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Cover Letter Template

While a resume provides details to show you CAN do the work, a cover letter shows you WANT to do the work. Cover letters are used to introduce you to the prospective employer, highlight the most important details about you, and if well written, entice the reader to seriously review your resume. Continue reading below to learn how to write a cover letter, see examples of cover letters and to download a free cover letter template .

Resume Cover Letter Template

Other Versions

Description.

Looking for a change in employment? Use this free resume cover letter template to help you get started. Looking for help on Resumes? Check out our tips and templates for resumes .

Author : Brent Weight and Jon Wittwer

License : Limited Use

Cover Letter Objectives

Before writing a cover letter, make sure you have a clear understanding of the goals or objectives for the letter. These objectives include:

• Introduce yourself and your resume
• Explain your experience in more detail by providing pertinent stories or experiences
• Provide a sample of your written communication
• Hook the reader so they will want to read your resume

Personalize Your Cover Letter

Cover letters should be personalized as much as possible. Never send out the same cover letter twice. It may require you to do some research and to reach out to your network to make connections and introductions. Here are some things to include.

• Make sure you tailor your letter to a specific individual and greet them by name.
• If you don't have a name, then consider skipping the generic salutation.
• Try to include details specific to the company or the position.
• Provide a reference about how you heard about the job. This may include the date of the newspaper post or the online job reference number.
• If you have had prior contact with the recipient, remind them of it in the introduction.
• Be sure to mention any third parties that are recommending you or referring you for the position.
• Consider listing the job you are applying for in a subject line.

The main body of the cover letter should have appropriate content. Don't use it to simply recreate your resume. Pick 3 or 4 key traits, skills or attributes you really want to highlight and focus on those. Consider picking traits that may be most appropriate based on the job listing. Use experiences, stories and results to demonstrate your use or possession of the traits or attributes.

Make sure you end with a strong closing that is short and to the point. The time for details and stories has passed. Consider inviting them to read your resume and include a request for a response or an interview. You may decide to keep the ball in your court and simply inform them you will follow up with a phone call. And be considerate and thank them for their time.

Additional Cover Letter Writing Tips

• Use a formal business letter structure - You are writing a letter, not a memo or email. Use a formal business letter template .
• Avoid bad grammar and spelling. - Poorly written and edited letters can kill your chances before they even look at your resume. Consider hiring a professional to edit your cover letter.
• Don't sound desperate - Avoid sounding desperate by avoiding phrases such as "I really need this job" or "I hope you pick me".
• Use formatting wisely - Use formatting such as bullets, italics, bold and font changes to draw attention to key items and to increase readability.
• Avoid anything negative - Honesty about issues or special circumstances you face is important, but you don't have to mention it in your cover letter. Use interviews to provide these details.
• Keep it short - Your letter should highlight and demonstrate, not bore and wander. Keep to the main points and be succinct.
• Don't mess up in the delivery - Make sure your letter looks correct when printed. Consider using nicer paper for actual letters. When sending electronically, send it as a PDF since almost everyone has software to read a PDF file.
• Avoid uncommon language - Avoid terms that are specific to past employers and not used my most people. This would include acronyms and company jargon.

Use AI To Help Write a Resume Cover Letter

There are multiple generative AI tools that can help you come up with a draft for a letter. For example, using the Bing AI Chat or ChatGPT, you could use some of these prompts:

• Create a cover letter for this job posting. [Paste job listing here]
• Create a cover letter for a job as a tie fighter pilot in the empire.

BONUS! If you have a ChatGPT Plus account, check out our Letter Writing AI .

Sample Cover Letters

Sample cover letter for recent graduate.

Bill Stevenson 123 Anywhere Street Somewhereville, Best State 88889

Mr. Ryan Francom IT Manager XYZ Aviation Company 456 Somewhere Road Best Town, Best State 88888

Dear Mr. Francom,

In May, I will graduate from Tech University with a Master's of Science in Aeronautical Engineering. I am seeking to pursue my life long goal of becoming an aeronautical engineer for a world-class aviation company. Let me briefly highlight the skills, values and passion I will bring to XYZ Aviation Company.

• Lifelong passion for all things aeronautical including receiving my pilot's license at the age of 15.
• Solid understanding of aeronautical design processes and procedures gained at ABC Corp as a Level 1 engineer.
• Ability to work with others on interdisciplinary design teams in order to meet goals and complete projects on time.
• An aptitude for defining problems and identifying creative solutions while building consensus between all affected parties.
• A hardworking and self-directed work ethic with a dedication to detail.

An interview to further review your needs and my skills would be mutually beneficial. Next week I will contact you to schedule an interview. I look forward to talking to you soon.

Bill Stevenson

Example Cover Letter

Nancy Thompson 123 Anywhere Street Somewhereville, Best State 88889

Ms. Emily Smith HR Manager XYZ Company 456 Somewhere Road Best Town, Best State 88888

Dear Ms. Smith,

Bob Jones, your IT director, suggested that I contact you regarding the recently listed Sales Director position. I would love to be an integral part of your leadership team and contribute my proven management skills, efficiency and productivity to your corporate goals.

Highlights of my 20 year career include

• Over 10 years of experience managing direct sales staff with 20 years of marketing and sales experience.
• Creation and implementation of a direct sales program with annual sales reaching $50 million in less than 4 years.
• Deadlines met on time and in budget with a willingness to work with others to accomplish corporate tasks.
• Led the successful acquisition and merger of ACME Companies catalog sales division with ABC Companies sales division.

I am confident my qualifications will allow me to add significant value to your company as the Sales Director. I will call you directly to schedule an appropriate time for us to speak about the challenges and opportunities your company faces and how I can contribute to your company's future growth and success. Thank you in advance for your time.

Nancy Thompson

More Resume Cover Letter Templates

There are some sample cover letters in the Microsoft Office template gallery, under the category Letters . You can also find templates by opening Microsoft Word, going to File > New, and searching for "resume cover letter." Below are examples of some of the letters you can find this way:

• Resume Cover Letter to Use When Referred by a Colleague
• Cover Letter for an Entry-Level Resume
• Cover Letter in Response to Advertisement
• ... for a Temporary Position
• ... Announcing Your Job Search
• ... for a Functional Resume
• ... with Salary Requirements
• ... for Unsolicited Resume

Additional Resources

Below are some additional resources to help you write a great cover letter for your resume. They contain additional writing guidelines and tips.

• What is a Cover Letter? at purdue.edu - A down-and-dirty guide to writing cover letters.
• 6 Secrets to Writing a Great Cover Letter at forbes.com - Some extra tips
• Cover Letter Tips (PDF) at michigan.gov - Basic cover letter structure and tips with additional examples.
• Cover Letter Writing at northwestern.edu

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Resume Templates

Resume types, sample resumes, letter templates.

Resume templates

Put your best qualities on display with professional, customizable resume and cv templates. no matter your line of work or length of professional history, you'll find resume and cv templates that'll help you get the gig..

Download free resume templates

Land your dream job with free, customizable resume templates. Showcase your potential to recruiters and stand out from other candidates with a professional template. Whether you're applying to corporate positions or creative roles, go with a sleek design or show your creativity with bold colors .

Resumes don't need to look boring—add flair to your professional experience with a creative resume template. There are plenty of resume designs to choose from, like simple resume templates and modern resume templates. Each resume template is fully customizable in Microsoft Word , so you can personalize each design element and add your own text. Using a template also makes it easier to customize your resume for each position you apply to.

Print out as many copies as you'd like or download the template for free to share digitally when applying online. These professional resume templates are perfect for any stage of life or career. Whether you're a high school student, actor, or seeking a career in nursing, you can find any format for any job type.

There are also a variety of free CV (Curriculum Vitae) templates to choose from. A CV is often longer than a resume and contains an in-depth look at your education and professional accomplishments. Like our resume templates, these CV templates are also customizable in Word.

