Maybe you're already in the job market, or perhaps you still have a job and you're just looking to dust off your resume, just in case. Whatever the case may be, the task at hand is to make sure that you and your resume stand out to your prospective employer. You may be the most qualified candidate in the deck, but the truth of the matter is that if your resume never even gets read, you'll never get the job. But there's no need to panic just quite yet because resume templates are here to help.
In this article about resume templates, we will discuss the following topics:
- What is a Resume Template?
- How to Create Your Own Resume Templates in Microsoft Word.
- The Benefits of Using A Resume Template for your Job Search.
- Tips on how to use a template effectively and efficiently.
What Is A Resume Template?
There are a few types of professional resume templates that you might find when conducting your own research. The first type of simple resume template is simply an example or sample that you can copy and paste into your own document. It's basically just a basic format with some text already written out so it saves time when creating your own resume. You can also customize these templates by adding information such as your name, contact info, education history, skills, etc.
If you're looking for something a bit more visually appealing than the basic resume template, the second type employs the use of a bit more design and creativity. While you won't be able to copy the content and paste is into a word editor, you'll be able, to use the online editor to fill in the text boxes in the template and maintain the original template's design. If you are applying for a job in a creative field that allows for a bit of creative freedom, then this would be a great option. A you deviate from the classic resume format, using a template will ensure that the format of your resume sections, such as relevant work experience, education experience, professional experience, volunteer experience and list of skills and hobbies stay in order and organized. A template will help you balance both white space, while adding in a pop of color to help you stand out.
How To Use A Resume Template For Your Job Search
Another benefit of using a template to build your resume is that it takes the guesswork out of this part of your job search. If there are any questions regarding what should be included and where, then your professionally designed resume builder will certainly be able to help you with this. This way, they'll know exactly what needs to go where. Also, if you're not familiar with formatting resumes, don't worry because most templates have easy to understand directions. All you'll need to do is fill in the blanks provided by the template and you're off to the races with a clean resume.
We well-designed, professional template should contain a space for all types of skills and attributes that you might want to include in your resume for your next job search. Look for a template with a functional format that has built in sections that closely match the skills and experience that you want to include in your resume and then use their guides a a prompt to inspire your writing. If you choose the right template for your job search, then you should be able to simply use their prompts to guide your own writing.
The Benefits Of Using A Resume Template For your Job Search
Using a modern resume template allows you to save time and effort while still getting professional results. When applying for jobs online, many people tend to forget to include their work experience, which makes them look unprofessional. However, having a professional template gives off a positive impression and shows employers that you put thought into your job search. Plus, it helps you stand apart from other applicants since you won’t need to spend hours writing up your entire career history.
Tips On How To Use A Template Effectively & Efficiently
If you want to create your own resume template, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1) Make Sure That All Information Is Corrected Before Copying Into Your Document.
2) Always Include Contact Info In Case An Employer Wants More Details About Yourself.
3) Don't Forget Any Important Dates Or Events From Your Education History.
4) Keep Track Of Where Each Section Should Be Located Within Your Document.
5) Add Some Colorful Fonts So They Stand Out Better.
6) Remember Not To Overuse Bold Texting Since It Can Look Unattractive.
7) Try Adding Images To Help Explain Things Such As Skills, Certifications, Awards, Etc.
What should I look for in a resume template?
While browsing through the many creative resume templates available online, it's obvious that that you'll need the actual resume page. But you should also consider the rest of the application process and decide if you'll want your entire application to coordinate with the resume itself. For example, some resume templates also include matching templates for the cover letter and reference lists as well to create a complete resume package. These are definitely nice things to have included in your template and might make your application process much easier.
You'll also want to consider which type of resume format you want to use for your own resume, and choose a template that follows that format. The three most common format are a chronological resume, a functional resume and a combination resume. Get to know each format before you finalize your template selection.
Heading out into the job market can be stressful, but whether you're building your resume from scratch or dusting off an old one and giving is a fresh spin, putting together your resume, cover letter and reference lists shouldn't be. With so many tools available to help you build a professional resume, you'll be able to focus more on making sure that you highlight your skills and experience in the best way possible to make yourself an attractive candidate to potential employers. Choose a template that catches your eye and it will most likely do the same for a hiring manager. Follow the template guidelines as closely as possible, but follow your gut and add your own flair if needed. If you chose the perfect resume template for your needs and one that reflects your unique personality, you should be able to out together an eye-catching resume in minutes.
