Which Resume Builder Should I Choose?

If you’ve ever been job hunting and thought, “How do I even start my resume?”, you’re definitely not alone. Almost every job seeker needs a little help getting started with both writing a resume and creating a great cover letter. Luckily, there’s plenty of support available — from AI to dedicated resume tools. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the many resume tools out there and group them into categories based on what they do best.
Since we’re a resume builder ourselves, we might be a little biased — but we stand by the fact that Jofibo’s resume and cover letter builder deserves a spot on the list. Jofibo is a Danish-built online platform for resumes, CVs and cover letters, used by job seekers all over the world. It’s especially known for its ease of use and ATS-friendly templates that make sure your resume both looks professional and can be read by recruiting systems.
With Jofibo, you get access to a range of modern templates you can tailor to your needs — and you can switch designs at any time without losing your content. The platform also offers a free Basic plan, where you can create one resume and one cover letter — a great option for students, recent graduates, and anyone who wants to get started without committing to a subscription.
If you just want to move quickly with your job search, you can try Jofibo for free by clicking the button below and choosing the Basic template:
Best Resume Tool for Students
The first category we’ve chosen is students. It’s important for students to learn how to write a solid resume while they’re still studying — it gives them a real advantage when they start applying for jobs later on.
Jofibo
Why:
- Free for AAU students (Aalborg University)
- Free for .edu email addresses (6 months of access)
- Free Basic template for one resume and one cover letter
- Free career blog with helpful tips and guides
If you’re a student applying for an internship or a student job, you rarely have the time or energy to fiddle with design. That’s where Jofibo shines. It’s extremely user-friendly: pick a template, fill in the fields, and you’ve got a professional resume ready in minutes. Jofibo also offers a free Basic template, letting you create both one resume and one cover letter — perfect if you only need a couple of well-made documents.
Resume.io
Why:
- Very user-friendly platform
- Automatic summary generator
- Fast setup and download
Resume.io is ideal for students who want to get started fast. You can build a complete resume in minutes, and the summary generator helps you craft a strong introduction.
Best Resume Tool for Recent Graduates
When you’ve just graduated, you typically have lots of theoretical knowledge and projects, but limited work experience. That’s why you need a resume tool that helps highlight skills, education, and study-relevant experience professionally.
Jofibo
Why:
- Templates that emphasize skills over experience
- Easy reordering of sections (projects, courses, volunteering)
- ATS-friendly layouts
- User-friendly system that’s quick to learn
- Career blog with tips and guides to build your resume
As a recent graduate, the challenge is often a lack of work experience — but you have plenty of projects, courses, and volunteering to showcase. Jofibo’s templates are designed exactly for this: they help you present your skills and results clearly. The outcome is a modern resume that makes you look professional from your very first application.
Resume.io
Why:
- Easy to use with a one-click summary generator
- Many modern templates to choose from
- Quick setup — perfect for your first resume
Resume.io is a strong choice for graduates making their first resume. With a friendly editor and automatic summary generator, it’s easy to craft a professional profile. You’ll have a complete resume in minutes — without starting entirely from scratch.
Zety
Why:
- Guided, step-by-step building
- Lots of pre-written content suggestions
- Templates aimed at entry-level roles
Zety is ideal if writing a resume from scratch feels daunting. With pre-written sentences and clear prompts, the tool helps you organize your content and produce a professional resume — even with limited experience.
Best Resume Tool for Long-Term Unemployed
If you’ve been away from the job market for a while, it can be hard to present your experience without drawing attention to gaps. The best tools for long-term unemployed make it easy to update and modernize your resume so your strengths take center stage.
Jofibo
Why:
- ATS-friendly templates that present experience in a fresh way
- Free Basic template to get started quickly
- User-friendly interface focused on content over design
If you’ve been out of work for some time, it’s essential that your resume looks current and professional. Jofibo makes it straightforward to build a clean, modern resume that helps minimize focus on any gaps.
Zety
Why:
- “Makeover” options for outdated resumes
- Modern, ATS-ready formats and content
- Guided process with tips along the way
Zety is good at breathing new life into an old resume. It offers concrete phrasing suggestions and helps you present your experience in a format that fits today’s job market.