Remember, your next job is only a template away! Once you've customized your resume, explore free cover letter templates to help you land the job.

20+ Free Word Resume Templates for 2024 [Download Now]

Are you looking to create a new resume but don’t want to go through the painstaking process of creating one from scratch, section by section?

To save a lot of time, you can use a Microsoft Word resume template instead.

Why would you want to do that?

For one, MS-Word comes with a lot of pre-built resume templates that can have you up and running with a fully customized resume in a matter of minutes.

There’s quite a lot of variety as well. So, you can really pick a resume template that both you and the HR manager will love.

Are you a marketer or a designer? Pick a creative resume and show off your imagination!

Applying for a finance position in a bank ? One of the conservative, black & white word resume templates will work for you.

Word comes with a number of free templates, and there are other hand-crafted premium options available online.

Do you want a winning Word template that’ll have the HR manager glued to your beautiful resume?

Here’s what you need to know:

How to Use Word Resume Templates

10+ free word resume templates, 10+ premium word resume templates, how to make a resume the easy way.

There are two ways you can get your hands on a Word resume template.

You can either go with a pre-customized Word template that comes with the software, or you can use an external template made by designers and career experts for Word specifically.

Let’s start with the resume templates that come with the software.

In-Build Microsoft Word Resume Templates

To access these templates, here’s what you do:

• Open MS word
• Click file from the menu bar on top of the screen
• From there, you can select a number of different formats ( resumes, flyers, cards, cover letters , and more)

In this case, we’re focusing on resume templates , so you can type that in the search bar to see the different kinds of templates available.

As you can see, there’s plenty of choice here and a lot of different design options.

From there on, you find the one you like, and just fill it in to your liking!

Each of the templates come with a brief description as well, based on the theme and what kind of impression you want to leave with that specific template.

Here’s what you’d be getting with the free Pink floral resume :

Present your resume with this easily customizable template. Edit your experience and information with this and know that you’ll be making a statement with the design choice. This template also includes information on how to build an effective resume:

Not sure what to put on your resume? We feel you! Picking the right template is only the first step. Check out our complete guide on how to make a resume and you’ll be an expert in no time!. 

The best things in life are free, right?

Let’s see if the best free Word resume templates also stack up.

Functional Resume (Simple Design)

Who's it for: Any entry-level position

Creator: Microsoft

Where to find it: Microsoft Templates

Want something super simple for free?

Microsoft Word comes with a number of ready-to-go resume templates that are one click away. 

All you have to do is go to Microsoft Templates , where you’ll find a number of different templates for resumes, cover letter, newsletters, and more. 

There, you’ll find a number of good starting resume templates, like this functional resume by Microsoft.

When to Use This Template

Depending on your achievements and background, you’ll want to list your qualifications in a specific order. With this functional resume, you can list your objective, professional achievements , skills, and work history - in that specific order.

You can use this resume if you’re switching jobs to a different career , or as your no experience resume .

With just a bit of color to stand out and clear sections within the layout, you can’t go wrong with this template.

It’s a simple, and effective starting point for most job-seekers .

Though, the design might be all too common and easy to blend in with other candidates applying for the same job.

Modern Chronological Resume

Who's it for: Mid-level job-seekers

Most resume formats you find are going to be in chronological order. 

That is, starting from your most recent job experience, going down to your previous jobs.

You can’t go wrong with this format, and if you want something that’s professional, but also has a bit of flair to it, check out the Modern chronological resume by Microsoft:

The standard way to list your work experience is in chronological order. With this modern resume, you can start with your latest job experience to help the HR manager easily find what they’re looking for.  

This is a very straightforward approach, and it also has a color scheme and a design that can help you stand out from other candidates.

Just because it’s professional, doesn’t mean it has to be boring.

Though, if you want to take a more creative approach with your resume, you could use the...

Infographic Word Resume

Who's it for: Marketers and social media experts

Are you applying for a marketing or a design job where you’ll be creating a lot of web content?

Then you can make your resume a part of your portfolio with the infographic resume.

Use this infographic resume to list your qualifications in a way that’s easy to follow. The icons highlight your skills and the sections follow a clear direction.

This is a good example of custom tailoring your resume to the job.

It goes without saying that the content inside the resume has to be up to par as well. 

But as far as standing out goes, this infographic resume is guaranteed to attract eyes from a stack of resumes.

FREE Resume Template by Fernando Báez

Who's it for: Graphic and web designers

Creator: Fernando Báez

Where to find it: Behance

What could be better than a free resume template that has already been tried and tested?

After using and getting a few jobs with the very same template as a freelance UI/UX designer, Fernando is now giving away his secrets in the form of a free template.

In the resume pack, you’ll find your resume template in .ai format (Adobe Illustrator), all resume fonts used in the design, and a free icon set by Brankic. In it, you can customize the infographics to help represent your specialties , knowledge , language skills , or hobbies .

(Need help with any of those sections? Read our guide on what to put on a resume .)

Whether or not you’re a designer, you can customize the above template to truly represent you and make it uniquely yours.

There’s nothing wrong with using a template - it’s not plagiarism .

It’s inside the resume what matters, which is going to be unique each time ( at least it should be ).

Bold Monogram Resume

Who's it for: Any general-level position

A resume objective is a short 1-2 sentence elevator pitch that provides an overview of your experience , skills , and motivations . 

In it, you explain why you’re the right person for the job.

With this Bold monogram resume, your resume objective is guaranteed to stand out and be one of the first things the HR manager will notice. 

Present your qualifications in a stylish way that’s also professional and guaranteed to stand out. This template includes an editable color scheme, and instructions on how to build an effective resume.

While the focus is definitely on the resume objective , the rest of the resume follows a smooth flow in an order that makes sense.

Need some inspiration on your resume objective? Check out our real-life resume objective examples guide.

Simple and Clean Resume Template 

Who's it for: Creative directors

Creator: ZokiDesign

Where to find it: ZokiDesign

This simple and minimalistic resume template has a clean aesthetic, is easy to format and covers a lot of sections. 

You can show off your work experience as well as your background (resume summary or objective), education , skills , and even your hobbies .

Though you can change the color scheme, the format and the layout makes this resume ideal for creative roles. 

With a clean and modern aesthetic, this resume is a great way to quickly sum up your qualifications and also stand out from other resumes with its design. It has a minimal look to it, and still contain a lot of information while staying under 1 page. If needed, it can also be converted into a cover letter.

In short, the above resume covers just about everything you’ll need in a template and more.

The best part about it, like with most Word templates, is its customizability.

So, if you’re applying to a more conservative job, you can change the colors into a calmer tone - like black and white .

Creative Resume, Designed by MOO

Who's it for: Anyone in a creative role

Created with a neutral color scheme, this creative resume template by MOO was made to show off your creativity.

Yet, it won’t distract the viewers from the actual content within it.

So, depending on the company you’re applying to and your experience, you can draw eyes with this template.

This accessible resume template is for job seekers who want to show off their creative side and stand out from other candidates. It has all the important sections you’ll need and an editable color scheme. 

If you don’t necessarily have a lot of work experience, you can go with a creative template approach to stand out from other candidates and stay memorable.

In that case, you have to make sure your resume objective , skills , and other sections clearly display your motivation for the role.

Fully Editable Creative Resume Template by Omer Korkmaz

Who's it for: Senior graphic, UI/UX Designers

Creator: Omer Korkmaz

If you’re a graphic designer and know you’re way around AI, this fully editable creative resume template by Omer Korkmaz might be for you.

This template has everything you’d need applying for a graphic design role:

• A place for your contact information
• Work experience (with plenty of space)
• Certifications  
• And some extra space for other optional sections

This resume template is fully editable, and ideal for graphic designers . The free download includes a PowerPoint and Adobe Illustrator format, and the Open Sans font - everything you’ll ever need .

