Pros and cons of Using Resume Templates

Making a resume might feel a bit tough, especially if it’s been a while since you last did it. For many applicants, the hardest part is starting from scratch. That’s why a lot of candidates use templates to make things easier. These are ready-made designs with pre-written content that you can use as a base for crafting your professional job application.

Word CV templates are the most common choice and there are lots of them when searching through the internet. Another popular option are Google resume templates.

Okay, is using templates really a good idea?

In this article, we’ll explore all the pros and cons of using resume templates to help you decide if you should use one for creating your curriculum vitae. We’ll examine benefits, limitations, and differences between Word and Google templates. Finally we’ll share actionable tips to help you write a winning resume that grabs the attention of recruiters.

Pros of Resume Templates

• Professional design. Designed by experts, templates provide clean layouts and consistent formatting. Even if design isn’t your strong point, you can still make a great first impression on the recruiters. Just choose a template you like, plug in your information, and save time on creating a neat layout or selecting the right fonts.
• Easy to use. Resume templates simplify the resume creation process for everyone, and on average, they are fully editable. You have the flexibility to change almost everything, including fonts, the location of sections, and colors. This means you can personalize your resume effortlessly, focusing on your content without getting bogged down by formatting concerns.
• All fundamental sections and structure. Resume templates make sure you cover all the basics in your resume, from contact details to work experience and skills. They guide you, saving time and ensuring your resume is complete and follows the expected format.
• Accessibility. Templates are readily available online, accessible to everyone regardless of design skills. Whats is more, once you have downloaded the template it is your forever.
• Industry Standards. Templates are designed to align with industry standards, meeting professional expectations. Additionally, they often come with pre-written content, serving as a resume example that can inspire you when describing your work or skills.
• Privacy. Editing your resume on your personal computer using templates eliminates the need to share sensitive personal information with third-party websites. This ensures that your confidential details remain secure.
• One-time payment. When using resume templates, you typically make a one-time payment without recurring fees. This cost-effectiveness makes it a budget-friendly solution, especially compared to tools like resume builders that involve ongoing subscriptions or payments.
• No registration or login hassles. With most resume templates, you don’t need to go through the registration or login processes on websites. In most cases, you just download the template, and you’re ready to start creating your resume hassle-free.

Cons of Resume Templates

• Limited customization. Templates may offer limited flexibility in terms of design and layout. If you have specific preferences or want a highly customized resume, templates might not meet your expectations. For example, if your work history is a bit unusual or your career path isn’t straightforward, it can be tough to change the template to show these special experiences.
• Possible compatibility issues. Some templates may not be compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). This could result in your resume being automatically rejected by employers who use these systems for initial screenings.
• Lack of remommendations. CV templates unlike resume builders don’t provide step-by-step guidance and suggestions for content, making it easier for job seekers who may be unsure of what to include.
• Need for basic editing skills
  Customizing a template to fit your needs requires at least basic Word editing and formatting skills.

Word Resume Templates – cons and pros

We have already covered most of the benefits and potential drawbacks when it comes to using templates for building your resume application. Now let’s focus on the two most popular template formats: Word and Google Docs resumes. Below, you will find additional pros and cons for both formats:

Pros

Cons

– Famiiarity. Microsoft Word is widely used, so when crafting your resume, you won’t need to learn a new program. – Advanced formatting options. Word offers a range of formatting options, making it easier to refine and tailor your resume content to match specific job requirements. These include: font styles, sizes, and colors adding tables, images or other visual elements. – Offline and online accessibility. Word documents can be easily downloaded for offline use, and they can also be accessed online, making it convenient for users who may need flexibility in accessing their resumes. – Compatibility with ATS. Word templates, when built right, play well with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), ensuring your resume is easily processed. Plus, you can save it as a PDF, the widely accepted format, keeping it ATS-friendly for various applications.

– Possible compatibility challenges. Word documents are typically accepted, but some employers may face difficulty opening a resume created in Word if they don’t have the same version of the software. – Risk of Overused Formats. As Word templates are commonly used, there’s a risk that your resume may look similar to others, potentially reducing its ability to stand out. – Learning advanced features. Using Microsoft Word for more advanced features, especially if you’re not familiar with them, can be tricky. – Limited fonts range. In comparison to Google Docs, there aren’t as many fonts to choose from in Word. If you want to use a specific font that isn’t default, you’ll need to download it first.

Google Docs Resume Templates – cons and pros

Below, you can find information on how Google Docs CVs differ from Word templates. Once you’re familiar with these details, you can make a decision on whether you prefer the Google Docs or docx resume format.

Pros

Cons

– Google Docs is user-friendly. Even candidates with basic computer skills can create a neat and professional resume. – Accessibility. You can access your Google resume from anywhere with an internet connection. Whether you’re in a bustling city or on a tropical beach, all you need is access to your Google Docs account. – Easy Sharing. Sharing with potential employers or friends is a breeze. No paper copies required. Simply generate a shareable link and send it to anyone you choose. – Working together. Multiple people can view and edit a Google Docs file in real-time, like a team effort. This is handy when you want feedback. – Automatic saving. Forget about clicking ‘Save.’ Google Docs automatically saves your work in real-time, so you don’t need to worry about losing anything. – Version history. Google Docs keeps a history of changes, allowing you to go back to previous versions of your resume if needed. – Mobile Friendly. You can work on your resume from your smartphone or tablet using the Google Docs mobile app. – No software installation required. No need to create additional accounts or log in to third-party websites. – ATS-ready. Resumes created with Google Docs can be ATS compliant when proper formatting is applied. – Large font range. When writing your resume using the Google platform, you have access to a wide range of Google fonts.

– File conversion issues. While you can export your resume to other formats like .pdf, the formatting might not always transfer perfectly. – Limited offer of free templates. There are only a few free templates available on Google Drive. – Limited Design Options. CV Templates are not as stylish or extensive as those available in more specialized design software. – Limited formatting options. Unlike Microsoft Word, you might find fewer options for advanced formatting when working on your resume in Google Docs. – Limited Offline Access. You need an internet connection to access and edit your resume in Google Docs. If you’re in an area with no internet, you can’t make changes. – Privacy Concerns. Although Google has robust security measures, some people might still be hesitant about storing personal information in the cloud. – Version Control. While Google Docs offers version history, managing different versions of your resume can become confusing if you make frequent edits. – Compatibility Issues. Certain employers or organizations may prefer or require resumes in specific formats like Word (.docx). In such cases, you may need to convert your Google Docs resume to a Word Resume. .

Tips for Choosing a Right Resume Template

Now, when you’re well-informed about the pros and cons, the decision is yours—whether to opt for a template or a resume builder. If you lean towards using a template, here are some valuable tips to keep in mind while searching:

• Consider company culture and industry.
• Customization options. Choose templates that allow easy customization of colors, fonts, and layouts for a unique resume.
• Reputable Source. Get templates from trusted sources.
• ATS Compatibility. Opt for ATS-friendly templates without text boxes, headers, complex graphics.
• Clean and readable layout. According to (The Ladders) CVs with poor, clutter layout and little white space were low performing among recruiters.

Learn more on selecting a perfect cv template.

Frequently Asked Questions