best free resume templates microsoft word

This software is called an Applicant Tracking System and it sorts, scans, and ranks job applications that come through to a recruiter or employer.ĪTS helps recruiters filter through candidates by scanning for relevant information and keywords in an application.

If you’re applying for a job, there is a very high chance that the resume will first be seen by some software before it makes its way to a pair of human eyes.

Include photos (unless you’re applying for a role in the arts).

Keep it straightforward and easy to understand Oftentimes, the first person reading your resume will be from HR Be confident when explaining the gap and speak on the skills you learned during that time These are widely considered to be outdated, and only relevant if you are changing careers

Include work experiences during high school unless you’re a recent graduate.

That space can be better utilized for highlighting your achievements and skills

Include irrelevant hobbies or interests.

Print out copies of your resume for interviews.

This means using the same fonts, styles, and naming conventions on your file.

Be consistent throughout your application.

This will make it easier for managers and HR folk to locate your files

Save your resume file as something with your name on it.

This will make it easier to tailor your resume to any job

Ask someone you trust to go over your resume with you.

Keep your bullet points to under two lines.

Use powerful verbs to describe your work (e.g “amplified”, “executed”, “maximized”).

Include non-academic and non-professional experiences, such as volunteer work or side projects.

Use data specific examples where possible (e.g.

Triple check your resume for grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

Include keywords from the job description in your resume where it fits organically.

Optimize your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Highlight your most relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments.

Tailor your resume to each job you apply to.

This also applies if you’ve been out of the job market for a while and haven’t had to edit your resume recently.īefore you sprint ahead to the templates, here are some resume dos and don’ts you should know. Secondly, it gives first-time job applicants a better idea of how much to write and the sections to focus on. Firstly, it allows you to spend more time polishing up the content instead of worrying about the layout and design. Resume templates are handy tools for job seekers for a number of reasons.

Best free resume templates microsoft word