Because of the format versions that come with the template, you can really fine-tune the resume to perfection. You can change the design, the color schemes, and any other detail within Adobe Illustrator.

So, if you’re applying for a senior UX/UI designer role, you can really make sure that your resume reflects your qualifications with this creative template.

Minimal Resume - Free by Sovon Halder

Who's it for: Web developers and designers

Creator: Sovon Halder

This minimal resume template has an interesting color scheme and a font system to it that can make you stand out easily.

It stays just under one page, with all the necessary sections intact.

The resume also comes with Adobe Photoshop , Illustrator and PDF formats .

So, formatting shouldn’t be a problem as you can just edit it and quickly send it to an employer .

Minimal design, A4 Size, print ready, and editable. The template focuses primarily on your work experience, and your soft and hard skills. And you can always edit it based on your qualifications. Once you’re done editing, the resume is already print ready, so, all you have to do is customize the resume based on the job you’re applying to.

Despite its minimalistic approach, there’s a lot going on in the resume and you can easily summarize yourself in one page.

There’s plenty of white space as well.

So, in short, it’s easy on the eyes and the readability within the layout is on point as well. Now, what matters is what actually goes within it.

Resume for Recent College Graduate

Who's it for: Recent college graduates

Finally, we’ve covered just about every type of resume scenarios, except this one.

This Word template for recent college graduates prioritizes your objective , education , skills , and ends with experience (which you can include if you have any).

The design and the layout is fairly simple, and most of the resume is already filled in with examples. All you have to do is modify it based on your background - 

This resume was made with college graduates in mind. If you don’t have a lot of work experience, you can use this template to prioritize other sections (e.g. your education, skills, abilities, experience).

It’s simple and straightforward. 

And sometimes, that’s what it takes to get your foot in the door when you’re a recent college grad with not a lot of experience.

Still confused on how to structure your resume when you don’t have a lot of experience?

See our full guide for student and graduate resumes for a detailed guide on what you can include.

Now, the other side of the coin is actually paying for your resume template.

You might be thinking - the reason I’m looking for a job in the first place is to make money, why would I pay for a resume template?

A couple of reasons.

First , most premium resume templates only go up to around $15-20 at most.

And if you do find one that too perfect to pass up on - $15 is a relatively small price to pay for investing in your future.

You can then customize and re-edit your template for any future jobs, too.

After all, if it worked once, it’s probably going to work again, right?

Another advantage premium resume templates offer is that they also tend to come with extra features and/or files within.

Let’s take a look at what that might look like:

Clean Resume Template by HalfCircle

Who’s it for: Graphic and web designers

Creator: HalfCircle

Where to find it: CreativeMarket

This clean resume template by HalfCircle comes with a DOCX MS Word file and an Adobe Photoshop File for easy customization.

It also includes three different color schemes , a cover letter , all the fonts used, and it’s also ready-to-print.

The resume includes a clean layout with an easy-to-read font choice. The colors, along with the rest of the resume, are customizable and you can edit everything in even more detail with the Photoshop PSD file. The cover letter section, meanwhile, includes plenty of space for your text and has a contact information section as well.

The best thing about this template is how clearly the sections are separated.

Nothing in it feels too close to each other and it’s just as easy for the HR manager to find or jump to any specific section they’re looking for.

There’s not much else to say about this resume other than that it’s very straightforward and simple - living up to its name clean resume template name.

Professional Resume / CV Template by Classic Design

Who’s it for: Web and graphic designers

Creator: Classic Design

Looking for something more professional?

The professional resume template by Classic Design might be what you’re looking for.

The colors aren’t as vibrant here but the colors and the typography suggest that it’s more for a senior job role in a more traditional working environment.

This professional resume template has a more faded gray color scheme to it, and a font style that’s easy to follow. The template comes with Word, Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator formats, and a cover letter - all of which are easy to customize.

Though the default resume text is suited for a design role, you can easily to your career field and it won’t be out of place due to its design.

The template has all the sections you’d ever need, for both a creative and a more traditional job, and the HR manager will have an easy time following it top to bottom.

Professional Resume Template

Who’s it for: Marketers and bloggers

Creator: Mukhlasur Rahman

Price: $8.47

Want your resume to be personally tailored to your personality and job role?

This professional resume template by Mukhlasur Rahman might be for you then.

The Word template follows a consistent color scheme and layout that’s been specifically designed for designers and bloggers .

This professional and creative resume template has been tailor made for designers and online bloggers. It includes a contact section, social media , education, skills, profile, work experience, and awards. The template also comes with a separate cover letter, a reference page , and a free icon set.

If you’re going to be working closely with social media and other relevant online channels, you might want to include a whole section for it on your resume.

In it, you can include the following sections, depending on how relevant they are to you:

• Personal site or blog
• Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram

If the job requires you to be a social media expert, this might also be the perfect place to mention how you managed to grow your social media channel 0 to 10K.

Resume Template & Cover Letter by Opu;ent Studio

Who’s it for: Any senior role

Creator: Opu;’ent

If you’re applying for a more senior role this Word resume template & cover letter by Opu;ent Studio might be more up your alley.

The template is easy to edit in Adobe InDesign and Microsoft Word, and covers the following sections:

• Biography (though you can edit this for resume summary or objective)
• Work experience
• Technical Skills
• Contact information
• Cover letter

With a clean and unique look to the resume, this template is more suited for professionals and senior-level positions. There is a lot of space for work experience, and you can just as easily transform the biography section into a resume summary.

And if you think the template looks short, don’t worry. Everything you can’t mention in it goes in the cover letter .

Look at the cover letter as a one-page document that briefly summarizes your background.

A good cover letter is a supplement to your resume and can get the HR manager to call you back.

Wondering if you should also include your picture on the resume like in the above template? That may depend on your location.

Check out our guide to see if you should include a picture on your resume or CV .

Clean Resume/CV + Cover letter by Tamzid Hasan

Who’s it for: Web, IT developer

Creator: Tamzid Hasan

If you are indeed looking for a more professional resume, this clean resume/ CV combo by Tamzid Hasan might work great.

Clean one page resume that also comes with a cover letter and a reference template. It follows a professional black and white color scheme and a layout that focuses on work experience. Main features include:

• A4 & US Letter size
• Clean & professional design
• Microsoft Word (Docx) files
• CV/Resume + Cover Letter + References
• 1 & 2 page version
• Paragraph style

Of course, ideally, your resume should fit within one page . But if you have 5+ years of experience, you can break that rule and go with the two page version the template comes with.

If you are indeed going to go over the one page rule, since you’ll have more space in your overall resume, you can also include:

• Hard skills
• Soft skills
• Certifications

One page is ideal, but depending on the job role and your experience, you can also include some extra sections to back up your background.

Modern Resume Template for Microsoft Word by ResumeCoverPro

Who's it for: Any professional and creative role

Creator: ResumeCoverPro

Where to find it: Etsy

Looking for something that’s modern and professional?

Check out the professional resume package by ResumeCoverPro which includes - resume and cover letter templates , an icon pack , free fonts , effective customer support and more.

This template focuses on the main categories: education, profile, skills, work experience, and awards. You can edit each section to customize it but for the most part, it follows a very straightforward layout and color scheme. All you have to do is edit in the blanks and send it in.

This template wasn’t designed with any one specific job role in mind, so, it’s a great general-purpose approach with its design and layout.

As long as you have Word (or Google Docs), you can customize it to make it truly yours.

And if for some reason you need further help, the template comes with additional instructions and even customer support.

Optimized 1-page Edition Resume by TheResumeCoach

Who's it for: PR, Marketers

Creator: TheResumeCoach

This optimized 1-page edition resume is an attempt at perfecting the resume layout with the bare essentials.

