In today’s competitive job market, having a well-crafted resume is more important than ever for landing interviews and getting hired. With the rise of applicant tracking systems and digital recruiting, optimizing your resume for both human readers and algorithms is key. But professional resume writing services can be expensive, ranging anywhere from $100 to over $1000.
This leads many job seekers to wonder: are there any truly free resume builders out there that can help you create a professional resume at no cost? The short answer is yes, there are some good free online resume builders available in 2023 if you know where to look.
What to Look for in a Free Resume Builder
When evaluating free resume builders, here are some key features to look for:
- Customizable resume templates and layouts
- Pre-written resume examples and phrases for guidance
- Ability to adjust fonts, colors, and formatting
- Options to upload your own documents
- Tools to optimize resume for applicant tracking systems
- Cover letter templates
- Ability to download/print resumes for free
- 100% free access without any hidden fees
A resume builder with modern, professional templates and ample customization options will allow you to create a polished resume adapted to your unique background. Pre-written examples provide inspiration and guidance if you need help crafting your resume content. And download access lets you save your resume in PDF or Word formats for free.
Some limited free resume builders only let you access resume samples or partially build your resume before requiring payment. So be sure to look for services that provide full, unlimited access with no strings attached.
Top 6 100% Free Resume Builders in 2023
Based on the criteria above, here are 6 of the best free resume builders to consider using in 2023:
1. Resume.com
Resume.com is one of the most robust free resume builders available today. The site offers a massive library of over 20,000 customizable resume templates tailored to hundreds of occupations and situations. Easy-to-use widgets help you enter and format your resume details in a visually appealing way. Guidance and pre-written examples are provided for those needing extra help. And you can download your resume for free as either a Word document or PDF.
2. Novoresume
Novoresume provides free access to over 15 modern and mobile-friendly resume templates. You can also import your existing Word resume into Novoresume. Helpful examples and tips guide you in crafting effective resume bullet points. Positioning itself as “the world’s most advanced free resume builder,” Novoresume also analyzes your resume to provide feedback on how to improve it and optimize it for applicant tracking systems.
3. Canva
Canva is an intuitive graphic design platform with resume, cover letter, and other template options. While best known for its expansive library of templates and easy-to-use graphic design tools, Canva also offers helpful pre-written suggestions and examples to aid in resume building. And the service is completely free, requiring only a quick sign-up to access all features.
4. Enhancv
Enhancv provides access to creative, professional templates in formats like modern, simple, academic, and infographic resumes. Use the customization tools and examples provided to tailor the resume to your field and experience level. Enhancv’s resume editor will give you tips and suggestions as you build your resume. When finished, you can download and print your resume for free.
5. Rezi
Rezi offers AI-powered technology to help build your resume. After inputting your personal details, Rezi will analyze your background and auto-generate a resume outline using top keywords and phrases tailored to your career field. You can then easily customize and adapt the AI-generated resume draft however you wish. Rezi provides unlimited free access to their resume builder and library of templates.
6. MyPerfectResume
MyPerfectResume provides access to an extensive database of pre-written job descriptions and example resumes to model your resume after. After selecting your desired job title, you can then use the examples provided to guide the creation of your own custom resume. MyPerfectResume also analyzes your resume to provide feedback on its strengths and weaknesses.
Top 3 Free Resume Builders on LinkedIn
In addition to the dedicated resume building sites above, LinkedIn also offers some free resume templates that can be easily customized from within your LinkedIn profile:
- LinkedIn Profile to Resume. Auto-generates a resume from your LinkedIn profile details.
- LinkedIn Resume Assistant. Step-by-step guidance on creating a resume using LinkedIn.
- LinkedIn Resume Templates. Pre-built resume sample templates that can be edited and downloaded for free.
The LinkedIn resume builder is best for those already maintaining a detailed LinkedIn profile. But it lacks some of the robust customization options of dedicated resume building sites.
Should You Pay for Resume Building Services?
While the free resume builders above provide ample tools for DIY resume creation, you may want to consider investing in paid professional resume writing services if:
- You need an expert consultant to guide your resume strategy.
- You are applying to highly competitive positions.
- You have significant career gaps or other resume challenges.
- Formatting assistance is needed to pass ATS screening.
- Looking for personalized writing assistance.
When weighing paid vs free resume building services, think about which features are most important for your situation and budget. Paid services provide extras like direct access to professional resume writers, guaranteed interviews, custom distribution to recruiters, etc. But the free resume builders listed here will meet the core resume needs for many job seekers.
How to Make the Most of Free Resume Builders
To maximize your chances of creating an effective resume through free resume builders:
- Research resume best practices for your industry and experience level.
- Study job postings to identify relevant keywords to incorporate.
- Customize resume template content – don’t just copy examples.
- Emphasize achievements, not just responsibilities.
- Use active verbs to describe your experiences.
- Tailor resume content and format for each job.
- Proofread carefully for any errors.
- Ask other trusted readers to review your resume draft.
With some time and effort, the top free resume tools can help produce a professional, targeted resume. Paired with your experience and qualifications, an optimized resume can help you land more job interviews.
The Bottom Line
Creating a great resume is a crucial step in the job search process. While hiring professional resume writers can be very costly, there are quality free online resume builders available to job seekers on any budget.
Tools like Resume.com, Novoresume, Canva, Enhancv, Rezi, and MyPerfectResume offer full-service resume creation with modern templates, customization features, design tools, and downloadable file access entirely for free. LinkedIn also provides free resume templates to members. With strategic use, these DIY resume builders can help you produce a polished, professional resume and save potentially hundreds of dollars in the process.
By taking the time to build and optimize your resume through these free resources, you can open more doors and maximize your chances of securing job interviews in 2023.