Is your resume ready to help you secure that dream job or new promotion? If you’re actively working on advancing your career, looking for a new job, or even just entering the workforce, a well-crafted resume is your foot in the door. In a way, your resume is your initial introduction to prospective employers out there.
Even though it’s always a good idea to have a resume in hand, it’s not something most people spend as much time on as they should. You can spend a few frustrating hours creating a resume from scratch—but thankfully, there’s a shortcut available that can help.
What not try using a resume template to build from? But before you do, it’s a good idea to know the pros and cons of using resume examples to make your own from.
What are Resume Examples?
Resume examples are exactly what the name implies; it’s samples of different types of resumes tailored for different kinds of careers and fields.
Some of the more common examples include basic resumes, ones that are designed to make a real impact, and even some that are categorized as a more modern template designed to be read by algorithms. Whatever your preferred profession, you can probably find the perfect resume example. Furthermore, you can also use the examples as templates to build from.
Ultimately, it’s a very convenient and time-saving way to create a professional-looking resume, and these are only a few of the benefits they provide. But before you download the first sample resume you find online, you should also be aware of any disadvantages of using them. After all, it may affect your chances of landing that promotion or job you wanted.
Benefits of Using Resume Examples
You already know resume templates are easy to use and save time. Instead of spending hours trying to properly format your resume, the template does it for you. In only a few minutes time, you’ll have a far more professional-looking resume in hand.
Using a template also makes it easier to update the resume. As you advance in your career, your resume should reflect your achievements. In other words, you don’t want to keep using the same resume you created a few years ago.
Instead of paying someone to create a professional resume, the template gives you a free example. The formatting is already in place, and you know precisely where to list your relevant information.
Your resume is often the first impression hiring managers have of applicants. With a resume example, you can easily create a professional-looking one with a current, modern design. Resume designs and formats can change over the years, and you want yours to be up-to-date.
Another benefit of using resume samples is the variety. You can easily find the ideal layout, background color, and font to fit your profession. Some templates even allow you to insert images.
While it’s not a common practice to do, it can help your resume stand out. For example, some industries and employers request a photo. It’s more common in fields like real estate, modeling, and acting, but using a template can simplify the process, and you even know exactly where to insert the image.
Downsides of Using Resume Examples
There are several reasons why it makes sense to use a resume example, but it can also come with a few downsides. Knowing the potential pitfalls will help ensure you create the perfect resume for the potential position.
Some resume templates are considered ATS-unfriendly. Applicant Tracking Systems, also known as ATS, is a type of software that many modern employers use to scan submitted resumes. Due to the large number of resumes potential employers receive for job openings, they rarely have time to thoroughly read each one.
The software helps sort through the resumes, marking ones that meet the job specifications. Abnormal fonts, bold background colors, bullet lists, and tables included in a majority of templates may mean the software is unable to download and scan your resume.
PDF resume templates are popular options but may not be the best choice. You cannot add updates as your career progresses. Instead, you have to create another resume from scratch. You also want to be careful about using the most popular resume example.
When your resume looks the same as other job applicants, it’s easy to be overlooked. You may have the ideal skillset and still lose out on the job or position because your resume is lost in the pack of other applicants.
Leverage Resume Examples with Caution
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with using a resume example to build your own from; however, try to be aware of the potential pitfalls of doing so.
Ultimately, you may want to use the example as a guide as you create your own unique resume, and it can help ensure yours stands out from everyone else by adding a touch of professionalism.