cons, and reviews of Indeed's resume products and examines whether they're worth it.

Struggling to land interviews with your resume?  Get started with Teal’s AI Resume Builder for free.

What is the Indeed Resume Builder?

The Indeed Resume Builder is a free online tool to build resumes, created by the classic job board site.

This resume builder offers a user-friendly interface that guides you through entering your information, such as work experience, skills, and education. The platform provides a library of resume templates to choose from and finished resumes can be downloaded as a PDF file.

Benefits of using the Indeed Resume Builder

• Free to use, making it a budget-friendly option for job seekers.
• Saves job seekers time with resume templates.
• User-friendly interface and predefined sections simplify the resume creation process.

Indeed Resume Builder cost

Indeed’s Resume Builder is free but lacks the powerful AI features of competitors.

Other resume builders cost anywhere from $20 to $40 per month on average.

Teal’s AI Resume Builder costs $9 a week or $29 a month and offers more than formatting. For instance, you can use AI to craft bullet points and summaries from scratch.

Indeed Resume Review cost

The resume tool is not the only resume offering by Indeed. The Indeed Resume Review cost for a human to review your resume is $35 for a 10-minute video review, $55 for a 20-minute video chat, or $155 for a resume rewrite.

An affordable alternative is AI-powered resume scoring used in resume software like Teal. Teal+ offers two different types of resume scoring. The first is Matching Mode, which gives your resume a score based on keywords matching the job posting. The second is Analysis Mode, which gives you a score for your overall resume and suggestions for improvements

Resume review services range from $100 to $500. An AI review offers a more affordable alternative with an unlimited number of resumes instead of paying hundreds for a one-time service. To understand the value of a resume review, check out how a ChatGPT review can secure your next interview .

Indeed Resume Builder Review

Indeed’s free resume builder is an easy tool for crafting professional resumes. Users enjoy its simplicity and ability to tailor content for specific jobs. However, some dislike the formatting and limited customization options, and the lack of an AI integration means you’re writing your resume unassisted.

Indeed reviews

Indeed has 3.4 out of 5 stars on TrustPilot, but that score reflects user experiences with the entire platform, not just its Resume Builder.

Indeed Resume Builder pros

• Free and fast, especially if you already have an Indeed account for job searching.
• Offers a selection of clean and professional-looking templates.
• User-friendly interface allows for easy editing and tweaks to your resume content.

Indeed Resume Builder cons

• With no AI integration, you have to write everything manually.
• Some users found ​​it lacks the flexibility to personalize your resume design and layout.
• No easy way to optimize your resume for a particular job posting and match keywords.

Who is the Indeed Resume Builder best for?

Indeed Resume Builder is a good option for job seekers on a budget or those new to resume writing. However, for AI assistance in resume writing and customization, Teal is a better fit.

Indeed Resume Review

Indeed Resume Reviews offer a quick and affordable assessment of your resume. While some users were happy with what they got for the price, others found the reviews generic and unhelpful.

Indeed Resume Review reviews

Indeed’s overall platform scores a 3.4 out of 5 stars on TrustPilot, and Indeed’s self-hosted page for its review services has a 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Indeed Resume Review pros

• Offers a cost-effective option compared to more in-depth resume editing services.
• Many users received feedback on their resume within a quick time frame.
• Good way to catch any basic mistakes and easy fixes.

Indeed Resume Review cons

• The resume review mainly focus on formatting and quick checks.
• Some users report that suggestions don’t go in-depth and aren’t helpful.
• The cost may not justify the limited feedback compared to more comprehensive AI resume tools, like Teal.

Who is the Indeed Resume Review service best for?

Indeed's Resume Review service is good for job seekers who want a quick resume assessment but don't need extensive personalized feedback. For reviewing multiple resumes or adding the right job description keywords to your resume, Teal is a better fit.

Teal's AI Resume Builder

Teal’s AI Resume Builder helps you create and customize tailored resumes faster. Unlike Indeed’s resume tool, Teal helps you write bullet points and a resume summary with AI, providing tips along the way.

Users appreciate how Teal’s resume tools helps them tailor their resume to specific job descriptions and save time and effort in the job search.

Teal user testimonials

Reviewers love Teal, rating it 4.5 out of 5 stars on TrustPilot and 4.9 out of 5 stars on the Chrome Web Store.

Teal Matching Mode for resume keywords

Teal’s Matching Mode feature lets you match your resume to a specific job posting and get an instant score based on how your resume stacks up. Teal can also help you find keywords in job descriptions to tailor your resume and always know what skills to highlight.

While Indeed has an Instant Resume Scan feature separate from their resume builder, it only provides a few general suggestions before offering an upsell for their paid review services.

To understand how to use keywords in your resume, read this post on keywords for resumes .

Why Job Seekers Prefer Teal

Aside from the more favorable Teal reviews , With Teal’s AI-powered builder and resume scoring features, you don’t need to pay for a review every time you create a new resume. Plus, 90 percent of Teal’s features are available for free.

You get all of this when you sign up with Teal:

AI-powered optimization: Teal uses artificial intelligence to help you write or update your resume.

Tailor your resume to a job posting: Teal’s Matching Mode analyzes job descriptions, highlighting missing skills to tailor your resume for the job.

Straightforward pricing with no hidden fees: With Teal you can start for free and pay weekly, monthly, or quarterly, if you decide to upgrade.

Not only does Teal offer a free resume builder like Indeed, but you also get all of these features:

• Ability to consolidate your job applications in one place with Teal’s free Job Tracker. No more digging through spreadsheets to find job descriptions, application details, or what stage you are in.
• AI cover letter generator to easily create personalized and impactful cover letters that showcase your qualifications and enthusiasm for the job.
• Teal is your one-stop shop for everything job search—find opportunities, write resumes, track applications, and manage your search seamlessly from a single platform.

Job seekers love using Teal to keep track of their whole job search, from finding new job postings to creating keyword-optimized resumes to tracking the statuses of every application. Sign up for Teal for free to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is indeed’s resume builder worth it.

Whether Indeed's resume builder is worth it depends on your needs. It's free, easy to use, and integrates with Indeed jobs. However, Teal's AI Resume Builder also has a free plan and offers more features.

How much does Indeed’s resume review cost?

Indeed’s resume review costs $35 for a 10-minute video review, $55 for a 20-minute video chat, or $155 for a resume rewrite.

Is Indeed resume review worth it?

Reviews are mixed on Indeed’s Resume Review service with some users saying it wasn’t worth what they paid.

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Indeed Resume Builder Review: Is it Worth it?

11 min read

It goes without saying that having a perfect resume is a critical step in landing your dream job. It can be hard to decide, though, whether you should bite the bullet and hire a professional resume writer or use a free resume builder online. The Indeed resume builder is a feature that the job search platform offers to over 350 million unique users across the globe. 

You are probably already searching for job listings on Indeed, but is using the Indeed resume builder worth your time and effort? Free certainly sounds good, right? As with anything in life, there are pros and cons to using the Indeed resume builder. In this article, we’ll talk about what’s good about it and what’s bad about it plus give you some alternatives to using it. 

Why a good resume is important

Without spending too much time on the importance of a good resume – mostly because you probably already know that it’s critical to securing an interview – let’s talk about why. Your resume is the first point of contact you’re likely to have with a prospective employer. You want it to help you stand out from the very large job-seeking crowd. Without a properly formatted and customized resume, you won’t even get through the company gatekeeper – the applicant tracking system (ATS) . 

On top of that, you need to make sure that your resume is eye-catching to impress the human beings at the company. With that said, format is crucial. There are currently three format options that are popular in the resume writing industry and with good reason.

Reverse chronological resume format

Functional resume format

Hybrid resume format

Each of these format types has proved popular with recruiters. They are considered to be easier for software and human recruiters to review, and present information in a way that recruiters prefer to see. In short, they meet the target audience’s demands.

Which resume format is right for you depends on your work history, experience level, and the position you are targeting. 

Enter the Indeed resume builder

The free resume builder on Indeed’s website does adhere to the popular formats and offers an easy-to-use system for resume building. Because of its user-friendliness and the fact that it’s free, it has gained some traction in the job-seeking world. However, there are advantages and disadvantages to using it. 

How does it work?

Before we get into the good and bad, let’s talk about the simplicity. When you go to Indeed’s resume-builder website, you simply click the button to “Build your free resume.” Indeed will present several templates for you to choose from so that all you have to do is fill in the blanks. For example, once the template opens, you click on “Name” and a box will open that allows you to type in your name. You keep doing that for all the highlighted areas on the template. 

As you progress through the template, you’ll notice that the details you type in will populate live exactly as you type them into the box. So, grammar and proper spelling are all up to you. The system does give you the option to add some formatting, like bold and italicized text and bullet points, but those are the only design options you have.

Once you hit download, it provides you with a PDF that you can save to your computer. A box also pops up that gives you the option to “Get resume help from a real person.” That’s it, you’re done with the free resume builder offered by Indeed.

As you saw, Indeed’s resume builder allows you to input information like skills, education, work experience, and accomplishments into question-and-answer type boxes, which it then formats into a resume you can use to apply for various positions. This is especially helpful for jobs that you’re applying to directly on Indeed’s job search platform. 

It’s also a very useful tool if you’re not well-versed in the do’s and don’ts of resume writing. One thing is certain, formatting a resume can be complex and often time-consuming. When you add that to the budget constraints of being out of work, Indeed’s resume builder starts to look more and more appealing. 

Key Takeaway

Pros key takeaways:

User-friendly

Budget-friendly

Integrate with Indeed’s job search

As it turns out, the cons, unfortunately, outweigh the pros of using the system. The largest barrier is that the resume Indeed’s resume builder produces isn’t properly optimized for the ATS scanners that companies use. By adopting a one-size-fits-all approach to resume creation, Indeed’s resume builder can truly hurt you in the job search process. 

That’s because nearly 75% of resumes are rejected by the ATS. After all, they’re not correctly formatted or keyword-optimized. This is among the number one reason why job seekers are ghosted by companies – your resume is rejected by the ATS for improper formatting or optimization so the human beings at the company don’t even know you exist.

Another major problem with the platform’s free resume is that you can only download it as a PDF file. Not only does that present a potential issue for some ATS to process, but you also can’t make edits to the downloaded document, which is important because you’re supposed to be tailoring your resume to every job that you apply to. 

You should also be sending a Microsoft Word resume version versus a PDF unless the job posting specifically asks for a PDF. What you might lose in formatting balances out with knowing that the ATS can read your resume.

While there are a few templates you can choose from, they’re very basic. Of course, it's never a good idea to turn your resume into an art project but you do want a format that stands out. 

Cons key takeaways:

Not ATS optimized

One-size-fits-all approach

Wrong file type

Generic templates

Limited design flexibility

EXPERT TIP: View 200+ more professional resume samples for all industries, along with a guide to writing resumes from our career experts.

What should you do instead?

The Indeed resume builder is only one of a metric ton of other options out there, including other resume builders, artificial intelligence, professional resume writers, and do-it-yourself options, each with their own set of pros and cons. Let’s explore a few other options. 

Other free options

Before you waste a lot of time researching other online resume builders, you should understand that they’re basically all the same. They’re simple to use and cost-effective but lack customization options and have very basic templates. If you think of your resume as an investment in your future, it’s probably a good idea to find something that requires some type of actual investment (time or money) so that you get a good return.

Artificial intelligence

In addition to online resume-builders, like Indeed’s resume builder, you could utilize AI to help you craft your resume. You’ll end up with more options for customization which gives you the option to properly tailor the resume to your industry and job targets. There could be some steep learning curves, depending on the platform you use and the language that’s produced by the AI program may end up presenting you more as a doer than an achiever . 

Professional resume writing service

If you think of your resume as one of the most important financial documents you’ll ever own – without it, you can’t pay bills, go on vacation, or save for retirement – it stands to reason that you should consider every avenue for making sure that it opens career doors to propel you toward financial security. With that said, a professional resume writing service – like the one ZipJob offers – can certainly ensure you get a resume that is properly formatted and tailored to your job targets. Of course, there is a monetary requirement from you that could stretch your budget. 

Do-it-yourself

A lot of people fall into the DIY category. After all, it’s your career, you should know how to write about it, right? That’s not always the case, especially if you have a hard time bragging about your achievements. Of course, this is the most cost-effective option that gives you the most control over the final product, but there’s a lot to know – like resume-writing best practices and rules that will get you past the ATS. 

The bottom line – the review

Before you decide the option that’s best for you, there are some additional things you should think about, including:

Do you have time to write a resume on your own?

Do you have good writing skills?

Are you confident in your abilities and experiences enough to write about them?

If you’re changing careers, do you understand what transferable skills are?

How competitive is your industry?

Are you applying for an entry-level, mid-range, or executive position?

The answers to these questions can have a major impact on which resume-writing option is best for you. If you are applying for an entry-level position and don’t have a lot of experience, then you could probably get away with using Indeed’s resume builder. On the other hand, if you’re changing careers or are applying for something a little higher up on the career ladder, Indeed’s resume-writing tool is not going to serve you very well. 

Also, considering that you are responsible for coming up with all of the text on the resume you build on Indeed, if you have poor writing skills you’ll want to avoid using the platform. Spelling, grammar, syntax, clarity, and consistency all play a vital role in how your resume is perceived by prospective employers. It isn’t just about your skills and achievements. A simple typo on your resume could cause your resume to end up in the garbage. 

Likewise, if you’re applying for a role in a highly competitive job market, Indeed’s resume builder will probably not serve you very well. The simplicity of the templates provided by Indeed will not help you stand out from the crowd. When you’re trying to catch the eye of a higher-level recruiter or hiring manager, you want something more customized. 

The next step – upload to Indeed

The sheer popularity of Indeed’s website for searching for jobs and researching companies cannot be understated. So, even if it isn’t in your best interest to use Indeed’s free resume builder, you definitely want to have your resume on the platform. Mostly because it makes the overall application process easier. 

Therefore, after you figure out which option is best for you and have a finalized, customized, and optimized resume in your hands, you should upload it to Indeed so you can both easily apply to jobs with a single click and have employers find your resume in Indeed's database to reach out to you directly.

More than uploading your resume, though, you need to complete your Indeed profile. This goes a step further in helping recruiters find you and learn more about what you can bring to the table for any position they may have open. Just as you would tailor your resume with relevant keywords from job descriptions, be sure you’re customizing your Indeed profile with the right keywords, too. 

Your future is on the line

Your career is too important to leave to chance! Having the right resume makes all the difference in the world, which is why you have to think critically about whether to use Indeed’s free resume builder or one of the other options that we talked about. Submitting a poorly constructed resume to a new job opening can have a negative impact and close doors that could’ve been your pathway to financially rewarding opportunities. 

Remember, companies get hundreds of applications for every job they have open so your resume has to stand out from that crowd and capture the attention of the hiring manager. Otherwise, you can kiss a call for an interview goodbye. 

If hiring a professional resume writer is the option you’ve decided is best for you, ZipJob’s team of writers is standing by to work with you on a personal basis to highlight your skills, achievements, and qualifications in a way that gets you past the ATS and impresses a hiring manager. 

Recommended reading:

12 Best Resume Builder Tools

Best Resume Writing Services (All Industries)

How Much Do Resume Writing Services Cost in 2023?

Marsha Hebert, Professional Resume Writer

Marsha is a resume writer with a strong background in marketing and writing. After completing a Business Marketing degree, she discovered that she could combine her passion for writing with a natural talent for marketing. For more than 10 years, Marsha has helped companies and individuals market themselves. Read more advice from Marsha on ZipJob's blog .

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7 of the Best Free and Cheap Resume Builders

• Work at Home & Telecommuting

If you’re in need of a new resume in a hurry, using a free or cheap resume builder online can be a simple and convenient option. 

