It's a very tempting thing to simply download a ready-made resume and plug in your details. What's the harm? That's what a template is for, after all: to make things easier.

This is both true and not.

There are distinct advantages to using a resume template, just as there are distinct disadvantages. Here, we will outline them so you may decide what is best for you.

Advantages:

To begin, a resume template is--above all things--simple. Whether you find them online or in a book, you can easily see how to create a resume. By copying it down, you can just put in your details and fill in the blanks. This can cut down on the confusion often associated with creating a resume, and make the focus less about learning the rules and more about completing the project.

Also, resume templates offer a variety of choices and styles. Typically, the Chronological or the Functional format are used; however, templates can cover a broader range and give you more selection. In some cases, your background may not seem suited to the more popular styles, so you can use a better choice.

Resume templates also insure correctness. Rather than trying to guess at how large a font should be or where the best place to out a detail is, templates will give you examples. This can help you stop making those little mistakes that ruin your chances with future employers. A template shows you the proper formatting and style.

Disadvantages:

You may think, from the above section, that resume templates have no faults. This is not correct. Some people have the misfortune of relying solely of templates. Because of this, they try to comply with every section and detail provided. This does not always work. Resume templates are guides, but some see them as law. If there is an area provided, they will fill it--even when they have no details to fill it with. This, of course, creates a problem. Potential employers will be confused by your providing information that does not apply to your history, or even to the position.

Also, resume templates offer many choices for style. While this can be an advantage--as explained earlier--it can also be a problem. Most employers prefer the Chronological or Functional format. If you present them with a little-known style, they may not understand it. This can cause your resume to be thrown out. Do not be too impressed with the possibilities. Your resume should be functional and, if you choose a style because it looks the best or requires minimal effort, you can ruin your chances.

Keeping those problems in mind will help you best use a resume template. Do not try to comply with every section they describe for, while it may be correct in certain situations, it may not in yours. Instead, view templates as general guidelines. They do offer the correct formatting and style, but they may offer you the incorrect choice for your resume.