Resume Genius
Why:
- Known for speed (a complete resume in about 10 minutes)
- Includes many pre-written text blocks
- Great for getting going after a longer break
Resume Genius is a solid choice if you want a resume quickly — without overthinking it. In just a few minutes, you can create a professional document that’s ready to send.
Resume.io
Why:
- User reviews praise the clear guidance
- Intuitive templates with a modern look
- Helpful when you’re out of practice
Resume.io is a good fit if you need a bit of extra hand-holding. The guided flow and tidy templates help rebuild confidence in your job search.
Best Resume Tool for Designers / Creative Roles
For creative professionals, it’s crucial that your resume reflects both craft and creativity. The best tools for designers let you play with visuals without sacrificing readability or professionalism.
Jofibo
Why:
- Creative yet professional templates
- Options to add colors, icons, and a photo
- ATS-friendly even with visual layouts
Jofibo lets creatives build a modern, inviting resume without compromising ATS readability. You can experiment with colors and design while keeping a professional structure — perfect for designers who want creativity plus usability.
EnhanCV
Why:
- Highly visual, modern templates
- Storytelling elements available
- Personal AI assistant (“Julia”)
EnhanCV is built for creative profiles who want to show personality. You can add sections with personal highlights and use modern layouts that help you stand out visually.
Best Resume Tool for Freelancers and Self-Employed
Freelancers and founders often need to highlight many projects and clients. A good resume tool makes it easy to show range and keep things clear — without the document becoming cluttered.
Jofibo
Why:
- Templates that adapt to project- and client-based work
- Flexible section ordering
- Equally good for short and long resumes
As a freelancer, you’ve likely got a lot of projects to showcase. Jofibo makes it simple to tailor your resume so your most important work and results stand out. It’s a flexible, professional tool whether you work creatively or technically.
Kickresume
Why:
- Portfolio display options
- AI assistance for writing
- Built-in ATS checker
Kickresume stands out by letting freelancers spotlight projects and clients directly in the resume. You also get AI help and an ATS checker, so your resume holds up across industries.
Best Resume Tool for Career Changers
When you’re changing fields, your resume needs to translate prior experience into a new context. The best tools for career changers emphasize transferable skills and present you for your next step.
Zety
Why:
- Templates specifically for career change
- Focus on skills over job titles
- Great guidance to reframe your experience
When switching fields, it’s all about translation. Zety helps you highlight transferable skills so you’re not stuck in old titles.
Best Resume Tool for International Job Searches
If you’re applying abroad, resume expectations often differ from Denmark. Some countries expect a photo; others prefer a short resume with no personal details. It’s important to pick a tool that supports multiple languages and formats so you can match local standards.
Jofibo
Why:
- Supports multiple languages
- Switch templates without losing content
- ATS-friendly templates for both Danish and international markets
- Adjustable page size for US and European standards
- Option to toggle a profile photo on both cover letter and resume
Jofibo is a strong choice if you apply across borders. You can create your resume in multiple languages and adapt it to different markets with ease. The templates are built to be ATS-friendly, so you’re set wherever you apply.
Resume.io
Why:
- Supports multiple languages
- resumes tested by recruiters
- Clear ATS compatibility
Resume.io is also a strong pick for international applications. With language support and recruiter-approved templates, you’ll meet international standards.
Best Resume Tool for Academics / Researchers
Academic resumes are often far more extensive than traditional resumes — they need to include publications, conferences, and teaching. Academics need a tool that can handle lots of content without losing structure or clarity.
Jofibo
Why:
- Flexible templates that scale to longer resumes
- Reorderable sections (e.g., publications, conferences, teaching)
- ATS-friendly even for academic resumes
Jofibo gives academics the freedom to tailor their resume to fit research, publications, and teaching. The clear structure and user-friendliness make it easy to build a longer resume that still looks professional and organized.
Novorésumé
Why:
- Resume format with room for publications and research
- Multiple language options
- Structured layout for longer resumes
Academic profiles often need a more comprehensive resume than other fields. Novorésumé provides space for publications, research projects, and teaching — without breaking the layout.
Best Resume Tool for Speed
Sometimes you need a resume right now — for example, if your dream job suddenly appears with a tight deadline. The best tools for speed let you build a professional resume in minutes without sacrificing quality.