In this article, I’ll take a close look at seven of the best free and cheap resume builders online. 

I’ve looked into the most popular free and cheap resume builders to see which ones can help you create the most comprehensive, professional resumes in the simplest way possible. 

This article was updated in January 2024 and I review it every 6 months. Detailed notes on all updates can be found here .

Choosing a Free Resume Builder Online

Building a resume can be intimidating, especially if you’re starting from scratch or haven’t updated your resume in a while.

While you can build a great resume yourself , you can also use a free or cheap resume builder online that offers pre-built templates and a little guidance. Resume builders can be a bit limiting, but if you’re pressed for time or not sure where to start, one of the websites below may help.

While some of the resources on this list don’t offer free PDF downloads, they do all offer free resume builders and the option to download a .txt file of your finished resume.

I used several free and cheap resume builders, including those listed above, to see which free options offered the best final products. I considered how easy the website was to navigate, whether or not the resume builder offered meaningful guidance throughout the process, how much creative flexibility the tool offered and what was available for free.  

Below, you’ll find more detailed information on each resume builder including how to get started, how to build a resume and what you can expect from the finished product.

Best for simple resumes

If you’re looking for a simple, clean and quick resume, Resume.com is a great resource to check out. To get started, scroll over the “Resume” tab and click “Resume Builder” or click “Get Started.” When you do, Resume.com will ask you to enter a job title. Then you’ll be able to choose from 15 different templates. 

Once you’ve selected a template, you can fill out more detailed information directly on your new resume. In addition to your name and contact information, other preset sections included a summary, work experience, skills, education and languages. On the right side of the screen, you’ll find tools to add a custom section, print or save your resume and a link to view general tips on resume building. You can also create a free account to save your resume.

In addition to the free resume builder, Resume.com also offers resume samples, advice on how to write a resume , a cover letter builder, a job search tool and additional career resources and advice. When I created a free resume with Resume.com, here were the biggest pros and cons that I found:

Resume Genius

Best for a guided experience

Resume Genius offers an online resume builder that can help you create a professional resume in minutes. To begin, visit the website and click “Build My Resume Now.” Then you’ll be able to select a template, enter your information and download or print your final product. 

Resume Genius offers over 500 different templates that are a little more colorful and creative than the options available at Resume.com. Once you’ve selected a template, you can create a new resume from scratch or upload your current resume and have the builder move everything to your new template for you. I opted to create a resume from scratch. I answered a few questions about my work experience and education before I was able to fill out additional details. 

Resume Genius will walk you through the required information fields as if you were simply filling out a form online. There is space for contact information, work experience, education, certifications, additional skills, career objectives and references. Once you’re finished entering your information, the website will format your resume for you. Unfortunately, you will have to create an account to download your resume, and download formats are limited with the free version of Resume Genius.

When I created a free resume with Resume Genius, here were the biggest pros and cons that I found:

Indeed Resume Builder

Best for online job seekers

If you’re actively looking for a job, there’s a good chance you’ve come across Indeed. The job posting website offers a free resume builder that’s great for applying to jobs on any platform . To begin, visit the website and click “Build your free resume.” 

Indeed’s Resume Builder offers eight different templates. Once you’ve selected one, you’ll be able to add and edit your information directly on the resume. In addition to your name and contact information, default sections include work experience, skills and education. Click on each highlighted section to enter the relevant information. Once you’ve entered the information for a section, Indeed will format it appropriately and add it to the resume.

To the left of the resume, you can click on the “Sections” tab to add, remove or reorder sections. In addition to the “Sections” tab, you’ll also see a “Style” tab where you can choose the resume’s accent color and font. 

When I created a free resume with Indeed, here were the biggest pros and cons that I found:

If you’re thinking about applying for jobs on Indeed, be sure to check out these five things to know.

Best for creative resumes

Canva offers the largest selection of resume templates and a full range of customization. This makes it great for creating unique resumes. To get started, visit the website and click “Create a resume.” to begin designing right away. 

Once you’ve selected a template, you can click on different elements to edit the resume directly in preview mode. You can edit text, change the design elements, freely move sections and more. You can even change the background and upload images. Unfortunately, there is no guidance on what information to include in your resume. 

It’s free to create an account to save your work, but it isn’t required. Once you’re finished, you can click “Download” to save your resume in a variety of formats including PDF. When I created a free resume with Canva, here are the biggest pros and cons that I found:

MyPerfectResume

Best for resume optimization

MyPerfectResume is another option for building a professional resume online. To begin, visit the website and click “Create my resume.” Once you do, you’ll be able to answer a few questions about your work experience. MyPerfectResume will then recommend templates for you. There are over 30 templates to choose from and multiple different accent colors. 

Once you’ve chosen a template, you can choose whether or not you’d like your resume optimized by MyPerfectResume’s tool. If you do, you’ll receive a resume strength rating once you’re finished. Next, you’ll be able to create a resume from scratch or upload an existing resume to optimize. I chose to create a new resume. You’ll then be guided to enter details including your name and contact information, work history, education and skills. Finally, you’ll be able to write a summary to include and choose any additional sections. 

Once you’re finished, you’ll be prompted to create an account. After you do, you’ll see a payment page. A 14-day trial with full access costs $2.95. Still, you can back out to MyPerfectResume’s website after creating an account, click on resumes and download a .txt file for free.

When I created a free resume with MyPerfectResume, here are the biggest pros and cons that I found: 

Best for active LinkedIn users

Like a few other resources on this list, Resume.io offers an excellent free resume builder online but limited free download options. Still, if you need some inspiration on where to start, it can be a great website. To begin, click “Create my resume” from the homepage. 

Resume.io offers 29 different templates to choose from. All of the templates are available to download for free as .txt files, but you’ll have to pay $2.95 to download a PDF. Once you’ve selected a template, you’ll be able to log in with Facebook, Google or LinkedIn to pre-fill some of your resume data. You can also skip this step and create a free account. Either way, you’ll be able to enter some personal details, a professional summary, employment history, education background, websites and social media links, skills and more. 

Once you’re finished entering information, you can click on the blue page icon in the bottom-right corner to preview and download your resume. You can click the three dots in the upper-right corner of the preview page to download a .txt file or pay to download the PDF.

When I built a free resume with Resume.io, here are a few of the biggest pros and cons that I found.

Best for building a fast resume

If you’re looking for a totally free PDF download, NovoResume is a great builder to consider. While NovoResume does offer premium memberships, you can create a basic one-page resume for free.  

To begin, click “Get Started Now” on the homepage. From there, you can choose from eight free resume templates. The themes include basic, executive, college, creative, functional, modern, professional and simple. Once you’ve selected a template, you’ll have to create a free account.

After you’ve logged in, you can enter your experience level and begin directly editing your resume. Pre-set categories include work experience, education, skills, personal projects, achievements, languages and interests. Across the top of the page, you can click on the editing tools to rearrange and customize your resume’s layout. Once you’re finished, click “Download” to save it.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in need of a fast, professional resume, using a free or cheap resume builder online may be a great option for you. Just keep in mind that online resume builders can do only so much. To make a truly great professional resume, you’ll need to be sure you know what to include . 

If you just need a simple resume, try Resume.com first. NovoResume is another great resource for building a quick resume online. For a more guided experience, Resume Genius offers a great builder that walks you through the process step by step. 

If you plan on applying to jobs through Indeed, start with the free resume builder on Indeed’s website. If you’re an active LinkedIn user, you may also enjoy the automatic import features on Resume.io. 

For more creative freedom, Canva’s free resume builder offers great flexibility. Finally, if you need help improving your current resume, MyPerfectResume offers a built-in optimization tool.

Have you used a free or cheap resume builder that isn’t on our list? Let us know in our Clark.com Community .

• January 26, 2024: Updated Canva and Resume.io’s template quantity, and the time statistic for Resume Genius
• July 18, 2023: Updated Canva’s free resume-building process as well as the number of templates available

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Best Free Resume Builder List for 2023 (Reviews and Buyer’s Guide)

Did you know that three out of four job applications don’t get past robot recruiters? And if your resume is chosen, it only has six seconds to impress distracted hiring managers.

Unless you use the best free resume builder, you’ll find it difficult to get interviews, let alone land your dream job. Not only does your resume need to impress human recruiters to put you on shortlists, it also must have the qualities necessary to pass the filtering algorithms of applicant tracking systems (ATS).

To help simplify resume creation for you, we compiled a list of solutions you should consider.

– Top 11 Free Resume Builders –

ResumeGiants offers a huge range of templates to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for your needs. You can also customize your resume with colors, fonts, and layouts to make it truly unique. And if you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry – ResumeGiants also offers helpful tips and examples to get you on the right track.

Read Full Review

• Deployment : Web-based software
• Pricing model : Free
• Import of data : Copy and paste
• Number of available templates : 10+
• Customization : Limited
• Export of output : PDF
• Personalized advice : Available
• Best for : Beginners
• No registration required
• Straightforward process
• 100% free features

You can find this tool on Indeed.com, which is primarily designed for the job site’s users. Developed by a recruitment broker, Indeed Resume Builder’s various templates are guaranteed to appeal to fastidious employers. The software is still in its beta version, so more features might be included in the next stage of its development.

• Number of available templates : 8
• Best for : Indeed’s job seekers
• No-nonsense process

Arguably the best resume creator on the market today, Kickresume pushes the envelope of resume creation. The company has dozens of templates personalized for different professions and offers a wide selection of adoptable resumes of hired applicants working for global companies. Kickresume’s powerful tool comes in free and paid versions.

• Pricing model : Freemium
• Import of data : Upload from LinkedIn, use of editable examples, and copy and paste
• Number of available templates : 60+
• Customization : Ample
• Export of output : PDF or Word with email and Dropbox upload options
• Best for : Students
• Captivating visuals
• ATS-Optimized designs
• Professional typography

An occasional free trial resume builder, My Perfect Resume is a membership-based platform. The company has a rich library of resume and curriculum vitae (CV) templates sorted by style, profession, and format. With My Perfect Resume’s browser extension, you can simplify job hunting using Job Match Score or Autofill features.

• Deployment : Web-based software and browser extension for Chrome
• Pricing model : Free trial (occasional)
• Import of data : Use of editable examples, upload from hard drives, Dropbox, or Google Drive, and copy and paste
• Number of available templates : 70+
• Customization : Decent
• Export of output : PDF, Word, or plain text
• Best for : Multi-platform job seekers
• Dozens of profession-specific and format-optimized templates
• Methodical resume-building procedure
• Supplementary job application tool

One of the best free resume maker apps, Novoresume offers free and paid resume-building plans. At no cost, this Danish company lets you create a one-page resume in one language set with access to all templates and most predefined layouts. As a non-paying user, you could test premium features.

• Deployment : Web-based and mobile apps
• Number of available templates : 8+
• Best for : Fresh graduates
• Predefined layouts
• Excellent user interface
• Live feedback

Fortune 500 company applicants consider Resume Genius one of the best online resume builder programs. The company has a vast database of free, downloadable templates. With Resume Genius’s straightforward process, you can make multiple resume and cover letter versions in minutes. You can get expert advice to polish your writing, too.

• Number of available templates : 290+
• Export of output : PDF, Word, text
• Best for : Prolific job applicants
• Downloadable templates and expert-crafted examples
• Feedback from a certified professional resume writer
• 50,000+ pre-written bullet points

Pundits have praised Resume Now as the best resume builder app several times. This award-This award-winning company has mastered the art of creating resumes and CVs recruiters approve of. Resume Now ticks all of the right boxes—except for one. You’ll learn about a single drawback of this app shortly.

• Pricing model : Paid Trial
• Import of data : Upload from hard drives, Google Drive, or Dropbox, and copy and paste
• Number of available templates : 30
• Export of output : PDF, Word, or plain text with print and email options
• Best for : Senior-level job applicants
• Dozens of recruiter-approved templates
• Organized process
• 64,282 editable, pre-written text snippets

Job seekers who consider Resume.com the finest free printable resume builder probably love the software’s simplicity and effectiveness. If that’s the case, we totally agree. Resume.com offers free career advice and job search, and you can share your resume with Indeed to apply for jobs more easily.

• Number of available templates : 12
• Export of output : PDF or plain text with options to print and save to OneNote for Windows 10
• Personalized advice : Unavailable
• Best for : Serious job seekers on a budget
• Text suggestions for section fields
• Easy editing
• Automatic job searches

Our Resume.io review isn’t the first to express mixed feelings about the service. On its own merits, the software has wonderful editing and customization features. The company cares about privacy and cybersecurity too. But the resume builder has at least one unhelpful tool and is limited by a rather restrictive pricing policy.

• Import of data : Use of editable examples and copy and paste
• Number of available templates : 18
• Export of output : PDF, Word, or plain text with an option to generate a link
• Best for : Non-English-speaking job seekers
• Editable resume and cover letter examples
• Customizable editor
• Over a dozen language sets

The goal of such professional resume makers is to provide users with the right tools, information, and guides they need to create an outstanding resume. Still, there are some drawbacks. The bare-bones app works, but some standard features are grossly missing.

• Number of available templates : 30+
• Best for : High school students
• Downloadable resume examples
• Rearrangeable sections
• One-click downloading mechanism

ResumeHelp can make a compelling argument for it being the best resume makers in the industry. The company doesn’t bombard you with too many templates, which can cause paralysis by analysis. Despite not offering value-added services, the ResumeHelp app’s  assemblage of features is the envy of many of its competitors.

• Pricing model : Paid trial
• Import of data : Upload from hard drives, use of editable examples, and copy and paste
• Number of available templates : 17
• Export of output : PDF, Word, HTML, or plain text with options to print and email
• Best for : Mid-level job seekers
• Free professionally designed templates
• Pre-written ‘smart bullets’
• Editable resume examples

Providing Swiss Army knives-like apps and offering the best free resume templates that captivate recruiters lie at the heart of VisualCV’s blueprint for success. With creative pricing options, you can harness VisualCV’s full functionality without parting ways with your money. Also, the company helps you host your resume on your domain.

• Import of data : Upload from hard drives, transfer data from LinkedIn, use of editable examples, and copy and paste
• Number of available templates : 23
• Export of output : PDF or Word with an option to generate a link
• Best for : Job seekers in creative fields
• Dedicated resume/CV and cover letter builders
• Separate editors
• Thousands of editable resume and CV examples

Zety is the best resume creator you should consider if you want to raise your profile online. Using the company’s software and expertly designed templates, you can test the limits of resume, CV, and cover letter customization. With tons of resources to draw inspiration from, you can impress hiring managers with Zety-powered resumes.

• Import of data : Upload from hard drives and copy and paste
• Number of available templates : 18+
• Export of output : PDF, Word, or plain text with options to print and email
• Best for : Job seekers who need online resumes
• Well-thought-out templates
• 1,100+ of resume, CV, and cover letter examples
• Online resume builder

This company offers unique services you will hardly find anywhere else. Instead of making a resume on your own, you can hire a professional writer specialized in your niche. Although it’s not a completely free resume builder, it offers free professional resume review.

• Pricing model : Paid (one-time buy)
• Import of data : Interview with a writer
• Number of available templates : Unknown (each template is personalized)
• Customization : Unlimited revisions
• Export of output : MS Word Document
• Best for : Professionals, executives, or those who only need a review
• One-on-one contact with writers
• Professional career coaching and resume review
• ATS-optimized resumes

– Short Resume Builder Reviews –

Indeed resume builder, essential features:.

◊ Multiple free templates ◊ Changeable fonts and colors ◊ Rearrangeable sections ◊ Downloadable PDF output

Additional Features:

♦ Guest-friendly functionality ♦ Easy Indeed.com upload process ♦ Guaranteed personal privacy ♦ Complementary paid pro advice

What sets this beta software apart is the fact that its developer is a job seeker-recruiter matchmaker. Despite the simplicity of Indeed’s templates, they’re optimized for the job site’s search engine. If you intend to seek employment on Indeed, building your resume using this tool can increase your likelihood of getting hired.

