There are so many free resources out there to help you build out a resume, so many so, that it can be hard to know where to begin. 

Here are a few free resources and how to best optimize them so you can update your Hcareers profile for employers who are using our resume search database to find you.  

As a tip, if you use any of these resources to create your resume, try to customize it a little bit so it is more personalized for you and won’t too closely resemble any other resumes employers are looking through. 

Microsoft Word 

Not only can you use Microsoft Word to put together documents, but they have a free resume template you can use. 

When you open Word to create a new document, you can scroll through their templates and find a few versions of resumes. There are options for more creative templates, which may be more helpful if you are applying for a position that has creative job duties, such as a marketing position, and there is a basic resume template, which can be used for any and all hospitality resumes. 

You can also use Microsoft Word for cover letter templates, in the same place you will find the resume templates. 

Canva

Canva is a free online design resource that can be used to create presentations, social media assets, videos, and resumes. 

Creating an account is free, there are some elements that may require purchase; however, you can create a great resume without needing to purchase anything. 

You can also build your resume from scratch if you choose not to use one of their templates. They have many categories of types of resumes, such as modern, minimalist, creative, etc., so you can choose the template that is the best fit for the position you are applying to. 

Once you have selected a template to use, you can directly start editing the template on the next screen. 

From here, you can change all aspects of the text from font, size, and color, and add in icons or images. Unless you are applying for a creative field, or position, it is best to try to stick to basic elements and texts.

Once your resume is complete, you can download it as a PDF and access it at all times when logged in under the “All your designs” tab. 

Resume.io

For a resource that is specific to hospitality resume templates, check out Resume.io. They have a template prepared by position to make the process even easier. 

There are also multiple categories to choose from, including modern, simple, creative, and professional, or you can filter by other industries.

You have to create an account, but they also allow you to connect your social media channels, such as Linkedin, to directly input your information into the template you choose. Once you are logged in, you can go through and edit each section with the information you want to share, and add in custom sections like certifications you have, languages you speak, etc. 

Once you have completed your resume; you can download it as a PDF or a Word document. 

There are also cover letter templates available on the website. Similar to the resume templates, you can choose through a few different styles, and then fill in the different sections of the template. 

You can revisit and edit your templates in your dashboard at all times or create new resumes and/or cover letters and they will be added to your dashboard as well. 

Read up on resume do’s and don’ts here to make your resume as strong as possible.