What Are the Benefits of
Using Resume Builders and Templates?
See also: Writing a CV or Resume
When applying for a job, you are faced with a crucial choice in how you prepare your resume. One option is to spend a significant amount of time building a tailored document from scratch for every single application. The other is to use a pre-designed resume template as a foundation, which can be efficiently adapted for each role.
While a bespoke resume is the gold standard, the reality of a modern job search often requires applying for multiple positions. In this context, using a high-quality template or an online resume builder can be a more practical and effective strategy. These tools, when used correctly, can save time, improve professionalism, and even increase your chances of getting noticed by recruiters.
This guide will explore what resume builders and templates are, their key benefits, and what to watch out for to ensure you are putting your best foot forward.
What are Resume Builders and Templates?
A resume builder is an interactive online tool that guides you through the process of creating a resume. It typically provides a selection of professionally designed templates, prompts you to fill in different sections (like work experience and skills), and then formats the information for you into a downloadable document.
A resume template, on the other hand, is a pre-formatted document, often for software like Microsoft Word or Google Docs. You download the file and replace the placeholder text with your own information. While less interactive than a builder, a good template provides a solid structural and design foundation for your resume.
The Key Benefits of Using These Tools
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Professional Formatting and Design
First impressions count, and the visual presentation of your resume is the first thing a recruiter will notice. A cluttered, inconsistent, or poorly designed document can create a negative impression before a single word has been read. Resume builders and templates are created by designers who understand the principles of layout, typography, and visual hierarchy.
Using one of these tools ensures that your resume is clean, easy to read, and professional. It maintains consistent formatting for headings, bullet points, and spacing, which can be difficult and time-consuming to achieve when creating a document from scratch. This polished look can instantly elevate your application and signal to the recruiter that you are a serious and professional candidate.
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Optimisation for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
In the modern hiring landscape, many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes before they are ever seen by a human. These software systems scan your resume for keywords, specific formatting, and relevant information to determine if you are a suitable match for the role. If your resume is not formatted in an ATS-friendly way, it may be automatically rejected, regardless of your qualifications.
Reputable resume builders and professionally designed templates are specifically created to be ATS-compliant. They use standard fonts, clear section headings (like "Work Experience" and "Education"), and simple layouts that the software can easily parse. They avoid using text boxes, tables, or images that can confuse the system. Using an ATS-friendly template is one of the most critical steps you can take to ensure your application makes it through the initial digital screening.
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Saving Time and Increasing Efficiency
Writing a resume from a blank page consumes a lot of time and mental energy. Deciding on a layout, choosing fonts, and adjusting margins can take hours—time that could be better spent on other crucial aspects of your job search, such as networking or preparing for interviews.
A resume builder or template provides a ready-made format, allowing you to focus entirely on what matters most: the content. By having the structure already in place, you can dedicate your time to carefully tailoring your skills and experience to match the specific requirements of the job you are applying for. This efficiency allows you to apply for more positions, increasing your chances of finding the right opportunity.
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Ensuring All Essential Sections are Included
When you are focused on writing about your work history, it can be easy to forget a small but crucial piece of information. A well-designed template acts as a checklist, ensuring you include all the standard and expected sections of a modern resume.
From your contact information and professional summary to your skills, education, and work experience, the template prompts you to fill in all the right places. This methodical approach ensures you do not omit anything important, presenting a complete and comprehensive picture of your qualifications to the recruiter.
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Boosting Your Confidence
Finally, one of the most important things a job seeker needs when meeting recruiters is confidence. Knowing that you are submitting a professionally designed, well-organised, and error-free document can provide a significant confidence boost. This is particularly important when you are networking or heading into an interview. When you feel good about how you have presented yourself on paper, you are more likely to project confidence in person.
The Potential Pitfalls: What to Watch Out For
While resume builders and templates offer many benefits, it is important to be aware of their potential downsides to avoid common mistakes.
The Risk of Looking Generic: The biggest danger of using a popular template is that your resume might look identical to hundreds of others. Always customise the template to reflect your personal brand. You might change the colour scheme slightly, adjust the fonts, or reorder sections to better highlight your strengths.
Poorly Designed Templates: Not all templates are created equal. Some free templates found online may use tables, text boxes, or unusual fonts that are not ATS-friendly. Always choose templates from reputable sources that are specifically designed for modern, machine-readable resumes.
Hidden Costs: Many "free" online resume builders allow you to create your resume for free but then require you to pay a fee to download it. Be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully before you invest your time in filling out their forms.
Conclusion
Looking for a job is a demanding process that requires you to be professional and organised at every step. Your resume is often the very first impression you make, and how it is prepared matters immensely. Using a high-quality resume builder or template is a smart and efficient way to ensure you present a professional and polished document.
By saving you time on formatting and ensuring your resume is optimised for modern hiring systems, these tools allow you to focus on what truly counts: crafting compelling content that showcases your unique skills and experience. They are not a shortcut to a great resume, but rather a powerful foundation upon which you can build one.
Further Reading from Skills You Need
The Skills You Need Guide to Jobs and Careers: Getting a Job
Develop the skills you need to get that job.
This eBook is essential reading for potential job-seekers. It covers the entire process from identifying your skills through the mechanics of applying for a job and writing a CV or resume, to attending interviews.
About the Author
Cristina Par is a content specialist with a passion for writing articles that bridge the gap between brands and their audiences. She believes that high-quality content can be a powerful tool for businesses small and large.