20+ Best Free Online Resume Builders | 2021 Reviews

Whether you are applying for jobs, academic positions, or scholarships, you all need a good resume to help you stand out. 

Using online resume builders can save your time. Moreover, these online resume editors often offer many up-to-date templates for free downloads. 

Nowadays, due to plentiful choices of online resume builders, you might find it hard to identify the one most suited to your unique situation. What is the best online resume builder? There are a number of free resume builders specially designed for professionals, freshers, students, and etc. It is important to first identify your job search goals, and choose a suitable resume creator. 

In this article, we are going to provide a list of the best free resume builders in 2021.

We will evaluate these online resume makers considering:

  • the richness of features 
  • price-performance ratio 
  • the number of templates
  • the size of active user base
  • the user interface (whether it's interactive and easy to navigate)

What is the best free online resume builder?

For those who are wondering which free resume builder is the best and where I can find a good free resume builder, we are here to save your time.

This section will review 20 free online resume creators that provide free resume templates and free downloads.

At the same time, we will also give you our general points of view with star ratings. Let’s get started!

1. CakeResume

Score: ⭐️  ⭐️  ⭐️  ⭐️  ⭐️

CakeResume Homepage

CakeResume is a free resume builder that provides 50+ resume templates (snippets), along with a collection of 600+ real resume examples covering 9 different industry sectors, including administrative, engineering, finance, and a variety of sectors.

CakeResume's resume templates:

  • Classic
  • Formal
  • Creative
  • Modern
  • Minimalist
  • Infographic
  • Unique
  • International
  • Experienced
  • Academic
  • Entry-Level
  • Successful
CakeResume Templates

To create a free resume, simply hit the button “Build My Resume Now”. After signing up for an account, you can start to create a 100% free resume on the site.

CakeResume online free resume maker has an easy-to-navigate user interface. You can drag the pre-designed resume section templates on the right side and drop it on your resume. 

All you need to do is to add your information and qualification. There is no need to worry about the resume layout and design.

CakeResume Builder

Pros:

  • Easy to use 
  • Completely free one resume download
  • Rich choices of ready-made resume section templates  
  • An extensive variety of job search resources, including resume writing tutorials and career development tips

Cons:

  • Free accounts limited to 1 resume download

CakeResume's Pricing

  • Basic plan: free
  • Advanced plan: $10.95/ monthly
    With unlimited resume downloads & advanced resume templates
  • Pro plan: $21.95/ monthly
    With resume tracking feature through Google Analytics

Resume format available for free download & share:

  • PDF
  • WebPage 

2. Google Docs

Score: ⭐️  ⭐️  ⭐️  ⭐️  

Do you know that you can create a resume online for free via Google Docs?

Google offers 5 free resume templates:

  • Swiss
  • Serif
  • Coral
  • Spearmint
  • Modern writer
Google Docs - Resume Templates

How to create your resume online free by using Google Docs? Here is a guide.

  1. Log in to your Google account. 
  2. Chose Google Docs. 
  3. Click on “Template Gallery”. 
  4. Select the resume template you prefer.
Google Docs - Swiss Resume Template

Pros:

  • A 100% free professional resume builder
  • Unlimited resume downloads in various formats

Cons:

  • Limited resume templates
  • Unattractive resume layouts

Google Docs's pricing

  • Free

Resume formats available for free download:

  • Microsoft word (.docx)
  • PDF
  • Plain Text (.txt)
  • OpenDocumentFormat (.odt)
  • Rich Text Format (.rtf)
  • WebPage (.html, zipped)
  • EPUB Publication (.epub)

3. Novoresume

Score: ⭐️  ⭐️  ⭐️  ⭐️  

Novoresume homepage

Novoresume is a free resume builder online launched in 2014 and offers 8+ free resume templates.

Novoresume's resume templates:

  • Basic
  • Simple
  • Modern
  • College
  • Creative
  • Executive
  • Functional
  • Professional

What we like the most about this free resume editor are its themes and layout features. 

