Best Resume Building Tools And Software: The Ultimate Guide 2024
Hey there, friend! Can we take a moment to talk about how absolutely crucial a great resume is in today’s job market? As someone who has spent years as a Fortune 500 recruiter and now works as a career coach (not to mention that Master’s in Human Resources from Texas A&M – whoop!), I’ve literally seen thousands of resumes cross my desk. And let me tell you something straight up – the right resume builder can be a total game-changer for your career.
As a recruiter, sometimes I see a resume with the perfect resume template and think this student really gets it. Let me help you get there!
Listen, I get it. Creating a professional looking resume can feel completely overwhelming. There are so many options out there, and you’re probably wondering, “How do I even know which resume builder app is worth my time?”
Today I want to teach you how to create a resume in less than 10 minutes…no really! Let’s dive into the best resume builder options to help you land your dream job, regardless what application you are applying for!
Why Trust My Resume Builder Recommendations?
Professional Background
Y’all, I need to be totally honest with you – I’ve been in the trenches of hiring for over a decade. As a Fortune 500 recruiter, I’ve reviewed more resumes than I can count (okay, it’s actually over 15,000, but who’s keeping track?).
Now, as a career coach, I help professionals transform their resumes from “meh” to “amazing!” Every single day, I work with job seekers who are trying to make their mark in this crazy competitive job market, and most of them use resume builder options in the resume writing process!
Real-World Experience
Here’s the thing – I don’t just work with resumes, I live and breathe them. I’ve seen firsthand how the right resume can open doors that seemed permanently closed.
I’ve helped fresh graduates land their dream jobs with perfect resumes, supported mid-career professionals making bold transitions, and coached executives in crafting C-suite-worthy resume templates. Plus, with my Master’s in Human Resources, I understand the science behind what makes recruiters stop and take notice.
Top Resume Builders for 2024
Best Overall: Novoresume
Y’all, let me tell you why Novoresume absolutely rocks my world as a resume builder and resume templates! After reviewing thousands of resumes, I can spot a winner from a mile away, and Novoresume consistently delivers knockout results.
From basic resume templates to resume examples, this resume tool consistently creates polished resume templates.
What sets it apart is its perfect balance of modern design and ATS-friendly functionality. The platform offers this incredible mix of beautiful resume templates that aren’t just pretty – they’re strategic. Every template from the resume builder app is crafted with both human recruiters and ATS systems in mind.
The real game-changer is their smart content optimizer that actually suggests improvements as you write. Their premium features on the resume builder tool include advanced customization options that let you adjust spacing, colors, and sections without breaking the template’s professional structure.
Plus, their resume tracking feature lets you create different versions for different job applications – something that’s crucial in today’s competitive job market.
Key Features
- Gorgeous, modern templates
- Super intuitive interface (even my tech-challenged mom could use it!)
- Built-in ATS optimization
- Real-time content suggestions
- Custom formatting options
Pricing
- Free plan available – Free resume examples
- Premium: $19.99/month
- Premium Plus: $29.99/month
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Beautiful, professional designs
- Amazing ATS compatibility
- Excellent content suggestions
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Some advanced features require premium.
- Limited template customization in the free version
User Guide
I outlined a few great user guide instructions based on a ‘free trial’ below.
Resume and Cover Letter Template
See below for a sample inventory of resume and cover letter templates.
Who It’s Perfect For
Listen up, because this is important! Novoresume is absolutely perfect for the modern professional who needs a resume that works as hard as they do. Even the free resume builder option creates awesome resume template examples.
This platform is particularly fantastic for tech professionals, business managers, and anyone in a forward-thinking industry where modern design matters, but professionalism is still key.
If you’re someone who wants to stand out without going over the top, who needs multiple versions of their resume for different opportunities, or who’s targeting companies that use ATS systems (hint: that’s most companies these days!), Novoresume is your new best friend.
Best for Professionals: LiveCareer
Oh my goodness, let me tell you about LiveCareer! What makes it shine for professionals is its deep understanding of industry-specific requirements. The platform offers specialized templates and content suggestions based on your industry and experience level.
LiveCareer’s strength lies in its comprehensive approach to professional resume templates. They offer expert-written phrases and bullet points that sound natural and professional – not like those cookie-cutter templates we’ve all seen.