Many other Indeed Resume Builder reviews discussed the software being web-based. However, most rarely touched on Indeed CV Builder, which is a different tool and accessible only by registered site users. Since navigation of Indeed mobile apps don’t require sign-up, you may be able to use the for-guest tool without using a browser in the future.

Pricing Model

Thanks to Indeed’s pay-per-click revenue generation model, the company can afford to roll out its resume creation software without a fee. This Indeed resume pricing model may remain unchanged in the future since it encourages more job seekers to join the job board, which can translate into more profits.

Import of Data

Indeed Resume Builder doesn’t have the option to upload an existing document. Basically, you have to create your resume from scratch. But since you don’t have to fill a minimum number of sections, the procedure doesn’t have to be that laborious.

Number of Available Templates

The Indeed Resume Builder free templates are limited to eight: Clean, Minimalist, Simple, Creative, Executive, Modern, Overline, and Boxed. It’s a small number, but we’re confident that there’s still more to come once the official rollout of the software transpires. The nuances between them are noticeable through the icons, so a comparison of styles shouldn’t be a major issue.

Customization

The tool’s templates may contain nothing but traditional resume elements. But you still have some latitude in making your personality shine in the draft. You can tweak the Indeed resume format a little by toggling the visibility of certain sections. Also, you can choose from 6 fonts and 11 accent colors.

Export of Output

With it, you can download your resume in PDF with or without putting any personal information on it. If you add it to your Indeed account, you can use the document as the basis of your profile and will be able to generate a shareable link to it.

Personalized Advice

This completely free resume builder offers no personalized tips along the way. But you could get professional feedback for $19. If you opt for this service, you’ll get a 10-minute resume review within two to five days. It comes with a quiz that will ensure that the feedback aligns with your career goals.

Notwithstanding Indeed Resume Builder’s constraints on creativity, it’s certainly one of the top free resume builder tools for current and would-be Indeed users. While this tool doesn’t offer insight into resume optimization for essential keywords, using it is the surest way to mention the credentials Indeed thinks matter most.

◊ Dozens of resume, cover letter, and web templates ◊ Unlimited downloads ◊ Adoptable real resume examples ◊ 20,000 pre-written phrases

♦ Resume style spectrum ♦ Plenty of customization options ♦ Various pricing plans ♦ Live chat and email support

Why does Kickresume make a strong case for why it’s a good resume maker? It’s because it has no shortage of job-landing resumes and cover letters to show for it. Despite offering traditional designs to appeal to conservative users, the company has an affinity for templates in line with modern sensibilities.

Kickresume is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) application, so it’s accessible only through a web browser. The company has no mobile app yet, but its site is responsive to smartphones and tablets. An important thing to note is that you can’t use Kickresume as a guest. In other words, you’ll have to create an account before you can build a resume.

With the Kickresume free plan, you can access only four and two basic resume and cover letter templates, respectively. But even if you choose not to subscribe to a monthly, quarterly, or annual plan, you can benefit from the service’s 20,000 pre-written phrases and customer support.

To get started, you have three options: start from scratch, edit a CV from Kickresume’s collection, or import information from your LinkedIn profile. If you take the third route, you’ll need to download your larger data archive from LinkedIn and upload the ZIP file on Kickresume.

The full Kickresume cost doesn’t come cheap, but it’s worth the expense. Judging by the huge array of templates and striking visuals the company has to offer, unrestricted access to the service’s premium features makes enchanting CVs. Using the template style spectrum, you can easily see conservative and creative designs as well as those in-between.

Unbridled customization is the brand’s calling card. Despite limited features, even free Kickresume templates let you push the boundaries of CV design possibilities with decent typography and formatting options. With a paid subscription, you can unlock a million design combinations using unlimited entries and categories, fun icons, and many more.

Once you’re done, you can download your resume in PDF, send it to an email, or save it on Dropbox. Also, you can export it as an MS Word document or build and download as many versions as you want without using premium features.

Kickresume has an army of world-class English and Spanish CV editors. While this proofreading service raises your chances of getting hired, it can set you back $29 per review. To have your grammar checked and boost your resume’s readability without paying extra, go with the annual plan. This subscription includes one free proofreading.

Competitive job applicants can see value in this service. But any objective Kickresume review will tell you that this tool benefits students the most. Kickresume gives all students an all-access pass to premium features for up to 180 days. Verification of student status via ITIC, UNiDAYS, or ISIC is a must.

My Perfect Resume

◊ Profession- and format-optimized templates ◊ Built-in spell checker ◊ Instant error checker ◊ Unlimited downloads and printing

♦ Expert resume writing service ♦ On-site job search ♦ On-demand customization ♦ Risk-free pricing

My Perfect Resume may not seem like the best choice at first, but the company lives up to its name. Actually, it does more than just perfecting resumes, CVs, and cover letters. The brand is in the business of speeding up the hiring process by fine-tuning job applications for every job posting.

The company’s native resume builder is web-based, whereas its job-board optimization tool resides in its Chrome browser. You can begin building resumes with My Perfect Resume as a guest. But you’ll run into a paywall when you export your work. You have to register on Myperfectresume.com if you want to save drafts.

My Perfect Resume free trials aren’t always available, so you’ll have to subscribe to either a quarterly or annual plan to at least download your resume. Despite this subscription requirement, you can get your money back if you’re unhappy with the service. All you need to do is contact the company.

You can build a resume by uploading your current one for editing or tweaking any of the My Perfect Resume templates available. This resume builder can read DOC, DOCX, PDF, HTML, RTF, and TXT files. However, the tool tends to mix data from different sections. Make sure to review everything before downloading the finished product.

The 20+ resume designs you can find on Myperfectresume.com are accessible and editable. All of them are, in a sense, My Perfect Resume free templates, even if the company offers nothing but premium plans. Other than style categories, My Perfect Resume has format-optimized ones such as Google Docs-ready and text-based templates.

My Perfect Resume isn’t the last word in resume customization since you can change just the color palette and adjust different formatting options. However, you may find it convenient and useful to be able to change templates on the fly and add sections outside the usual ones.

The usual complaint in other My Perfect Resume reviews was a lack of options to upload a newly finished resume to directly other platforms. While such a belief isn’t unfounded, you can at least download your work in PDF, Word, or TXT, print it, or send it through email.

A massive knowledge base isn’t exactly a substitute for human proofreaders and editors, which My Perfect Resume doesn’t have. To make up for it, the company uses a robot that assesses the quality of resumes based on no less than 30 issues. Also, it offers suggestions to improve the strength of drafts.

The My Perfect Resume cost can be a worthwhile investment if you’re seeking employment on LinkedIn, Indeed, Monster, Glassdoor, SimplyHired, ZipRecruiter, and other leading job boards. With the company’s browser extension, you can easily identify roles that best match your credentials, tailor your resumes for different job openings, and seamlessly fill out application forms.

◊ All-free templates ◊ Creative, professional-looking layouts ◊ Content optimizer ◊ Sleek interface

♦ Testable premium features ♦ Non-subscription paid plans ♦ Polyglot apps ♦ Weekday chat support

What puts Novoresume among the best free resume software solutions is its impressive user interface. The company’s clever use of negative space and screen overlay allows it to keep a multitude of customization options handy while creating a draft.

With Novoresume, you can change templates mid-process without having to leave the page and start all over. You can also add projects and certificates from various online learning platforms .

Novoresume’s web-based software is close to perfection, but its mobile app could use some improvement. The template is too big for the screen, while the main toolbar is stuck at the top. The mobile app is also littered with intrusive ads that play or appear across the draft frequently enough to ruin the experience.

Any honest Novoresume review service will admit that the company is fond of restriction. Even if you upgrade to a paid plan, you may only build up to 18 resume versions. Nevertheless, the company doesn’t offer subscriptions. Novoresume premium plans aren’t set to auto-renew by the end of the term.

Novoresume doesn’t let you upload a copy of your existing resume. If you want to transfer your data, you have to do it manually. Copying and pasting text can be stressful with a smartphone. If you prefer the Novoresume free mobile app to the web-based version, prepare to type everything.

The official number of Novoresume’s templates is eight, but it’s a bit of a stretch. The only differences between the Basic and Simple designs are the divider below the name and two short accent lines. At least you can mix things up with nine predefined layouts, six of which are free to use.

Almost all parts of Novoresume free templates are customizable. The resume builder has clickable sections with grayed-out icons that come to life only when needed. Novoresume also has pop-up screens and toolbars that reveal hidden tools and fields. Testable premium features give you a preview of a paid plan.

When you click Download, the software will automatically save the document to your hardware. Novoresume resumes are in PDF by default. If the Download icon is grayed out, it means you used at least one premium feature. Either change it with something free or upgrade before you can export your work.

Without having to pay for the regular Novoresume cost, you can receive live feedback as you write. Optimizer, a free built-in tool, offers suggestions and revisions with explanations, marking problem sections with yellow and red warning signs, respectively. You can turn it off to clear the screen and switch it back on for proofreading.

The biggest beneficiaries of this free service are entry-level job seekers. Novoresume.com is perhaps the best place to make a resume when you’re fresh off college since you can compose a decent one-page document with just a basic account. Using Novoresume’s predefined layouts, you can see which sections are relevant to include in your resume.

Resume Genius

◊ 290+ resume and cover letter templates ◊ Step-by-step process ◊ Unlimited downloads ◊ Expert feedback

♦ Rich knowledge base ♦ On-demand customer support ♦ 50,000+ pre-written bullet points ♦ Professional writing service

Resume Genius is the best site for resume templates, examples, and cover letter designs. The sheer volume of the brand’s free, downloadable resources (not to mention its massive knowledge base) is a testament to its commitment to helping job seekers increase their chances of receiving callbacks and getting hired.

Resume Genius is a web-based program with a user-friendly interface. The app will help you build your resume one section at a time. If you haven’t written one before, you won’t find Resume Genius intimidating and overwhelming. During sign-up, the company doesn’t demand too much information. You may even use your Facebook or Google login details to get started.

Here’s a popular question: Is Resume Genius free? The short answer is no, but the long answer is it can be. Resume Genius offers a premium plan with a 14-day honeymoon period. In other words, you may get your money back if you cancel your account before the initial 14 days of your subscription term is over.

The app offers no option to upload an existing resume draft. Additionally, Resume Genius doesn’t have editable resume examples. For the most part, you have to type in your information or copy and paste plain text from another program. Fortunately, the app has a repository of 50,000+ pre-written bullet points on tap for the Work History section.

With 240+ Resume Genius free templates, you can make hundreds of versions of your resume if you wish. Strictly speaking, the company just has 46 templates by style and 6 by career and life situation. However, you can only choose from 17 designs in the beginning. A subscription is necessary to unlock the rest of the library.

Resume Genius drafts are customizable in the sense that you can make new versions instantly by changing templates. And that’s about it. You can’t modify the elements the way you can with other resume builders. The layout of each template is fixed, and you can’t add new sections for awards, achievements, hobbies, and interests.

Many Resume Genius reviews, including this one, commend the company for supporting MS Word. Most apps can export drafts in PDF only. Although this format is the most versatile today, MS Word files remain popular among HR personnel.

Resume Genius provides one-on-one professional resume reviews. With its “Ask an Expert” service, you can have a certified professional resume writer check your work for accuracy and clarity. This way, you can articulate your credentials properly and prevent errors from hurting your reputation. The best part is that the basic Resume Genius cost already covers this service.

Resume Genius is perfect for job seekers who intend to create as many resume versions as they want. Since no two job posts are identical, the company believes that each resume should be unique. If you plan to apply for different roles that require slightly distinct qualifications and involve responsibilities, Resume Genius is a safe bet.

◊ Employer-approved templates ◊ Stock blurbs ◊ Customizable design elements ◊ Unlimited downloads, emails, and printing

♦ Resume Checker™ ♦ Built-in job search tool ♦ Professional writing service ♦ Chat, phone, and email support

Resume Now has some of the best templates for a resume. That’s because the company only uses layouts recruiters have approved of. Named Top 10 Resume Software by HR Tech Outlook in 2019 and Customer Choice Award by Sitejabber in 2018, Resume Now has refined the resume-making process and developed tools to simplify job hunting.

Resume Now’s browser-based and mobile apps are fully accessible with a paid subscription. Once you’re in, you won’t get confused from start to end. The company clearly understands the psychology of job seekers. So, is Resume Now safe? The intelligible language of the company’s user agreement and privacy policy gave us no reason to question its integrity.

Perhaps the only unpopular thing about Resume Now among users is its upfront credit card payment. You can practice with the app to see if you like its features, but you’ll hit a paywall when you export your work. Although the subscription requirement is non-negotiable, Resume Now’s 14-day money-back guarantee gives you some room to apply for a refund.

Resume Now lets you edit an old document. You can drag and drop the file from your device, upload from Google Drive or Dropbox, or create something new. Whichever of the Resume Now free templates you pick, the app can make your life easier with over 60,000 pre-written snippets.

Speaking of templates, you have 30 to choose from. Recruiters were consulted when crafting Resume Now’s designs, so rest assured that they can work wonders. Additionally, you have over 99 cover letter examples at your disposal to learn many ways of giving your qualifications a proper introduction.

Resume Now places most of its customization options at the end of the process, allowing you to focus on the content first. Once you’re done with the sections, you can change the nitty-gritty of the format as well as the font and color without having to pay any Resume Now cost.

With this resume and cover letter maker, you can download your document in PDF, Word, or plain text file. In addition, you can print it or email it to yourself or employers. Oddly, the company can’t save documents in the cloud even if it already supports third-party file storage and synchronization services.

Resume Now uses robots to polish documents instead of human proofreaders and editors. This resume-building software’s spell checker is available for non-paying members. Paying users, on the other hand, can benefit from Resume Checker. This tool can detect no less than 20 all-too-common resume problems and offers quick fixes.

Many Resume Now reviews consider this service to be especially useful for senior-level job seekers. Other than its resume, CV, and cover letter building tools, the company offers expert writing service that applicants with lengthy careers may find worth the expense. After all, Resume-now.com bears the logo of the Professional Association of Resume Writers.

◊ Quality-based template styles ◊ Text suggestions ◊ Canned responses ◊ Customizable sections

♦ 125+ resume examples ♦ Built-in job board ♦ Handy data deletion option ♦ Frictionless account cancellation

Resume.com is exceptional not because it boasts the fanciest tools. Instead, the software has sufficient user-friendly features to get the job done without charging a single penny.

As a resume builder, Resume.com has a good interface with a smooth document creation process. While these characteristics aren’t unique to this company, it’s fascinating that a no-cost app could offer a practically similar user experience as premium programs. Throughout the process, this app asks relevant questions and reveals customization options only when necessary.

This app is what resume builders should be: straightforward and free. But is Resume.com safe? Absolutely. You can request to remove your personal data from the site. Also, the company is compliant with the California Consumer Privacy Act. Other than ads, Resume.com likely earns revenue by displaying and recommending job postings from employers.

One of the few restrictions on Resume.com is uploading your existing resume. Despite this, you can create drafts with little stress. The software proposes text suggestions to minimize the characters you have to type in. Likewise, the app provides editable canned responses to sectional questions that normally require paragraph-long answers.

You can choose from a collection of 12 free Resume.com templates. Grouped into four styles (Experience, Education, Skill, and Personality), any of them can highlight certain assets you want recruiters to notice. Resume.com used data from Indeed to understand how recruiters read resumes. The current set of templates is the product of that research.

