Looking for free resume templates that actually work with ATS? This definitive guide, curated by Yakka Labour, rounds up the best free resume templates for Word, Google Docs and online builders—plus practical tips to tailor them for Australian employers.
What’s inside
- Word Document Templates
- Online Builders
- Google Docs Resume Templates
- How to choose the right template
- ATS-friendly formatting checklist
- FAQs
1) Word Document Templates
- Yakka Labour (Word) — Free, clean and ATS-friendly resume layouts tailored for Australian job seekers in construction, hospitality and trades. Simple sections (Summary, Skills, Experience, Education) and clear typography for easy parsing.
Browse Yakka’s free resume templates - Microsoft Word Template Gallery — Access free resume templates directly inside Word (Desktop or Web). Search “Resume” in the template gallery.
templates.office.com - Resume Genius — Free, editable Word and Google Docs templates with modern and classic styles.
resumegenius.com/resume-templates - BeamJobs — A variety of free templates (“Elegant”, “Classic”, “Minimalist”, etc.) that keep formatting simple.
beamjobs.com/resume-templates
2) Online Builders (customise in-browser)
- Canva — Huge library of free resume templates you can edit online. Great for visual roles; keep designs simple for ATS.
canva.com/resumes/templates - Adobe Express — Professionally designed, free templates across many styles and industries.
adobe.com/express/templates/resume - MyPerfectResume — Free creative templates with helpful content prompts and bullet suggestions.
myperfectresume.com/resume/templates - Resume Builder — Simple, ATS-friendly layouts plus writing helpers.
resumebuilder.com/resume-templates
3) Google Docs Resume Templates
Open Google Drive → New → Google Docs → From a template and choose a style. Or try these libraries:
- Google Docs Template Gallery — Built-in free templates you can copy and edit in minutes.
docs.google.com/document (Template Gallery) - Resume Genius (Docs versions)
resumegenius.com/resume-templates/google-docs
How to choose the right free resume template
| Situation | Good pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Construction, trades, hospitality (Australia) | Yakka Labour (Word/Docs) | Simple, ATS-friendly sections; focused on local job market expectations. |
| Corporate (finance, legal, admin) | Microsoft/Resume Genius minimal templates | Conservative design; easy to scan and parse. |
| Creative roles (marketing, design) | Canva / Adobe Express | Visual flexibility (but export a simplified PDF for ATS uploads). |
| Career change / limited experience | Functional or hybrid (BeamJobs / Resume Builder) | Highlights transferable skills and projects. |
ATS-friendly formatting checklist
- Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Helvetica) at 10–12 pt.
- Stick to common headings: Summary, Skills, Experience, Education, Certifications.
- Avoid text inside tables, graphics or columns that may break parsing.
- Save as PDF (text-based) and keep file under ~1–2 MB.
- Use simple bullets (•) and consistent dates (MMM YYYY – MMM YYYY).
- Tailor keywords to the job ad (tools, tickets, certifications).
Need Australian examples? See SEEK’s advice and templates:
seek.com.au/career-advice/article/free-resume-template
FAQs: Free Resume Templates
Are these resume templates really free?
Yes. The resources listed above (Yakka Labour, Microsoft, Canva, Adobe Express, Resume Genius, etc.) provide free templates you can download or copy without paying.
Will these templates pass ATS screening?
They’re designed to be ATS-friendly. Keep formatting simple, avoid text inside images, and export as a standard PDF.
What’s the best format: Word, Google Docs or PDF?
Edit in Word or Google Docs, then export to PDF for applications. Some portals require Word; keep a .docx handy.
Do you have resumes for construction and trades?
Yes—Yakka Labour offers free templates specifically tailored to Australian construction, trades, and hospitality. They include job-ready sections and example bullet points.
Get started now
Download a free, ATS-friendly template from Yakka and customise it in under 10 minutes.
Top Free Resources
- ResumeTemplates.com – Hundreds of ATS-friendly resume templates, tailored by Certified Professional Resume Writers. Choose from styles like Minimalist, Professional, Creative, Modern, Google Docs, and more.
- ResumeGenius – 550+ free, editable templates in Word or Google Docs—designed for 2025 job seekers.
- My-Resume-Templates.com – Over 100 Word templates, including ATS-friendly layouts and profession-specific examples. Also includes Google Docs and PDF options.
- ResumeWorder – A collection of professionally designed templates, ready for standout resumes.
- ResumeLab – Hand-picked templates covering Modern, Simple, Professional, Creative, and more, with direct download links.
- ResumeViking – 76+ simple and modern templates in editable Word and PDF formats.
- Resumekraft – Over 27 blank Word and PDF templates—download and customize quickly.
- ResumeWay – Free, ATS-friendly templates for MS Word & Apple Pages—easy to edit and fully customizable.
Why These Templates Stand Out
- ATS-Friendly: Formats designed to pass automated screening.
- Wide Variety: Styles range from minimal corporate layouts to creative, visual designs.
- Flexible Formats: Available in Word, Google Docs, PDF, and even Apple Pages.
