Free Resume Template: What Makes a Good One?

You can drown in the "free resume examples," "free resume templates," and "free resume samples" on the web.

In my opinion, a single thing makes one free resume template different from another: results.

Find a free resume template that will help you create a resume that'll win you a job.

That means several things have to be true about this template you're considering.

First, it has to be able to produce a jaw-dropping summary at the top of page one. If it'll only let you plug in an objective statement, even if it's a good one, you won't necessarily be able to produce the resume you want to. At least not the kind I'd recommend.

Second, it has to be flexible. If you can't rearrange things easily, or change fonts and formatting, you'll be too locked in. It'll be like a Soviet all-you-eat buffet. They give you a small plate of food and say, "There. That's all you can eat."

Third, it has to have a professional, attractive layout. You want to STAND out, not STICK out. Go for a professional, probably more traditional look. The layout should include ample white space, simply because it "sells" better.

Fourth, it has to be in Word format. If you're dealing with software, it has to allow you to save or export to Word format. This is the industry standard. If you deliver something to a recruiter in electronic form, and it isn't Word, you'll be lucky if he contacts you to tell you to send a Word document. More likely, he'll pass you by.

If a free resume template (or one you're considering buying) meets those criteria, it's probably worth using. It's a pretty short list.

Notice that I didn't say anything about fancy fonts, or software, or any bells and whistles at all.

Those can be nice, maybe even helpful. They're NOT necessary. Fire up Microsoft Word, load up your template, if necessary change the font to 11-point Times New Roman (a standard, atractive, and "safe" font), and start typing!

A free resume template isn't going to do the work for you. It simply might save you time on the more mundane tasks, like formatting the document.

The job-winning content is all up to you.

Copyright 2005 by Roy Miller

An article by Roy Miller, creator of http://www.Job-Search-Guidepost.com. He recently developed a simple, powerful, job-winning resume template package. You can get your FREE copy here: free resume template. And if you liked this article, be sure to sign up for Roy's free weekly newsletter.

This article may be reprinted for use in newsletters and on websites provided that this information box is kept intact. Email notice of intent to publish is appreciated but not required: roy@job-search-guidepost.com.