With Resume.com, you can create bold or italicized content in sections without forms and modify paragraphs’ indentations. What’s distinct about the software’s customization capability is the option to rename all labeled sections. Also, you can add as many sections as you want to categorize your credentials your way.

You can download a copy in PDF or plain text or print one. Many Resume.com reviews (ours included) find it refreshing that it’s possible to save it on OneNote for Windows 10. Other than promoting your resume instantly on Indeed.com, you can also directly apply to openings on other platforms with your resume right away.

Resume.com doesn’t offer proofreading and editing services. But the site is a treasure trove of career development wisdom. Resume.com’s knowledge base contains insightful reads designed for all conceivable job titles or industries. Apart from understanding how to write resumes and cover letters flawlessly, you can learn everything about salaries by profession, interview best practices, and more.

It’s hard not to find value in Resume.com, but the job seekers that Google “Is resume.com free?” should gravitate toward it. The site is full of practical features and job search tools that can help minimize your gap in employment. Without registration and subscription required, this app is too good to miss.

◊ Diverse editable examples ◊ Free customization features ◊ Multi-language support ◊ Free cover letter downloads

♦ Automatic spell checker ♦ Cover letter builder ♦ Job-hunting tools ♦ Third-party resume consultation

Resume.io is a likeable resume and cover letter maker because it can get the job done for casual job applicants, despite its downsides. No resume builder review will support Resume.io if it claims to be the industry’s sole provider of job-hunting tools. But the company does more to help job seekers find jobs by offering expert tips.

This browser-based app has adequate free features to make decent resumes and cover letters. Resume.io has a profile completeness bar, an automatic spell checker, and a random summary generator. The last one is a waste since it doesn’t provide contextual suggestions. At least the software has keyword-based pre-written phrases that propose relevant text for employment history.

A paid subscription is a must if you want to maximize the app. The company offers 3 premium plans, each with a 7-day money-back guarantee. Is Resume.io safe? Yes, if you’re mindful of the plan you select. The semi-annual and annual plans don’t auto-renew. But the $2.95 7-day trial can turn into a monthly plan with recurring payment.

Another deficiency in the software is the inability to scan existing documents. You can’t update your old resume or cover letter with it. Instead, you have to start with a blank page or edit examples in Resume.io’s library. You may not have to type in text that much, though, since there are built-in tools that can handle that.

The Resume.io free account gives you access to 18 matching resume and cover letter templates only. While more is better, you can explore and adopt the conventional designs in many countries with such a limited selection. With more than 300 editable examples, you won’t be hard-pressed to find something that matches your prospective job title.

As a free member, you can change the font color, make bold, italicized, underlined, and strikethrough text, add or remove a photo, form numbered and bullet lists, and renate and create more sections. As a premium member, you can do all of the above, plus unlock more color palettes, adjust the line spacing, and reorder sections.

Without paying the Resume.io price of a premium plan, you can only download your resume or a combination of it and a cover letter in plain text. Curiously, you may export a cover letter in PDF or plain text as a free member. Furthermore, you can generate a link to your resume, which is seamlessly shareable on social media.

Resume.io doesn’t critique documents. If you need a fresh pair of eyes, the company recommends its partner, TopResume. This third party provides a free, confidential review. TopResume can email your personalized, actionable feedback within 48 hours. Since this service is free, consider using it to make your resume friendly to both robot recruiters and HR managers.

Resume.io is the best resume builder for you if you want to articulate your qualifications in a different tongue. The software supports 13 other European language sets. To wow employers in Russian, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, German, Dutch, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Polish, or Czech using Resume.io, you have to use one of its local sites.

ResumeBuilder.com

◊ Replicable resume examples ◊ Rearrangeable sections ◊ Basic typographical commands ◊ Changeable templates

♦ Unlimited downloads ♦ Mobile-responsive site ♦ Heaps of downloadable resources ♦ Phone and email support

ResumeBuilder.com’s software lets you create a resume easily using its resume wizard. You can choose from over 30 customizable templates and tweak them to your liking. Recent ResumeBuilder.com reviews indicated that the company used to have plans. As of this writing, its app requires no credit card information at any point, though.

Clearly, ResumBuilder.com needs to soup up its app. But to be fair, its interface isn’t that bad. You can modify sections on the left, enter text in the middle, and see the document’s preview on the right. Other than the labeled fields, the editor offers zero instructions. You can play with sections with reckless abandon.

Is ResumeBuilder.com free? We found no evidence that it isn’t. And judging by the company’s privacy policy, it seems that it generates revenue through third-party advertisements. However, the site displays no ads whatsoever. Outside any affiliate marketing efforts, it’s a mystery why ResumeBuilder.com doesn’t capitalize on its traffic to monetize its platform.

This resume maker doesn’t let you upload any document. You can’t edit any of its resume examples either. If you borrow phrases from them, you have to copy and paste the blocks of text. Unlike other resume builders, the app doesn’t suggest pre-written snippets to fill blank fields more quickly.

The site says that you can choose from more than 30 ResumeBuilder templates. Unfortunately, these designs don’t have dramatic visual differences. They have minimal layout distinctions, but that’s it.

With ResumeBuilder.com, you can bold, italicize, and underline words in sentences when you’re not filling out a form. Likewise, you can add up to 14 custom sections you can rename or rearrange however you like. The app’s customization capability ends there, though. And there’s no ResumeBuilder.com cost you’d pay to enjoy more features.

The only way to export your work is by downloading it as a PDF file. You can’t save it in any other format or email, print, or upload it to the cloud. At least you can save multiple drafts if you sign up. But the site offers no means to manage your account, though.

ResumeBuilder.com has no human proofreaders and editors. To improve your resume, you can consult the site’s extensive knowledge base. Online resume builder reviews of the company will admit that this feature is one of the best features that ResumeBuilder.com has to offer.

This app is a good platform to practice creating resumes. High school grads or people planning to join the workforce whose credentials are limited may find the site’s resume wizard adequate.

◊ Eye-catching templates ◊ Editable examples ◊ Adjustable formatting elements ◊ Pre-written suggestion bullets

♦ Overflowing in-app writing tips ♦ Spell checker ♦ Letter builder ♦ Chat, email, and phone support

This app is incomparable. Many ResumeHelp reviews shared our sentiment that this software does some things other leading resume-making service providers don’t. But it lacks certain functionalities that could elevate it to elite status. While ResumeHelp’s systematic approach to resume-building is characteristic of a good app, its upfront credit card requirement may put some job seekers at a disadvantage.

Despite not having apps for Android and iOS, ResumeHelp maintains a mobile-responsive site. That’s why it can be a useful resume builder if you’re on the go. ResumeHelp’s clean interface features a white background and green accent colors. You can intuitively know how each step of the process works without straining your eyes.

The introductory Resume Help cost is $2.90. With this trial, you can test out the app for 14 days before deciding to keep it and pay for a regular subscription. If you cancel within the 14-day window, the company will refund your money. Otherwise, the trial will turn into a monthly plan of $24.90.

With Resume Help, you can drag and drop your current resume and apply your credentials to your chosen template. Or you can start fresh and compose your document in stages. The software has 55,289 pre-written text snippets you can use to fill out certain fields. To make your life even easier, you can edit a completed sample document.

There are 15 Resume Help free templates up for grabs. You can unlock two more if you pay for a premium plan. Not all Resume Help templates are visually stimulating. Some of them don’t even have a clear focal point. But each option has character. Since the company’s library is HR-approved, you can trust each one’s design.

During the process, you can execute typographical commands, like bold or underline, and add bullets to the resume body. At the final stage, you can change the main color with a selection of 12 hues. Almost every aspect of the format is customizable too. If you wish, you can add more sections or rename the existing ones.

Is Resume Help legit? Yes, you can trust it. But prepare to upgrade if you want a copy of your document. That’s where the company draws the line for non-paying members. Resume Help is quite strict since none of its export options are available to free users. Other apps allow at least one download.

Resume Help doesn’t extend human proofreading and editing assistance to job seekers. Instead, it preaches the best practices through its ever-expanding knowledge base. Moreover, the company’s software is loaded with 82 tips that can guide you as you write. The app has a built-in spell checker that can help refine your work.

Resume Help is perhaps the best free printable resume builder for somewhat experienced professionals. As a mid-level jobseeker, you already know the ropes and just need the proper tools to highlight your strengths and arrange your credentials in a presentable manner. The in-app tips shouldn’t overwhelm you, for you only need a refresher.

◊ Multi-editor apps ◊ About two dozen templates ◊ Zillions of editable examples ◊ Unrestricted customization

♦ Lenient pricing structure ♦ Resume formatting service ♦ Resume performance analytics ♦ Premium integrations

To bring more charisma to your personal brand, using VisualCV is worth your while. In terms of ingenuity, maybe the company offers the best program to make a resume. Few resume builders could match VisualCV’s dazzling designs. With a premium account, you can take your personal brand to great heights and monitor the effectiveness of your resumes.

VisualCV apps consist of basic and visual editors. The first one contains tools for managing sections while the second handles the document’s formatting and appearance. The software’s completeness bar and revision history help make writing and editing a breeze. Because of its unobtrusive design, VisualCV’s interface stays neat without compromising navigation.

The VisualCV pricing structure is something to emulate. The free version allows full customization with one resume (with VisualVC branding) download. With any of the paid subscriptions, you can enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee. Moreover, the company offers a $2.95 paid trial to access all premium features at a fraction of the cost of a regular paid plan.

VisualCV allows all means of transferring data, except for downloading files from third-party cloud storage services. You can upload documents from your computer, import your LinkedIn profile data, edit VisualCV resume and cover letter examples, and copy-paste information. However, the software lacks in-app text suggestions that let you fill in fields with stock phrases.

Only three Visual CV templates are accessible to free users. To lay your hands on the other 20 ATS-friendly designs, having a premium plan is a must. By VisualCV’s standards, basic templates are still charming. By adding a punch of color to your document and enlarging the text font to lend more interest to your free resume.

VisualCV lets you choose from dozens of header and body fonts as well as primary, secondary, link, and background colors. Also, you can adjust section and paragraph margins and add and remove page breaks. Although you can’t make bold, italicized, and underlined text, you can rename and rearrange sections and create new ones with charts, portfolio items, and more.

In almost every VisualCV review, the company gets praises for being considerate and letting free users download their work in PDF at no cost. If you wish to export it as an MS Word file, generate a shareable link, or get rid of the one-download limit, you have to upgrade your free account.

VisualCV doesn’t offer in-house proofreading and editing services. But the company recommends TopResume, which provides a free resume review with emphasis on confidentiality. For premium users, VisualCV provides resume formatting support at no extra charge. This service can put your credentials in the best light.

If you belong to an industry where nontraditional designs are in vogue, VisualCV could be the best choice for you. Despite some customization limitations, the software lets you manipulate enough key formatting and visual elements to creatively use your resume to accentuate your competence and personality.

◊ Streamlined seven-step process ◊ Well-designed resume designs ◊ Profession-specific text suggestions ◊ Pre-written phrases and bullets

♦ Star rating system for skills ♦ Spell checker ♦ Online resume builder ♦ Resume performance monitoring

Zety is a personal brand booster. At heart, the company is a resume, CV, and cover letter maker. But it pleasantly provides a platform for hosting your online resume. As noted by other Zety reviews, this service gives you more space to sell your value to headhunters and HR managers.

The Zety app’s user interface has all the desirable qualities: clear, familiar, responsive, and efficient. This software simplifies resume building into seven stages to systematically cover all the bases. Unlike resume builders that prompt the sign-up page in the beginning or in the end, this app asks you to register halfway through the process.

Is Zety free? It can be, but there’s no guarantee that the company will grant your refund request if you cancel your plan. Zety offers no free version and generally doesn’t provide a free trial. To reduce your exposure to risk, you can take advantage of the 14-day trial for $2.70 only.

With Zety, you can upload an existing resume, CV, or cover letter for editing. If you choose to start with an empty draft, you’ll find the software’s text suggestions and pre-written phrases and bullets extremely helpful. Shockingly, Zety resume examples aren’t editable. Transferring the content to the editor requires manual labor.

You can choose from 18 Zety free templates for resumes, CVs, and cover letters. None of them are overly dramatic, but many are arresting. The company has figured out how to sort bunches of info without sacrificing ample whitespace. Any Zety resume, CV, and cover letter design can hold substantial details in one page while staying easy to read.

Practically everything about Zety resumes, CVs, and cover letters is customizable. You can make typographical and formatting adjustments and change colors. You can rate your skills with stars and create bullets in descriptive sections. Speaking of which, you can move around 99% of them and create custom ones as you see fit.

Subscribing to any Zety plans gives you the license to export your work in PDF, Word, and TXT formats with no limits. Likewise, you can print your documents or email them to anyone. The sad part is that you can’t export your output in any way without subscribing.

Outside of Zety’s gold mines of informative reads, the closest things you can find that resemble personalized feedback from the company are the software’s built-in spell checker and text-suggestion capability. The former doesn’t detect misspellings on its own, while the latter is keyword-dependent. Nevertheless, both serve their purpose quite well.

Paying the full Zety cost can be a good investment to boost your brand on the internet. The company can produce you an online resume that can supplement your other application documents. Having an online resume isn’t customary across the board yet. But if you feel that you must have one, you can achieve your goal with Zety.

Craft Resumes

◊ ATS-optimized resumes ◊ Cover letter writing services ◊ One-on-one interviews with writers ◊ Application packages

♦ LinkedIn optimization ♦ Career coaching ♦ International writing team ♦ Free resume review

Craft Resumes is about creating a fitting resume for each customer. It’s way more convenient, and the chances of getting an interview are higher (your resume will be 40% more visible to employers). Additionally, easy Craft Resumes website usability makes it suitable for all age groups.

Navigating this website is easy, as all you have to do is register and write something about yourself and your past experiences. Then, one of their writers will contact you to have a one-on-one interview. After that, you need to wait for the first draft to arrive (it’s usually sent in 24 hours).

CraftResumes.com prices depend on three types of packages: Entry, Professional, and Executive. The cheapest package includes only building a resume with unlimited revisions ($139), and the same package for executives costs $339. Nevertheless, if that’s pricey for you, you can submit your own resume and get a professional review for free.

There’s no need for drafts or uploading anything (unless you want a free review of your  resume). If that’s the case, you can send your resume in PDF or MS Word document file formats. If we consider all craftresumes.com pros and cons, the lack of various input formats isn’t something that should worry you.

Unlike other resume builders, there are no templates available. However, it’s a professional writer’s job to make a unique template according to customers’ skills and aspirations. If you don’t like the layout, you can always ask for a revision.

As we’ve already mentioned, writers are those who make the layout. However, customers have an unlimited number of revisions and can ask for corrections until they’re fully satisfied. However, some Craft Resumes complaints are related to the revision postponement.

You’ll receive both drafts and a complete resume in MS Word document, so you can edit it to your own liking if you want to adjust it. Also, you’ll get a free review on your email or directly in the chat you can find on the official website, after you submit the file.

Even if Craft Resumes isn’t one of the truly free resume builders, their all-in-one packages offer professional career advice and 24/7 customer support. You can choose what kind of career advice you need together with other services.

Since the paid version is pricey, only professionals and executives should opt for one of the inclusive packages. On the other hand, many job seekers who already have a resume should consider trying their free professional review service.

– Buyer’s Guide: How to Select the Right Free Professional Resume Builder for You –

Comparing the finest resume builders is harder than you think. If you don’t know what to look for, you can easily get lost and waste your time using a

Comparing the finest resume builders is harder than you think, but it’s crucial. Also, a good resume can improve your chances of getting a job through job search engines . That’s why you need to find a suitable resume builder. 

If you don’t know what to look for, you can easily get lost and waste your time using a tool that lacks the features you need and doesn’t produce the kind of output you want.

