When it comes to resumes, presentation is just as important as the skills and experience that the resume itself spells out. Trying to design a resume from scratch can be a challenge, especially with few design skills.
Need a little help? Check out these 51 free (yes, FREE!) Microsoft Word resume templates that you can easily download to your computer, edit to include your experience, and hand in with your next job application. No recruiter or hiring manager will be able to say no.
Can’t wait to view them one by one? We’ve put together a selection of the best free resume templates in one easy download below.
Get your free resume templates
Professional templates perfect for any industry
Why use a resume template?
Resume templates are handy tools for job seekers for a number of reasons. Firstly, it allows you to spend more time polishing up the content instead of worrying about the layout and design.
Secondly, it gives first-time job applicants a better idea of how much to write and the sections to focus on. This also applies if you’ve been out of the job market for a while and haven’t had to edit your resume recently.
Before you sprint ahead to the templates, here are some resume dos and don’ts you should know.
Resume dos and don’ts
Do
- Tailor your resume to each job you apply to
- Highlight your most relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments
- Optimize your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
- Include keywords from the job description in your resume where it fits organically
- Triple check your resume for grammar, punctuation, and spelling
- Use data specific examples where possible (e.g. “increased sales by 30% by doing x”)
- Include non-academic and non-professional experiences, such as volunteer work or side projects
- Use powerful verbs to describe your work (e.g “amplified”, “executed”, “maximized”)
- Include your contact information
- Keep your bullet points to under two lines
- Ask someone you trust to go over your resume with you
- Create a master resume. This will make it easier to tailor your resume to any job
- Include all your relevant credentials
- Save your resume file as something with your name on it. This will make it easier for managers and HR folk to locate your files
- Be consistent throughout your application. This means using the same fonts, styles, and naming conventions on your file.
- Showcase your soft skills
- Print out copies of your resume for interviews
Don’t
- Include obvious skills (e.g. gmail)
- Include irrelevant hobbies or interests. That space can be better utilized for highlighting your achievements and skills
- Include work experiences during high school unless you’re a recent graduate
- Use an objective sentence. These are widely considered to be outdated, and only relevant if you are changing careers
- Hide gaps in your resume. Be confident when explaining the gap and speak on the skills you learned during that time
- Use cliches or too much jargon. Oftentimes, the first person reading your resume will be from HR
- Write overly complex sentences. Keep it straightforward and easy to understand
- Use more than two fonts
- Include photos (unless you’re applying for a role in the arts)
- Include your salary history. Save that for the negotiation process
How to optimize your resume for ATS
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. This software is called an Applicant Tracking System and it sorts, scans, and ranks job applications that come through to a recruiter or employer.
ATS helps recruiters filter through candidates by scanning for relevant information and keywords in an application. Writing a resume that is ATS optimized is imperative, as you could potentially miss out on opportunities even if you’re qualified.
Here are some ways to ensure your resume is ATS-friendly:
- Keep graphics to a minimum
- Incorporate keywords and phrases used in the job description. Don’t overdo this, as resumes with a high match can be flagged for gaming the system
- Save your resume as a PDF (you can easily export as PDF once you’ve edited your Word resume template)
- Some ATS software can’t read data in the header or footer. Ensure all your important information is in the body of your resume
- Avoid using too much formatting
- Make your resume easy to read, for robots and humans. This means avoiding overly wordy sentences and abbreviations where appropriate
Customizable Word resume templates
Turning a blank document into an attractive, well-designed resume is hard work, especially when you'd rather put that time to use in your job search. That's where these free Word resume templates come in. You can choose from a range of ready-made designs, whether you're looking for something classic, minimalist or colorful. All of the templates are easy to customize with your personal details, and you can even change the colors and themes if you're so inclined.
When you're done filling out your template, make sure to save your file as a Word .docx file (or .doc for older versions of the program), so you can always come back and make changes. When you're ready to send your resume, be sure to attach it in the requested format, for example PDF or .docx. To export as a PDF from Microsoft Word, go to the File menu --> Export --> Create PDF.
You can browse the free resume templates below, and get a selection of the best templates delivered straight to your inbox.
