In today’s competitive job market, your CV is your first impression. Whether you’re a fresh graduate or a seasoned professional, an eye-catching and well-structured CV can be the difference between getting noticed and being ignored.
Luckily, you don’t have to hire a designer or spend hours formatting documents. These 5 best online CV builders will help you create a professional CV in minutes — and the best part? You can try most of them for free!
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1. Zety – Smart, Customizable, and ATS-Friendly CVs
Website: Visit Zety
Why it stands out:
Zety is one of the most popular online CV builders with 20+ professional templates, real-time content suggestions, and ATS-compliant formats. It guides you step-by-step with expert-written content suggestions, making it perfect for people who aren’t confident in writing about themselves.
Key Features:
- AI-based writing help
- Easy-to-edit templates
- Resume & cover letter builder in one place
- Multiple file export options (PDF, DOC)
Free version: Preview CV for free, payment required to download.
✅ Best for: Job seekers who want a polished and professional CV with minimal effort.
2. Resume.io – Clean Designs and Instant Export
Website: Try Resume.io
Why it stands out:
Resume.io offers user-friendly tools, minimalist designs, and a drag-and-drop interface. It’s ideal for both resumes and cover letters and includes helpful tips while you build.
Key Features:
- 25+ modern and classic templates
- Multi-language support
- Job-specific phrases
- Analytics to track downloads and views
Free version: Build for free, export requires subscription.
✅ Best for: Beginners and non-tech users who want a simple, clean resume.
3. Canva – Design-Focused CVs with Creative Freedom
Website: Explore Canva
Why it stands out:
Known for its graphic design flexibility, Canva allows users to create stunning, custom-designed CVs. You get access to hundreds of templates, fonts, and icons — perfect for creatives, marketers, and designers.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop interface
- Full creative control
- Thousands of templates
- One-click export in multiple formats
Free version: Fully free for most features, Canva Pro offers advanced tools.
✅ Best for: Designers, creatives, and freelancers wanting to stand out visually.
4. Novoresume – Executive-Level CVs Made Easy
Website: Check Novoresume
Why it stands out:
Novoresume is a premium resume builder offering industry-specific suggestions and templates tailored for entry-level, mid-level, and executive positions. Its strength lies in structured layouts and resume-scoring features.
Key Features:
- Modern, recruiter-tested designs
- Optimized for ATS
- Professional guidance as you build
- Integrated cover letter tool
Free version: Basic CV template available; more options with a premium plan.
✅ Best for: Professionals aiming for corporate or executive roles.
5. Kickresume – Unique CV Builder with AI Help
Website: Visit Kickresume
Why it stands out:
Kickresume combines design flexibility with smart AI tools, including a ChatGPT-powered resume writer. You can also browse real CVs from hired candidates to get inspired.
Key Features:
- AI-powered resume writer
- Eye-catching templates
- Real resume samples from big companies
- Export to PDF, Word, TXT
Free version: Basic features free; premium unlocks more templates and tools.
✅ Best for: Tech-savvy users and job seekers in fast-moving industries.
How to Choose the Right CV Builder?
| If You’re...Choose... | |
| A fresh graduate | Resume.io or Zety |
| A creative professional | Canva |
| A mid-level executive | Novoresume |
| Want AI writing help | Kickresume |
| Need speed & structure | Zety |
Final Thoughts
Investing a few minutes in a professional CV builder can dramatically increase your chances of landing interviews. These tools are affordable, easy to use, and can save you hours of formatting headaches.
? Start building your CV today with one of the trusted platforms above — and take the next big step in your career.