To give you some sense of direction, answer the questions below to winnow down your options.

How Is the Best Resume Builder Software Delivered?

The delivery model of resume builders can define your experience with them. Many of these apps are web-based, while others are available as mobile apps.

Web-based resume builders are generally convenient to use since desktop and laptop keyboards are more conducive to typing. With no installation required, you’ll just need a good browser to begin putting your credentials together on a document.

Mobile apps offer flexibility, for they let you compose and polish drafts while on the go. Think of how you want to use a resume builder. If you have a preferred device, software deployment is a major factor you shouldn’t overlook.

How Does the Resume Builder Make Money?

Everything has a price—even free resume builders. The best resume builder sites with no paid version may sell your data and rely on ads to generate revenue, whereas free software trials provide access to some or all premium features for a certain amount of time.

Usually, the disadvantages of no-cost resume-building tools are the cumbersome user experience and limited functionality. Typically, the downsides of free trials are auto-renewal and unwanted billing.

It’s not uncommon for a piece of premium software to turn into a regular subscription after the period of trial use. Find out how free your chosen free resume builder actually is to avoid a bill shock.

How Does the Resume Builder Support Data Transfer?

The best resume-building apps that let you seamlessly transfer data from one software to another are convenient to use. Having the ability to drag and drop the file of your existing resume or CV is even better.

The problem is that some tools leave you no choice but to start with a blank canvas. Many others at least let you edit templates, use stock phrases, and get inspiration from real-life examples.

Then again, just because a program can scan documents doesn’t mean it can accurately capture the information 100% of the time. No tech is completely infallible, so read reviews and use empirical data to know which programs that seem impressive on paper are actually not that good in practice.

How Many Free Resume Builder Templates Are Available?

A broad selection of templates means nothing to a free resume builder user when accessible options are scarce. The good news is that traditional designs are almost universally for public consumption. The bad news, however, is that creative resumes are the norm. Of course, every industry has its resume design conventions. But you’d rather have more options than settle for what’s available.

Resume builders that impose no restrictions on template access are a godsend. However, there’s generally a catch—and it’s usually a paywall. So if the best free resume sites offer complete access to their template libraries, welcome the privilege with some skepticism.

How Much Customization Does the Resume Builder Allow?

A potent tool lets you customize your resume to the last detail. Sadly, not every app deserves such a description. Most resume, CV, and cover letter builders adequately allow formatting and style changes. But recruiters in many domains pay closer attention to documents with eye-popping elements in a boring pile.

If you need to make your credentials jump off the page with bold colors and dramatic graphics, you may find tools that allow more extensive customization. But if you feel that your qualifications speak for themselves, you can go with no-frills software.

What Export Options Does the Top Rated Free Resume Builder Provide?

Do you like to export your resume in PDF, plain text, or DOC? Is being able to download a copy of the document to your computer enough for you? Perhaps you want to save the file to the cloud for later use. Or maybe you want to email your updated resume straight to an employer to beat other qualified candidates to the punch.

Whatever you want to do with your freshly minted resume, it’s nice to have several choices to export your work. Otherwise, you may have one or two more hoops to jump through just to upload your resume on your chosen platform or send it to your intended recipient.

Does the Best Free Resume Software Provider Offer Personalized Advice?

Every trusted resume-building service provider maintains an ever-growing knowledge base full of helpful tips to guide you every step of the way. Despite that, there’s no denying that expert advice on your actual work can come in useful, which is where resume writing services come in.

Who Benefits the Most From the Resume Builder?

The best resume-building services strive to be as inclusive as possible. However, two different users could find the same app unequally advantageous. Logically, you should use the software that allows you to do what you want to do with your resume.

Using a resume builder not tailored for you can still get the job done. But missing a desirable feature or two could mean the difference between getting hired now or later. If your prospective resume builder doesn’t offer the features you’re looking for, don’t settle. In all probability, there’s another that suits you.

– Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) –

Basically, a resume is an advertisement of yourself. Before recruiters express any interest in buying what you sell, they’ll scrutinize the content of your ad to see if you suit the role they intend to fill. Most, if not all, HR managers won’t thoroughly review your resume at first, for yours isn’t the only ad they have to check. When scanning job applications, employers generally look for five things in a resume: organization, keyword presence, skill set, career progression, and digital life.

Leverage the following features to prove that your application deserves a closer look: 1. Logical format  – Use purposeful sections as well as numbered and bulleted lists to your advantage. 2. Relevant language  – Mention keywords to underscore that your qualifications match the vacant position’s roles and responsibilities. 3. Pertinent skills  – Jot down the abilities and experiences that emphasize your competence for the role. 4. Chronological career narrative  – Let your resume tell the story of your career. 5. Online portfolio (and personal domain)  – Help recruiters research you through your site, blog, and social media accounts.

The red flags below that tell employers that you’re a waste of time. The incoherence of format –  If your resume isn’t easy to read, no employer will give it a second look. Inconsistency of information  – Experienced recruiters can smell a lie from a mile away, so make sure everything adds up. Exaggeration of qualifications  – Employers don’t need to know about your strange hobbies or weird interests. Lack of common sense  – Being guilty of any of the above doesn’t paint you as a company asset.

Generally, there are two types of resume formats: chronological and functional. No question, the former is more popular among recruiters since it allows easy reading. However, there are instances where a functional resume can enhance your employability. This format helps mask weaknesses in your credentials, for it puts a spotlight on your skills and draws the attention away from your intriguing professional decisions. There’s a third format: hybrid. It highlights relevant abilities but doesn’t hide the gaps in employment. Recruiters like this more than the functional format.

Ranking free resume builders from best to worst is subjective. No app can please everyone, nor can one upset all users. But to help answer the question, the ideal free tool unlocks all features with no strings attached, shares a bevy of templates of different styles and for all imaginable professions, offers abundant customization options, and supports every possible option for importing and exporting data. Such software might not exist, so figure out which solution delivers a balanced trade-off between the good and the bad in your book.

If you’re talking about cost, finding a resume builder that provides standard functionalities as well as the bells and whistles at no charge is just a pipe dream. Altruism isn’t the main motivation of most software developers. As we said, you should study how the company behind a so-called best free resume builder pays its bills. That way, you can have a deeper understanding of a software developer’s business model and feel at ease using a tool for nothing since you know what you’re giving up.

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9 Best Resume Builders of 2024: Pros and Cons

April 18, 2024

Building a resume from scratch can be too much work that isn’t worth the hassle. Using resume builders helps you design a beautiful resume, with the right content, and tailored for your job allowing you to land more interviews and hopefully score the offer you’ve always wanted for yourself. By using a resume builder, you’ll have access to professionally designed resume templates, AI functionality, and personalized resume feedback so you can stand out among other job seekers during your job search. This post will highlight some of the best resume builders of 2024 and includes pros and cons for each.

Want to use the best resume builder?

Sign up for Huntr to build your resume, get feedback and a little AI help, and more.

If you’re looking for one of the best resume builders of 2024, you’ll want to turn your attention to Huntr. For years, Huntr was known as one of the leading job trackers in the job search space. As of February 2024, Huntr now has a resume builder with a resume checker that grades your resume, a resume tailor that highlights keywords to match them with your job listing, and a whole suite of AI tools, like an AI cover letter generator , mock interview questions, follow up email templates, and more. Huntr is a resume builder with an entire collection of other job search tools to help you land your next role faster. Huntr’s resume templates are professionally designed to help you present your work experience in the best way possible.

• Maximized with AI functionality to help you write your resume
• Includes a resume checker which grades your resume based on its content, completion, and other elements
• ATS-friendly
• Resume designs that are beautifully designed and professional
• Easy to tailor your resume to jobs with keyword, qualifications, job title, and responsibilities matching
• Store countless job tailored resumes in one place
• Easy to download your resume as a PDF in one click
• Comes with a whole suite of other important job search tools
• Easily import your LinkedIn job details into Huntr
• Since designs are made to be professional, you won’t find charts or graphs in them if you needed them
• There is a cost associated with the tool, but it’s still cheaper than hiring a resume writer and there is a ton of functionality to give you the same feedback a person would

Unlike traditional resume builders, Canva is actually a design tool that allows you to build a resume. As a result, the focus of the resume is on the design. While Canva has many resume designs to choose from, a lot of them are overly quirky, which isn’t practical to use for a professional job. You probably don’t want to use a design with flower graphics for a job as a lawyer. The resume designs on Canva are best for teenagers or creative industry professionals. The main value of Canva as a resume builder is that you’ll be able to drag and drop your content anyway you want, allowing you to truly customize your resume your way. If you’re competent in Canva design, you might even choose to use the platform to design your own resume from scratch.

• You can print your resume design using Print with Canva
• 100% customizable
• Easy to download as a PDF
• Countless tacky resume designs to sift through
• Many resume templates include photos, which isn’t recommended for use in the US, UK, and Australia
• The designs aren’t rigid so it’s more likely that you’ll make formatting mistakes
• Many of the designs focus on the visual elements rather than work experience, making it less practical for a professional with a ton of experience under their belt
• Hard to sift through the collection of resume templates to find a standard resume template
• Finding icons that match the aesthetic can be hard if wanting a different icon
• There’s no page two design in the same aesthetic in case the content carries over to a second page
• The best designs are gated under a paid plan
• Can’t download as a Word Doc

3. LinkedIn

The LinkedIn resume builder is an easy way to create a resume. Since you use LinkedIn to add all your job details, you’ll be able to click a few buttons for a ready-made resume to be created. The main downside is that it looks more like a print out of a LinkedIn profile rather than a professionally-designed resume, so while it can be helpful in desperate situations, the format isn’t ideal. It also doesn’t add your phone number to your resume, which is kind of unhelpful if you’ve got to do phone interviews. You’ll need to do a ton of modifying on it to remove most of your work history because it adds all of your jobs you’ve ever had posted about on LinkedIn. It also draws attention to your LinkedIn profile, which is helpful if you’re active on the platform, but could be negative if you aren’t an active user or post critical content in comments.

• Free to use
• Adds all your LinkedIn content into a resume, such as work experience, education, and skills
• Has a small keywords list you should add to your resume if applying for a specific role
• Only one resume template and it’s unattractive
• Includes company logo on resume, which isn’t a standard practice
• Adds your entire LinkedIn profile history, which isn’t ideal for a resume, so you’ll need to modify a lot
• Adds your most common skills, which might have been upvoted in a previous job or a different kind of role and so is irrelevant to the current job
• Lacks a cohesive design for multi-page resumes, only adds your name to the footer

One of the best resume builders is Zety. As it has AI functionality, it’s a go-to choice for a ton of people. However, a quick look at customer reviews shows that customers often feel “scammed” by Zety financially. People often create a resume during a free trial trying to cancel the subscription, only the subscription button doesn’t work and they end up stuck paying for a subscription they thought they canceled months earlier. As a resume builder, their tool works great. Their customer support, on the other hand, could use some work which ultimately creates a bad user experience despite having a good selection of resume designs that are color-customizable.

• Color customizable in 24 different colors
• Many resume designs
• Only have a 14 day trial, with no warning of trial expiring
• Doesn’t accept some popular forms of payment, such as CashApp
• Can’t download your resume until you pay
• Many customers complain about cancellation button not working and needing to contact support to cancel plan
• Must complete your resume in a predetermined order
• Automatically adds AI content to your resume that might not be the best fit
• Some of the AI bullets include placeholder text when the information is already provided
• The resume builder is a bit buggy and sometimes crashes (it crashed during testing)

5. My Perfect Resume

My Perfect Resume has a very similar resume builder to Zety. Reviews about being “scammed” aren’t unusual with My Perfect Resume. People find themselves getting hooked onto a monthly subscription after downloading their resume and completing their use of the product. Support often feels unreachable, as one review in March 2024 claimed, “I have sent 100 emails to explain [to] me why they have charged me they are not even replying to me.”

• Color customizable
• Can select templates with or without photos
• Can select templates with one or two columns
• Uses same resume builder tool as Zety
• Too easy to make a 100% AI resume, which might get overlooked by recruiters
• No resume grading or tailoring features
• Expert recommended doesn’t appear to be tailored to your own experience
• Asks to add languages to your resume, which isn’t a standard practice

As a popular job board, Indeed is known for helping people find jobs by showcasing popular jobs online for them to apply to. They’ve built a pretty simple resume builder that has an easy to use design, includes professional templates, and that people can use to apply to jobs. The interface is a little wonky to use, but usable. Some functionality like asking to include the years of experience for skills, just takes up valuable keyword space, and the color customizations include a weird selection of colors like browns, baby blue, and gold whereas they don’t have many feminine colors.

• Easy to use
• Professional resume templates
• Connected to a popular job board
• You need to fill in placeholder information making the design more rigid
• Skills section asks for years of experience
• Some designs have icons on them which take up too much space
• Color customizations includes a strange selection of colors that lean more masculine

7. Chat GPT

Some people are turning to Chat GPT as their go to resume builder. And while you might be able to create some AI suggestions for your resume to help you improve the flow of your resume, you won’t be able to find any resume templates, job search tools, or specific features for job seekers that a more traditional resume builder would give you. If you’re looking for a quick check to bounce ideas off of or looking for resume synonyms to use instead, Chat GPT can be a great alternative to use to help you write your resume . It’s one of the best resume builders despite not being a traditional one.

• Can help you brainstorm bullets for your resume
• Easy to customize the resume format you want
• Doesn’t come with resume templates
• Some experience with prompting required to ensure you don’t get generic responses that’ll get overlooked by recruiters
• Doesn’t come with a selection of job search tools, like job tracker, job tailored resumes, resume grade like a resume checker, doesn’t provide job search data based on your individualized experience
• Can’t help you apply to more jobs faster
• You won’t be able to store countless resume documents on it, you’ll only have access to the text
• Doesn’t give you feedback on your resume length
• Won’t tell you if you’re overusing buzzwords

Jobscan is one of the oldest resume builder products on the market. They’ve spent years building trust with job seekers. With limited AI functionality, Jobscan is slowly transforming into an outdated tool. Their designs are simple and professional. And their tool is pretty user-friendly. But there are some quirks and hiccups you’ll need to get over to play around with to ensure you create a resume design that looks its best.

• Simple, professional designs
• Allows you to skip certain sections if necessary
• Has an ATS scan (though it has limitations)
• Limited AI functionality, making it more outdated
• Formatting uneven when not completing all sections
• Skills asks for proficiency, which isn’t common or standard practice

With a similar look and feel to Zety and My Perfect Resume, JobHero is another popular resume builder tool with AI functionality. Since it uses the same technology, it has more or less than same pros and cons as the other two tools, so while it’s not perfect, it’s still a common choice people turn to when building their resumes.

• Color-customizable
• Various templates to choose from
• Reviews mention that JobHero “are not upfront about how they go about their billing.”
• Can’t download resume until payment is made
• No built in resume checker or grader in the resume builder
• Too easy to make an 100% AI resume, which might not be helpful for job seekers looking to land interviews

With so many incredible resume builders out there it’s hard to choose just one that’s the absolute best. But the best resume builder is Huntr. With countless features catered to job seekers in one easy-to-use tool with a sleek design, beautiful resume templates, color customization, AI functionality, innovative job tailoring , and much more, you’ll find that Huntr’s resume builder is superior to other tools in the same space. If you’re looking to build a resume, sign up for Huntr today !

Nicole Martins Ferreira

Nicole Martins Ferreira, Senior Writer at Huntr, brings a rich background in marketing, tech, and ecommerce to craft insightful content on job search strategies and career advancement. With experience from Super Magic Taste to Shopify, she excels in creating engaging, actionable advice for job seekers. Nicole's expertise in SEO and content marketing, honed across diverse roles, enables her to effectively guide individuals through the complexities of the job market. Her contributions at Huntr are vital, offering readers valuable tips and strategies to navigate their professional journeys successfully, making her work an invaluable resource for job seekers everywhere.

