An attention grabbing resume is a few clicks away if you use a resume template Microsoft Word format when applying for an open position. Most computers come preinstalled with a version of Word, even if it's a trial version, you'll have access to hundreds of free templates.

Many people are not proficient with the intricacies of Microsoft Word, figuring out how to format a page, setting up margins, etc. can be a real headache. Don't even mention designing with graphics and tables! How do you do that anyway? And when are you going to find the time to figure it all out when the job you want is hiring right now? You don't have time to fool around with a program. You need to be creating a resume and that's where a template comes in handy. They're preformatted; just fill in the blanks, a real time saver!

From your desktop just open the program, create a new file, and select a resume template. From there you can search for almost any kind of resume you can think of; administrative assistant, manager, entry-level, professional, and so on. There's a handy search box where you enter your keyword and it pulls up every relevant template on the website. You can preview each one and select the one you want to download. The preview makes it easy to download one file instead of multiple files and risk confusing yourself. Make sure you save the file in a place you can easily remember.

Once you download the template, it will be completely designed for you. All you have to do is enter your information. How slick is that? Browse the gallery, choose a template, and enter your information. You can save the file in various formats for electronic sending, or you can print copies for in-person applications or to bring along when you land that all-important interview.

Microsoft has made it increasingly easy to use Word. You can pretty much point and click, do a little typing, and you're done! You never have to worry about figuring out all of the formatting functions unless you want to. The cool thing about a template is since the formatting is done for you; you can look at how it was done and learn from that. The resume template Microsoft Word feature is an innovative time saving way to make a professional portfolio that will grab the attention you deserve.

Download a free resume template Microsoft Word today!

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Many of the articles written on the subject of writing a CV assume the recruiter will be reading the CV on paper and manually compiling the list. But often the sourcing of CVs for a role will be done online using online job boards, LinkedIn or even using agencies' own internal databases, using word search software to find the CVs.

So if you want your CV to be at the top of the list keep in mind the following points.

CVs are usually identified on the basis of keyword search techniques. For example recruiters will usually search on the basis of job titles, specific software experience, and sectors worked in. You must therefore ensure that the keywords important to your work are incorporated into the writing of the CV. For example make sure that all the potential job roles and sectors that you want to be considered for are mentioned on the first page of the CV. The earlier the better. Try incorporating these into your personal statement such as:

"An experienced CPA Financial Analyst looking for progression to Financial Planning Manager. Experienced in all aspects of Budgeting, Forecasting, and Strategic Planning. 10 years experience in Manufacturing and Logistics sectors using SAP."

CVs are now usually sourced online on sites like Monster. You really need to check that your CV is easy on the eye looks good online. Think classy stylish rather than trashy garish with plenty of white space so that the relevance of your CV will be obvious. Keep in mind that a recruiter may spend no more than 10 to 15 seconds scanning your CV before deciding to pass it by, or mark for a more detailed review. They will rarely read beyond page 2 if you haven't sold them by then.

Recruiters will usually be looking for newly posted CVs, because they don't want to waste time talking to people who are no longer looking or not serious about changing jobs. By this I mean that they will be focusing on CVs posted or updated in the last 1-2 months. So for example if your CV is on a job board like Monster, it would benefit you to refresh it every month or so to keep it in the search lists..

If you are using a CV template to write your CV make sure it is optimised for online so your dream job can find you.