For most jobs, regardless of the seniority level or the career field, this template will allow you to get all of your qualifications on paper, in a classic A4 one page format.

This template allows you to highlight your key skills and qualifications, all in one page. No need to worry about going overboard with this as this has been specifically designed for a 1-page approach.

This is a clear attempt at optimizing for the 1-page resume format.

If you’re looking for something that’s professional and you can use for multiple scenarios - the above template might be the way to go.

It’s easy-to-use and will look good for most people.

All you have to do is fill in the blanks and you’ll have a fully customized resume that’s guaranteed to stand out and attract eyes.

Elegant Resume by Horea Nicodin

Who's it for: Pretty much anyone

Creator: Horea Nicodin

Where to find it: Dribble

Everything about this elegant resume template screams fanciness and it’s guaranteed to get a second look from the HR manager - which is your chance to really draw them in.

If your background is half as good as how the resume looks, you’re guaranteed to get a call back (if not for an interview, just for them to compliment your resume).

This template is ideal if you want to leave a lasting impression. It’s functional as well as elegant - definitely the best of both worlds .

Fortunately, it doesn’t actually come with a cursive font, as that would just make the recruiter’s job harder.

Though, the resume template (and the cover letter) do come with any file format you’ll ever need - Word , Photoshop , Illustrator , and InDesign .

This one-page resume template is ideal for those who want to keep their resumes concise, with just the right amount of flair.

2-page Resume/CV Combo by Resume Templates

Who's it for: UX/UI Designers

Creator: ResumeTemplates

If you’re going to be breaking the 1-page resume rule, you better have a good reason for it (i.e. a lot of experience).

And if that’s the case, then you could use the 2-page resume/CV package by ResumeTemplates.

When to Use This Template 

Clean, modern and professional Resume with Letterhead design. Fully customizable, and easy to use and replace the color & text.

This 2-pager Word template also comes with a cover letter, 100% scalable files (Photoshop, Illustrator, Word), and is ready to print.

It follows a reverse-chronological order and even has a references section. 

So, if you’re going to be using this template, make sure you have enough experience to fill it in with.

Modern Resume Template Package by ResumeFoundry

Who's it for: Online marketers

Creator: ResumeFoundry

Last but not least, this is another take on the modern creative resume package by Resume Foundry.

The package follows an all-in-one approach and the feature of being able to customize it based on your experience.

This template comes with just about everything you’ll ever need, regardless of your experience level.This includes a 1-3 page template, a cover letter, references, instructions, and a ready-to-help customer support.

Everything you see on the template is editable, and you also have the freedom to continue over the 2nd page (if needed).

Though, if you’re going to take the one-page approach, you’ll find that it has all the sections you’d need for most jobs. And the design won’t be out of place for just about any career field either.

So, essentially, you’re getting everything you’d need for $15, all that’s left to do is edit them accordingly.

That’s a lot of choice for a Word resume template.

While they might look good on paper, one common issue with building your resume with Word is that it can be super hard to format.

What do we mean by this?

Well, essentially, if you wanted to edit one specific part of your template (e.g. margin, design), there’s a chance that the whole formatting might break and spill over onto the 2nd page.

Sounds familiar? It happens to the best of us.

The reason this happens is because while Word is a powerful software on its own, it will always move your sections to the next page if the formatting isn’t just right.

Details matter to Word, sometimes a bit too much.

Do you want to simplify your resume building process down to its core?

Novorésumé template builder allows you to work and format your resume without having to worry about space, margins and other tiny details.

Everything is formatted based on the layout you choose and you won’t have to worry about your sections seemingly disappearing like in Word.

All this and more - for FREE .

Key Takeaways

So, to recap, here’s everything you need to know about using Microsoft Word resume template:

• You can use preloaded templates in Word by clicking File from the menu bar on top of the screen, then New , and from there, search for a “ resume template ” from the prompted search bar.
• The templates Word comes with are free , and you can also use premium templates, which you can find online.
• Though the premium templates cost money, the difference is noticeable as in most cases, they’ve been designed by career experts and artists all over the world.
• Once you find an ideal template that fits your qualifications , you can simply download it and edit it within Word.
• Though, if you’re looking for a smoother experience, you can simply use a powerful online resume builder for free , to represent your skills and qualifications based on how you want it .

Discover More Resume Templates

• Google Docs Resume Templates
• Chronological Resume Templates
• Combination Resume Templates
• Creative Resume Templates
• One Page Resume Templates
• 2 Page Resume Templates
• High School Resume Templates

Suggested reading:

• How to Write a Resume & Land That Job [99+ Real-Life Examples]
• CV vs. Resume - What are the Differences & Definitions [+ Examples]
• 40+ Real-Life Resume Objective Examples [+How-to Guide]

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15+ Best Free Resume Templates in Microsoft Word

A professionally designed resume can make a huge difference when you want to stand out from the crowd. From the choice of font to content layout, a well crafted resume will help you present your work and experience in an impressive way. With our collection of the best free word resume templates , you can create your own professional looking resume simply by customizing these pre-made templates in Microsoft Word.

All the free CV/resume templates listed below feature modern and unique designs. Most of these templates include matching cover letter as well. They are all available for free download in Microsoft Word (.docx) format ready to print in standard A4 and/or US Letter sizes. Some are also provided in PSD, AI and InDesign formats.

Included in this collection, you will find word resume templates in a variety of designs including simple one page resume, infographic resume, resume with photo and multi-page resume with portfolio. These templates feature different sections for showcasing your education, experience, skills, contact details, and much more in an easy-to-read layout. Whether you are a student seeking a job or an experienced professional looking for a job change, we are sure you would find a fitting template that will help you get noticed. You will also find premium resume templates for Microsoft Word towards the end, which we’ve included to give you some of the paid options available.

Free Clean Resume Template Docx

If you are looking for a simple resume design, this free resume and cover letter template will perfectly fit in your needs. It features clean layout with modern sans serif font and all the required sections you would want to have in your resume. Available in both A4 and US Letter sizes, download includes Word, AI and Photoshop files.

Free Student CV Template – Word, PSD & AI

This free CV template is designed for students who are applying for their first job. However, it can be easily customized for experienced professionals as well. Timeline, skill bars, icons and focus on personal branding are the highlights of this resume template. It also comes with cover letter design and is provided in Microsoft Word, AI and PSD formats.

Free Resume Template in Word Docx

Contrasting color scheme of black and white with yellow accent along with profile photo at the top make this resume template visually compelling and un-boring. All the key information and details are presented in an easy-to-skim way. Available for free download in Microsoft Word docx format.

Professional Word Resume with Cover Letter and Portfolio

This free creative and professional resume template comes with complementary cover letter, portfolio and front cover. The template features an elegant and colorful layout. Suitable for job seekers looking for an eye-catching design, it comes in .docx format and is free to download.

Free Word Resume Template

A free printable resume template suitable for freshers and experienced professionals alike. Free to download in .docx format, the resume design features a streamlined design highlighting different sections, minimal icons and QR code.

Free Manager CV/Resume Template with Business Card

This free word resume template features creative elements and makes full use of its dark sidebar. It comes in two color options – black & white and black & white with gold accent (seen in above image). It has dedicated sections for showcasing your profile, skills, work, education, contact, key qualities, references, interests/hobbies and portfolio.

On downloading, you will get resume as well as cover letter in Photoshop, Word, Illustrator, and InDesign file formats. Business card templates in AI, PSD and InDesign formats are also provided. Perfect for experienced people and managers.

Free A4 Word Resume Template

Free professional resume and cover letter template in A4 size suitable for any job opportunity. It creatively utilizes different shades of blue to present information in a clean and modern way. Available in Word, EPS and PSD formats.

Free Minimal Resume Template in MS Word

A no-frills, modern and sleek resume template with minimal design that is easy to use and customize. Comes in multiple formats – Word, PSD, AI, EPS and InDesign and includes cover letter template.