The resume builder includes detailed industry guides that help you understand exactly what recruiters in your field are looking for. Plus, their keyword optimization tool is specifically tailored to different professional sectors, ensuring your resume speaks the right language for your industry.
What sets them apart is their professional development resources. We’re talking resume genius-level salary negotiation guides, industry-specific interview preparation, and even career path planning tools. They understand that a professional resume is part of a larger career strategy.
Key Features
- Industry-specific templates
- Professional writing tips
- Cover letter builder
- Multiple format downloads
Pricing
- 14-day trial: $1.95 – No free resume builder option
- Monthly: $29.95
- 3 months: $59.85
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- One of the best resume builder website options for professionals
- Extensive template library
- Professional writing assistance
- Great for multiple industries
- Solid customer support
Cons:
- Higher price point
- No permanent free plan
User Guide
Here are a few user guide details from a live demonstration.
Who It’s Perfect For
Y’all, LiveCareer is the perfect match for experienced professionals who are serious about their career progression. I’m talking about folks with 5+ years of experience who need to showcase complex achievements and career progression in a sophisticated way.
It’s particularly valuable for those in traditional professional fields like finance, healthcare, law, or corporate management. The resume writer can produce a completed resume in a PDF file in less than 2 minutes. There is also an awesome cover letter builder built into the website.
This platform shines for professionals who need to demonstrate specialized skills and certifications, or who need to highlight leadership experience and measurable achievements.
Best Budget Option: Resume.com
Let me be real with you – not everyone needs (or can afford) all the bells and whistles of a premium resume builder, and that’s exactly where Resume.com shines!
As someone who’s worked with job seekers at all budget levels, I can confidently say that Resume.com offers incredible value for absolutely zero cost. We are talking about a resume builder app that offers free resume templates and free cover letter templates.
What makes Resume.com stand out in the free category is its straightforward, no-nonsense approach. You get a solid selection of basic templates that are ATS-friendly (which is huge!), and the platform doesn’t try to upsell you at every turn.
The interface is refreshingly simple, making it easy to create a professional resume without any technical headaches. They also offer direct integration with major job boards, which means you can start applying to jobs right after creating your resume.
The export options are particularly impressive for a free tool – you can download your resume in multiple formats, including PDF file options and Word options, without hitting any paywalls. Plus, this resume builder has basic keyword optimization tools to help ensure your resume gets past initial screening systems and helps you land your dream job.
Key Features
- Completely free resume builder and resume template options
- Clean, basic templates
- Easy PDF downloads
- Simple editing interface
Pricing
- 100% Free!
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- No cost
- Easy to use
- Direct job board integration
- Quick resume creation
Cons:
- Limited design options
- Basic features only
- No advanced formatting
- 1 hour expiration on resumes and cover letters
Resume and Cover Letter Templates
Who It’s Perfect For
Y’all, let me tell you exactly who should be jumping on the Resume.com train! This platform is perfect for entry-level job seekers, recent graduates, and anyone who needs a quick, professional resume without the investment. If you’re just starting your career journey, changing jobs within the same field, or need a simple update to your existing resume, this is your go-to solution.
It’s particularly well-suited for students and recent graduates who need their first professional resume but might not have the budget for a premium service and just need an awesome resume builder that makes a great resume template.
Best for Creatives: Canva
Listen up, creative souls – Canva is about to become your new obsession! As someone who’s reviewed countless creative resumes, I can tell you! that Canva stands head and shoulders above other platforms when it comes to creative freedom and visual impact.
Canva can make everything from cover letters to fully completed resume templates, and even provide resume rewrite options.
What makes Canva magical for creatives is its incredible flexibility in design options. You get access to thousands of design elements, fonts, and colors that you can customize to create a truly unique resume. The platform offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that lets you experiment with layouts while maintaining professional standards. Plus, their template collection includes some of the most innovative yet professional designs I’ve seen for online resume templates.
The real game-changer is the Canvas brand kit feature, which lets you maintain consistent personal branding across your resume, portfolio, and other career documents in your resume. And their collaboration features make it easy to get feedback from design-minded colleagues or mentors.
