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There are many ways to showcase your artistic personality and assert yourself as a designer. You start with your works, continue with your creative portfolio — but what you need to pass it to the employer is a well-made CV or resume.
Essential Resume Templates
Professional resume templates can do you lots of good by setting the right accents and embracing the most mattering information in a single place. Besides, most professional templates come with tons of extras like infographics, icons, or font combinations tips, which opposes them to stiff and boring resumes made in text editors. And sometimes, it simply turns out that it’s too long to make them from scratch.
However, once you are convinced that you need a resume template to present your professional skills, background, and portfolio to the employer, you risk getting stumbled on multiple questions and doubts. Like what type of resume you should better stick to or what you’d better start with if you have no prior experience. Besides, there are so many options to choose from: there are basic resume templates with universal design and creative resume templates — however, is it okay to use them? And finally, is it critical to use templates designed for particular positions and niches: like IT, design, or anything else?
Don’t worry, I’m here with all the answers, tips, and, of course, a huge bunch of the best resume templates you could ever think of.
Our Team’s Top Pick
Resume
The Basics: Types of Resumes
Before you start preparing your resume or exploring the provided resume templates, you should decide on the type of resume that works for you. There are three common resume formats: chronological, functional, and combination. Depending on your work experience, goals, and skills, you should easily find the one that works for you and showcases you as the most favorable candidate.
Chronological Resume
A chronological resume lists your work history, starting with your current or most recent job. This is the most apparent type of resume, and it’s usually easy to write it — especially if you have reach working experience you’d like to emphasize. For a candidate, it’s a convenient way to show your professional and career growth. And for the employer, it’s also a chance to assess the loyalty and responsibility as they see the person’s work history dates.
However, if you consider chronological resume templates for no-work-experience cases, or if you have considerable gaps in your career history or changed job too often, you should better functional or combination types. Besides, this isn’t the best format to call attention to your skills unless they are listed in the most recent position.
Functional Resume
A functional resume focuses on your skills and professional strengths necessary for the target position and employer. It de-emphasizes working experience, dates, and names — so it will fit students, freelancers with spotty work history. In return, it allows a convenient format of telling the candidate’s specific strengths and skills that can gel lost in a classic chronological resume. Volunteering, various courses, projects are the things that you can place in highlight and feel confident even if your career history lacks outstanding achievements, promotions, and job titles.
In fact, the omitted work experience can sometimes go sideways, as such a resume may look incomplete — as if the candidate is hiding something. The conclusion is obvious: you can use functional resume templates (or combination resumes, which you’ll discover further) if you are a post-graduate, have limited work experience, or changing your career. And avoid them if you want to emphasize growth or development gained at recent jobs.
Combination Resume
As you can see from the title, a combination resume mixes the features of the functional and chronological types and allows the user to freely blend their elements. As a rule, it makes a great focus on the skills while work history goes at the second place. That’s why even students with no working experience can use such resume examples for application — as long as they have other experience: from volunteering to freelancing and jobs unrelated to the prospective position.
A combination resume template is an option of choice to show off the skills acquired or developed throughout your work history instead of the specific positions you have held. This will particularly fit those candidates who seek to change a career, so their former places of work may not be relevant to the employer. However, if you have no experience at all, you better use a functional resume, where this part can be omitted entirely.
How to Choose Resume Templates
Now we’ve finally approached the major question of all candidates who are convinced to use resume templates instead of making it themselves but feel lost in the variety of types and designs. And I totally understand your confusion as there are thousands of downloadable resume templates with various designs, and it’s impossible to say which will work for you and which won’t. However, there is nothing to worry about, as there’s some basic knowledge to help you make your mind.
Before you start checking templates, make sure to answer a few important questions:
- What is the company/employer/position?
- Does the company have a strong or unique culture?
- What do you want to tell about yourself?
- What does your prospective employer what to see in the candidate?
- What do I want the template to tell about you?
Once you’ve got all the answers, you’ll find it a lot easier to cut off the resume templates that don’t work for you: too creative or, on the contrary, too minimalist and basic. Also, it will help you tailor the file to create an effective CV to show off your personality as it is.