Related: Minimal & Creative Resume Templates

Free Infographic Resume/CV Template

With this free infographic resume template, you can get creative and have visual representations of your skills and experience with timelines, graphs, icons, or bar charts unlike traditional text only resumes. Free to download and customize in Microsoft Word, InDesign and Photoshop.

Free Single Page Resume Template in Word

A customizable and free single page resume template with focus on your professional experience and profile. The template has a minimal yet classy and timeless design with clear typography, bold headers, line icons and a spacious layout. Comes in .docx format with matching cover letter and reference.

Free Modern & Stylish Resume Template with Profile Photo

Stylish and elegant border used in this resume cv template gives it a modern look and makes it visually interesting. Its sidebar has place for your photograph paired with some additional space you can use for your resume objective, career summary or personal statement. Available for free download in .docx format.

Freelancer Word Resume Template with Minimalist Design

Available in A4 and US Letter paper sizes, this resume and cover letter combo for freelancers features a colorful header, right sidebar and a minimal layout. Its two-page design gives you ample space to include your professional experience in detail, your awards, expertise, hobbies and references. Free to download in Word and InDesign formats.

Word Resume/CV Template + Cover Letter

A free word CV template with a colored header section for highlighting your personal and contact information. It also features skill bars to showcase your professional as well as personal skills. Dividers and colorful headers make this resume easy-to-read.

Free Simple & Elegant Elegant Resume Template Word

Shaded sidebar, bold section headers, work and education timeline, and bar graph are among the many highlights that make this resume stand out. This simple and elegant CV is available for free download in DOCX, PSD and AI file formats. It comes in two variations – blue sidebar and white with no sidebar, you can easily change fonts, colors and design elements to suit your needs.

Modern Free Resume Template – PSD & Word

A free set of resume, cover letter and portfolio template for designers, developers, entrepreneurs and graduates who want to show their skills, portfolio in a creative modern way. This CV is print ready and comes in Word and Photoshop formats.

Free Word Resume with Pink Sidebar

This word resume template with soft shades and pink sidebar is ideal for you if you are looking for an elegant resume with a feminine touch. It features a stylish design that is bound to command attention to your job application for any type of profession.

Free Resume & Cover Letter Template in 4 Colors

This is a free resume and cover letter bundle that comes in 4 colors and can be easily customized. The resume files are well organized and provided in multiple formats including Word, Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.

Bonus: Premium Word Resume Templates

When it comes to your career, you would surely like to put in your best effort and that starts with a professional resume to send out to recruiters. Which is why we have selected some of the most impressive looking Word resume templates that are available at a reasonable pricing to leave you with more options.

Professional Word Resume Template

This double sidebar resume template puts focus on your strong selling points such as personality, skill set and experience in a concise way that is easy to read. A 4-page resume that includes templates for cover letter and a portfolio section as well. Available in Photoshop, InDesign and MS Word formats, the template is available in 2 colors and is fully editable. Use of Lato, a popular free sans serif font , in the text makes the resume inviting and impactful at the same time.

2 Page CV Resume & Cover Letter Word Template

With a clean, simple design with focus on personal branding, this 2 page resume and cover letter template utilizes modern fonts, section titles, icons and a limited color palette consisting of shades of a single color to make it pleasing to read and is sure to make a great first impression. It comes in Microsoft Word (.docx) and Illustrator EPS formats.

Modern Word Resume Template with QR Code

This modern Word resume template is an ideal choice for job seekers and professionals looking to add a QR code to their resume to link out to their online portfolio. All the information is presented in one page making it concise and professional, with QR code, you have the option to present your complete online portfolio which will come in handy specially for web designers & developers, graphic designers, photographers and other creative professionals. InDesign and PSD files are also included.

Clean Word CV/Resume Template

Big, bold header for personal branding, timeline design for presenting work experience, education and a warm color palette are the features that make this Word resume template stand out. This one page resume is straight to the point focused on your work experience with skills and expertise included as bar graph. Download contains resume and matching cover letter templates in Word, InDesign and PSD formats.

Creative Word Resume Template

This creative resume design is made to catch eye of the recruiters. It features a detailed design spread over 4-pages that is easy to go through because of how cleanly all the information is laid out. Available in InDesign and Word formats in A4 size.

Minimal Resume in Word, AI and PSD

This Word resume and cover letter template is perfect for those looking for a no-fluff, minimal and clean design. It features a classic font combination of serif and sans serif, simple shapes and icons for an appealing design. On downloading, you will get AI and PSD files along with the Microsoft Word file.

We’ve presented some of the best free resume templates for Word in this article and we hope these will help you design a winning CV/resume. Fonts, color choices and content layout, these all come together in a great resume template design. These professional resume templates will make these choices easier for you, you only need to pick one that suits your profile.

If you liked this collection, do not forget to share it on social media, it greatly motivates us to share more such resources!

Along with a printable word resume, you may also want to have a resume website of your own. For that, you can check our collection of Professional HTML & CSS Resume Templates . You might as well want to check out these remote job boards to help in your job search.

Monika loves graphic design & other forms of creative art. When not found tinkering with her favorite graphic design tools, she is mostly reading or writing on wide array of topics. Follow her on Twitter @monikaratan

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Use a template to create a resume

If you need help creating a resume or cover letter, start with one of the dozens of professionally-designed resume and cover letter templates that are available in Word.

Go to File > New .

In the search box, type Resume or Cover Letter.

Double-click the template you want to use.

Replace the placeholder text with your own information.

On the File menu, select New from Template .

Create and use your own template in Office for Mac

Making a resume like this while you're online is quick and easy.

Note:  This template comes with a cover letter, so you'll have everything in one document.

Choose one of our resume templates , and open it in Word for the web to make it yours.

As you work on the resume, you'll probably want to rename it.

The template uses a table to line everything up. If you need to add more lines for job experience or education, add rows to the table by going up to Layout under Table Tools and clicking Insert Below (or Insert Above) .

For tips on writing your resume, check out Six steps to developing a great resume .

When you're finished, print it out or share it online. You can do this with the resume still open in Word for the web. No need to save it first (that's already done for you).

To print it, press Ctrl+P, and wait for the Print dialog box.

Note:  If you don't see a Print dialog box, click the link for opening a PDF version of your resume. From there, use the PDF program's Print command.

To share it online, send a link:

Near the top of the screen, click Share .

Under Share , click Get a Link .

Under Choose an option , click View only .

Click Create Link .

Click on the web address to select it, and then copy and paste it into an email, message, or post.

Tip:  If you have a blog or website, you can embed a view of your resume there.

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Free Resume Templates Examples 2023 / 2024 - Word / Docx / PDF

Do you look to get a new job? Website COOL FREE CV can help you craft a professional and modern resume. Have a look at our extensive base of a resume template. Choose an example that corresponds not only to your style but also the type of profession you are looking for. All our documents are created in MS Word (Doc and Docx) format. The documents have been prepared in such a way that text editing is not too difficult even for people without much experience with MS Word. We have a lot of ready-to-use inspirations. Use our ready examples!

Is there a resume template that is perfect? Much depends on what the recruiter or employer expects. It all depends on the format you decide on, and what elements you implement in the document. Many candidates wonder whether to create a long, extensive resume, or be content with only a short document containing the most important information. Our advice is, your document must not look like a huge wall of text, because recruiters simply won't want to read the whole thing. Focus on what information is most desirable in the job for which you are applying. What information will attract the recruiter's attention? The classic resume template may prove effective if your document contains strong arguments for your candidacy.