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Article updated on August 6, 2024 at 11:20 PM PDT

Best Resume Writing Services for 2024

Whether you're actively job hunting or just want to keep everything updated, a professional resume writing service can help you score that dream job.

Our Experts

• She received the Renau Writing Scholarship in 2016 from the University of Louisville's communication department.

• Apple software beta tester, "Helps make our computers and phones work!" - Zach's grandparents

CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.

Just like the job market, resume writing is constantly changing. From new formats to key terms, it can be hard to keep up with the trends, let alone keep your resume up-to-date with your experience. Whether you want to put your best foot forward applying for your dream job or you just need some writing help, we found the best resume writing services to get you that interview ASAP.

Some of what you'll need to include in your resume will depend on the industry you want to work in. While it can vary, employers will likely look at your education, work history and skills. We've combed through dozens of resume services looking at the most helpful features across a variety of needs. We looked especially closely at the number of custom templates, the amount of guidance the service offered, the ease of navigation and the robustness of the service's privacy policy. Each of these templates and professional writing services will help you create a complete resume that best reflects your skills and experience at an affordable price.

What’s the best resume builder website?

The best resume template and builder should give you a variety of options to customize your resume. Resume.com has many options and customization features that make it a useful tool for almost any candidate applying to any job. You can upload and edit an existing resume, customize an available template from its collection or let the service guide you through creating one from scratch. Resume.com also offers helpful guidance throughout your resume creation process, making sure you include and optimize all your content. Once you're happy with your resume, you can download it for free in multiple formats.

Depending on where you're at in the job application process, you might need more guidance than a template. These professional writing services will pair you with experienced writers and coaches to help you craft and perfect resumes, LinkedIn profiles, cover letters and more. These services include more personalized coaching and features, but they tend to be more expensive. We’ve collected a range of options for your budget and needs. Because your resume likely includes your contact information and some personal information, we've also included information about each service's privacy policy.

Best resume templates and builders of 2024

A well-constructed resume can help you stand out during a job search.

• Can create new resume or customize templates
• Many free features, guidance while writing
• Integrated with Indeed job search site
• Difficulty unsubscribing from paid services

Best free resume builder

Resume.com is a free resume writer offering dozens of templates for creating your resume or cover letter, as well as job boards and career advice. You have the option to upload and edit an existing resume, create a new one, or customize one of the sample resumes offered on the site. It's intuitive and easy to use, and it creates a professional-looking final product.

When starting from scratch, you'll go section by section, entering your education, employment history, hobbies and interests, professional skills, languages and references. Resume.com provides question prompts and tips for guidance, as well as career-specific examples you can add if you're struggling to find the right words. You can also choose to forgo any of these sections, rearrange sections and add custom ones depending on what you need. As you update and save each section, you can see how it will appear on the page on your resume preview to the right. You can also change the template, font style and size, or spacing at any time and see it update in real-time in the preview.

Once you're done, you can download your new resume (in PDF, DocX, RTF or TXT format), create a custom URL or print it out. You also have the option to upload it to Indeed, a job search site that partners with Resume.com . The account you make will work with both Indeed and Resume.com . On the privacy side, the site does collect user information. If you want to delete your account, simply click your profile icon and then Account . Clicking Close My Account deletes your account and your data. If you didn't make an account, you can still choose Delete Guest Data . You can also request your data, and the company will send you an email with what it has collected.

On the review site Trustpilot , Resume.com only has 38 reviews, but of those, 53% of them awarded the site four or five stars. Some negative reviews speak of difficulty unsubscribing from paid services, so read carefully as you use the free aspects of this service.

• Guided help writing work experience descriptions
• Cover letter and CV help
• Easy to change layout and color styles
• Must pay to download resume

Best option for your first resume

Resume genius.

The website Resume Genius says you can "make a professional resume in 12 minutes." We tested it out and indeed had a solid first draft of an easy resume completed in about 10 minutes. Resume Genius takes you step-by-step through the process, prompting you with questions about your education and work experience to help you fill out the applicable sections. Resume Genius is particularly helpful because you can search for a job and see prewritten text for the description that you can add or edit. When finished, you can easily toggle between different templates to see what looks best for the final product. You also have the option to directly share your resume with Indeed or Resume Library.

The site can also help you build cover letters and curriculum vitae. After you input all your information, you can choose different layout styles and colors. It's easy to move through, but you have to do it in order and fill in all the information before continuing. Resume Genius also offers examples of resumes, CVs and cover letters for specific jobs, as well as recommended jobs near you. You can download the resume you create for $3 (which starts a 14-day trial for Resume Genius Pro), or $8 (which kicks off a monthly subscription plan).

On Trustpilot at the time of this publication, the site has 4.6 out of 5 stars based on more than 38,000 reviews. Note that if you register on the site, Resume Genius does collect personally identifiable information and may share it with third parties for advertising and other purposes, according to its privacy policy. The account deletion process is buried in the Terms of Service . According to Resume Genius, complete data erasure can take up to 30 days, but they may retain "certain information in accordance with privacy laws."

• Easy to customize
• Free downloads
• Optional paid extra assistance with Indeed professionals
• Unclear how to delete personal information

Easiest resume builder to use

Indeed resume builder.

It's free to create a resume or post your current resume on Indeed. If you're building a new one, you can choose between eight templates. The resume sections are highlighted and when you click, each section expands specific text fields. You can swap templates at any time without losing your work, as well. There are also options for toggling sections on and off, in addition to rearranging them. When you're finished, you can download a free PDF of your work history.

Indeed Resume Builder also offers optional professional advice for your new resume. After you download the resume you created, you'll get a prompt and can click Get Resume Help From a Real Person. For $35, you can upload your resume and get feedback from a professional to get you started, and for $55 you can chat with a professional in real-time via a 20-minute video call. If you're really stuck, you can opt for the full resume rewrite for $155.

Indeed's privacy policy says that it does collect and share user data with third-party providers to connect job seekers with employers and improve services. According to Indeed's privacy policy, you can request an account or personal data deletion and request that your data not be shared while your account is active. CNET reached out to Indeed for more information and we'll update when we hear back.

• Guides resume creation
• Free resume downloads
• Paid tier offers interview advice and cover letter builder
• Have to pay for additional downloads

Most affordable paid resume builder

Cv engineer.

CV Engineer is an easy-to-use smartphone app that creates a professional-looking resume. With 16 templates to choose from, you can tap to enter information into all of the usual sections and add custom ones. When you tap on each section, you can tap through the bottom toolbar to get advice on what type of information to add, as well as view resume examples to show you how the section could look.

CV Engineer lets you send or download your first completed resume for free, but upgrading to CV Engineer Pro for a one-time payment of $6 gives you access to unlimited downloads. A Scan My CV feature is also included, which can detect common mistakes and suggest improvements, such as places where you can add more information. The Pro version also offers interview advice and a cover letter builder.

You can download CV Engineer from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store . CV Engineer does collect personal information and can share it with Google Play Services and Firebase Analytics, according to its privacy policy. The app is free to download and ad-free.

• Strong privacy policy
• Example resumes available
• Only one layout available
• Little guidance during creation

Best free iOS resume builder

Resume star 2: pro cv designer.

Resume Star 2 isn't the most visually stunning resume design app for iOS, but it gets the job done. To use, tap each section of the resume, fill in your information and it will fill in a traditional template (you only get one layout). The app offers some example resumes you can start with and edit as needed, including job-specific ones for a: cashier, dental hygienist, receptionist, waitress, mechanic and senior manager.

You can add or delete any sections you like without needing to hit save every time you add information, and you can see your resume update as you go. The autosave feature makes it easy to toggle quickly between the different sections as well. At the end, you'll have a basic resume ready to go. The app's interface doesn't offer as much guidance about how to write your resume or what types of information to include. If you need extra help, tap the information icon in the bottom left and choose the Resume Writing Guide. This will open up a crash course on resume writing in your mobile browser. It also includes a job search feature.

The app collects payment via donations after you use the service. You don't have to pay if you don’t want to. The app connects to iCloud, and you can export your resume as a PDF to any location on your device(s). If you are happy with the service, you pay $25 for it. Resume Star 2 has a 4.8 out of 5 rating, and more than 1,800 ratings in the App Store . The first version, Resume Star: Pro CV Maker, which is the same except for the iCloud connection, had a 4.9-star rating and more than 16,000 reviews. The site does not collect personally identifiable information without user consent, which seems to make it one of the more secure options available.

• 42 templates to choose from
• Easily customizable
• Little to no guidance during creation

Best free Android resume writing service

Intelligent cv resume builder app.

Intelligent CV's Resume Builder App offers 42 resume templates and allows you to change font colors. Each resume section appears on a list, and you can move through sections in whichever order you choose, save and go on to another. You also have the option to add, delete or rearrange sections such as education, experience and skills. There’s a Help icon in each section for a little bit of extra guidance. Once you're finished, you can download your document for free as a PDF, which you can then save on your device or send via email or text.

On the downside, the app is ad-supported and ads for other resume creators do pop up, which can get confusing. The app also offers less guidance than some of the other services, which means it's not a great option if you're new to resumes. Resume Builder App has one of the strongest privacy policies of the bunch. The app does not collect personally identifiable information , though third-party services (including Google Play services and analytics firms) may collect information. The app has 4.6 out of 5 stars and more than 424,000 Google Play Store ratings and is free to download.

• Easy-to-use interface
• Inclusive premium package

Best range of professional tools

VisualCV has an easy-to-use interface that lets you build your resume in the way that works best for you. After signing up, you can upload an existing resume, begin with a prewritten sample or start entirely from scratch. You can use the basic editor to input information in a list form, the visual editor to edit directly on the resume and preview mode to see changes made on either version in real time. Revision history is also available. The free basic edition allows you to select from over a dozen professional templates to create, edit and download one resume as a PDF. You can also create one free cover letter and apply to jobs through its job search feature.

To download or share additional resumes, you’ll need to buy VisualCV Pro for $15 a month quarterly or $24 a month monthly. Upgrading unlocks more templates, unlimited creations, downloading, career tracking and the ability to build a personal resume website. The website URL goes through VisualCV but can be shared online. In terms of privacy, VisualCV's policy says that it does not sell, trade, rent or license personal information to third parties. As of publication, VisualCV has 4 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot but only 131 reviews.

Best professional resume writing services of 2024

Depending on where you're at in the job application process, you might need more guidance than a template. These professional writing services will pair you with experienced writers and coaches to help you craft and perfect resumes, LinkedIn profiles, cover letters and more. As these services include more personalized coaching and features, they tend to be more expensive. We've collected a range of options depending on your budget and needs. Best professional resume writing services of 2024.

• Resume writing and career coaching
• Builds your resume from the ground up
• Quick turnaround
• More expensive options

A premium option for a tailored resume

Resume spice.

Suppose you're totally lost and are willing to invest several hundred dollars into your job search. In that case, Resume Spice is a resume writing and career coach service created by recruiters that connects you with a "resume expert" to build your CV from scratch.

Once you choose, you'll fill out a short questionnaire and schedule a phone consultation with a resume expert to discuss your experience, job search and career goals. The expert will take that information and turn around a personalized resume draft within two business days. You can review the draft and request any changes, and you'll get the final version in PDF and Word formats. 

An entry-level resume costs $479, a professional resume costs $589 and an executive resume costs $699. In addition to these packages, you can also add a cover letter, LinkedIn profile, interview coaching or other services to help you be more competitive in the job market.

• 60 day interview guarantee
• Industry-specific advice
• Variety of packages
• Limited non-resume add-ons

A 60-day interview guarantee

Resumewriters.com.

ResumeWriters.com offers a guarantee: If you don't get a job interview with a potential employer within two months of getting your new resume, they'll rewrite it for free. The service claims that in the 20 years and tens of thousands of resumes completed under this guarantee, it averages fewer than five requests for rewrites per year. To use the resume writing service, submit your current resume or career information on the site, and an experienced resume writer will contact you to assess your materials and plan out what you need. You'll get a first draft back within 72 hours and can work with the writer on revisions until you're satisfied with the result.

ResumeWriters offers student, professional, executive and career-change resume services, as well as CV services for those conducting their job search in fields specific to the military, IT and research. The resume services cost $170 for students and $200 for the professional level, with a cover letter, one-on-one consultation and LinkedIn profile. The career change level ($250) is a comprehensive package that includes everything plus a post-interview follow-up letter, and the highest tier is the executive package that guarantees applicants its most experienced writers for $300.

• ATS screening
• Unlimited revisions
• Longer turnaround time (3-7 business days)

A fast pass through HR screening software

ZipJob’s professional resume writers optimize your resume to get through the applicant tracking system (ATS) software used by the majority of employers to automatically scan and sort resumes. An expert writes your resume and scans it through the ATS to ensure it will make it through to the hiring manager's desk. To use the service, upload your resume or fill out a form to start from scratch. You'll be matched with a professional resume writer who will work with you to improve it and will then scan the final product to make sure it passes through the screening algorithms. Depending on which package you choose, your resume will be ready in three to seven days.

You can choose from three packages: Launch (resume writing and unlimited revisions for $139), Fast Track (adds a cover letter and a 60-day interview guarantee for $189) or Premium (adds a top resume writer, LinkedIn profile optimization, future resume updates and expedited delivery for $299).

• Career coaching
• Industry-specific feedback
• Ability to customize packages
• Longer turnaround time (3-5 business days)

An executive resume solution

Find my profession.

Find My Profession offers professional resume writing services as well as career coaching. Every resume gets reviewed by two different consultants. You'll find packages that include entry-level, professional, C-level and executive resume writer services, as well as federal. In each, you can choose a base, premium or VIP package depending on your needs.

For example, the professional resume package starts at $595 for a resume compatible with automated systems. You can also add help with a cover letter for an additional $119 or a LinkedIn profile for $399. You'll get the first draft of your resume within three to five business days after you consult with a writer. Or, upgrade to a priority service for another $149 to get it within 48 hours.

How we tested resume sites and services

When we evaluated the different resume templates and builders, we looked at how each site or app allowed you to create new resumes, browse templates or upload and edit existing resumes. We also looked at how easy or hard it would be to customize different templates and sections, how much guidance was available, how user-friendly it was to navigate, plus reading and understanding each company's privacy policies.

Some of our picks are free, some enlist the help of professional writers and some require a subscription or one-time payment. When it comes to premium or paid services, we evaluated how inclusive its packages were compared to basic or free versions. In many cases for the professional writing services, these paid tiers included more guidance and additional job search support like a cover letter and LinkedIn editing, suggested jobs to apply to and interview coaching.

Factors to consider when choosing a resume writing service

This was a key factor when compiling this list. Whether you're looking for a free service to boost your current resume or interested in professional editing services, there’s something for everyone’s price range.

Ease of use

When looking at each website, we looked at how easy it was to navigate, browse templates and add, edit or remove different sections. We also considered whether you can download and share your resume for free and in what format.

Customization options

Customization options were essential, as everyone's resume is going to look different. Having easy user control over your resume helps you create a resume that meets your industry's standards and showcases your professional experiences.

Privacy policies

Privacy policies were the final important factor to consider, as many of these are websites and apps that can collect and store your personal information. All of the services and websites included on this list have decent privacy settings, and we noted which ones have exceptionally clear use cases and account deletion policies.

Resume writing FAQs

What is a resume builder.

A resume builder is a company that has a website or app that helps you create and customize your resume. You can use preexisting templates or create your own from scratch.

What is a resume writing service?

A resume writing service is a company that pairs you with a coach or writer to work with you to create, perfect and tailor your resume, cover letters and other job application materials. These tend to be more inclusive packages and therefore more expensive than simple resume template websites.

