Having a flashy resume alone probably isn’t getting you to your dream gig, but it doesn’t hurt to put a little extra effort into how you present yourself on paper.
Properly designing the resume speaks to your individual skills and personality and can get your application to the top of the pile. However, finding a cool design that also fits your professional identity can be a huge hassle – and applying for jobs is difficult enough in itself.
We scoured the web for some of the best resume templates to make you stand out in a sea of Times New Roman and cluttered copies.
You’ll want to steal every one of these creative resume templates – and the good news is, you can! These generous designers have made their work available for free download. Read on to check them out and find a good solution for your next application.
Download a free, editable resume template.
We have organized them based on the type of candidate for which they are best suited.
The 17 best resume templates for every professional type
Best for creative people
These templates emphasize the design, color, and typography skills that creatives need to demonstrate from the start.
1. Continue the template with a photo background
This template from the Polish designer Patryk Korycki is perfect for photographers, graphic designers, and other creatives who want to showcase a selection of their best work. The template can be downloaded Here free.
2. Monochromatic and retro resume template
This design from the freelancer Fay Zodiac is a bizarre interpretation of traditional résumés. The retro typography adds a playful element, while the boxy layout prevents everything from looking too busy or crowded. You can download this resume design Here free.
3. Vibrant and visual resume template
Alessia CurcioThe Copenhagen-based designer gives us a perfect example of how to incorporate kaleidoscopic colors without going overboard. Infographics-inspired elements help show work experience and skills clearly with minimal text. Download the free template from Curcio Here.
4. Infographic style resume template
Created by digital art director and freelance designer Fernando Báez, this unique, Infographic-inspired resume The template allows you to organize your work experience and skills in a minimal visual layout. Báez has made the template available for free download Here.
Best for freelancers
These templates emphasize the headshot photo for freelancers who may not meet their employers in person and need lots of text space and artwork to offer something memorable.
5. Continue the template with a simple pop of color
Adding color to a resume may seem intimidating at first – especially if you’re applying to a more traditional job – but a few nifty pops of color can spark some interest without compromising professionalism.
This template from the designer Eduardo Ogawa uses bright accents to spice up the traditional layout. You can download it for free Here.
6. Classic resume template in bold
If you’re looking for a more traditional resume template that still makes a bold impression, check out this creation from Finish Designer Mats-Peter Forss. The template includes space for a headshot and is available for free download Here.
7. Continue the template with primary colors
This template is proof that color can be professional. It is characterized by a compact, sophisticated layout and bright, colorful accents. There is also room for an essential summary. Designer David Gomez actually uses this resume template myself and has been generous enough to make it available for free download Here.
Best for graduates
These templates make the most of the empty space – perfect for students still gaining experience – with eye-catching designs that help these candidates make a splash in their industry.
8. Graphic and adventurous resume template
This is not a wallflower resume template. The people at Creator developed this daring design as part of a free resume template pack for you to view Here.
9. Resume the template in an unexpected format
If you want Really If you stand out in a crowded pool of applicants, this resume is definitely for you. Graphic designer and freelance photographer Paolo Pettigiani created this bold template for his own professional use but made it available for free download Here.
10. Center-aligned resume template
If you want to mix up your resume format without getting too crazy, try a centered layout, like this clean, modern design from The Zohan Habib. The custom icons and colored border add a nice creative touch. This template is available for free download Here.
Best for executive / upper level professionals
These templates provide ample space for candidates to express their in-depth experience in the simple but formal way that many employers have come to expect.
11. Black and white resume template
Little colored ink? Check out this minimal black and white template from the editorial designer Bro Luthfi. The simple design is far from boring and includes a number of custom icons to add visual interest. You can download the free template Here.
12. Clean and modern resume template
Your resume is really your first impression on a potential employer, and this template design from the team at GoaShape is modern without being too nervous.
The template pack includes a two-page resume layout and cover letter design and is free to download Here.
13. Continue the template with the subtle color scheme
Designer from Beirut Wassim Awadallah provides a simple, two-page resume template for the advanced professional.
By displaying the headshot and the contact information on the cover, there is plenty of space on the second page to document all your career highlights and successes. Download the template for free Here.
Best for people making careers
These templates help those changing the industry organize their experiences by skills, not employers. Sections can be customized to suit the candidate who needs to show how their background can be rendered.
14. Continue the template with an organized use of space
When you try to summarize years of work experience and a list of skills on a single piece of paper, things get crowded quickly. This template from the designer Tina from Helsinki invites you to simplify.
Different aspects of your qualifications are highlighted in each section. In doing so, unnecessary aspects are eliminated and the focus is placed on what is most important for your potential employer. Download the template Here.
15. Playful and professional resume template
Italian designer Martina Cavalieri created this resume template with 16 custom icons to highlight your interests and skills. The modern layout is anchored by a bold, two-tone border: just enough color to highlight your resume in the stack. Cavalieri offers this template for free download Here.
Best for hardcore marketers
We couldn’t help ourselves. While each template in this blog post is suitable for marketers, the following templates are perfect for those who love to brand themselves.
16. Heavy header resume template
“Hey you!” This is what I think of when I see this eye-catching but elegant template. Made by the designer Mike BradshawThe résumé contains a variety of sections without looking cluttered.
Long first names or surnames may look overwhelming with this header, but it certainly does a good job of conveying a wide range of information. Download it for free Here.
17. Profile style resume template
This last resume was actually drafted by the company Hloomand is pretty easy. But there’s something so familiar: the resume header looks like a Facebook profile!
While Hloom suggests that the long skills section might make this template attractive to the IT industry, we think it’s equally perfect for digital marketers – especially those who work on social media. Download it for free Here.
Didn’t find the design you were looking for? We bet you’ll find a great template in this free resume template pack.
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in October 2016 and has been updated for completeness.