Recruiters are busy people, to save them time, prepare a solid dose of professional information at the very top of your resume, the "Professional Summary" section is for this purpose. Read the job offer carefully, use keywords as in the advertisement to define your skills and experience. The employer will notice from the very beginning that you are not a random candidate and may read your CV to the very end. Then there is a good chance that you will be invited to an interview. And this is a big step that brings you closer to getting your dream job. In life, it is worth following the maxim, when I do something, I do it properly from the beginning. This also applies to the preparation of strong recruitment documents.

How to write a Resume with Cool Free CV?

We offered two variants, choose the best one for you:

1. Use a free online Resume Builder.

• Quick and easy-to-use an online program (without login and registration).
• A desktop or laptop computer is needful. Mobile devices are not appropriate for the write documents.
• Modern and professional Resume templates.
• You get a document in PDF format.

2. Download the free editable Resume Template (Docx / MS Word).

• Documents can be edited in Word (MS / Microsoft Office) or Writer (OpenOffice / LibreOffice).
• You can freely format text and change the font.
• You must have a basic ability to use Word or Writer.

IT Industry - New Free Resume Examples

This modern resume template is an exquisite, simple project which would be an excellent fit for more formal job applications e.g. in the IT industry. Have we already mentioned it’s free to download?

Resume Web Developer (Format Microsoft Word / Docx / Free) download

Resume Software Engineer (Format Microsoft Docx / Word / Free) download

Work in Trade / Cashier / Dealer - Resume Examples

Looking to get yourself a well-paid new job? If you’re applying for retail or management roles, this document layout is legible and stylish without being overbearing.

CV / Resume Cashier (Example Docx / MS Word / Free) download

Customer Service Representative (Format Docx / Word / Free) download

Graphic Web Designer & Motion Graphic Designer - Resume Templates with Photo

No need to be a graphic designer to make an aesthetic document. Just download this free document and start filling it with your own Summary, Work History, Education, Certifications and other data.

Resume / CV Graphic Web Designer (Example Docx / MS Word / Free) download

Resume / CV Motion Graphic Designer (Docx / MS Word / Free) download

Gastronomy, Hotels, Restaurants - New Free Resume Templates

Classic documents, without "bells and whistles", just save on the computer and edit in MS Word. When you finish writing your resume, save the document to PDF format. Always send PDF files to your employer.

Resume Waitress / Head waiter (Word / Docx Free / Editable) download

CV / Resume Bartender (Docx / Office MS Word / Free / Editable) download

Finance / Managers - Ready Examples to Fill (proposal templates)

Modern and coherent, it commands instant attention to your "Summary" and "Work history", while leaving much space for your personality.

Resume Finance Manager (Sample Docx / Format MS Word / Editable) download

Resume Cars Sales Manager (Example Docx / MS Word / Editable) download

Production / Manufacture - Resume Templates (e.g. work in a factory on the production line)

This free documents templates is the right choice for you if you are looking to accentuate a specified section of your document such as “Summary”, "Highlights" or "Experience". The use of shades of blue colors is pleasing to the eye.

Resume Picker Packer (Example Docx / Format MS Word / Editable) download

Resume Assembler (Example Docx / MS Word / Free / Editable) download

A Curriculum vitae Vs. A Resume Differences

A resume is a concise one-page long summary of professional, personal and educational experiences. It contains a brief overview of your job qualifications and intends to grab the employers’ attention. Customize your document for every profession posting you are applying to.

A CV is a detailed version of your professional experience, education, knowledge of foreign languages, soft and hard skills. A CV provides the recruiter with more comprehensive information about your career goals, past achievements, professional education, and another important job achievement. CVs are made chronologically and do not require detail customization for different profession postings.

Don't forget the cover letter. What should be included in this document? Describe your most important skills in a few sentences, and describe your soft competencies. Justify how you can apply these to the position you are applying for. List examples of your past professional successes and most interesting achievements. In this way you will show the recruiter the scale of your capabilities, which you could not properly present in your professional resume.

Remember that a wizard or an advanced word processor such as MS Word is only a tool to help you write a professional resume. Focus on specifics. Don't send one and the same CV in response to different work offers. Read job postings carefully and tailor your resume to a specific profession each time.

On this page, we explain step by step what information should be included in a winning resume. Follow the tips and your chances of getting your dream job will be better. Read the tips and learn what a tailored resume should look like that will make it to the HR professional's short list, allowing you to move on to the next stage of recruitment.

A few tips for writing a good Resume:

The length of the document..

While recruiting, the employer gets dozens of Resumes. While looking through the documents, they must select a few candidates who are most suitable for the position specified. For one document, the recruiter takes only a few seconds. A Resume that is too long will not be read to the end, and at the same time a lot of information in the Resume will make it completely illegible. That is why it is good to use the minimum content to provide maximum information.

Links to portfolio, links to LinkedIn professional profile.

If you have a profile on LinkedIn, regularly updated, with a photo, add a link to your Resume. If you are a graphic designer or a photographer and you have a portfolio on Behance, add a link to your Resume. If you are a developer you have an account on Github, add a web address to your Resume.

Professional summary.

The job summary should be at the top of your Resume. The length of the summary should be between 3 and 5 sentences. The main purpose of the professional summary is to make the candidate's strengths, key skills and experience immediately visible. And to make the introduction interesting enough for the recruiter to read the other sections of the Resume. The form plays an important role. A professional summary should be like a short advertising spot, it should contain what is the most important, there must be keywords. After reading a few sentences of the summary, the employer will know what a certain person can bring to their company.

Soft and hard skills.

Hard skills - refer to the candidate's technical knowledge gained through teaching, training or experience. Technical skills are necessary to perform specific tasks.

Soft skills - these are personality features and habits that, among other things, describe how you work individually or with other people. Soft skills indirectly help to adapt to the work environment and company culture.

Professional experience.

Write the company name and position in bold. Enter the time frame (example: 01/2019 - 05/2020). At the top of the list, write the most important duties performed. Avoid large unreadable blocks. For clarity, always use bullet points. There is no need to include your entire career in your Resume. If there were many employers in your career path, it is worth focusing only on the last or most suitable position for which you are applying. The same applies to skills. Over time, there are more and more skills, but it is not always necessary to list them all. We should focus only on those skills that are relevant to the job profile.

List the schools you have completed by posting the most recent information also at the top of the section. It is worth mentioning completed courses, specialisations. Mark the whole section with start and end dates as well.

This section will be particularly useful for people who do not yet have much professional experience. Information about the candidate's hobbies can partly fill the competence gap. Information about hobbies will also prove useful for candidates whose interests are the driving force at work, thanks to their hobbies they are even better employees. For example, a person who is involved in winter sports, because of their hobby, knows the equipment they use very well, and will be the best advisor and salesman, answering all the questions of the sports shop customers.

References.

For many employers this is the most important column of the Resume.

McDonald's Mgmt. Thomas Maverick, (+1) 777 888 777, [email protected] or References available on request.

• How to Write a Cover Letter
• How to Write a Resume with No Work Experience
• How to prepare for a recruitment interview
• Swiss German CV Template
• Professional CV / Resume Tips
• Skills section in CV
• Resume Icon Free

• Resume Templates
• Resume Examples
• Free Resume Builder
• How to Write a Resume
• Resume Format
• Resume Packs
• Cover Letter Templates
• Cover Letter Examples
• Free Cover Letter Generator
• How To Write a Cover Letter
• CV Templates
• CV Examples
• Free CV Maker
• Resume Help
• Cover Letter Help
• Job Interview
• Career Advice

Free Resume Templates

Download in Word, Google Docs, PDF 

Today is a great day to level up your resume.  Free resume templates in every style, format, and design you can imagine. 

Discover 180+ Resume Templates

Professional Resume Templates

Professional resume templates for job seekers with ample work experience. Showcase your skills and qualifications. Browse our best free resume templates to give your resume the glow-up it deserves. 

