Building a resume isn’t an easy task. It can be time-consuming and tedious. Additionally, if you don’t have the skills to visualize and format your document, you can end up spending hours creating something that won’t attract hiring managers.
Outsourcing to a resume designer is costly and often high-risk. That’s why many professionals are using online tools to build a resume that helps them land the job they want.
Here are some of the online resume writing tools for better job search opportunities.
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ResumeBuild
ResumeBuild has a lot going for it. This easy-to-use application has a versatile bank of resume templates without being too overwhelming. You can find specific templates that appeal to experienced professionals, entry-level jobs, and even students. The various formats help create a robust resume without having too much fluff or too much blank space, depending on where you are in your career.
The ResumeBuild process also provides helpful tips along the way. It will prompt you with advice for what to include as it works through each section— work history, education, skills, etc. It has unique visual formats, such as skills rating scales and icons. Each template has a pleasing visual effect that looks modern without being overstated. There are also drag and drop phrases that you can filter based on your industry. This makes it a powerful tool for when a hiring organization is using an Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
ResumeBuild is free to use during the creation process so that you can design a resume and see how you like it before you make a financial commitment. To download your resume, you can pay $1.95 for a one-week trial with an auto-renew at $59 for a three-month subscription after the fact.
VisualCV
VisualCV has a few overarching perks that make it an attractive online resume-building tool. The first feature that users love is that you can get a free resume and cover letter. However, it’s important to note that you can only get one free version, and you’re extremely limited when it comes to templates. The paid version is well worth the $12/month fee, but also comes with a three-month minimum commitment.
Another thing that stands out with VisualCV is that it does include a cover letter builder. Again, it’s important to remember that you only get one free document with VisualCV; if you want both a cover letter and resume, you will have to pay.
One overarching complaint about VisualCV is that even the premium templates are pretty basic. If you’re looking for something simple and cheap, VisualCV can work in a pinch. However, if you’re looking for something visually stimulating that stands apart, you’ll want to go with another option.
Resumup
Resumup doesn’t have the same functionality as ResumeBuild, but it follows the same easy-to-use format. The step-by-step process prompts you with basic fields to fill in with your information, then puts together a polished document. However, if you decide to change templates, the system isn’t intuitive. In other words, you’ll have to re-enter all your data again.
One thing to note about the free version of Resumup is that it limits what you can put in. For example, some free templates don’t include a skills section. Other users have complained that the only documented provided by the free version is a .txt document. This might be a good option for someone who is looking to embed their resume on an About.me website or to upload to an online portal. Otherwise, it’s not appropriate to submit as a standalone application.
Resumup has a tiered subscription payment structure, depending on if you want a resume only, or access to their job search portal. Alternatively, you can circumvent the subscription service for a one-time fee of $149.
The one thing that makes Resumup worth it for some users is that it has incredible visual resumes. The infographic resume templates really pop and are sure to attract attention in saturated markets that are inundated with applications. That being said, it’s hard to say how those resumes stand up when faced with an ATS that’s searching for keywords.
Use one of these resume-building sites for more creative results
Resumonk
Resumonk is the best budget-friendly resume builder. It has a lot of templates, as well as a huge database of keywords that are built to appeal to an ATS. Resumonk has a user-friendly interface and can sync up with your LinkedIn to import your employment history and education.
However, that easy-to-use interface and affordability come with a significant downside.
The free version of Resumonk prints your resume with the Resumonk watermark. You have to pay to get rid of the branding. You also need to upgrade to use the cover letter builder, which was once included in the free version. The premium plan is affordable at $29 per year, with lifetime access at under $100.
It’s worth noting that the templates seem really dated and basic, so you get what you pay for. It’s almost as though Resumonk uses the Microsoft Word resume wizard from the early 2000s. Yes, it creates an effective resume that’s optimized with keywords, but it doesn’t have the visual flair that other programs offer.
Which Resume-Building Tool Works for You?
Each of these resume-building tools has something to offer. The one you choose will depend on your budget, needs, and industry.
It’s worth putting your information into a document so that you can copy and paste it into the various online resume tools. That way, you can use the free version to get a better idea of which tool you need for better job search opportunities.