You can select the layout based on your level of work experience.

Furthermore, Novoresume provides suggestions on how to optimize your resume writing for each section.

Novoresume editor

Pros:

  • Free resume download
  • User-friendly interface
  • Resume optimization feature 

Cons:

  • Free accounts support only 1-page resume
  • No resume download in Word format

Novoresume's Pricing

  • Basic (free)
  • Premium
    Able to create up 10 pages of a resume with custom layout
    • 1 month: 15 €
    • 3 months: 29.99 €
    • 12 months: 89.99 €

Resume download format available for both free and premium accounts:

  • PDF

4. Jobscan

Score: ⭐️  ⭐️  ⭐️  ⭐️  

Jobscan homepage

Jobscan’s products include online resume maker, resume optimization tools, and LinkedIn profile optimization tools. 

The free online resume builder provides 3 resume templates and a step-by-step resume writing guide.

Jobscan's resume templates:

  • Classic professional 
  • Modern professional
  • Modern student
Jobscan - Resume Templates

Jobscan’s online resume builder is known for its Application Tracking System (ATS) friendly resume templates. 

Moreover, after completing your resume online, Jobscan offers custom resume optimization advice according to your desired job position. 

Jobscan resume builder

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface
  • Free resume templates
  • Free resume optimization tool

Cons:

  • Plain resume layouts
  • No ready-made resume sections

Jobscan’s Pricing

  • Free 
  • One Month Free plan: $89.95 / 3 months after trial
    With 20 ATS friendly resume templates
  • Monthly plan: $49.95 every month

Resume formats available for free download:

  • Free account users - Microsoft word 
  • Premium plan users - Microsoft word & PDF 

5. Indeed

Score: ⭐️  ⭐️  ⭐️  ⭐️  

Indeed homepage

Indeed is a well-known job search platform, and they also have a free online resume editor. 

There are 8 templates you can select on Indeed’s free online resume builder.  

Indeed's resume templates:

  • Boxed
  • Clean
  • Simple
  • Modern
  • Minimalist
  • Creative 
  • Executive
  • Overline

It is easy to use Indeed resume builder to create a free resume. Simply follow the steps below:

  1. Select a resume format.
  2. Filling in personal information. 
  3. Choose a resume style (color and font). 
  4. Download resume.
Indeed Resume Maker

Pros:

  • 100% free resume builder
  • ATS friendly templates
  • Easy to share resumes with recruiters on the platform

Cons:

  • Limited choices of resume templates
  • No resume download in Microsoft Word format

Indeed’s Pricing

  • Free 

Resume format available for free download:

  • PDF 

6. Enhancv

Score: ⭐️  ⭐️  ⭐️ 

Enhancv homepage

Enhancv online resume maker provides 2 free resume templates.

Enhancv's resume templates:

  • Double column
  • Single column

By clicking the “Add section” button, you’ll find many pre-designed resume section templates catering to job seekers’ needs. 

Enhancv maker

Pros:

  • Intuitive user interface
  • Content improvement tool

Cons:

  • No Microsoft Word resume download 
  • Limited resume templates for free accounts

Enhancv’s Pricing

  • Free
  • Pro monthly: 21.99 €/ month
  • Pro quarterly: 16.33 €/ month
  • Pro semi-annual:  11.67 €/ month

Resume download format available for both free and premium accounts:

  • PDF
  • Plain Text (.txt)

7. ResumeMaker.Online

Score: ⭐️  ⭐️  ⭐️ 

ResumeMaker.Online homepage

ResumeMaker.Online is a free resume builder site, and it is not required to sign up for an account. 

All you need to do is hit the “Start Now” button, and you can create your resume for free.

ResumeMaker.Online 

Pros:

  • No sign-up required
  • Completely free resume builder

Cons:

  • No Microsoft Word resume format download

ResumeMaker.Online’s Pricing

  • Free

Resume format available for free download:

  • PDF 

8. Resumake (LaTex resume builder)

Score: ⭐️  ⭐️  ⭐️ 

Resumake homepage

Resumake is an open-source resume builder website. It is a completely free resume builder.