Jofibo
Why:
- Free resume and cover letter templates
- Professional setup in minutes
- Intuitive process with no learning curve
If you need a resume today, Jofibo is a safe bet. With free templates and a simple interface, you can quickly build both a resume and a cover letter — ready to send the same day. With the AI Assistant, you’ll also get professional feedback so you can fine-tune and optimize fast.
ResumeGenius
Why:
- Complete a full resume in under 10 minutes
- Plenty of pre-written content
- Ideal for urgent applications
ResumeGenius is designed for job seekers who want a finished resume as fast as possible. The process is streamlined, and with pre-written blocks you can achieve a professional result in minutes.
Resume.io
Why:
- Simple and fast setup
- Automatic summary generator saves time
- Ready to download in minutes
Resume.io combines usability with speed. The automatic summary generator and easy template flow mean you can have a finished resume ready in record time — perfect for a quick application push.
Best Resume Tool for ATS-Friendly Resumes
Many companies now use ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) to screen resumes. That means your resume must be technically formatted correctly to get through the filters. The best ATS tools ensure your resume both looks professional and is parsed correctly.
Jofibo
Why:
- All templates are ATS-compatible
- Clean, simple structure
- Suitable for both Danish and international applications
Whether you’re applying locally or abroad, your resume needs to be readable by an ATS. Jofibo’s templates are built around clear structure and correct formatting, so your resume isn’t filtered out before a recruiter even sees it. That’s a real advantage — especially in competitive fields.
Novorésumé
Why:
- High ATS compatibility (99%) with clean, simple designs
- Modern, minimalist layouts
- Switch templates without losing content
Novorésumé is known for high ATS compatibility. Even with attractive, modern templates, layouts are built so systems can read them reliably. A smart choice in ATS-heavy industries.
Zety
Why:
- Templates designed to pass ATS
- Built-in content prompts to ensure keywords
- Guided process to optimize your content
Zety offers a wide range of ATS-friendly templates and guides you to add the right keywords. The mix of technical compatibility and content support is powerful in competitive markets.
Best Resume Tool for Ease of Use
Not everyone is technical, and many people just want a finished resume without the hassle. The most user-friendly tools make the process simple and intuitive so you can focus on content, not mechanics.
Jofibo
Why:
- Intuitive interface with no learning curve
- Switch templates without losing content
- Positive Trustpilot feedback for simplicity
Jofibo is often praised on Trustpilot for its simplicity. The platform is built to be intuitive and requires no technical skills. You can easily move sections, change colors, or switch templates without losing content. A great choice if you want a smooth process and a resume that just works.
Kickresume
Why:
- Intuitive workflow with real-time preview
- Quick design tweaks without technical know-how
- Clear navigation from start to finish
Kickresume is known for user-friendly design. With real-time preview, you see changes as you write, making the process simple and transparent. A strong pick if you want control without a learning curve.
Zety
Why:
- Simple, guided journey from start to finished resume
- Built-in suggestions and tips along the way
- Fast onboarding for first-time users
Zety mixes usability with guidance. The step-by-step process makes it easy to build a resume even if you’ve never used an online tool before. It holds your hand from start to finish and ensures you end up with a complete resume without frustration.
Best Resume Tool for Free Use
Not everyone has a budget for a paid resume tool. Fortunately, there are options that let you get started for free and still achieve a professional result. The best free tools provide a solid basic solution with no hidden strings.
Jofibo
Why:
- Free Basic template for resume + cover letter
- Unlimited content editing
- Free career blog with tips and guides
- No payment details required
Very few resume tools offer a truly free option — Jofibo does. With the Basic template, you can create and download a fully functional resume and cover letter at no cost. It’s limited to one resume and one cover letter, but if your budget is tight, it’s a strong solution.
Novorésumé
Why:
- Free version with essential features
- Try before you upgrade
- Modern templates even in the free plan
Novorésumé gives you a free version where you can build a complete, professional-looking resume. While some features are premium, the free plan is still a solid way to start without upfront investment.