Another detail you should keep in mind is that some companies use ATS — Applicant Tracking Systems. It parses resume content before an employer, or HR specialist ever reads it, and what may be critical for you is that resumes with too much fancy formatting often get scrambled going through the Applicant Tracking Systems and never make it to recruiters. So apparently, if you use a chart to illustrate your skills, there is a chance the software won’t recognize it, and you should better use classical text-based resume templates.
Alternatively, you may be applying for a creative position requiring you to bring a maximum of your personality and be bold and inventive. In this case, you are more than welcome to add a bit of color, maybe some graphics or charts, and even have a custom design for your resume template. You must be pretty excited — however, there’s still time for balance as a kitschy-looking resume may result in a fatality (and maybe not!).
- Don’t use creative resume templates if they don’t match the company you’re applying to or the position.
- Don’t use sample resume templates containing graphics and charts if you know the ATS will parse it.
- Use create resume templates if it’s applicable but always mind the balance.
How to Choose the Resume Template Format
After you choose the resume, you can plunge into the process of searching for the best CV templates that will help present yourself as a qualified specialist and get your dream job. However, don’t forget to pay attention to the resume template format. There are 3 main types:
- PDF. This CV format is most suitable for job seekers with images and graphics in their resume, for example graphic designers. Almost all modern job application systems can read PDF using Adobe Acrobat or online editors, such as PDF2go, DocFly or PDFCandy.
- DOC. Such files are perfect for resumes based on text only. So, if you want to just point out the working and studying experience, skills and strengths, this one will be a perfect choice for you. Plus, DOC format is the easiest to edit: you can use the Pages app on Mac and Word on Windows.
- JPG. Another great option for those wanting to add graphics and images to the resume. It suits creative jobs, like designers, photographers, etc. You can edit JPG files with Microsoft Paint and Photos app on Mac. Or you can use online editors: Img2Go and Online JPG Tools.
How to Edit Resume Templates
There are some things you need to consider to create a perfect professional resume for job application. If you have rich working experience and choose a chronological or reverse chronological order format for the CV, pay attention to the gaps between the jobs. When they are too long, the employer may decline such candidates. In such case you should better go for a functional format — as here you focus on skills and strengths rather than experience, it’s more likely to get a job. Or, you can mix it and create a combination resume. No matter what format you choose, you need to show yourself as a professional and not overdo the task. Structure it logically and precisely.
When it comes to editing, there are some points you need to remember to create an outstanding professional resume that will catch managers’ attention:
- Your CV is the paper you need to keep simple and logical. Don’t make it visually busy with vivid colors and too many long texts — it’s more effective to use bullet points and concise explanations when it is needed. The rest you will be able to tell on job interview. Also it’s important to choose a clean font that won’t distract from the text itself.
- Keep in mind that the template isn’t a rule you can’t break. You may like the info block placement, the color combinations and the font, but you still may customize it to get the best out of the template. The resume template makes it easier to create a resume but it is just a foundation that will help show all your advantages and you as a great professional in general.
- Add new blocks or delete ones that you don’t want to use — it will make your application stand out. Plus, pay attention to what the employers consider important: add your own photo on the top, the interests and hobby if they are somehow connected to the position you are applying to and any other information the hiring managers put as important. But don’t write too much – here you should use bullet points, too.
Types of Resume Templates
Once you’ve made a brief analysis of how you should choose resume templates and adapt them to the prospective position and company, you should also know what kinds of templates can fit you. As you have noticed, there are lots of professional resume templates of all sorts — however, it should be a lot easier to make a choice when you know 6 major types:
Basic resume templates
They have classic chronological formatting and are the most straightforward solution for business purposes, or when the resume will be first parsed by the ATM.
Colorful resume templates
They sound creative and daring, but in reality, such resume examples can be quite formal. Their main feature is that along with the basic structure, they can implement colorful elements for highlighting and emphasizing particular details.
Minimalist resume templates
These are pretty close to the basic ones. However, they allow different kinds of the resume: chronological, functional or combination.
Creative resume templates
They can have out-of-the-box structure and formatting, color accents, and everything that rather works for creative specialists seeking to assert themselves than any other specialists.
Resume templates for experienced candidates
They have plenty of room to list working history, skills, education, courses, and portfolio. As a rule, such templates include 2 or more pages and a separate template for portfolio/appendix.
Resume templates for postgraduates and students
Opposed to the previous type, such templates are usually functional, with skill and education placed in the limelight.