How to prepare a resume online free on Resumake:

  1. Click on the "Make New Section" button.
  2. Fill the resume sections. 
  3. Complete your resume. 
  4. Download your free resume in PDF. 
Resumake editor

Pros:

  • 100%  free resume builder and free download
  • 9 free resume formats

Cons:

  • No Microsoft Word resume format download

Resumake’s Pricing

  • Free

Resume format available for free download:

  • PDF 
  • JSON

9. Resume.com

Score: ⭐️  ⭐️  

Resume.com homepage

Resume.com is a free resume generator online. At resume.com, resume templates are organized into 4 categories.

Resume.com's resume templates:

  • Experience template
  • Education template
  • Personal template
  • Skills template

By using this free online resume generator, you can customize sections based on the resume tips and examples provided. 

Resume.com creator

Pros:

  • Completely free resume builder
  • General resume writing tips
  • Easy to use

Cons:

  • No resume download in Microsoft Word format
  • Limited choices of resume templates

Resume.com’s Pricing

  • Free

Resume format available for free download:

  • PDF 
  • Plain Text (.txt)

10. Canva

Score: ⭐️  ⭐️  

Canva homepage

Canva is a graphic design platform with a free online resume maker. 

There are over 50 free online resume templates for you to choose from.

Canva resume generator

Pros:

  • Rich variety of free online resume templates
  • Easy to use

Cons:

  • No Microsoft Word resume download

Canva’s Pricing

  • Free

Resume format available for free download:

  • PDF 
  • PNG
  • JPG

11. Kickresume

Score: ⭐️  ⭐️  

Kickresume homepage

Kickresume is both an online resume editor and a cover letter builder.

Kickresume offers 4 online free resume templates on its online resume builder.

Kickresume's resume templates:

  • White
  • Black 
  • Basic
  • Europe

With the preview window right beside the resume editor, you can easily create and edit your resume by adding new sections.

Kickresume maker

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • ATS friendly resume templates

Cons:

  • Limited resume templates for free accounts

Kickresume’s Pricing

  • Free
  • Monthly plan: 16 €/ month
  • Quarterly plan: 10 €/ month
  • Yearly plan: 7 €/ month

Resume format available for free download:

  • PDF 
  • Microsoft word (.docx)

12. CraftCv

Score: ⭐️  ⭐️  

CraftCv homepage

CraftCv is a CV online builder. Though it is not completely the same as an online resume builder, some of the features CraftCv provides are useful.

CraftCv’s drag and drop features are simple to use, and it offers 2 types of CV templates.

CraftCv's resume templates:

  • Classic
  • Creative
CraftCv maker

Pros:

  • Free PDF & TXT resume format download 
  • No length limitation

Cons:

  • No Microsoft Word resume format download
  • Not 100% applicable for making a resume

CraftCv’s Pricing

  • Free
  • Starter: 7 €/ monthly
  • Premium: 12 €/ monthly
  • Patron: 8 €/ monthly (billed quarterly)

Resume format available for free download:

  • PDF 
  • Plain Text (.txt)

13. Creddle

Score: ⭐️  ⭐️  

Creddle homepage

Creddle is a free resume-building website, and you can publish your resume via URL and share it with your LinkedIn connections.

How to use Creddle to create a resume online for free?

  1. Use an email account or Facebook account to login. 
  2. Fill in your resume by section. 
  3. Download your free resume in PDF.
Creddle resume generator

Pros:

  • Entirely free resume builder
  • Resume publications via URL links

Cons:

  • No Microsoft Word resume format download 
  • No “photo” section in the resume templates

Creddle’s Pricing

  • Free

Resume format available for free download:

  • PDF 

14. Resumonk

Score: ⭐️  ⭐️  

Resumonk homepage

Are you looking for a free resume builder for freshers? Resumonk will be a practical option. This online resume editor provides 5 free online resume templates.