Resume Genius
Why:
- Free to start and build online
- Lots of pre-written content in the free version
- Fast process — a finished resume in under 10 minutes
Resume Genius is a good choice if you want to begin without paying. You can quickly build a professional resume using the many pre-written blocks — especially helpful if writing about yourself is hard. The free version lets you test the system before deciding on premium.
Zety
Why:
- Free to create and build your resume
- Guided process even in the free version
- Option to upgrade to premium for more features
Zety lets you set up and build your resume for free so you can see how it works. Full downloads (PDF or DOCX) may require a subscription, but the free version still gives you a solid feel for the quality.
Best Resume Tool for Value for Money
For many, it’s about balancing price and features. The best value-for-money tools give you access to a wide range of templates and features at a fair price.
Jofibo
Why:
- Free Basic templates for both resume and cover letter
- Premium unlocks more templates and features like the AI Assistant
- Similar or lower pricing than international competitors — with Danish and international support
Jofibo delivers great value, especially since you can start completely free with the Basic templates. When you upgrade, you get access to a wider selection of professional resume and cover letter templates and extra features — without paying more than the big international players. The combination of usability, ATS-friendly templates, and local support makes Jofibo a strong choice for the price.
Resume.io
Why:
- Over 33 million users
- Free sign-up and easy premium trial
- Praised for usability and value
Resume.io is one of the most popular tools worldwide. You can test the platform quickly for free, and premium offers many features at an affordable price — a safe pick for maximum value.
Zety
Why:
- Often recommended for its mix of guidance, design, and price
- Guided process with pre-written suggestions
- ATS-friendly templates included
You get modern design, built-in writing help, and ATS-friendly templates at a price that matches — or beats — many competitors.
Best Resume Tool for Premium Features
Some job seekers want more than “just” a resume. The best premium tools offer extras like AI feedback, smart sharing, or job matching — giving you an end-to-end boost for your job search.
Jofibo
Why:
- Premium access to more professional templates
- Shareable online links for resumes and cover letters
- AI Assistant that analyzes and gives recruiter-style feedback
With Jofibo Premium, you unlock more templates and smart features like shareable links so you can send your resume directly online. The headline feature is the AI Assistant, which gives constructive, recruiter-like feedback on your resume.
Career.io
Why:
- AI resume optimization with keyword matching to job ads
- Job tracker to organize your search
- Interview simulations and job recommendations in one subscription
Career.io is an all-in-one career platform that goes far beyond resume building. With AI optimization, interview training, and an integrated job tracker, it’s a complete toolkit for your job search.
Best Resume Tool for Coaching & Guidance
Job searching can feel overwhelming. resume tools with built-in coaching and guidance can help a lot. The best options combine strong tech with advice, guides, and AI assistance so you’re never on your own.
Jofibo
Why:
- Extensive blog with articles on resumes, cover letters, and job search
- Guides and tips for every part of career development
- AI Assistant that gives personalized feedback on your resume
Jofibo isn’t just a resume builder — it’s also a resource hub. Their large career blog gives you practical guides on everything from resumes and cover letters to interviews. Combined with the AI Assistant’s concrete suggestions, you get both a tool and real guidance in one place.
Career.io
Why:
- AI optimization for your resume
- Interview simulations and job recommendations
- An all-in-one platform for career growth
Career.io is more than a resume tool — it’s a complete career platform. Beyond building your resume, you can practice interviews, get AI feedback, and discover relevant jobs.
Kickresume
Why:
- Built-in AI resume writer
- ATS tailoring with a built-in checker
- Career mapping with suggestions for next steps
Kickresume is ideal if you want extra help along the way. The AI writer can generate content, the ATS checker makes sure your resume passes filters, and career mapping helps you spot new opportunities.
Conclusion
Choosing the right resume tool depends on your situation, budget, and goals. For some, speed matters most; for others, it’s about showcasing creativity or getting professional guidance.
As we’ve seen, there isn’t one tool that’s best for everyone — but there is one that’s best for you. Whether you’re a student, a recent graduate, between jobs, a freelancer, or just need a resume fast, there’s a tool that fits your needs and helps you land the next role.
Our recommendation: start with the tool that matches your current situation and try it out. Many offer free versions or trials, so you can test without risk.
Want to try a simple, effective tool with free student access — and an AI Assistant that gives feedback on your resume?