If you want to find a new job, you should have a professional and well-written resume to submit.
If you are creating a resume for the first time, you may head online to search for "free resume templates.
" A few minutes online and you'll find thousands of templates to choose from.
What should you consider when making your choice? Easy on the Eyes Format Although it is important to draw attention to your resume, you don't want to take the wrong approach.
Using an eye-grabbing font is one way to get your resume noticed, but it doesn't do much good if that font is difficult to read.
A hiring manager should not have to struggle to read your resume.
We are often blinded ourselves to some of these issues.
If you opt for a non-traditional font, ask family and friends for feedback on this important document beforehand.
Professional Layout and Format It can seem tricky trying to find free resume templates that are both easy to read and professional, but it can be done.
Flashy resumes tend to backfire; in most cases simple, basic, and clean cut creates the best impression.
In terms of professionalism, ensure the layout is well-organized, all the basics are covered (objective, job history, training, and education), and ensure this information isn't cluttered.
When reading your resume, an employer should think "wow, this job seeker is detail-oriented and organized.
" Relevancy or Chronological You will typically find two different types of free templates for resumes online.
They either tend to focus on relevancy first or most recent accomplishments first.
You can actually use either or and position your prior jobs in order of your preference (relevancy or date).
It is also important to note that templates can be reorganized.
So say you find a template that has training and education before job history, but you want it switched around.
Do this copying and pasting in Microsoft Word.
Compatibility with Microsoft Word Most job seekers use Microsoft Word to compose their resumes.
If you were to download free resume templates from the Microsoft Word website, compatibility isn't an issue.
Say you download a template from a third-party website; will that document open in Word? Will it retain its original format? Will spell-check still be intact? If you notice any issues, such as the misalignment of headings or the automatic deactivation of spell check, take steps to fix the issue or select a better template.
Note: You also do not have to pick just one free resume template.
Do you have a couple of favorites? If so, opt for them both; create two different versions of your resume.
This can also serve as a test.
Mark down which companies get which resumes and see what resume format lands you the most job interviews.
If you do notice that one resume performs better than the others (even if only the format layout is different), consider using this resume for the rest of your job search.