So, are you a product creator, developer, design blogger, IT specialist, or illustrator? I’ve tried to feature graphic design CV templates to fit any of you and save your time while the outcome will always look professional and convincing. Both US Letter and A4 ISO formats are on the list.
Resume
Create a minimalist and stylish resume with this professional template designed to impress hiring managers at even the most prestigious traditional companies. This is a classy, professional resume template perfect for your job search compatible with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, which is super easy to edit. It will help you get a next job quickly!
The Resume
This cover letter & resume template was designed in an attempt to accurately disclose your talents and skills. It’s so versatile and eye-popping that your employer will hardly ever leave it unnoticed in the pile of papers. Every job seeker can use a resume template with such a professional appearance. It will surely become your favorite resume template!
How to Customize the Resume Template
Mention your personal info: name, contact information, etc.
It is the first thing you need to write. Put your name at the top of the CV and add a photo of yourself if the company you are applying to demands it. Don’t forget to write your phone number and email so the managers can contact you later.Use a resume summary or objective
A resume objective is a catching phrase that describes your career intent. It is a short introduction (2-3 sentences) where you mention the job title you want to get, the key skills and what you want to achieve in this job. For example, you can write “To secure a challenging position and a responsible career opportunity to apply my skills and make a contribution to the company’s success”. The resume summary statement is a sentence that covers the candidate’s relevant skills, experience and achievements.List your working experience and previous achievements
Go through all your positions, workplaces, special projects and achievements you had with the indication of dates to show your professional background.Tell about your hard and soft skills
List skills of yours that will be helpful for the job. Soft skills are time management, teamwork, conflict resolution, creative thinking, networking and other personal characteristics. Hard skills are the abilities you learned and enhanced through practice and education, “technical skills”, e.g. language knowledge, degrees in different areas, computer programming, etc.Include additional info blocks
Are you fluent in a foreign language or have a hobby that gives you useful skills for the job you are applying to? Tell about it! Add a block of such information to show the employers that you have industry knowledge and everything to get the job done in the best way possible.Make a cover letter
It’s your chance to prove that you are a perfect candidate for this job. If you haven’t written such a thing yet, find some cover letter examples that will inspire you to create your own one.Proofread
Though this part isn’t exactly about your resume writing, it is an important part of making a good first impression on employers. Fix the mistakes you could make and check the writing style to make sure you sound professional.
CV Resume
Modern resume templates pack is a professional solution to help you make a great impression when applying for a job. You’ll have a bold, dynamic, and professional resume template designed to make an impression, so you can fly to an interview instantly. You can easily edit this CV file, it’s 100% customizable. All objects are resizable, removable, and editable. Place your designs using Smart Objects, double-click the Smart Layer, copy & paste your artwork, save, and you’re done!
Resume
Discover professional resume templates with attractive design to impress hiring managers at even the most prestigious companies. These eye-catching template files can be easily customized using Photoshop, Illustrator, and Microsoft Word on Mac or PC. You can easily change the text, fonts, and colors to personalize your own content and color scheme with just a few clicks. This template package is not only with a CV template but also includes with cover letter and portfolio page.
Resume
Are you a job seeker looking for a creative resume template that would help you create resume as well as make a cover letter? Here’s a great one! It’s a clean and modern resume template, perfect for creative professionals. Every element of this eye-catching template is 100% editable and allows anyone to customize them with ease. You can edit resume & cover letters in almost any possible app, play with pixel-perfect shapes and express your creativity via the provided free fonts.
Resume
Clean, professional resume templates have earned their place in designers’ toolkits with their reserved yet convincing nature. They allow to draw the employer’s attention to the candidate’s personality and keep it focused on the most essential details — so don’t overlook this minimalist CV pack. It is perfect even for conservative industries. It includes the resume + cover letter in A4 format. It’s a perfect resume template that is very easy to edit in Adobe Illustrator — thanks to the well-organized layers and intuitive customisation. You can even play with colors and rearrange the elements.
Create a Resume Yourself
Who am I to hold you back from expressing your creativity? While using resume templates is the easiest way to assert yourself to your future employer, a custom resume is a valid option for everyone with some design experience or simply willing to try themselves in it. In fact, there can be many reasons why you want to do without resume templates, and I won’t be able to list them all.