- No Sign-Up Needed: Most allow instant downloads without registration.
- Expertly Crafted: Many templates are created or curated by certified resume professionals.
How to Choose the Best Template
| Use Case | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Corporate, Legal, Finance | ATS-friendly, minimalist designs (e.g., from ResumeTemplates.com or My-Resume-Templates.com) |
| Creative, Design, Startup Roles | Modern or creative (e.g., ResumeGenius, ResumeLab) |
| Quick Customization | Simple blanks from Resumekraft or ResumeViking |
| Mac Users | Templates supported in Apple Pages (ResumeWay) |
Download & Customization Tips
- Pick a template that fits your industry and format preference.
- Download it in Word, Google Docs, or PDF as available.
- Open and replace placeholder content with your own info (experience, education, skills).
- Keep ATS compatibility: use standard fonts (Arial/Calibri), clear headings, avoid fancy graphics.
- Save or export as PDF before submitting to employers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these templates really free?
Yes—these templates can be downloaded without the need for any payment or registration.
Will they work with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)?
Absolutely—many are specifically designed to be ATS-friendly, emphasizing simplicity and clarity.
Can I edit these on mobile?
Yes. Google Docs templates open fine on mobile. For Word docs, mobile editing is possible with compatible apps.
Whether you’re fresh outta uni, changing careers, or just need a slick CV to land that next gig, you’ve come to the right place. Finding a free, quality resume template that actually helps you land a job in Australia shouldn’t be a full-time job. We’ve done the hard yakka for you—this guide breaks down the best free resume templates and tools available online in 2025.
Why Your Resume Matters
Your resume is your first impression. A strong one grabs attention and gets you through the door, especially in competitive fields. That’s why using a professionally designed template can make all the difference.
Top 10 Free Resume Templates to find jobs asap
- Yakka – Free Resume templates Built for the Aussie workforce, Yakka makes it easy to create a resume in minutes, especially if you’re in looking to land for job as soon as possible . No fluff, just a practical layout with work history, experience at the top and education.
- CanvaCanva’s resume builder offers 100+ templates tailored to various industries. Choose from modern, minimalist, or creative layouts—all customisable and free.
- ZetyZety lets you build a professional resume in minutes. While some features are premium, you can still download a basic text version for free.
- Resume.comSuper simple. Just fill in the blanks and download. Perfect for entry-level roles or quick applications.
- NovoResumePolished templates with sections like personal summary, skills, and experience. Some Aussie users say it’s the easiest out there.
- HloomHloom offers 400+ Microsoft Word templates for resumes, all free. Great if you want something classic or ATS-friendly.
- VisualCVBest for professionals in tech, marketing, or creative roles. A free plan lets you make and share your CV online.
- ResumeGeniusQuick builder with pre-written bullet points. Good for retail, hospitality, or office roles. Some templates are gated, but you can download a free version.
- KickresumeProfessional designs with a creative twist. Great for young guns entering competitive fields. Free access with limited customisation.
- JobHeroMore than templates—JobHero gives you real Aussie job-specific resume examples. A top pick for those unsure how to describe their past roles.
free resume template
What Makes a Resume Template Great?
- ATS-Friendly: Plays nice with recruitment software
- Visually Clean: Recruiters spend 6 seconds scanning it
- Customisable: Easy to tailor for each job application
- Localised: Matches Australian hiring formats and norms
Tips for Writing a Ripper Resume
If you’re using a template, make sure you still personalise it. Avoid Americanisms (like “zip code” or “cell phone”) and keep it relevant to the Aussie job market. Tailor each resume for the job. One-size-fits-all won’t cut it anymore, mate.
1. Purpose and Use Case Alignment
The first step in selecting a template is understanding its intended purpose. Ask yourself:
- Is this for an eCommerce store, portfolio, blog, job board, or Worker App?
- Does the template support the features you need, such as user authentication, scheduling, or payments?
- Can the template handle your business model, scalability needs, and integrations?
Worker-specific apps, for example, need templates that prioritise time tracking, job boards, and mobile performance.
2. Mobile Responsiveness
Over 60% of users access digital services via mobile. A non-responsive template can damage both user experience and SEO rankings. When reviewing templates:
- Test it on multiple screen sizes
- Look for mobile-first design principles
- Check font readability, button tap sizes, and loading speed on 3G/4G
3. Customisation Flexibility
Not all templates are built for flexibility. Some may restrict design modifications or limit integration with plugins and external tools. Consider:
- Is it built with a page builder like Elementor, Webflow, or FlutterFlow?
- Are colours, fonts, icons, and layout components editable?
- Can you adapt it for brand consistency and future updates?
Extra Resources for Aussie Job Seekers
- SEEK – Australia’s top job board
- Yakka Labour – Jobs for construction and tradies
- LinkedIn Jobs – Network your way in
- Fair Work Australia – Know your rights
Job hunting isn’t always easy, but with the right tools (and a solid resume), you’re already ahead of the pack. Good luck out there, and don’t forget to give it a red-hot go!
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