10 resume templates and tools to make your CV stand out

First impressions matter when you’re competing for a job: recruiters spend an average of less than six seconds deciding whether your resume or CV is worth a second glance.

A resume is an advertisement, so it needs to be eye-catching and stand out from the pack.

After all, the content of your resume is what will ultimately help you land an interview. 
 
Here’s where free CV templates and tools can help:

• They provide guidance and structure that hirers typically expect to see
• If you’re a first-time job seeker, sample CVs will help you familiarise yourself with a typical resume format
• They provide attractive templates with presets to suit different job applications
• Some tools come with help for cover letters, either in the form of a builder or as samples
• CVs can be saved and in some instances directly with prospective employers on social media channels
• These tools can be especially useful if you don’t have any design skills

Ready to get started? Try these free tools for your CV.

1. Michael Page resume templates

Michael Page offers a range of resume templates that differ depending on what suits you and the position you’re applying for. For example, a skills-based resume will have a different look and function to a chronological resume, so choose the one that is relevant to what you’re applying for and most likely to help you stand out from the crowd.

2. Canva

Canva is an online graphic design tool that helps people make flawless graphics without needing any previous experience and in this case it can help job hunters build beautiful resumes.

There are hundreds of templates that you can use and customise onsite by switching the colours, fonts, and graphics. You can choose between simple, sleek resumes, bright and colourful templates, executive-level professional templates, and more. You will also have the option of uploading your own elements if you have features you would like to add.

RELATED: How to write a winning resume that will land you a job interview

3. Visualize.me

For those who have a long working history, visualize.me can be a hugely beneficial tool for creating a visual representation of your skills and work history. It works by connecting to your LinkedIn account, where it pulls together information and statistics, and presents them in stunning infographic formats. This can truly help your resume stand out, especially with busy recruiters.

4. Easel.ly

If you’re on a creative streak and looking to make something truly unique, Easel.ly gives you all the tools to make it happen. Technically speaking, Easel.ly is a tool for turning any kind of information into an engaging infographic, so you can use it for your resume as well as presentations and reports once you get hired.

5. Resumonk

The free version of Resumonk comes with four templates and the ability to import your LinkedIn profile. A paid version will set you back $USD29 a year but provides 17 templates and no Resumonk branding in the footer. It also enables you to create a cover letter for each resume and a custom URL to share your resume online, along with analytics to track online views.

6. VisualCV

VisualCV provides free resume samples, with the free version including three templates to choose from. It also includes a range of content on how to get a good start in your career.

If you choose to upgrade to the Pro version ($12/month for a minimum of 3 months) you obtain access to all templates, multiple resume versions, the ability to export to PDF. No VisualCV branding, a personal domain name and advanced CV tracking analytics.

7. Resume.com

Resume.com comes with 24 free templates to choose from.  You can upload your resume and work on the existing document of create one from scratch. With over 3 million active members and a resume builder that guides you step-by-step, you’ll have a professional resume in no time.

8. kickresume

kickresume has over 50 templates to choose from, including career-specific options. It also comes with over 100 resume examples from people who have landed dream jobs to help you get the creative juices flowing.

9. Ladders

Ladders allows you to upload your existing resume and have it reviewed for effectiveness. This includes and analysis of content, structure, and style as well as actionable recommendations will make your resume work for you.

10. Qwilr

Qwilr has created a clean and easy-to-use resume builder. All you need to do is follow the prompts and enter the details as it asks for them. It’s quick, simple, and once you’ve entered all the information about you, your skills and experience, you’ll choose from the ‘creative’ or ‘elegant’ template, and it puts all the content together into a professionally finished resume format.

Ready to have your CV be seen by top companies? Speak to a Michael Page consultant today.