Should You Use a Resume Template?

Recently I got an email from someone asking if a Google Docs resume template is a good idea. At first glance, this article from Lifehacker may make a lot of sense. Like they say “why waste time…” And the Google template is attractive, so where’s the harm?

The problem is that your resume is your only chance to make an amazing first impression. Using a one-size-fits-all resume template is a surefire way to send the clear message “I am pretty much like everyone else.” (And unless you’re applying for a job that calls for ‘average Joes’, that’s not likely to be the message you want to send!)

Even if you don’t use a template, you might be tempted to steal a format from resume samples you find online.

Here’s why not to do that …

When you use a resume template, or copy someone else’s format, you’re allowing someone else to dictate what you say about yourself and how you say it. You’re squeezing yourself into a box that may or may not be a good fit for you. That doesn’t make any sense.

That’s not to say you shouldn’t take ideas from other resumes. By all means use our gallery of resume samples for inspiration.

But don’t be afraid to take ideas from more than one resume, so that the resulting document suits you and not someone else.

When determining how to lay out your resume, consider what message you want to convey.

• What are your main selling points?
• Why should employers be interested in you?
• What makes you different from other candidates?

Once you know these things, you can choose a resume style that fits you, rather than trying to shoehorn your background into a set template.

The bottom line

The number one key to a successful resume, one that grabs attention and makes employers want to call, is that it stands out from the rest. The only way to do that is to create a document that is as unique as you. And you can’t do that if you’re copying what someone else already did.

If you’re ready to write a unique, one-of-a-kind resume that gets you noticed, here are some more articles that will help you get started:

How to Beat Resume Screening Systems

5 Ways to Start Your Resume With a Bang

How to Write Great Resume Bullet Points

3 Easy Ways to Disguise Resume Gaps

And, as always, if you would like more help with your resume, just shoot me an email for a free assessment and price quote. We’ll get back to you right away.