Writing a Resume: To Template or Not To Template?

Are free resume templates a viable answer to preparing akiller resume?

It's a fact that if your resume doesn't stand out--both interms of content AND appearance-- you'll find it verydifficult to get the job you seek.

Hiring managers get hundreds of resumes for every openposition, but usually have time to interview only a handfulof applicants. So, they'll scan through the resumes asquickly as they can, looking for candidates to "jump out" atthem. At best, your resume has mere seconds to make animpression.

The best way to raise instant interest is with an eye-catching and clean design that enhances your content. Somepeople, such as those with experience in graphic design ordesktop publishing, may be able to produce a great-lookingresume on their own.

But most people need a little help. If you don't have theinnate talent or desire to play around with resume design,you have 2 basic choices:

* Use a resume template

* Hire a professional resume writer

Let's start with the second option. It's a great one, if youcan afford it. Pick the right resume writer or writingservice and you'll get help not only with design, but alsowith your content. Plus, a professional can help you zero inon a well-focused resume for your desired career path, givenyour skills and experience. It's a great way to go, but itcan be pricey.

If you can't afford to spend the money right now for aprofessional writer (no matter how much value it may beworth) OR you're one of those "do-it-yourselfers," then aresume template is another way to go. You can buy resumetemplate software, but it's not necessary.

If you know how to use Microsoft Word, then you can whip upa striking resume!

Many experts warn against using MS Word resume templates.They argue that your resume will look like many others thatwere also prepared using Word. But what they're reallyreferring to with those comments are the 3 standard Wordformats that come with the program. It's true, they're notparticularly inspiring in appearance.

However, here's another option. Use an MS Word template thatis different from the standard ones. There's nothinginherently wrong with using free resume templates. The keyis to find unique templates. Here are some of the benefitsof using templates:

* They guide you in the correct format and organization,with the right headings and sections in the right order.

* They come preset with fonts, formatting, and white spacefor a pleasing and sophisticated design.

* They're easy to use. Just type in your personalinformation, save and go. Also, if you want, it's easyenough to change fonts or almost anything else to get a moreunique design--if you wish.

Of course, the key is to spend enough time to find highquality free resume templates. There are many sites thatoffer sample resumes that they call templates, but you'dhave to cut and paste them into Word to use them. Othersites, such as www.Powerful-Sample-Resume-Formats.com,provide true "click and type" templates that are all set upfor you to start filling in the content.

Ultimately, how you prepare your resume is a personaldecision. But, if you're looking for an economical solutionthat still gives you a measure of control, think about freeresume templates. If you choose the template wisely, it'sstill possible to have a standout resume that is uniquelyyours.

Kathi MacNaughton, a freelance writer andeditor, has years of management and recruitment experience.For unique, eye-catching MS Word free resume templates that are truly "Click and type" and that include tips and advice on content, seehttp://www.powerful-sample-resume-formats.com. Copyright 2004 Kathi MacNaughton. All rights reserved.