10 Free Resume Templates to Make Your Job Application Stand Out

A free resume template can be a game changer in your job search journey. It provides a structure for your job application, saves you a good amount of time you need to spend on formatting the file, and it costs you nothing. But most of all, a free resume template helps you craft a document that will grab attention of a hiring manager. 

So, you’ve pulled all the elements of your resume together, got the document checked and proof-read, and made sure it is tailored to the position you’re applying for.

Think you’re done?

Well, not yet. There is still one important detail that your ticket to a dream job is missing – the eye-catching design. In a world where recruiters take an average of 6 seconds to scan a job application, having a plain, black-and-white resume is careless.

Luckily, a creative resume doesn’t require special design skills. Check out these 10 noticeable Microsoft Word resume templates that you can download, edit and send to potential employers. No hiring manager will be able to ignore your application.

Oh, did we mention that these templates are absolutely FREE?

1. Modern Chronological Resume Template

This simple, yet well-organized free resume template developed by Microsoft, is suitable for virtually every industry and career level. You can easily change the color scheme and fonts of the document.

Download the template here.

2. Functional Resume Template

The goal of this resume template is to highlight your skills rather than work experience. As such, the template will work best for those transitioning from the military, changing careers or industries, or those with gaps in work history.

Download the template here. 

3. Simple and Clean Resume Template

Creative yet modest, this resume template will help you make a statement in a humble way. For better effect, the template has a space for your headshot and customizable color panel.

Download the template here.

4. Black and White Resume Template

This sleek template proves that you don’t need bright colors to make an impression. There’s something special and intelligent about this design that sticks with traditional black and white.

Download the template here.

5. Elegant Dark Grey Resume Template

Yes, resumes can and should be elegant, especially if you’re applying for high-end positions. This unique resume is certain to stand out among the rest.

Download the template here.

6. Bold Monogram Resume Template

Another resume template from Microsoft. Its stylish design and clean layout will definitely catch an eye of a hiring manager.

Download the template here.

7. Polished Resume Template

Highlight your personality with this sleek and sophisticated resume template. Use this well-organized layout and unique colors combination to stand out in a crowd.

Download the template here.

8. Yellow Resume Template

“And it was all yellow…” Yellow resume? Why not? This is a great template for a designer, teacher or even sales professional. The deep color, vertical split layout, and bold heading with a spot for your portrait is just enough to catch an eye without being overwhelming.

Download the template here.

9. Avant-Garde CV Template

A unique CV template for creative professionals who are not afraid to make a bold statement. Modern look and geometric design make it perfect fit for both academic and business purposes.

Download the template here.

10. College Student Resume Template

Venngage.com is an easy-to-use infographic and graphic design platform, where the most design-inept can create stylish content for websites, presentations, ads, social media use and much more. It offers tons of great resume templates applicable for different industries and positions. One of them is this fun and creative college student template.

To download free templates you will need to create an account.

The Last Step

As soon as you finish editing and personalizing the template in Microsoft Word, make sure you save the file as a PDF. This way you will ensure that your perfect resume format remains the same for everyone who receives it.

If you really want to make a good impression on hiring managers, make sure you have the necessary skills. At Growth Skills, we offer a wide range of free courses to help you gain critical knowledge and feel confident in today’s workplace. Take our comprehensive SEO Training Course to add new skill line to your resume.