• Sleek, functional layout 
• “Sells” you as a strong candidate
• Suitable for all job titles 

Modern Resume Templates

Modern resume templates for Microsoft Word provide stylish, crisp, fresh design elements that will help you grab a recruiter’s attention in just six seconds. The right resume template for candidates in the tech and startup industry. 

• Chronological resume templates
• Made for readability and skimming
• Instant, free download

Simple and Basic Resume Templates

Uncluttered editable resume template with minimal styling. Choose a time-tested basic resume design to avoid any faux pas with employers or applicant screening software. 

• Editable and printable resume design 
• Easy customization in Word 
• Suitable for all resume formats

Creative Resume Templates

Don’t want a bland, blank resume template? These creative resume templates offer a perfectly balanced mix of personality, professionalism, and playfulness to make a strong first impression. 

• Free editable resume templates
• Unique personal branding
• Creative layout and formatting

Free CV Templates

Professional CV templates, perfectly suited for academic and federal jobs in the US and any type of job application in Europe. An impactful selection of the best CV templates with proper layout and formatting. 

• Full CV layout and formatting
• User-friendly design 
• Instant download CV templates 

ATS-Friendly Resume Templates

Clean and compelling resume design that sits well with applicant tracking software and hiring managers alike. Optimized fonts, clear formatting syntax, and optimal layout for readability.  

• Compatible with popular ATSs 
• One-column layout 
• Suitable for all experience levels 

Resume Templates With Photo

Put a face behind the name to make a memorable first impression. Resume templates with photos to land a dream job in acting, modeling, or creative professions. 

• Editable headshot space
• Optimized section layout 
• Brandable styles 

How to Choose The Best  Resume Template? 

Not sure which resume design works for your profession? Go with a professional resume template if you’re an experienced worker applying via email. Or download a basic resume template if the company uses an ATS — this way, your resume won’t get filtered out. 

Gunning up for a job in a creative industry or a hip startup? Try out one of the modern resume templates or a creative resume design to give your job application a unique, brandable flair. Resume templates with photos also work great! 

Or better yet, test-drive several free resume templates to see which one gets you the most positive responses! 

Resume Templates for Different File Formats

Get a free editable resume template in your preferred format — Microsoft Word (.doc), PDF, or Google Docs. 

Free Word Resume Templates 

The best resume templates for Microsoft Word. Our most downloaded and top-rated designs in .doc and .docx format are the ones you have seen on this page until here, so make sure to scroll back to the top if MS Word format is what you are looking for.

Google Docs Resume Templates 

Discover attention-grabbing resume templates for Google Docs. Download and edit your new resume design in the cloud, then share it with others with one click. 

Free Resume in PDF 

Use our free tool to make a resume online in PDF format. Write your resume faster with contextual tips and instantly generate a PDF copy for free. No account is required. 

Check our free resume builder

Resume Templates By Professions 

Get done with writing faster by downloading a pre-filled resume template for your position. Take advantage of the pointers and sample texts created by a professional team of resume writers.

Our remarkable set of role-based resume templates includes the optimal visual layout paired with text snippets you can use to model your own resume.

How to Use Your Free Editable Resume Template 

• Select a design you fancy and download a free copy to your computer. 
• Open the template in Microsoft Word or Google Docs to personalize. 
• Fill in the blanks using your personal details. Refer to relevant resume examples for ideas and tips. 
• Review and edit your resume. Include strong verbs and adjectives to add persuasion. 
• Save and name your document: Resume – First name and Surname. 
• Create a PDF resume version to send via email. PDFs help avoid formatting issues. 

How To Write A Resume

A resume template is the best cure for the blank page syndrome. You’re halfway done — all that’s left is to fill in the blanks in the resume template and hit save. 

Select The Right Resume Format 

The 3 most popular resume formats are chronological, functional, and combination resumes. 

• Chronological resume organizes the information like LinkedIn does – from the latest position to the first one, with education, interests, and additional info listed later. It’s the most popular resume format, preferred for recruiters. Go for it unless you’re entry-level or changing careers. 
• Functional resume keeps the focus on your skills and experience, rather than employment history. It’s the go-to choice for candidates with employment gaps and those without much hands-on work experience.
• Combination resume takes the best of both worlds and allows you to spice up your “dry” employment history with some juicy details about your skill set and achievements. Startups and edgier companies may prefer this. 

Create a Compelling Summary 

A resume summary is a two-sentence statement highlighting your key qualifications, skills, and value proposition for the role. It sits in the header area, right after your name and contact details. Think of it as a teaser to a movie — you should put your most marketable skills upfront to immediately capture the hiring manager’s attention and get them interested in reading the full copy. 

Add Work History 

List your employers in reverse chronological order. Each entry should include the employment date, job title, company name, key responsibilities, and achievements listed in bullet format . Include 3 to 5 bullet points for each position. Don’t get long-winded — your resume must fit into one page. 

Include Marketable Resume Skills 

With skills-based hiring on the rise, you must demonstrate specific competencies rather than just tenure and educational credentials. Showcase your best hard and soft skills in a featured sidebar section, plus your resume summary and work experience entries.

Check the following posts for ideas:

• Business acumen skills for resume
• Critical thinking skills for a resume 
• Conceptual skills for a resume
• Leadership skills for a resume 
• Organizational skills for a resume 
• Technical skills for a resume  
• Childcare skills for resume 
• Nursing skills for a resume 
• Transferable skills for a resume 
• Retail skills for a resume  

List Education 

Unless you are a recent graduate, don’t dwell on this section too much. Simply list all your degrees (highest to lowest), the name of your educational institution, and your graduation date. But if you’re still in college, you can also add your GPA , dean’s list , or research .  

Learn more from our ultimate guide to writing, styling, and formatting a resume . 

FAQs about Resume Templates 

Your popular Qs about our free resume templates answered. 

How can I format my resume for free?

Download a free pre-formatted resume template from Freesumes.com in your preferred format (Word or Google Docs). Open a copy in the word processing software and edit the blank sections with personal details. Click save, and you’ll have a professionally formatted resume in no time.

Is there a truly free resume builder?

Yes, Freesumes resume builder is 100% free to use. No account registration is required. Using our free generator, you can make a resume in PDF using one of the six free templates and contextual writing prompts created by expert writers.

What is the most popular resume template?

The most popular resume templates are chronological resume templates. You can find several dozen popular, professional resume templates on Freesumes in Word and Google Doc formats. Our templates have been downloaded over 4 million times! 

How to get a free resume template?

Head to freesumes.com and check our collection of 180+ fabulously free resume templates in different styles and formats. Select a design you like and click the download button to get an instant free copy in .docx format without any account registration. 

Do employers not like resume templates?

Employers don’t mind resume templates as long as they are professionally made and properly formatted. A sloppy or too vivid design, however, will make you look amateurish. Choose a simple, well-structured resume template in neutral colors, and you’ll always get a positive impression from a prospective employer. 

Is it better to make your own resume or use a template?

This totally depends on you. If you have an eye for design and know information architecture best practices, you can make a stellar resume on your own. Otherwise, you can save heaps of time by using a premade professional resume template to avoid any mishaps with layout or font selection.

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Job-winning simple resume templates

Embrace simplicity! Our simple resume templates blend ease and professionalism: perfect for the no-nonsense, efficient job seeker.

Reviewed by the community. Trusted by professionals

Simple resume templates.

A clean and timeless presentation that stands out in almost any situation.

Simple or basic doesn’t have to be a bad thing. In fact, sometimes a simple resume template is the best approach for a variety of positions. Our simple styles keep the focus on your accomplishments , experience , education , and everything in between to write your resume . After all, shouldn’t you be the star of the show?

Just because your resume template is simple doesn’t mean your resume has to be. In general, it’s best to leave off “obvious” or “expected” skills like MS Word or internet research. Same goes with unrelated, outdated or irrelevant experience.

