How to Use a Free Resume Builder to Create a Top-Notch Resume
Resume builders are interactive online resume templates that allow you to plug in information and build a cohesive resume. To build a resume using a resume builder, follow these easy steps:
- Find a resume builder you like (see our take on the best free resume builder tools below).
- Make sure you have your materials ready, including your resume and the job description of the position you’re applying for.
- Follow the prompts from the resume builder you choose. Note: our simplicity ratings beside each builder can help you determine which prompts will require the most/least effort on your part.
- Last but not least, scan your resume with Jobscan to make sure it is optimized for those pesky applicant tracking systems!
These are our top 10 most popular free resume builders that you can use online. Some are openly free and others have little loopholes these resume builders really free. Follow our instructions under each builder to use without ever entering a credit card.
10 Resume Builders that are Really Free
1. Jobscan’s Resume Builder
Simplicity rating: Extremely Easy
Value Rating: 9
Why we like it: We’ll acknowledge it—we’re a bit biased here. However, Jobscan’s resume builder is easy to use and guides job seekers through the process effortlessly. Our favorite part is that it’s ATS-friendly. The templates used to build your resume are created with applicant tracking systems in mind—helping you keep each of your resumes optimized.
In this resume builder, the screen is split into two sections. The first section asks you to fill in the information you want to include in your resume. As you do that, you can see the builder formatting that information into the second section, which will become your final product.
Is this resume builder really free? How do you use it?: Yes, it’s free! And it’s extremely easy to use. All you need to do is choose one of our ATS-friendly resume templates. You can then customize it to each job you’re applying for, using our simple forms. When you’re done, you can download and/or print and submit it to your potential employers.
2. CakeResume
Simplicity rating: Extremely Easy
Value Rating: 9
Why we like it: Cake Resume really is a piece of cake to use. Just drag and drop pre-made sections from the column on the right of the resume builder and update the sample information. You can also create a public profile and upload your LinkedIn information, if you choose to, which lets hiring managers who come to the site to view your information.
Is this resume builder really free? How do you use it?: Cake Resume allows you to create one free resume (paid plans range from $4.95-$21.95 per month). We suggest using the free download to create a basic resume that you can edit and update for different jobs. Once you’re ready to download, just click the PDF button in the upper left corner to save a free copy of your resume to your computer.
Done building your resume with Cake Resume? Upload it to Jobscan to see how well it matches the job.
3. Resume Genius
Simplicity Rating: Extremely Easy
Value Rating: 8
Why we like it: Resume Genius is as easy as a resume builder gets. This builder asks the job seeker a series of multiple choice questions about education and experience, and only requires you to fill in the blanks with dates, roles, and other simple answers. We especially love the option to “Add Pre-Written Bullet Points” for creating customized job responsibilities, which we suggest using as ideas for your job responsibilities.
Is this resume builder really free? How do you use it?: When you’ve finished building your resume, you will be directed to a plans page that makes it look like the cheapest option is to try Resume Genius for 14-days for $2.95 (followed by a $24.95/month subscription charge). BUT, there is another option that requires no credit card info: redirect away from the plans page by clicking this link. It will lead you to your saved resume where you can download for free as a .txt file (which is a very basic document that removes formatting).
Done building your resume with Resume Genius? Upload it to Jobscan to see how well it matches the job.
4. My Perfect Resume
Simplicity Rating: Medium
Value Rating: 8
Why we like it: My Perfect Resume highlights important skills and keywords, which we know from all of our research at Jobscan is vital to the job search process. This builder lets you search skills by job title and add them with one click. The final step of the My Perfect Resume builder process is to add optional sections like certifications, accomplishments, and affiliations. These additional sections are ideal for job seekers changing careers or just starting out.
Is this resume builder really free? How do you use it? When you reach the final step of the builder and you see the full layout of your resume, rather than clicking “save and next,” select “download” on the left toolbar (if you reach the plans page, you’ve gone too far). Then, choose “Plain Text (.txt)” from the pop-up window to download your online resume for free.
Done building your resume with My Perfect Resume? Upload it to Jobscan to see how well it matches the job.
