Writing a resume is tedious and very time consuming – hence why online resume builders were developed: with their help you just have to type in the necessary texts to their respective text boxes, arrange the sections, choose a template and the software will do the rest for you.
Unfortunately, though, this software is never free: without a paid subscription they either allow you to create a limited amount of documents only, or they block the most important features like printing/downloading/sharing/sending your resumes and cover letters. However, you can still use this software for free and in this guide you will find more information on how to do that:
You can select a free resume builder, go for the risk-free trials of premium (unlimited) software or you can simply search for free resume and cover letter templates either on the internet or on the resume builders’ websites.
The best option out of all you can choose from to use a resume builder for free is a by using a resume builder service that offers a free plan. There are plenty of companies offering this option and if you are ok with certain limitations – which can be unblocked if you go premium – and/or you just need the resume builder’s services once or a few times, the free pricing plan is definitely a good choice for you.
The only thing you have to do is register on the company’s website and you already have an account. There you can start drafting your resumes without limitations – as none of the companies hinder you from creating resumes. Furthermore, many of the resume builders allow you to import existing documents to your dashboard and sometimes you can create as many resumes as you want. Most of the time (regular) support options are not limited either: you can still use the hints and tips or the pre-written phrases (if there are any), read the blog articles, and get in touch with the staff.
Problems start when you want to create more documents or download them. The better case is when you cannot create unlimited resumes; more annoying is the limitation of the print/download/share/send features, which is very likely with free plans. Furthermore, you have to tolerate that you can create limited cover letters or none at all, your documents will be branded, there are limited templates, font faces and colors, and you cannot track resumes.
Speedy Resume, which is a UK-based resume builder founded in 2015, is ideal for those who want to quickly prepare and even duplicate professional looking CVs in the cloud. All your resumes and even the cover letter attached thereto can be customized with the help of 15 templates, many fonts and font colors, and the section arrangement option, making your CV stand out from the rest. Whether you are using your browser from your computer or your tablet, once you are ready you can easily send of your resume to your would-be employer by email or social media, but you can also download or print it in a jiffy. The company provides its services for free or, if you need all features, for a monthly/annual subscription fee, which can be reduced by 50% for the first payment period or be refunded within 7 days, should you wish to cancel your account. And if you need help you can turn to the customer support available 24/7 or you can buy handy eBooks for additional fees.
Resumonk, founded in 2012 in India, provides its mobile browser-friendly resume builder services for free or for a subscription fee. With the free version, which does not require a subscription, you can import your LinkedIn CV to this user-friendly, simple software and create professional looking CVs within seconds and share them with others via social media or a URL. The paid version, on the other hand, exists in two versions; one that can be paid annually, and the other that can be purchased right away. With the Premium/Lifetime pricing plan you get access to 17 templates, many fonts, endless color schemes, a cover letter option and downloading of your resumes in DOCX format. Analytics about your profile are there to provide insights, and support from the Resumonk team is readily available in the form of a knowledge base, writing tips, a blog and many more.
During our research we have encountered an interesting and questionable pricing policy: resume builders don’t like free trials, therefore they either provide free plans with certain limitations or they offer you trials for money. Companies that do offer a free version of their software make it so limited you have no choice but to subscribe to have a useable resume. We consider this method anything but user-friendly, plus it feels like a desperate attempt to get more customers.
That doesn’t mean you cannot take advantage of the paid trials, though. In fact, these trials, which usually last for 14 days, are all risk-free, and if you cancel your subscription within the duration of the trial, you get your money back. This way, you can get to know the chosen software better and you can try out every single feature thereof, like printing/downloading/sharing/sending your documents, resume checkers, complete customer support, various templates, fonts, cover letters etc. without limitations.
Although the free versions of resume builders can be used forever without paying a dime, a risk-free trial is a better choice for those who are planning to subscribe to a premium pricing plan or they want to create only a few resumes and don’t need the software anymore once they are done. In the latter case, however, always cancel your subscription before the end of the trial. Because if you fail to do so, your subscription will be renewed on a monthly base and you might end up paying a fortune for something you don’t need.
Even though ResumeBuilder.org (founded in 2009) uses English as its main language, it is entirely based in Spain. But don’t let its overseas origins deceive you, because this little online resume builder is more than meets the eye. After registration you get access to an oversimplified, yet perfectly functional user interface with which you can quickly and easily create as many resumes and cover letters as you want with the help of pre-written phrases, customizable sections and useful tips. And if you become a regular subscriber, you can download, print, email and share your documents with a few clicks. You also have the option to share your resumes and cover letters via the Web Resume option, thus creating an online version of your CVs. ResumeBuilder.org’s prices are quite modest, but you have the option to cancel your subscription any time, which entitles you for a full refund if you do this within 48 hours. Furthermore, as a new subscriber you can get your fee reduced by up to 40% for the first term of use.
Since its foundation in 2009 Resume Companion has helped over 9 million users create their resumes and finding the job of their dreams. This company also runs a non-profit organization called Resumes for America aiding U.S. college and university students in learning the basics of resume writing and a scholarship program which awards $1.000 to the student who can write the best resume for a fictional or non-fictional character of his/her own choice. Naturally, Resume Companion also helps the regular job seekers with its resume builder services with plenty of options. If you become a subscriber of the software – in a rather nasty method – you will get access to 8 resume templates, over 40 pre-written cover letters, downloading, printing and sending your works and professional help from resume experts. Resume Companion further assists in landing a new job with its job search engine and job alerts, countless resume and cover letter samples, writing tips, alongside advices regarding job seeking on the website and in a blog.
Although our site is about online resume builders and we highly recommend the use thereof, you can still continue using your trusted word processor. In that case, however, you have to do everything by yourself; from editing to section arrangements and converting your documents to PDF. But that doesn’t mean you are forced to build a resume from nothing: all you need to do is search for sample resumes, or better yet, templates in Google and you have plenty of hits with pages full of templates you can save to your hard drive to use them as bases for your own resumes and cover letters.
You are especially lucky if you prefer MS Office software, because Microsoft has 13 resume and cover letter templates on its Office website. In fact, if you have a Microsoft account, you can immediately start using the chosen template with Office Online. Another great solution is Hloom, a website dedicated to free templates of all kinds: invoices, flyers, memos, certificates and, naturally, resumes. In fact, there are 283 templates in total arranged by format and by job fields. The templates are in DOC or DOCX format, so you can open them without problem with MS Office 2007 and up.
And last, but not least, let’s talk about templates you can find on resume builder websites. As we mentioned before, certain software, like Resume Companion, do not force you to become their subscriber; instead they allow you to download its templates without registration.
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