Get your free resume templates
Professional templates perfect for any industry
1. The basic resume template
Want a basic resume to get yourself started? This is a great one for inputting your objective statement, experience, and skills. Download
2. Skill-based resume template
What makes this resume template great is that it has a little color but it’s also perfect for any industry. Download
3. The chronological resume template
Want a resume that makes it easy to put your jobs in chronological order and send it off? This is the straightforward template you’re searching for. Download
4. Another traditional resume template
Want to spruce up your resume without changing too much of the formatting? Try putting either your headings or subheadings in a different font. Download
5. The black-and-white resume
6. Orange resume template
This resume layout is actually optimized for applicant tracking systems, so you’ll be able to pop in keywords for the position you’re applying for and get yourself to the next round. Download
7. Peach resume template
Adding in colorful lines to your subheadings or your personal logo can add special touches to your resume without taking away from the content. Download
8. Creative resume template
9. Formal resume template
If you’re working in a more formal industry, resumes like this one give you the ability to add color while still being professional. Download
10. Profile resume template
11. Colorful resume template
You can add a little color on your resume without making it the color of a highlighter. Download
12. Grey and white resume template
13. Newspaper resume template
14. Monogrammed resume template
15. Technical resume template
Technical resumes can be difficult to format, but they don’t have to be impossible. Download
16. Pink resume template
Elle Woods isn’t the only one with a pink resume; if you work in an industry where creativity and color can get you a long way, why not try it? Download
17. Visual resume template
You can use visuals to show your expertise, which might come in handy when you’re applying for jobs where you need to flaunt what you’ve got. Download
18. Creative peach resume template
Adding a few icons can be a nice touch to a resume, especially one for creative or design positions. Download
19. Minimal resume template
Want a more minimalistic resume design but don’t have a ton of experience to show? This template makes your resume look a little more chic. Download
Are you looking for the best free PowerPoint templates? Check them out here:
62 Best Free PowerPoint Templates to Make Your Life Easier
20. Light pink resume template
Pastels are your thing? Then you’ve found your perfect resume. Download
21. Bold resume template
Feeling bold? Submit a black resume and see what happens. Download
22. Long profile resume template
Want to add a longer profile about yourself to your resume? This template lets you do it. Download
23. Plain, but trendy resume template
This resume is called “plain but trendy,” and it’ll make you look put together. Download
24. Green resume template
A little splash of bright green color can’t hurt, especially if you’re applying to more creative positions. Download
25. Light pink resume template
If you’re applying to jobs where showing off your personality more is an asset, this resume template could do the trick in landing you that perfect gig. Download
26. Colorful blue resume template
This resume is colorful, straightforward, and easy to read. What’s not to love? Download
Get your free resume templates
Professional templates perfect for any industry
27. Unconventional resume template
You’ll wake up a drowsy recruiter with this red and black template. Download
28. Fancy emerald resume template
Feeling blue? A hiring manager sure won’t after checking out this resume template. Download
29. Simple resume template
Don’t let this simplistic resume fool you; it can help you go far in your job search. Download
30. Splash of blue resume template
This template flips the typical resume setup on its head, which could work in your favor during the application process. Download
31. Creative resume template
The color’s a little unorthodox, but now’s not the time to bore recruiters. Download
32. Mint resume template
This resume is so cool, recruiters will be stunned with amaze-mint (get it?). Download
33. Purple resume template
Purple is an unconventional resume choice, but it may serve you well in some professions. Download
34. Yellow resume template
This resume’s surprise is the pop of color at the bottom. Download
35. Classic resume template
This design’s a little more classic than others but still has an interesting neutral color scheme. Download
Looking for PSD resume templates instead? We’ve got you covered:
10 Free PSD Resume Templates to Help Yours Stand Out
36. Simple pink resume template
37. Creative profile resume template
38. Dark sidebar resume template
39. Light resume template
40. Colorblock resume template
41. Minimalist resume template
42. Bold Blue resume template
43. Appleseed resume template
44. Timeless resume template
45. Modern resume template
46. Colorful infographic resume template
47. Mint block resume template
48. UX resume template
49. Venn diagram resume template
This template features a unique way of presenting your professional skill set – a Venn diagram! It also comes with an accompanying portfolio and cover letter template. Download
50. Monochrome resume template
51. Organic shapes resume template
Download your free Word resume templates
Need a variety of resumes at your fingertips? We’ve put together a selection of the best free resume templates in one easy download below. And don't forget to check out our handy cover letter template too!
Get your free resume templates
Professional templates perfect for any industry
Get the skills you need to land the job
If you really want to impress employers, you need the right skills. GoSkills offers a range of bite-sized business courses taught by award-winning instructors to teach you the practical skills you need to thrive in today’s workplace.
Learn some of the most in-demand skills that many hiring managers expect to see on your resume with our on-demand online training. Master Microsoft Word, become an Excel ninja, start managing projects like a pro, or learn to code – the choice is yours.
If you're interested in building your resume using another Microsoft product, look no further than this Excel Resume builder.
Start your 7 day trial today to get FREE access to ALL courses on GoSkills!
Ready to master Microsoft Office?
Start learning for free with GoSkills courses
Start free trial
