The Advantages & Disadvantages of Using a Resume Template 

Typically a resume template is a lot more cost effective, even free. However, good templates are often very hard to find for free on the internet, so it is wise to at least invest a little bit of money.  By using a resume template you will also save yourself a lot of time. It alleviates the pressure of having to come up with both the layout and the content. This way you can focus more on the content.  Another advantage of using a resume template is that your formatting will be more consistent. This will make it easier for potential employers to quickly scan your resume and notice it out of hundreds. Many employers complain about the lack of consistency and will generally throw a poorly formatted resume in the garbage. A resume template will also ensure that your resume looks professional.  Most employers want an employee who is professional and since your resume is the first impression an employer gets of you, the best thing you can do is provide them with a professional looking resume.  And finally the marketing advantage, design is almost as important as content, formatting and professionalism in the sense that without it, the other 3 don’t matter. You need to catch the reader’s eye before they even read a word and make them want to.  These four factors make using a resume template a good decision for many people; however, it is still not for everyone.

Now, on the other hand, by using a resume template you are limiting the design options you have available as most templates typically follow the same layout, with only a hand full of different ones. If you choose not to use a resume template you are allowing yourself to have a custom resume, which means no one else will have a resume that looks like yours. This will definitely allow you to stand out among possibly thousands of other resumes.  It will also show employers your willingness to be different and show that you can come up with your own ideas.

In the end, you will see that the advantages of using a resume template far outweighs the disadvantages of using a resume template, however as stated before, it all comes down to your needs and what you can afford. Even if you can’t afford to purchase a template at least use one of the free ones as a guide to follow just to make sure your formatting is easy to read. So no matter what you choose to do, just remember, be original!