5. Indeed
Simplicity Rating: Medium
Value Rating: 9
Why we like it: Indeed not only has an awesome resume builder, but it also allows you to automatically share your completed resume on the site with employers. The more visibility your resume gets, the better, so this is a great perk. This resume builder is one of the fastest on this list, with the option of uploading a current resume and automatically having it reformatted.
Is this resume builder really free? How do you use it? Indeed doesn’t cover up free options the way many of the other builders do. Just sign up with your email and password, use the resume builder, and download your resume. You’ll never be asked to upgrade to a paid account throughout the process.
Done building your resume with Indeed? Upload it to Jobscan to see how well it matches the job.
6. Zety
Simplicity Rating: Easy
Value Rating: 10
Why we like it: Zety offers the most customization options of any other resume builder, and it makes it easy. Customize color, font size, line spacing, date formatting, and more. Add links to your social channels (LinkedIn is great to include for all industries, and Twitter and Facebook can be worth linking for certain positions, like social media marketing jobs) and get tips and examples for writing a summary statement.
Is this resume builder really free? How do you use it? Zety does not offer a free resume download, but you can create a free link to your resume and download it from there. Here’s how: once you’ve built your resume, select “Online Resume” from the header, create a link and open it in your browser. Finally, just right click to save.
Done building your resume with Zety? Upload it to Jobscan to see how well it matches the job.
7. Resume.com
Simplicity Rating: Medium
Value Rating: 7
Why we like it: This resume builder is actually set up like a resume, so it’s easy to visualize the final product while filling in each section. It’s more of a guide than a builder, which we like for job seekers who want a little more control over the resume building process. Plus, one of the unique features Resume.com offers is an “Import LinkedIn” option–just click the button and Resume.com will populate the template with information from your LinkedIn profile.
Is this resume builder really free? How do you use it? Resume.com lets you download your resume as a PDF, Word Document, Rtf, and Txt file for free.
Done building your resume with Resume.com? Upload it to Jobscan to see how well it matches the job.
8. Novoresume
Simplicity Rating: Easy
Value Rating: 9
Why do we like it? The interface is straightforward. Once you select the resume format which you think best suits your needs, you just have to fill in the necessary information. There’s a section for Volunteer Experience, Language, and Supported Causes, among others, but you are free to tweak the format of your resume and remove sections that you don’t need.
Is this resume builder really free? How do you use it? You can download your resume for free as long as the template and features you are using is under the Basic Account.
Done building your resume with Novoresume? Upload it to Jobscan to see how well it matches the job.
9. Standard Resume
Simplicity Rating: Medium
Value Rating: 8
Why do we like it? Standard Resume saves you time because you can just import your information from LinkedIn and the builder will take it from there. It is easy to use and you can download your resume as a PDF once you are finished. You can also edit your resume through your smartphone which makes it easier and more convenient for you. This online resume builder also has real-time suggestions and tips for improving your resume.
Is this resume builder really free? How do you use it? You need to sign up to save your free resume. Although only a basic version is downloadable, you can still use this builder especially when in a hurry.
Done building your resume with Standard Resume? Upload it to Jobscan to see how well it matches the job.
10. Canva
Simplicity Rating: Easy
Value Rating: 7
Why do we like it? There are tons of free resume templates across various categories available for you in Canva. It’s fairly easy to use since all you have to do is choose a resume format you like, type in the details and information, and download your resume for free.
Is this resume builder really free? How do you use it? You can use as many resume templates in Canva as you like as long as they’re free. All you need to do is sign up for a basic account and start crafting your winning resume.
Done building your resume with Resume Genius? Upload it to Jobscan to see how well it matches the job.
Although crafting a resume is a bit overwhelming, it sure gives you relief knowing that there are resume builders out there that you can use to build resumes that are top-notch! The best part? They’re free!
One last thing, though, and this is very important: make sure that your resume matches the job you are applying for! Try our Jobscan tool for free and rest assured that your resume is optimized enough to get recruiters to read your resume, include you on their “yes” list, and eventually reach out to you.
Now go and nail your dream job!