What is the best resume format to use?

The best format for your resume is going to depend on the job you are applying to, along with your work experience. Resume templates can help you format and include all the necessary information like your education, work experience, skills and contact information.

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The Top 10 Best Free Resume Builders of 2024

Get ahead in your job search with these top-rated tools that allow you to create a professional resume without hidden fees or premium upgrades.

Customers Interviewed by:

Creating a resume from scratch is hard work. That’s why many job seekers use an online resume builder.

A resume builder comes with pre-made professional resume templates. All you need to do is plug in your information. The resume builder takes care of the rest, saving you valuable time.

Some resume builders cost money, others are free. The problem is that many resume builders that advertise themselves as free are NOT actually free. After you’ve spent time working on your resume, you’ll find that you need to pay to download it. This isn’t free, it’s frustrating!

In this article, we present the 10 best free resume builders. We’ll give you the pros and cons of each builder, show you how to use it, and provide a resume example.

The top 10 best free resume builders

The following list only features resume builders that are free. There are no hidden costs, so you can write your resume and download it without any surprises.

Usability score: Extremely Easy

Why do I like this resume builder?

I have to admit, I’m a bit biased. But I really like this newly updated resume builder. It’s easy to use and creates a highly readable, professional resume in no time. And it’s totally free.

To get started, you can either import a resume or create a new resume from scratch. But now there’s another option. You can import your LinkedIn profile and the builder will automatically turn it into a resume.

There are nine free resume templates to choose from. Each template is ATS-friendly , which helps your resume get through the initial screening process.

This resume builder also suggests skills based on your job title, which can help you tailor your resume to match the requirements of your target job. And, unlike many free resume builders, it allows you to build and download an unlimited number of resumes.

When you’re done creating your resume, you can click on the “Jobs” button to see personalized job listings . You’ll then be able to optimize your resume for the jobs you’re interested in by using Jobscan’s resume scanner (up to two free jobs a month).

The resume scanner provides you with a resume score that shows how closely your resume matches the description of the job you’re applying to. It also tells you how to increase your score. The higher your score, the better your chances of landing a job interview.

Is this resume builder really free? How do you use it?

Yes, Jobscan’s resume builder is 100% free. There are no hidden costs.

• Either import an existing resume, create one from scratch, or import your LinkedIn profile.
• Choose one of nine ATS-friendly resume templates.
• Fill in your contact information, work history, education, skills, and certificates.
• Click on the “Jobs” button to see personalized job listings.
• Use Jobscan’s resume scanner to optimize your resume (two free jobs a month).
• Download your resume as a PDF.

Pros and cons of using Jobscan’s resume builder

• The tool is completely free to use, making it accessible to everyone.
• The split-screen format makes it easy to preview your resume as you build it.
• The free templates are ATS-friendly.
• There are no hidden costs.
• You can use Jobscan’s resume scanner to optimize your resume according to best practices.
• AI assistant is only available with the paid version.

Sample resume made with Jobscan

2. CakeResume

First of all, there’s a nice selection of templates. And the drag-and-drop interface allowed me to easily add and rearrange sections as needed.

In addition to a resume, I was able to create a public profile, which I linked my LinkedIn profile to. It was then easy to generate links to both my profile and my resume that could easily be shared.

The only downside of CakeResume is that you can just build one basic resume using their free version.

Yes, CakeResume is free, but you can only create one basic resume.

• Sign up for a free account.
• Pick a template that suits your professional style.
• Use their drag-and-drop interface to organize your professional experiences, education, and skills sections.
• Fill in your details.
• Create a public profile and link your LinkedIn information for added visibility.
• Click the PDF button in the upper left corner to download your resume for free.

Pros and cons of using CakeResume’s builder

• The drag-and-drop sections make customization simple.
• You can create a public profile, enhancing your professional presence.
• You can easily download your resume in PDF format.
• You can create a shareable link to your online resume.
• You can only create one free basic resume.
• The resume can only be downloaded in PDF format.
• The default templates are simple and might not be visually appealing.

Sample resume made with CakeResume

When you’re done building your resume with CakeResume, use Jobscan’s resume scanner to see how well it matches the job description of the position you’re applying for.

3. GotResumeBuilder

I found this free resume builder super easy to use. I used the drag-and-drop feature to quickly organize my sections, and was able to customize fonts and size without any problem.

I love that GotResumeBuilder offers an AI-powered writing assistant. This is a bonus in any free resume builder.

Finally, I liked that I could download my resume as a PDF or Word file without any hidden costs.

Overall, although it might not have all the bells and whistles of some paid tools, GotResumeBuilder is a fantastic option for anyone needing a reliable and cost-free resume builder.

Yes, GotResumeBuilder is entirely free.

• Select a template that fits your style.
• Add your contact info, job title, work experience, education, and skills.
• Use the AI-powered writing assistant to help you.
• Adjust fonts, sizes, and other design elements.
• Check the real-time preview to see how your resume looks.
• Once satisfied, download your resume in your preferred format (PDF, Word, HTML, or plain text).

Pros and cons of using GotResumeBuilder

• You can create and download resumes in multiple formats (PDF, Word, HTML, txt).
• The platform features an AI-powered writing assistant that can suggest bullet points​.
• Easy to customize with drag-and-drop organizer, quick font adjuster, and real-time preview​​.
• May lack some of the advanced functionalities found in premium resume builders, such as more in-depth resume design, customization, and integration with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)​​.

Sample resume made with GotResumeBuilder

When you’re done building your resume with GotResumeBuilder, use Jobscan’s resume scanner to see how well it matches the job description of the position you’re applying for.

4. Resume Trick

Usability score: Easy

Resume Trick offers a variety of free, customizable templates that cater to different styles and industries. It also has an AI-powered assistant, which provides writing suggestions and formatting tips. This is a big plus.

This resume builder is also multilingual. Besides English, other languages include German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese. Another plus.

Finally, you can download the finished resume in PDF format with no hidden costs. Everything a free resume builder should have!

Yes, Resume Trick is entirely free.

• Register for a free account using your Google credentials.
• Browse the selection of resume templates, which range from classic to modern designs.
• Enter your information, including your professional qualifications, education, and relevant skills.
• Use the AI tool to get helpful suggestions and formatting tips.
• Adjust the template’s layout, fonts, and colors to personalize your resume.
• Preview your resume.
• Once you’re satisfied, download your resume in PDF format for free.

Pros and cons of using Resume Trick’s builder

• A range of customizable templates that cater to different styles and industries.
• The AI assistant provides helpful writing suggestions and formatting tips.
• You can create resumes in multiple languages, including German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese.
• You can download the finished resume in PDF format at no cost.
• While the platform offers basic customization and AI assistance, it may lack some of the more advanced features available in premium resume builders.

Sample resume made with Resume Trick

When you’re done building your resume with Resume Trick, use Jobscan’s resume scanner to see how well it matches the job description of the position you’re applying for.

Usability score: Moderately easy

Enhancv is another strong resume builder that does the basics well. It’s got templates, easy customization, and even an AI assistant that helps “write and improve resumes”. And, of course, you can download your resume in PDF format.

BUT, you can only use the free version of Enhancv for 7 days. After that you’ll have to pay for a subscription.

During the free trial period, you can create up to two resumes and cover letters . You have access to all available resume and cover letter templates and basic resume sections.

Yes, it’s free for 7 days, after which you’ll have to pay for a subscription.

• Click on “Build Your Resume” to begin creating your resume.
• You can either start from scratch or upload an existing resume to get started.
• Select a template that suits your style and industry.
• Fill in your information.
• Use the drag-and-drop interface to rearrange sections. You can add up to 15 section items during the free trial.
• Check the real-time preview of your resume.
• During the free 7-day trial, you can download your resume in PDF format.

Pros and cons of using Enhancv’s builder

• Offers a wide range of templates that cater to different industries and styles.
• Features an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy to customize layouts, fonts, and colors.
• The AI-powered assistant provides writing suggestions and formatting tips.
• Users can preview their resume as they build it.
• After the 7-day trial, you must pay for a subscription to continue to access the resume builder.
• During the free trial, users are restricted to a maximum of 15 section items .

Sample resume made with Enhancv

When you’re done building your resume with Enhancv, use Jobscan’s resume scanner to see how well it matches the job description of the position you’re applying for.

6. ResumeGiants

Usability score : Moderately easy

I found ResumeGiants to be an excellent tool for creating a professional resume and cover letter.

First of all, the platform is free to use. You can create and download your resume without any hidden charges. And it has an AI assistant, which provides writing suggestions and formatting tips.

The platform is available in nearly a dozen languages, including German, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Hebrew, Chinese, and Japanese.

Overall, ResumeGiants is a fantastic, user-friendly option for job seekers looking to create standout resumes at no cost.

Yes, ResumeGiants is completely free.

• Create a free account.
• Browse the variety of templates available and select the best fit.
• Fill in your personal details (address, email, phone number), work experience, education, and skills.
• Adjust the layout, fonts, and colors to suit your preferences.
• Use the AI-powered suggestions for writing and formatting tips.
• Check the real-time preview to ensure everything looks good.
• Download your resume in your preferred format (PDF, Word, etc.) for free.

Pros and cons of using ResumeGiant’s builder

• You can create and download resumes and cover letters without any hidden charges.
• Available in nearly a dozen languages.
• Provides AI-generated writing suggestions and formatting tips.
• The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate.
• Resumes created may not always be optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
• While the free features are robust, some advanced features may be limited compared to paid services.

Sample resume made with ResumeGiants

When you’re done building your resume with ResumeGiants, use Jobscan’s resume scanner to see how well it matches the job description of the position you’re applying for.

Usability score : Moderate

The best thing about Indeed’s resume builder is that you can automatically share your resume with potential employers on the Indeed website. 

Now for the negatives. Overall, I didn’t feel that this resume builder was flexible enough. For example, next to each resume skill you must add your experience level. I didn’t want that option but there’s no way to turn it off.

The education section was also limited (no option to choose MBA?). Plus, the ability to manually edit entries is limited as well.

But perhaps the biggest issue I had with this resume builder was that it doesn’t save your work! Although they do warn you with this message, “Your information will not be saved when this browser tab is closed.”

Yes, Indeed’s resume builder is free.

• Sign in to your Indeed account (or create one first).
• Click “Build your free resume”.
• Enter your contact info, work history, years of experience, and education.
• Include additional sections like skills, certifications, awards, and projects.
• Download your resume in PDF format.

Pros and cons of using Indeed’s resume builder

• You can automatically share your resume with potential employers on Indeed.
• Indeed’s resume builder is completely free with no hidden costs.
• You can upload your existing resume to have it automatically reformatted.
• The builder isn’t flexible enough; there’s no way to turn off options you don’t want.
• The ability to manually edit entries is limited.
• The builder does not save your work automatically, and your information will be lost if the browser tab is closed.

Sample resume made with Indeed

When you’re done building your resume with Indeed, use Jobscan’s resume scanner to see how well it matches the job description of the position you’re applying for.

8. Kickresume

I liked the user-friendly interface and the AI-powered writing assistant, which can help you generate and rewrite content.

Unfortunately, you can only list two skills with the free version, which is quite limiting. I also didn’t like that I couldn’t add a resume headline or resume summary . And the preview was too small to read properly.

On the positive side, the unlimited downloads are a nice feature for a free tool, and it offers the option to create a matching cover letter.

​Yes it’s free, but there are limitations (like only being able to list two skills).

• Sign up for a free Kickresume account.
• Select one of the four basic resume templates available.
• Enter your contact details, work history, and education.
• Include additional sections like skills (limited to 2 skills in the free version).
• Download your resume in PDF format, with unlimited downloads available.

Pros and cons of using Kickresume’s builder

• Allows you to use AI to generate and rewrite content.
• You can download your resume as many times as needed without additional costs.
• Provides the option to create a matching cover letter.
• You can only list two skills with the free version.
• The preview is too small to read comfortably.
• There is no option to include a resume headline or summary.
• The free version lacks flexibility in key areas, making it less practical for comprehensive resume building.

Sample resume made with Kickresume

When you’re done building your resume with Kickresume, use Jobscan’s resume scanner to see how well it matches the job description of the position you’re applying for.

Canva is one of the most popular resume builders. It provides a variety of well-designed and visually attractive templates, allowing job seekers to quickly and easily create the perfect resume. It’s also easy to customize colors , fonts, and layouts to truly make your resume your own.

However, many professional resume writers do NOT recommend using Canva.

“While Canva resume templates look impressive at first glance, I do not recommend them for electronic submissions,” says resume expert Jazlyn Unbedacht . “Canva templates typically feature size 8 point to 10 point font, which is difficult to see, graphics that can filter the resume out when put through an Applicant Tracking System, and the formatting can be confusing to a human resources specialist or hiring manager.”

Yes, Canva users can create, edit, and download their resumes for free.

• Visit Canva’s website and sign up for a free account.
• Select a free template that fits your style.
• Open the template and use Canva’s drag-and-drop interface to personalize it.
• Change colors, fonts, and layouts to your liking.
• Enter your personal details, work experience, education, and skills.
• Add text boxes for additional sections like certifications or awards.
• Click the “Download” button, choose PDF format, and download your resume.
• Save your project in Canva for future updates and generate a shareable link if needed.

Pros and cons of using Canva’s resume builder

• The drag-and-drop functionality makes it easy to customize templates, even for beginners.
• Hundreds of free, professionally designed templates are available.
• Users can personalize colors, fonts, and layouts
• Resumes can be downloaded in multiple formats (PDF, JPG, PNG) as many times as needed without any cost.
• Many of Canva’s templates might not be appropriate for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
• You can’t download your resume in Word format.
• There are no expert tips for writing or suggestions for relevant keywords, making it harder to tailor resumes for ATS.

Sample resume made with Canva

When you’re done building your resume with Canva, use Jobscan’s resume scanner to see how well it matches the job description of the position you’re applying for.

10. Resume.com

Resume.com is owned by Indeed, so you’ll need an Indeed account to use this builder. It is possible to build a resume in guest mode without signing in, but it will be deleted after 48 hours.

Overall, this builder is easy to use. You can drag sections to reorder them, and you’ll be able to preview your resume in real-time as you build it, which is always a positive.

You can also add custom sections, which adds some flexibility. For example, if you want a headline section, you can manually create one.

I especially liked the tips that pop up as you add your information to each section. And it’s simple to download your resume as a PDF (there’s no Word option though).

Unfortunately, I thought the final resume looked a bit bland and uninspiring.

While this builder is free, you must create an Indeed account and use it to sign into Resume.com. If you don’t, your resume will be deleted in 48 hours (you’ll even see a clock counting down).

• Create an Indeed account and use it to log in.
• Add your information to existing sections like work experience, education, and skills.
• Create custom sections (like for the headline) and reorder them by dragging.
• Click the PDF button to download your resume.

Pros and cons of using Resume.com’s builder

• The builder allows you to easily visualize your resume as you build it.
• You can add custom sections, such as a headline, for greater flexibility.
• Easily reorder sections by dragging and dropping them.
• The tips feature provides useful guidance as you add information to each section.
• Simple to download your resume as a PDF file.
• You need an Indeed account to use the builder since Resume.com is owned by Indeed.
• The final resume can look a bit bland and uninspiring.
• Resumes can only be downloaded as PDFs, not Word documents.
• Your resume will only be saved for 48 hours unless you create an Indeed account.

Sample resume made with Resume.com

When you’re done building your resume with Resume.com, use Jobscan’s resume scanner to see how well it matches the job description of the position you’re applying for.

A resume builder is the easy way to build your resume. It simplifies the process of creating a professional resume by offering templates and step-by-step guidance, ensuring your resume is well-structured and highlights your strengths.