Simple templates are versatile and work well across a variety of fields and job titles . In fact, some hiring managers prefer these stripped-down designs because it allows them to really evaluate the candidate’s qualifications. So check out this classic collection of templates and don’t be afraid to keep things simple!

When to pick a basic or simple resume template

Basic or Simple templates are best for situations where your experience needs to speak for itself. Candidates applying for positions in transport and logistics , maintenance and repair , retail or food service can all benefit from simple resume templates. A basic or simple template sends the message that you’re a clean and organized candidate who’s ready to get the job done.

While professions involving physical activity and labor can benefit from a simple layout, these templates are also great for students and those applying to entry-level positions. Before you go bold with loud colors and untraditional fonts, you may want to test the application pool waters with a simple template that keeps the focus on your experience.

To make the most out of your basic template, make sure to keep the writing clean and professional. Since you don’t have many pictures or colors to catch a recruiter’s eye, you’ll want to use strong action verbs that accurately capture your accomplishments. As always, proofreading your resume for grammar and spelling errors is a must.

Top 5 why choose a simple layout

• You are looking for a clean and streamlined resume
• You work in a technical or physical field
• You want to keep the focus on the content of your resume
• You are applying for an entry-level position
• You are a student or new to the workforce

What makes a simple resume/ CV template

A simple or basic resume template is defined by a clean and consistent look with strong lines separating categories and leading the eye through the template. Most of these templates use a grayscale color scheme to create a subdued feel where the focus is on the actual content of the resume. Compared with other types of free templates, simple resumes place more emphasis on the body of the resume instead of the top.

The importance of a visual elements in your resume is as important as its content. Effective job searches start with visually striking, technically functional and a content-optimized Resume

Top 10 parts of a simple resume template

• Limited color scheme
• Timeless, classic feel
• Smaller header and more focus on resume body
• All sections of roughly equal size
• No icons or text flourishes
• Strong lines to separate sections
• Less space for headshot or logo
• Traditional font styles
• Great balance of white space to text
• A lot of room to add many lines of experience

Free to download and use in Microsoft Word, as a PDF, or in Google Docs

The power of a simple resume template is that it allows you to focus on your unique qualities and get hired in the shortest amount of time possible. So don’t get hung up on the last step. Once you choose your perfect template, try out our easy-to-use builder tool to add your work experience, soft skills, hard skills and achievements. Our builder tool has already been tested by thousands of satisfied customers who have found their dream jobs hassle-free.

Finish your application strong by choosing the right file format to keep your resume consistent no matter how you send it. Within our builder tool, you can download your resume as a MS Word or Google Doc version completely free. You can also download your resume as a PDF. 

When you’re ready to submit your resume, you want to be sure that the format you created is the format the hiring manager sees. That’s why our templates give you the option to download your resume as a PDF or Word docx file without changing the formatting. A PDF guarantees your resume will look the same on any screen or device. However, docx files are requested by some online application systems and are useful if you need to adjust your resume offline. Our docx file downloads match the exact layout of the PDF, so whichever file type you choose you can rest assured that a perfectly formatted resume is in your hands.

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to find the best resume templates, add your personal touches and land your dream position in a few easy clicks! Don't forget to add matching simple cover letters to your resume. Each CV template has a matching cover letter template you can use to send along with your resume. Benefit from having access to the best resume examples and an easy to use system that does the work for you!

Create a great resume from scratch with the assistance of our resume builder that walks you through the process.  With the help of our experts, Resume.io breaks down the right formula for writing your resume with our writing guides/writing tips. Our Resume.io mission is to help job seekers grow careers. We love helping people stand out in their job search and get hired faster. Feel free to check out our Youtube resume template video show you the way to your new job. 

Try our professional Resume builder now!

Resume templates

Most jobseekers use resume formats & templates while building their own. It is a quick and secure way to create your very own top-notch resume without inventing the wheel (a professional resume format) yourself.

Free PDF Resume Format Templates

Check out the free resume templates, up and below, for your own use. Or go straight to the resume  tool  to customize your own. The  first  resume is for free, so are ALL cover letters!

Technologic

All the PDF resumes have been made with  Resume.io , an easy tool to build your resume online in minutes that come with many designs. You are welcome to scroll down to all our free Word Resume Templates.

Despite the arguments of the naysayers, you can make your resume fully stand out from the crowd, even while it’s based on a template. For that, we suggest premium templates. Classic to edgy or modern, we have a resume design for you. A great starting point toward your next dream job!

Free Microsoft Word Resume & CV Templates

The free resume formats made in Word are easily adjusted to your needs and personal situation. Clicking the link is the immediate MS Word file download. No catches!

Photo Format

Chronological

Formal Long Profile

Word template 5

Simple and Basic

Simple and Formal

Modern word resumes samples.

Three Shades of Grey

Robert Grey

Andrea Rowland

Charlotte Anderson

Purple & Pink

Green & Green

Creative word resume samples.

In this world, there are many wonderful things. So are our free creative resume samples! (Only for personal use)

Thomas Earland

Charlotte Webb

Harvey Ross

Georgia Fleck

Yellow Resume

Orange Resume

Golden Brown Resume

Mint Resume

Montserrat Resume

Three colors resume

Resume Blue

Purple Resume

Stolzl Resume

Tomato-Purple

Red-Blue Resume

Google's free resume format templates.

Google Doc’s is a great place to work on your resume. They have a small set of resume templates you can choose from and then easily edit to your needs. Google docs is great, becaus it saves all your files as whish: .docx, .pdf and many more extensions.

Coral Template

Modern Template

Serif Template

Spearmint Template

Swiss Template

Get the most out of our free resume formats.

Here are a few short tips for using curriculum vitae/cv templates, as they are also called, resourcefully. With these tips, you will get to your own and original resume in minutes:

• Your touch Just because a template of a resume example is set up a certain way, does not mean you have to keep it this way. Play by your own rules and provide the document some of your creativity. For example, play with the font, and add or remove a border. Divide sections of start combining them. By seeing more and more templates, you will get more ideas flowing through your brain.
• Make your set-up Many people use the standard Microsoft Word samples and formats, so to stand out you should use other templates (for example one of ours!). While you work your way through different ideas, you could take the best bits of all CV templates and combine them with your very own.
• Use resume builders Job boards generally offer their resume generators as a service for their subscribers. For some instances, this might be a good way to go, as quite some job applications go through these platforms. However, a fair resume generator can build you a more than a decent resume that will also not lose its shape when rendered to different sites and employers.

We crafted some basic and edgy templates for you to have a great starting point for your next dream job.  The examples are all made in Word , so they are easily adjusted to your needs and information.

Professional Resumes & CV's

You are not certain if or what kind of style to use? A professional resume or CV template is always a good choice. For any role, floor, manager, or CEO, with a professional resume, you show that you are correct, punctual, and doing the right thing. The perfect format for businesses that pre-auto scan their candidates.

• Formal industries such as finance, banking, healthcare government, semi-government, law.
• Workers with either a long or short work history.
• All other industries are also a perfect match for a professional resume

Avenir Resume

Grey Resume

Modern resumes & cv's.

A modern template does well in industries and positions that have to be current with time. Great for non-traditional businesses and young people working environments.

• Technology-, news-, media-, marketing-, culture-, branding- and sales sectors.
• Consulting, finance, science and technical environments

Creative Resumes & CV's

A creative template is there for creatives in the creative sectors, where a positive impression of your work is necessary. What is a better way than to start off by showcasing a creative resume? It serves the purpose of getting you noticed and not discarded before your resume is even being read.

Ideal for: 

• Creative positions in all area’s and industries
• Entertainment sectors
• Content creators

Muller Resume

What our customers says.

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Good page. Great help.

More Word samples please

good download

gracias por el ejemplos. Hay en Espanol tambien?

Time saver! Thanks

Free always does it well for me!

good resume!

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