Free Resume Template: What Makes a Good One?

You can drown in the "free resume examples," "free resume templates," and "free resume samples" on the web.

In my opinion, a single thing makes one free resume template different from another: results.

Find a free resume template that will help you create a resume that'll win you a job.

That means several things have to be true about this template you're considering.

First, it has to be able to produce a jaw-dropping summary at the top of page one. If it'll only let you plug in an objective statement, even if it's a good one, you won't necessarily be able to produce the resume you want to. At least not the kind I'd recommend.

Second, it has to be flexible. If you can't rearrange things easily, or change fonts and formatting, you'll be too locked in. It'll be like a Soviet all-you-eat buffet. They give you a small plate of food and say, "There. That's all you can eat."

Third, it has to have a professional, attractive layout. You want to STAND out, not STICK out. Go for a professional, probably more traditional look. The layout should include ample white space, simply because it "sells" better.

Fourth, it has to be in Word format. If you're dealing with software, it has to allow you to save or export to Word format. This is the industry standard. If you deliver something to a recruiter in electronic form, and it isn't Word, you'll be lucky if he contacts you to tell you to send a Word document. More likely, he'll pass you by.

If a free resume template (or one you're considering buying) meets those criteria, it's probably worth using. It's a pretty short list.

Notice that I didn't say anything about fancy fonts, or software, or any bells and whistles at all.

Those can be nice, maybe even helpful. They're NOT necessary. Fire up Microsoft Word, load up your template, if necessary change the font to 11-point Times New Roman (a standard, atractive, and "safe" font), and start typing!

A free resume template isn't going to do the work for you. It simply might save you time on the more mundane tasks, like formatting the document.

The job-winning content is all up to you.

An article by Roy Miller, creator of http://www.Job-Search-Guidepost.com. He recently developed a simple, powerful, job-winning resume template package. You can get your FREE copy here: free resume template. And if you liked this article, be sure to sign up for Roy's free weekly newsletter.

This article may be reprinted for use in newsletters and on websites provided that this information box is kept intact. Email notice of intent to publish is appreciated but not required: roy@job-search-guidepost.com.

CAREER TOPICS

5 Ways to Profit From No Child Left Behind (NCLB)
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (No Child Left Behind) is designed to reform and improve student achievement and change the culture of America's schools. According to this reform act each state must measure every public school student's progress in reading and math in each of grades 3 through 8 and at least once during grades 10 through 12.

How to Make Your Career Change Easier
Despite what your grandmother told you, life is not supposed to be a struggle. The same is true for making a career change.

Look in the Mirror
Take a moment to step outside yourself. Now, be honest with me here? If you could be your own boss, how would you rate your own performance in the last three months? Would you get a raise, a day off as a treat, or would a big and brawny security guy kindly escort you to the parking lot?In order to be an effective marketer and a progressive human being for that matter, you have to take a breather and look in the mirror.

Need a Job? Put a Gun to Your Head
A legendary marketing genius once said that, if he had to write a killer sales letter, he would imagine he had a gun pointed at his head and that he would be shot if his advertising didn't deliver.This motivated him to create some of the world's most-profitable ads.

Resume Objectives: How Do You Know if Resume Objectives Are Right for You?
Some experts say NEVER bother with resume objectives. While others say they should be an essential element on every resume.

History Reports: When Your Resume Equals, I Did This, I Did This, I Did This
Do these sound familiar?"I worked for?" "My responsibilities were?" "My duties included?"Does a prospective employer care about what you "did for other companies"? Of course they do, but that doesn't mean that's what they really want to know. Conducting a job search is a marketing campaign, moreover, a sales process, not your personal history lesson.

Back to School for a Career Change
Q. I hate my job as a computer consultant.

Home Healthcare Careers
One of the fastest growing sectors of the medical industry is that of home health. There are many reasons for this growth, but most important are:The number of aging and infirm citizens in the country.

Seeking A New Job While Currently Employed : Tiptoeing Through the Minefield
So, you currently have a job but you are looking for something a little better. You are getting tired, uptight, and maybe just a little stressed out.

Business Careers: Keys to Moving on from Retrenchment
You may be astonished to realize that retrenchment may occur more than once during the life of the modern day worker. In fact, career advisors report that we could expect to be made redundant up to three times during our working life.

Finding the Right Travel Nursing Placement Agency
Travel nursing is becoming one of our nation's fastest growing professions, and it's no surprise. If you love seeing new places and enjoy exciting new experiences that evoke the feeling of taking an extended vacation, then the career of a traveling nurse might be just what the doctor ordered! Travel nursing enables many people to stay on vacation for two to six months in free luxury accommodations while earning high hourly wages at the same time.

How to Transform a Boring Note Into A Killer Cover Letter - Part I
The AIDA formula is as old as dirt. It was taught when I was in school over a decade ago.

Can You Tell Me Something About Yourself!
Interview Question, "Tell Me Something About Yourself?""Tell me about yourself" is the query, posted by one of the members and since yesterday I happen to go through many responses. I was just thinking?to give my opinion about the same.

Change Your Career, Change Your Life
Change Your Career,Change your Life!Lots of times I see and talk to people who are tired, bored and burnt out of their current jobs. I'm not sure what causes this dis- satisfaction.

Keep Your Phone Costs Down!
When you're looking for work, some of your expenses will change. You may not commute daily since you won't need a monthly commuter ticket, but each time you travel to an interview by public transportation, it will cost more.

Out Recruit The Competition
We hear from our clients that they "hope the candidate takes the job." Hiring a candidate shouldn't be a guessing game.

Ten Tips to a Job Winning Interview
These days, interviews don't come easily. When you get The Call, make the most of your time -- and go for it!1.

20 Ways to Advance Your Career
To survive and thrive in today's competitive environment, it is not just what you know. You also need to be competent.

Rekindling Passion for Work
Passion comes in many forms. I'm focused on the version of passion that is "boundless enthusiasm".

A Career In Medical Assisting
My name is Danni R, and I am a certified medical assistant and online educator. I am writing this article to introduce you to an exciting career in the allied health profession that has existed for quite a long time but is just recently gaining the attention and recognition it deserves.