Key Features
- Highly customizable designs
- Unique visual elements
- Brand kit integration
- Collaborative features
Pricing
- Free plan available – More comprehensive than other resume builders
- Pro: $12.99/month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stunning creative templates
- Extensive design flexibility
- Easy to use for designers
- Great for personal branding
Cons:
- May not be ATS-friendly without careful design
- Can be overwhelming for non-designers
- Some templates too creative for traditional roles
User Guide
Who It’s Perfect For
Y’all, if you’re in a creative field, pay attention because this is crucial! Canva is the perfect resume builder for designers, artists, marketers, and anyone in a visually-oriented profession. It’s especially valuable for professionals who need their resumes to demonstrate their design capabilities while still maintaining professionalism.
This platform is ideal for graphic designers, art directors, UX/UI designers, social media managers, and creative directors who understand the importance of visual presentation. Canva’s free builder creates customizable templates that can easily convert your current resume into a new resume that will help you land your desired job.
Best for ATS Optimization: JobScan Resume Builder
Oh my goodness, let me tell you about JobScan – it’s like having a secret weapon in the fight against applicant tracking systems! As someone who’s worked with ATS systems from the employer side, I can tell you that JobScan’s approach to ATS optimization is absolutely revolutionary. This platform doesn’t just help you create a resume; it helps you create one that actually gets seen by human eyes.
What sets JobScan apart is its sophisticated ATS analysis technology. The platform actually compares your resume against real job descriptions and provides detailed feedback on keyword matching, formatting compatibility, and overall ATS friendliness.
Their resume builder is specifically designed to create resume template options that maintain perfect formatting when parsed by various ATS systems – something that’s absolutely crucial in today’s digital hiring landscape. There is also a cover letter option to help you beat the ATS system like a resume expert.
Key Features
- Real-time ATS optimization
- Keyword matching
- Industry-specific suggestions
- Format checking
Pricing
- Free basic scan
- Premium: $49.95/month
- Quarterly: $89.95
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent ATS compatibility
- Keyword optimization
- Industry-specific analysis
- Learning resources
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Focus on ATS over design.
- Less creative flexibility
Who It’s Perfect For
Y’all, if you’re applying to mid-size or large companies, listen up because this is important! JobScan is perfect for job seekers who are primarily applying through online portals or to companies that use ATS systems (which are most major companies these days!). It’s especially valuable for professionals in competitive fields where getting past the initial ATS screening is a major challenge.
What Makes a Great Resume Builder?
Must-Have Features
Y’all, let me tell you what separates the good from the great when it comes to resume builders:
- ATS Compatibility: Listen, this is non-negotiable in 2024. Your resume needs to be readable by applicant tracking systems, or it might never reach human eyes.
- Customization Options: You need to be able to make that resume truly yours. The best resume builder apps offer flexibility while maintaining professionalism. My expert advice includes an online resume writer tool that creates a new resume as easily as possible.
- Export Formats: At minimum, you need PDF and Word formats. Some employers prefer one over the other, so flexibility is key.
- Template Variety: Different industries require different looks. A good resume builder should offer options for everyone from corporate professionals to creative designers in the resume template portfolio.
- User Interface: It should be intuitive enough that you can create a professional resume without wanting to throw your laptop out the window and scream at the resume template options!
Nice-to-Have Features
These aren’t deal-breakers, but they sure make life easier:
- Cover letter builders (because yes, you still need these!)
- LinkedIn profile sync (hello, time-saver!)
- Career advice resources (who doesn’t love extra help?)
- Interview prep tools (because getting the interview is just the first step)
How to Choose the Right Resume Builder
Y’all, choosing the right resume builder is like picking the perfect outfit for a job interview – it needs to fit you perfectly and make you feel confident! Let me break this down into a comprehensive guide that will help you make the absolute best choice for your career goals.
Understanding Your Needs
First things first, you need to get crystal clear about what you’re looking for. Ask yourself these important questions:
- What’s your career level?
- Entry-level candidates might need different features than seasoned professionals. For example, if you’re just starting out with your first resume, you might want a resume builder that provides more guidance and examples. If you’re an executive, you’ll need something that can handle complex career histories and achievements and highlight key skills to hiring managers.
- What’s your industry?
- Different industries have different expectations when it comes to resumes. Tech companies might appreciate modern, creative designs, while traditional industries like banking or law prefer conservative layouts.
