10 Best Resume Templates & Builders
Stop struggling with Word formatting. We compared the 10 best resume builders to help you create an ATS-friendly, professional CV in minutes.
Top Picks by Category
FlowCV
Offers an incredibly generous free tier with zero watermarks, highly customizable modular designs, and excellent ATS compatibility without hidden fees.
Canva
Unmatched design flexibility and thousands of templates, perfect for designers, marketers, and roles where visual impact matters more than ATS parsing.
Kickresume
Integrates OpenAI's GPT models deeply into the building process, helping you rewrite bullets and generate cover letters tailored to specific jobs.
Standard Resume
Allows you to import your LinkedIn profile and generate a clean, professional, ATS-friendly resume in literally seconds.
The 10 Best Resume Builders Compared
Use the table below to compare platforms based on their features, cost, and ATS compatibility. Click on any column header to sort.
| Builder Name ↕ | Free Tier ↕ | ATS-Friendly ↕ | Templates ↕ | Exports ↕ | Price ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canva | Yes (Generous) | No (Design-focused) | 1,000+ | PDF, JPG, PNG | Free / $14.99/mo (Pro) |
| Novoresume | Yes (1 Page Limit) | Yes | 8 (Free) / 16 (Premium) | $19.99/mo | |
| Zety | No (14-day trial) | Yes | 18 | PDF, Word, TXT | $23.70/mo |
| Resume.io | No (7-day trial) | Yes | 25+ | PDF, Word | $24.95/mo |
| Indeed Resume | Yes (100% Free) | Yes | 8 | Free | |
| Kickresume | Yes (Basic) | Yes | 35+ | PDF, Word | $19/mo |
| VisualCV | Yes (1 Resume) | Yes | 30+ | PDF, Word | $24/mo |
| FlowCV | Yes (100% Free core) | Yes | 100+ (Modular) | Free / $12/mo (Pro) | |
| Standard Resume | No (Preview only) | Yes | 1 (Dynamic) | PDF, Web | $19/mo |
| Enhancv | Yes (Branded) | Yes | 1000+ (Variations) | PDF, TXT | $24.99/mo |
Expert Resume Tips
Prioritize ATS Compatibility
For most corporate jobs, your resume will be scanned by an Applicant Tracking System. Avoid multi-column layouts, graphics, and unconventional fonts which can confuse the software.
Quantify Your Achievements
Don't just list responsibilities. Use the 'XYZ formula': Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y], by doing [Z]. Numbers stand out to recruiters.
Tailor for the Role
Don't use a generic resume for every application. Tweak your summary and bullet points to match the keywords and requirements in the specific job description.
Keep it to One Page
Unless you have 10+ years of highly relevant experience, force yourself to edit down to a single, impactful page. Recruiters spend an average of 7 seconds reviewing a resume.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ATS-friendly resume?
An ATS (Applicant Tracking System) friendly resume is formatted specifically so that hiring software can accurately parse its text. This means avoiding complex columns, tables, graphics, and text boxes, and using standard section headings like 'Experience' and 'Education'.
Are free resume builders actually free?
Many are 'freemium' bait-and-switch tools where you can build the resume for free, but are forced to pay a subscription to download it. We highlight truly free options like FlowCV and Indeed Resume in our list.
Should I use a PDF or Word document?
Always submit your resume as a PDF unless the job application explicitly requests a Word document. PDFs preserve your exact formatting, fonts, and layout across all devices and operating systems.
Do I need a photo on my resume?
In the US, UK, and Canada, you should absolutely not include a photo, as it can trigger unconscious bias and anti-discrimination compliance issues for employers. In many European and Asian countries, however, photos are standard.
How many templates should I try before choosing one?
Pick one clean, professional template and stick with it. The content (your experience and skills) matters exponentially more than having a unique or flashy design.
Is it okay to use Canva for corporate jobs?
Generally, no. While Canva makes beautiful resumes, their graphic-heavy layouts are notoriously terrible for ATS parsing. Save Canva for creative industries or networking events where you are handing out physical copies.
Should I include a summary objective?
Replace the outdated 'objective statement' (what you want) with a 'professional summary' (what value you bring). Keep it to 2-3 sentences highlighting your most impressive relevant qualifications.