Frequently Asked Questions about the Resume Builder
What is a resume builder?
A resume builder is an online tool that helps you to make a resume in a clear and professional way without any special skills or knowledge. A proper resume maker will guide you through the whole process of creating a resume, ask for necessary details, and return a well-designed resume at the end.
When using an online resume builder, you don't need to worry about fonts on your resume, colors, or formatting, as the builder manages it all, and you can easily change anything within a few clicks.
Creating a resume with a resume generator takes less time and is more efficient than doing it manually.
What is the best resume builder?
ResumeLab is one of the best resume builders on the market. It has all the necessary features and much more, so creating a resume is seamless and enjoyable. Every account comes with:
- 21 professional resume templates
- Intuitive interface
- Built-in suggestions for every resume section
- Matching cover letter generator
- The option to download and save in multiple formats (PDF, TXT)
- Multiple resume languages
- Recruiters' Tips that will prepare you for the interview
- Unlimited number of resumes and cover letters
How to choose the best resume template?
The best resume template to use is the one that is easy to read or scan and looks professional. Every resume template in our resume maker was created by certified career experts and graphic designers to ensure the highest quality and maximize your chances of impressing recruiters with your application. As a result, when using our resume builder, you won't have to worry about any technical glitches and can concentrate on what matters the most—writing your resume.
What's the best resume format?
The reverse-chronological resume format is the best resume format and will work for all types of jobs and industries. It focuses on your work experience and professional achievements, and this is what the vast majority of hiring managers want to see.
Besides reverse-chronological, there are two other main resume formats you may use, depending on your career and experience:
- Functional resume—this format focuses on your skills rather than experience, so it's a suitable format for creative roles, such as graphic designer or artist.
- Hybrid/combination resume—it's a mix of the functional and chronological formats, and it's the best for very experienced job seekers. If you are looking for a job as a manager, it should be a perfect fit.
When using our resume maker, you'll be able to test all resume formats and see which one works best for you.
What should I put on a resume?
A professional resume should include all essential information about you and your experience. Below, we prepared a list of things you should put on your resume:
- Contact information—your name, phone number, and email address are minimum, but you should also add your LinkedIn URL
- Resume summary—a brief statement at the top of your resume that highlights your experience, skills, and accomplishments
- Work experience—a reverse-chronological list of your work experience along with the biggest accomplishments you achieved
- Education—unless you have some relevant academic achievements, it's okay to limit it to essential information
- Skills section—you should add both soft skills and hard skills as they are equally important
- Volunteer work—volunteering work can prove your skills, so if it's relevant to your job, go for it
- Certificates and licenses—if there are any well-known certificates in your industry, show them
- Hobbies and interests—list only the hobbies that are relevant to the job you're applying for
- Awards and achievements—don't be shy. If you won any awards, you should brag about it
- Languages—if you know more than your native language, and your level is intermediate or higher, you should always include them on your resume
Depending on your experience and profession, some sections may be optional. If you are still struggling, check our guide on how to write a resume.
Should I create a different resume for every job application?
You definitely need a different resume for every job application. Having a targeted resume increases your chances dramatically, as generic resumes won't set you apart from the competition. Your resume needs to have proper resume keywords that match the job ad and a professional resume summary (or resume objective) that highlights your achievements connected with new duties. You should also update the skills on your resume to show you can manage new duties.
In our resume creator, you can easily duplicate your resume and make necessary changes in less than 5 minutes. This way, you can have a personalized resume with almost no additional effort. Don't settle for mediocrity—always customize your resume.
How long should a resume be?
In the majority of cases, a one-page resume will be the best resume length. The general rule says if you have less than six years of experience, you should write a one-page resume. If you have 7+ years of experience, you can go with a two-page resume. Longer resumes are also acceptable when you have a lot of achievements, for example, if you've won lots of relevant awards.
Is a cover letter necessary for my resume?
Yes, cover letters are necessary. In fact, 83% of recruiters claimed that a great cover letter could secure you an interview even if your resume isn't good enough. That's why you shouldn't skip it: send a cover letter, even when it's optional. It's one of the best ways to increase your chance of an interview, but it will only work if your cover letter is stellar. If you're not sure how to write one, check our guide on how to write a perfect cover letter or get inspired by our ready-made cover letter examples. Additionally, when using our resume maker, you can pick one of our cover letter templates and make a cover letter that matches the style of your resume.
Should I make a resume when I don't have any work experience?
You definitely should make a resume, even when you don't have any work experience yet. You just need to focus on your transferable skills and achievements from school, volunteer work, or personal projects.
Go with a resume objective instead of a resume summary. If you need any help, check our guide on how to make a resume with no experience.
What's the difference between a CV and a resume?
A resume is a one or two-page summary of your work experience and skills relevant to the job you are applying for. On the other hand, a CV is a detailed documentation describing the entirety of your career and education. In the US and Canada, a CV is used in academia to apply for academic positions, scholarships, etc., while a resume is used when applying for standard jobs. If you want to see a more detailed comparison, check our guide on the difference between a CV and a resume.
Can I download my resume as a Word or PDF file?
Yes, once you finish your resume in our resume creator, you can download it either as a PDF or .doc. The choice is yours, but if you're unsure if you should use a PDF or Word format, check our guide on which file type works best for resumes.
Is ResumeLab a free resume builder?
You can use ResumeLab resume builder for free to create and customize an unlimited number of resumes and cover letters. You can try everything for free, and you will only have to pay when you're satisfied with the results. A 14-day full access trial costs only 2.70 USD.