- How tech-savvy are you?
Evaluating Features That Matter
Let’s talk about the features that make a difference:
Essential Features to Consider
- Template Selection: Look for a variety that matches your industry standards
- Customization Options: You need enough flexibility to make the resume truly yours
- Export Options: Multiple format options (PDF, Word, etc.) are crucial.
- Mobile Compatibility: Because you might need to make quick updates on the go
- Save and Edit Functions: The ability to create multiple versions is super important
Advanced Features Worth Having
- ATS Optimization Tools: Absolutely crucial if you’re applying to larger companies
- Cover Letter Templates: Because yes, you still need these!
- LinkedIn Integration: This can be a huge time-saver
- Resume Analytics: Tools that help you understand how your resume performs
Budget Considerations
Listen, I’m going to be straight with you about money. While there are some great free options out there, sometimes investing in a premium resume builder can make a huge difference in your job search. Here’s how to think about it:
Free Options
- Great for: Entry-level positions, simple updates, basic resumes
- Consider if: You’re on a tight budget or need something quick.
- Remember: Free doesn’t mean low quality – some free builders are excellent!
Paid Options
- Worth it for: Career transitions, executive positions, competitive industries
- Consider if: You need advanced features or multiple resume versions.
- Think of it as An investment in your career advancement
Testing and Trials
Here’s a pro tip: Take advantage of free trials! Most premium resume builders offer them, and they’re a great way to test-drive different options. When testing, look for:
- Ease of use
- Template quality
- Customer support
- Export quality
- ATS compatibility
Making the Final Decision
When you’re ready to choose, consider these factors:
- Does it fit your industry standards?
- Can you easily update and maintain your resume?
- Does it offer the format options you need?
- Is the pricing structure sustainable for your needs?
- Does it provide the level of customization you want?
Remember, the best resume builder is the one that helps you create a resume you’re confident in and proud to submit. Don’t get caught up in features you won’t use – focus on what actually matters for your career goals and job search strategy.
Common Resume Builder Mistakes to Avoid
Listen up, because these mistakes can seriously hurt your job search:
Overdesigning
Just because you can add all the bells and whistles doesn’t mean you should. Keep it professional and clean.
Template Mismatches
Using a creative template for a conservative industry (or vice versa) can send the wrong message.
Pricing Traps
Don’t get caught in the free trial loop! Read the fine print and understand what you’re signing up for.
Format Issues
Make sure your resume looks good across different devices and platforms. Test it!
FAQs About Resume Builders
Are paid resume builders worth it?
In my professional opinion, yes – if you choose the right one. The investment can pay off with better job opportunities.
Can resume builders help me pass ATS?
The good ones absolutely can! Look for builders with built-in ATS optimization features.
How often should I update my resume?
Even if you’re not job hunting, update every 3-6 months. Trust me on this one!
Which file format is best for resumes?
PDF is generally best for maintaining formatting, but always check the job posting for specific requirements.
Expert Tips for Using Resume Builders
Customization Strategies
- Start with a template but make it yours
- Keep industry standards in mind
- Use consistent formatting
- Incorporate keywords naturally
ATS Optimization Techniques
- Use standard section headings
- Avoid text boxes and graphics in ATS versions
- Include keywords from the job description
- Keep formatting simple
Design Principles
- Maintain consistent spacing
- Use readable fonts
- Include white space
- Keep it to 1-2 pages
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Y’all, here’s the bottom line – the best resume builder is the one that meets your specific needs while making your life easier. For most job seekers, I recommend starting with Novoresume or LiveCareer. They offer the perfect balance of features, usability, and professional results.
Remember, your resume is often your first impression of a potential employer. It’s worth taking the time to get it right. And hey, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, that’s totally normal! Take it one section at a time, and don’t be afraid to reach out for help.
About the Author
Hey there! I’m not just another career coach– I’m someone who’s been in the trenches of hiring at Fortune 500 companies and now dedicates my time to helping professionals like you land their dream jobs. With my Master’s in Human Resources from Texas A&M and years of experience in corporate recruiting, I’ve seen it all when it comes to resumes. My passion is helping job seekers navigate the sometimes crazy world of job hunting and creating resumes that get real results.