Yes, many resume builders offer completely free templates that jobseekers can use to create and download their resumes without any cost.

Some resume builders are completely free, while others may charge for additional features like downloading or premium templates. Always check for any hidden costs.

The best resume builder depends on your needs, but popular options include Jobscan, Resume Genius, Novoresume, and Resume.com, known for their ease of use and comprehensive features.

Yes, many resume builders offer tips, examples, and suggestions to help you write effective resume content tailored to your job application.

Robert Henderson, CPRW, is a career advice writer and a resume expert at Jobscan.

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I tested 5 AI resume builders to help get a job — here's what happened

Here’s how to apply for a job using AI

I long for the day when I’ll wake up in the morning and get my AI ready to go to work for me . Until that time comes, the least AI could do for me today is to help me land a job I like.

Not everyone is a fan of resume and cover letters, but they remain staples in many recruitment processes.

For years, employers have also been using forms of AI to filter through these documents in order to narrow down the pool of applications they receive for any given vacancy. 

The latest advances in generative AI mean that right now employees can leverage AI tools at their disposal to empower themselves in the job-hunting process.

I wanted to see how powerful these tools are. To find out, I created a shortlist of AI resume and cover letter builders that I wanted to try. Tom’s Guide believes in fair fights, so I used each of them as though I was applying for the same job with the same profile.

A target was required and I found a LinkedIn ad for a real job as a remote Software Engineer with generative AI responsibilities at Meta (formerly Facebook) that looked promising.

The role asked for a candidate with over two years of coding experience and over two years of building large-scale applications. More experience was required in designing and completing medium to large features without guidance. Meta was looking for a candidate with, or in the process of obtaining, a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or equivalent practical experience. In exchange, the company was offering a salary between $116k and $168k per year.

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I created a fictitious aspiring Meta software engineer, Tamsin Smith, in order to have some kind of profile I could submit to the AI. Smith holds two Stanford University degrees in computing science, completed an internship with Twitter and has been working at Google as a software engineer since 2019. 

If that’s not enough for Mark Zuckerberg to give her an offer, she also leads a local scouting group in her free time.

With an actual job ad and an alter ego in hand, I was ready to start reviewing AI tools. Read on to find out which tools I used, what they produced and my thoughts on their performance.

My first attempt was with Rezi.ai since it offers a free basic service and I wanted to check if the way I designed the review could work in principle. And it did!

Right after confirming my email, I was creating Tamsin Smith’s first resume.

I was presented with a choice between a “Job-Tailored Resume” and a “General Purpose Resume”; I went with the first choice as it was exactly what this test was about. It asked me for the role and company I’m targeting but I was blindsided when Rezi asked me to insert a job application I’d written for the role. Isn’t this something the AI should be doing for me?

I finished this side quest and then added basic details like my name and email, followed by my previous work experience. Here’s when I first encountered signs of AI life in the form of a bullet point generator to further explain my role. 

Rezi went on to ask me to add details on projects I’d worked on, my education history, certifications, coursework, involvement in other organizations, and my skills.

The next exciting step was the summary section, where I gladly let the AI take control. It was nothing I couldn’t have come up with myself if I simply wanted to summarize my resume, but it at least merits a pass mark. (I wanted to ask the AI to write a cover letter for me based on the finished resume but that feature requires a subscription.)

Overall Rezi marked the resume it produced at 87 out of 100, which I think is a bit too generous. If you have a rough idea of what you want your resume to look like, by all means, use Rezi so you don’t have to worry about the formatting. It might also provide a helpful AI-generated bullet point or two along the way.

If you were worried that not using Rezi’s AI was the one thing stopping you from getting your dream job, rest assured that (at least with its free version) this is not the case.

My score: 3/5

Resumaker.ai

“Designed templates that will get you hired at the world's leading companies,” Resumaker proudly displayed on its homepage. I also had to pay ($0.99) to download my resume and cover letter. Surely, I was on the verge of getting Tamsin hired?

By now I’d gotten the hang of inserting details like my education and work history. In this regard, little separates the resume builders tested here.

The AI kicked in to provide me with text I could insert as accomplishments in my jobs and as the headline summary. The latter left much to be desired but at least it was presentable. Resumaker didn’t offer to beef up my volunteering section so I had to write that part manually. As a whole, the resume felt a bit dry but at least it was presentable.

However, it’s a good thing this service isn’t called Coverlettermaker. Every sentence it generated started with either an “I am” or “I have”. When you’re working with such a structure, there’s only so much you can do to make the rest more exciting. Furthermore, it left the [Company Name] field for me to fill in. AI that’s supposed to help me land a job in a highly competitive market should come with higher standards. 

Resumaker.ai claims that thousands of applications it created landed people jobs. If there’s any truth to that, then on the bright side we really shouldn’t be overthinking what we’re sending to hiring managers.

The main question I asked myself before deciding whether each AI builder deserved a pass mark was: Can I send out the résumé as is? 

Teal didn’t quite make the cut here.

It asked me to connect the specific job I was applying for from LinkedIn to the resume and it started analyzing the job ad for keywords I should include. Fantastic! I was ready for a made-to-measure summary, past accomplishments, and cover letter — the areas where I wanted the AI to work its magic.

Unfortunately, this is where I felt let down. In the headline summary, Teal ended up giving me a compilation of the achievements it had previously generated but also prominently added that I had expertise in “work authorization”. The AI thought the right to work in the U.S. requirement from Meta’s job description was a hard skill. 

It scored its own resume at 79%.

As far as its cover letter goes, I appreciated that I could generate it for free without having to spend time adding more details than I already had. However, the result was something I could have just as easily written myself.

My score: 2/5

Kickresume.com

The last AI resume maker I wanted to test was Kickresume, which had the highest monthly fee out of the lot at $19 per month. You can bring that down by paying an annual lump sum that brings the pricing down to $9 a month or, as I did, utilize the free trial version. 

Right when I was losing hope in the resume generators, Kickresume lifted my spirits.

Its helpful AI writer was alongside me from start to finish, offering handy suggestions for work accomplishments, explaining my certifications, and also suggesting skills I should list specifically for a software engineering position. I ended up with a clean-looking CV and I didn’t even have to break a sweat.

Kickresume gave the resume it generated a score of 88/100.

If I’m in a pinch and need a new resume that I don’t have to scan for AI-generated sentences that would land me in the "rejected" pile, Kickresume.com is the first website I’ll be visiting.

I wanted to add a nice cherry to the cake, so I asked Kickresume to create a cover letter using the great resume it made. But this is where I was underwhelmed. 

While devoid of grammatical errors, I felt as though the AI didn’t take the résumé and job description I gave into consideration. It provided me with a few short lines that didn’t even name-drop Tamsin’s fictitious stints at Twitter and Google. You wouldn’t even know she completed two degrees at Stanford. Based on my positive experience with the résumé, I couldn’t believe this was the same AI content generator.

My score: 4/5

No subscriptions. No plugins. I wanted to see how well the free version of OpenAI ’s ChatGPT would do against the four dedicated AI resume and cover letter generators listed above.

I tweaked a prompt that I found online and, in 161 words, I asked the AI for a first draft of my new resume. I then asked the chatbot to refine its work based on the job description I gave it to make my resume less generic. In seconds, I had my second draft.

Since ChatGPT only gave me a plain text version of my resume, I then pasted what it gave me into a template from one of the previous builders.

I’m happy to announce that both myself and Tamsin were very pleased with the results. The resume easily rivals the ones generated from the other services I tested. I wouldn’t have minded some text to beef up the education section to explain what I had learned at Stanford. Also, the line pointing out that Meta was previously called Facebook is something I would never have included in a resume intended for Meta’s eyes. Other than that, ChatGPT gave me decent results in the shortest amount of time.

I was especially impressed with the cover letter I asked ChatGPT to craft for me. It was perhaps a bit too long for some tastes but it was arguably the most well-rounded out of the five.

Honorary score: 4/5

The verdict

There have already been reports of people using AI to write resumes and cover letters who ended up getting hired for the positions they’ve applied for, and I’m not surprised. But as this test has shown, a website’s claim that it uses AI to provide a service is not some kind of guarantee of the level of service you can expect. 

Shop around when looking for AI resume and cover letter writers. Perhaps combine two or more of them to leverage each one’s specific strengths. But add the finishing touches yourself.

More from Tom's Guide

• Google's new Gemini AI could beat ChatGPT — here's why
• Google’s plan to train its AI now includes the entire public internet
• 3 best AI synthetic video generators you can use today — tested and compared

Christoph Schwaiger is a journalist who mainly covers technology, science, and current affairs. His stories have appeared in Tom's Guide, New Scientist, Live Science, and other established publications. Always up for joining a good discussion, Christoph enjoys speaking at events or to other journalists and has appeared on LBC and Times Radio among other outlets. He believes in giving back to the community and has served on different consultative councils. He was also a National President for Junior Chamber International (JCI), a global organization founded in the USA. You can follow him on Twitter @cschwaigermt.

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5 AI Resume Builders You Should Try In 2024

A resume builder should not be used as a magic wand, but it can certainly reduce anxiety in the job ... [+] search process and help you process your thoughts, skills and experiences in a way that will resonate with the recruiting team

In your quest to create the perfect resume, no doubt you've encountered several AI (artificial intelligence) applications all supposedly guaranteeing the same promise: to be able to save you time, worry, and stress, and generate a shiny new document that will get you past the gatekeepers and secure an initial interview.

If you've never used a generative AI tool before, you might be concerned and initially apprehensive.

And you should be.

After all, you don't want to take any chances and wreck an entire application that has already taken considerable painstaking effort.

With the plethora of options you have to choose from, it might be overwhelming to know which resume builders are worth your money (if you do need to pay anything at all) and which ones have the highest chances of success.

But as long as you follow these guidelines to make your resume with AI, you'll be on the right track:

How To Find A Good Resume Builder

When looking for a resume builder, you will need to carefully weigh up several factors including:

• Ease of navigation and user experience
• Your budget and pricing options available—including any free trials or free plans you might be able to take advantage of
• Trustpilot and Product Hunt reviews, Reddit discussions and reviews, and even asking your professional connections on LinkedIn
• Value for the price
• Comparison of features and customization options—customization is extremely important for your resume to be effective
• ATS compatibility

A note on ATS compatibility: Applicant tracking systems are becoming more modernized, and as such, some features that would have been rendered unreadable and disqualify you from a position (such as double columns) are now accessible thanks to updated parsing technology, according to an Enhancv study .

However, it's worth bearing in mind that according to the study, a resume built with Canva or Microsoft Word tends to fare better overall without double columns—a 93% success rate compared to an 86% success rate for double columns.

At the same time, using a different software such as Google Docs yields an impressive 99% success rate, regardless of whether the resume was created with a single or double column.

5 AI-Powered Resume Builders

Below are five positively-reviewed AI-powered resume builder tools you can use to make your application truly stand out to hiring managers. Some, such as Enhancv, are tested against ATS software (applicant tracking systems that recruiters use to help screen candidate resumes) to ensure full compatibility:

• Resumaker AI

How To Use A Resume Builder

Whichever resume builder you decide to use from the list above, it's essential to understand that AI is not a quick fix. While it certainly provides much needed assistance as you figure out how to make a resume that truly stands out to employers, you will need to ensure that you double check the final output for grammatical issues, spelling mistakes, inconsistencies, needless repetitions, and a lack of human flow in the writing style—all of which can be obvious tell-tale signs that your resume was written by AI.

Additionally, while AI can help with formatting and readability, you need to ensure that the final document reflects who you really are and is one that you are personally happy and comfortable with.

Using a resume builder doesn't take away from the fact that you need to sell yourself effectively. AI will only provide impetus to what you already have. An AI-powered resume builder won't do the selling for you. This means quantifying your achievements where possible and using this data to feed the resume builder.

Resume builders will also help you identify keywords to help you beat ATS—but you'll need to check over these to ensure they apply to you, and look out for any other resume keywords which are familiar terms in your industry so you can highlight the right keywords to catch the attention of recruiters.

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Finally, it's essential to note that resume builders will not take away the necessity for mental effort. You still need to closely study job descriptions and highlight relevant experience, education, skills (including soft skills) and certificates that you possess, so that you can input these into the tool.

This is because resume builders may sometimes include skills that are not relevant to you, in an effort to match with the job description for the role you wish to apply for, so you'll need to ensure that you review these for accuracy. Also, some may only focus on your last role, so you'll need to add extra experiences to bulk up your resume and provide deeper context into your skills and experience.

Resume builders offer incredible features such as customization options, free trials, and assistance ... [+] with keywords.

Overall, crafting the perfect resume that actually gets you hired comes down to a combination of your personal input and self-belief in your abilities, and the complementary augmentation of artificial intelligence tools. Job searching can be an exhausting process, so utilize these resume builders to make your efforts easier and give you greater piece of mind—edging you closer to your dream job.

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About Indeed

Indeed overview.

Indeed is a job search platform that allows users to search millions of jobs online. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Indeed is known for its comprehensive job search tools, resume building, and company reviews. Indeed is a leading job search platform globally, providing a vast database of job listings and resources for job seekers.

Indeed Products or Services

Indeed offers a range of products and services to facilitate job search and career development. Some of its most notable offerings include:

• Job Search : Indeed's core feature allows users to search for jobs by keyword, location, and category. Users can filter results by factors like salary, experience level, and company type.
• Resume Building : Indeed provides tools for users to create and upload their resumes, making it easier for employers to find them.
• Company Reviews : Users can read and write reviews about companies, providing valuable insights into company culture and work environment.
• Salary Information : Indeed offers salary data and insights to help users negotiate better salaries and understand market trends.
• Interview Preparation : Indeed provides resources and tips to help users prepare for job interviews, including practice questions and common interview topics.
• Job Alerts : Users can set up job alerts to receive notifications about new job postings that match their search criteria.
• Employer Services : Indeed offers services for employers, including job posting, resume screening, and candidate management tools.

Indeed & Affordability

Indeed's services are generally free for job seekers. Employers, on the other hand, may need to pay for premium services like job posting and resume screening. The pricing for these services is competitive with industry standards, making Indeed an affordable option for businesses of all sizes.

Indeed Competitors

Indeed's primary competitors include:

• LinkedIn : A professional networking platform that also offers job search features. LinkedIn's pricing is generally higher than Indeed's, but it offers more advanced features for recruiters and employers.
• Glassdoor : A job search platform that also provides company reviews and salary data. Glassdoor's pricing is similar to Indeed's, but it focuses more on company culture and employee reviews.
• ZipRecruiter : A job search platform that aggregates job listings from various sources. ZipRecruiter's pricing is competitive with Indeed's, but it offers more advanced features for employers.
• Monster : A job search platform that offers resume building and career resources. Monster's pricing is generally higher than Indeed's, but it offers more advanced features for job seekers.
• CareerBuilder : A job search platform that offers resume building and career resources. CareerBuilder's pricing is similar to Indeed's, but it focuses more on career development and job training.

Indeed stands out from its competitors due to its vast job database and user-friendly interface. While its competitors may offer more advanced features, Indeed's free services and competitive pricing make it a popular choice for job seekers and employers alike.

Indeed Reviews and Sentiment

Indeed generally receives positive reviews from users, with many praising its user-friendly interface and comprehensive job database. Users appreciate the ability to search for jobs by keyword and location, as well as the availability of salary data and company reviews. Some users have reported issues with job posting quality and customer support, but overall, Indeed is seen as a valuable resource for job seekers.

Indeed Popularity

Indeed is a well-known and popular job search platform, with millions of users worldwide. It is widely recognized as one of the leading job search platforms globally, and its services are widely used by both job seekers and employers. Indeed's popularity can be attributed to its user-friendly interface, comprehensive job database, and competitive pricing.