Instead, I’ll be happy to share a complete guide on how you can professionally create your own resume. In our guide you will learn how to:
- Plan in you resume;
- Make sure your resume is made correctly;
- Write a convincing objective and present your experience;
- Present a portfolio;
- Talk about skills and experience;
- Assert yourself with confidence without turning your CV into an essay.
CV Resume Template
We’re pretty sure you’ll love the flawless design of this modern resume template, as every detail is perfect. In a nutshell, it’s a clean two-page file in Adobe Illustrator, which is an ideal pick if you seek to assert yourself and show your solid creative personality. It was created with a modern, elegant finish to become a perfect tool to get you the perfect job.
Professional CV Resume Template
This is the best resume template that perfectly minds the balance between outrageous brightness that may be too much and color accents that make a default A4 sheet pop. It’s a one-page resume template, fully layered, well organized, and ready to print. You can use a resume template to compose a chronological resume — just add your bio and set it to print.
CV
Extraordinary colors and perfect geometry make this template a treasure in the eyes of job seekers. Along with the purely stunning design, this template comes with fully customizable 3 pages: you can change everything, from the color solution to fonts and text. It’s compatible with Adobe InDesign and MS Word, so you’ll be able to adopt this CV even with basic software at hand.
Essential Resume Collection
If you can’t make your mind with a single template, why not pick 10 at a time and decide later? It’s easily achievable with this bundle contains 10 best resume templates, where each perfectly fits creative specialists. But even if you’re not looking for a job in that field and just prefer the layout, it can be easily edited to suit any position or industry.
Go Big or Go Home! The Resume Bundle
Pick up this massive bundle of great resume templates — 10 all-time best-selling designs. From the first hello in your covering letter to your glowing references, let potential employers know that you’re the full package. Inside the pack, you’ll find 10 thoughtful and stylish resume templates in AI, PSD, and DOCX formats. They come with an optional second page, cover letter, and references template.
Jane | CV / Resume Template
Meet Jane, a creative resume template with organic shapes that will help you make a strong impression. Jane is a 3 page resume: two pages for your resume and the third for cover letter. It is the best resume template provided in all popular formats. Just open your resume file in your favorite program, fill in your information like job title and resume summary in this perfect resume template & add or delete sections according to your needs.
Free Resume Template
We’ve seen billions of free resume templates, and we know you have too! Most of them are pretty similar and formal, some are fancy, and some contain a pinch of creativity. But we are sure you’ve never seen anything more extraordinary and bold than this free creative resume template to update their old resume with something trendy, ultimately engaging, and a little retro. This is a rare example of free professional resume templates for a functional resume, and it’s an excellent template for students.
Resume With Picture / CV With Photo
We present the best resume template to make your name memorable and move your great resume to the top of the stack. All the design legwork is already done, so you don’t have to. Fun, modern, and maybe even a little daring, the mission is to un-boring your resume. There’s everything you’ll need: the resume file, cover letter, and lots of good design!
Trendy Creative Resume
Here is a perfect example of free creative resume templates with modern design for the candidates seeking to show off their creativity in every detail. In fact, there are lots of free resume templates available for download, but this one is just mind-blowing. It is a perfect template for designers, photographers, developers, and artists.
Laura | CV / Resume Template
Laura is a minimalist and creative resume template with a retro touch. Laura contains three pages: two pages for your resume, and the third is for the cover letter. Three colors are proposed (pink, green, blue, yellow), and you can easily add your photo or play with social icons if you wish. This elegant resume template requires Microsoft Word, Adobe Indesign, or Adobe Photoshop programs to be edited.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many types of free resume templates you can easily find online. If you are in search of such resources now, check out Envato Elements, Pixelbuddha, Graphicpear, Smash Resume or go to Behance. These sites provide you with tons of high-quality, functional free resume templates that will surely help you to build a successful career.
There is a wide range of resume templates you can choose from based on your profession or the sides of your career path you want the employers to focus on. If you want to highlight your previous working experience, you can use a minimalistic resume template with a chronological format. But in case you want to point out your skills, you should check out the functional format. No matter what you decide to use in the end, Envato Elements and Smash Resume have such a wide range of templates that you will surely find a perfect one for you.