You can create a 100% free resume on Resumonk by:

  1. Select a resume template. 
  2. Hit the "Create your impressive resume now" button to get started.
  3. Download your free resume in PDF.
Resumonk creator

Pros:

  • Free resume format download in PDF
  • With the “import LinkedIn profile” feature

Cons:

  • No Microsoft Word resume formats download
  • Limited choices of resume templates for free accounts

Resumonk’s Pricing

  • Free
  • 12 months plan: $ 29
  • Forever plan: $ 99

Resume download formats available: 

  • Free account users - PDF
  • Premium plan users - PDF & Microsoft Word

15. Resume Genius

Score: ⭐️  

Resume Genius homepage

Resume Genius is a free resume builder site to help you craft your first resume online.

They offer a great number of resume templates with different styles and design, suitable for a variety of professions.

How to build your resume free using Resume Genius online resume maker?

  1. Sign up by using an email or a Facebook account. 
  2. Answer the step-by-step questions.
  3. Add your information to resume sections. 
  4. Download your resume in TXT file.
Resume Genius Builder

Pros:

  • With a step-by-step resume writing guide
  • Resume writing articles

Cons:

  • Minimal choices of resume templates
  • No Microsoft Word and PDF resume formats download

Resume Genius’s Pricing

  • Free
  • 4 weeks plan: $ 2.95/ month
  • 12 months  plan: $ 7.95/ month

Resume download formats available: 

  • Free account users - Plain Text (.txt)
  • Premium plan users - PDF, Microsoft Word, Plain Text (.txt)

The following 3 resume editors, Zety, MyPerfectResume, and LiveCareer, have very similar functions for free accounts.

16. Zety

Score: ⭐️  

Zety homepage

Zety is an influential resume builder site with numerous resume writing tutorials. 

How to use Zety online resume maker for free?

  1. Click on "Create My Resume Now".
  2. Fill in your information by following the step-by-step guide. 
  3. Download your resume in plain text (.txt) format.
Zety resume builder

Pros:

  • Complete pre-designed resume sections
  • Easy to use with a step-by-step guide

Cons:

  • No Microsoft Word or PDF resume formats download for free accounts

Zety’s Pricing

  • Free
  • 14-Day Full Access: 1.7 €
  • Monthly Access plan: 5.95 €

Resume download formats available: 

  • Free account users - Plain Text (.txt)
  • Premium plan users - PDF, Microsoft Word, Plain Text (.txt)

17. LiveCareer

Score: ⭐️  

LiveCareer homepage

LiveCareer is an online resume maker to help you build a resume efficiently.

How to use LiveCareer online resume editor for free?

  1. Click on "Build My Resume". 
  2. Follow LiveCareer’s step-by-step guide. 
  3. Use its pre-designed resume sections. 
  4. Download your resume in TXT format.
LiveCareer resume creator

Pros:

  • Rich pre-designed resume sections
  • User-friendly features

Cons:

  • No Microsoft Word or PDF resume formats download for free accounts

LiveCareer’s Pricing

  • Free
  • 14-Day Full Access: 2.95 €
  • Monthly Access plan: 5.95 €

Resume download formats available: 

  • Free account users - Plain Text (.txt)
  • Premium plan users - PDF, Microsoft Word, Plain Text (.txt)

18. MyPerfectResume

Score: ⭐️  

MyPerfectResume homepage

MyPerfectResume is an online resume editor with many resume examples. 

How to use MyPerfectResume online resume maker for free?

  1. Click on "Build My Resume". 
  2. Follow its 3 simple steps to fill in the information. 
  3. Download your resume in TXT format.
MyPerfectResume creator

Pros:

  • Plenty of pre-made resume sections
  • Easy to navigate interface

Cons:

  • No Microsoft Word or PDF resume formats download for free accounts

MyPerfectResume’s Pricing

  • Free
  • 14-Day Full Access: 2.95 €
  • Monthly Access plan: 5.95 €

Resume download formats available: 

  • Free account users - Plain Text (.txt)
  • Premium plan users - PDF, Microsoft Word, Plain Text (.txt)

19. Resume Now

Score: ⭐️  

Resume Now homepage

Resume Now is a user-friendly online resume builder with plenty of ready-to-use resume templates. 

