I have a free resume template for job seekers, career switches, and students. The economy is a little tough right now, so we’ve got a little love here to help you get noticed amongst the competition.
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To help, I’ve put together 3 free Microsoft Word resume templates to help you get writing. Check out the article about resume formats to help you choose the right resume template for your situation. You might even find these resume examples helpful.
Now, I’ve never been a fan of the generic blank resume template since they lack character – so if you’ve got the time, do try to add your custom spin on these templates to liven things up! Now get downloading ’cause there’s a job out there waiting for your greatness!
Chronological Resume Template
Choose the chronological resume format if you have a steady work history with few breaks, if you’re staying in the same field, or if your job titles show increased responsibility and higher position levels. See a chronological resume example for some additional ideas.
Functional Resume Template
Consider using the functional resume format if you want to highlight specific skills, if you’re re-entering the job market after an absence, when you have a wide variety of different or unrelated work experiences, or if you’re looking for your first job as a new college graduate. Here’s a functional resume example if you need to see this resume template in action!
Combination Resume Template
Use the combination resume format to highlight your transferable skills from numerous jobs or volunteer work, when your work experience differs from your desired career path, or if most of your work had been short term. Check out this combination resume example to help you decide if this resume format is for you.
I’ve had a lot of fun (and I’ve spent countless hours) blogging the How to Write a Resume series for your reading pleasure. While being “squawky” and entertaining throughout the series was my way to make a stressful task more fun, my ultimate goal is to hopefully help all you job hunters find work in this miserable economy. I fully admit that landing a job interview isn’t easy, but putting your best foot forward with an exceptional resume is a sure fire way to get some face time with a hiring manager.
Love love love,
Kerry
@J.Money I’m really excited about this little contest thingy. Readers email me their resumes all the time so I know there are job seekers looking to get some real help. 🙂
Nice idea there Foxy! Hope you get lots of participants 🙂 I sorta-kinda-definitely need to see if I can even find where i last put my resume…I bet i last looked at it before Facebook was even out. haha…
I’m trying to change “careers” from what I majored in during college (just graduated!) and need all the help I can get 🙂
I just got a job, but it’s only for 6 months. I have a fancy new CV but would love your opinion on it.
Thank you Stephanie and Kelly! 😀
I’ve received many email and Twitter entries! Keep them coming!
@FupDuckTV Oh my gosh. I’m thrilled you liked the series. I get a lot of email from series readers so I’m guessing it’s helping people. 🙂 I haven’t decided what the next topic will be. This one was a lot of work. 😀 I’m open to suggestions. 😉
Awesome series, Fox.
What is the next major topic going to be?
What do you think would work best for a contractor – in the past few years I’ve worked at places for one to two years, by choice as I’ve wanted to travel and do other things.
How do you present that without looking like you lack stability?
Thanks!
Hmmm…where did the used car post go?
@Fox- You should consider doing a 10 point series (or have ever many it would take) on how to hire someone; what to look for in a resume. It would be the flip side of this series.
I have been both the hiring manager and the aspiring candidate. I really believe that being the candidate is easier. Hiring the right person is MUCH tougher.
Great series! Very helpful. Thanks!
[…] Get Your Resume Template! (three for free) […]
I love the website, I was able to help my niece build her resume following your tips. I m looking forward to fixing mine by following the same tips. Thank You!
This series landed me my dream job at a major financial institution, thank-you so much. I’ve paid it forward several times over.
it’s very kind of you to provide so much help to me, and i think i will achieve my idea job with your advice. thank you!
Really useful templates; however I would add something that is definitely becoming even more important, particularly within the UK and EU job markets. Don’t focus purely on the template/ design you use. the content is far more important overall, particularly in light of the information below:
CV or resume heat map information is now showing that recruiters or employers are now looking at documents on screen for around the 15 second mark. It always used to be 30 seconds so it shows that employers in particular are under severe pressure with the sheer volume of CVs that they need to look at, and simply do not have the time to read each and every one properly
The importance of highlighting achievements within previous job roles is even more important. When listing achievements, separate yourself prom the crowd through detailing the employer derived as a result of what you achieved. the more tangible the benefit that you delivered, the better. Financial benefits hit hardest so if you have increased sales, profit, gross margin, customer numbers and the like then say so and show how much money your previous employer gained as a result.
If the reader can see quickly what you have delivered for employers in the past, the chances of making it past the first sift are greatly increased, especially as so many recruiters are time poor.
This is SUPER helpful! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!
really useful and good source….
thank you…
I am desperately looking for a job. I have applied for several positions, but have not been shorted listed for an interview nor have been notified for any. Am satisfied with your tips of writing a resume/cover latter. I will review and rewrite my resume based on what I have learn from your website. and I believed there after I will succeed in my endless struggle for employment.
Best Wishes
Richard Wani Clement
Juba
South Sudan
Welcome back, great to have you back.
Thanks for the series-I really wanted to get away from the standard chronological… my only feedback is not putting home address on…rather, I use that space for my Linkedin address. Thanks again! You have a happy new follower!