Resume Now templates

How to prepare a resume on Resume Now online resume editor for free?

  1. Hit the “Create My Resume” button. 
  2. Choose from "Entry-level", "Mid-level", or "Senior" according to your work experience.
  3. Select a resume template. 
  4. Fill in your information by resume sections. 
  5. Download your resume in TXT format.
Resume Now generator

Pros:

  • Abundant of pre-written resume sections 
  • Step-by-step resume writing guide

Cons:

  • No Microsoft Word or PDF resume formats download for free accounts
  • Minimal choices of creative resume templates

Resume Now’s Pricing

  • Free
  • 14-Day Limited Access: $2.45
  • 14-Day Full Access: $2.85
  • Monthly Access: $10.45

Resume download formats available: 

  • Free account users - Plain Text (.txt)
  • Premium plan users - PDF, Microsoft Word, Plain Text (.txt)

20. ResumeLab

Score: ⭐️  

ResumeLab homepage

ResumeLab is an online resume builder along with a cover letter builder and career advice.

How to build a resume on ResumeLab for free?

  1. Click on “Create Your Resume”. 
  2. Pick a resume template and colors.
  3. Add your personal details to each resume section.
  4. Hit the "Preview" button. and print the resume without formatting. 
  5. Right click on the resume, hit "Print", and download it as a PDF without formatting.
ResumeLab generator

Pros:

  • With resume writing tips and advanced formatting (fonts & spacings)
  • Plenty of pre-written resume sections 

Cons:

  • No resume download for free
  • No Microsoft Word resume formats download 

ResumeLab’s Pricing

  • 14-Day Full Access: $ 2.70
  • Monthly Access: $ 5.95 (pay $ 71 .40 up-front)

Resume download formats available: 

  • Premium plan users - PDF & Plain Text (.txt)

To conclude, we have tried 20 different free online resume builders and write down our authentic reviews for you. By evaluating each online resume makers’ pros and cons, we hope to help you find the ideal online resume maker and build a job-winning resume!. 

Selecting a good online resume generator is vital. It will save you time and make your resume look more professional. 

Moreover, a well-written resume will help you catch recruiters’ attention fast and increase your chance of getting an interview. 

Now that we’ve answered the question, “Where can I find a good free resume builder?”, we also list down 10 essential sections to include in your resume.

10 essential resume sections

  1. Personal & contact details
    The primary purpose of the personal details section is to include basic and contact information such as your name, email address, and phone number.
  2. Headline/Title
    A resume tile is usually put in the resume header section. It summarizes job seekers’ educational backgrounds, professional experiences, and core values into one phrase.
  3. Profile summary
    A summary or personal statement is a short paragraph of around 2 to 3 sentences highlighting job seekers’ qualifications, key achievements, and career goals.
  4. Career objective
    A career objective on a resume should be highly associated with the job description, company value, and company culture.
  5. Skills
    The skills you put on your resume should be related to the job requirements and show you are a good fit for the position.
  6. Education
    It is recommended to use bullet points for the resume education section in reverse chronological order.
  7. Work experience
    The work experience section is the most vital part of your resume. Your work experience demonstrates not only your qualification but also your competency.
  8. References
    Adding references to your resume is not obligatory, but it can be a plus. It helps the recruiter to evaluate if you are qualified for this position or not.
  9. Hobbies & interests
    The hobbies and interests resume section showcase candidates’ unique personality traits and soft skills.
  10. Declaration
    The resume declaration section is a statement where job seekers declare all the information on the resume is valid, along with signature and date.

Let’s try out one of these online resumes building sites, and signing up for CakeResume can be a good start!

--- Originally written by Sylvia Hsu ---

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