When you see a posting for your dream job, it's easy to get excited about the thought of applying and landing it. But what if you don't have your resume created or up to date? Creative resume templates can help.
Almost every job posting requires submitting a resume. When you see a career opportunity but don't have your resume ready, you'll need to prepare it fast.
That's why we use creative job resume templates. These templates have the content and style that you need. Feel confident about your application. They'll help you land the job you've been waiting for.
I'll share 25 of my favorite free creative resume templates for download. I'll also share some top-quality premium resume templates.
Start with these templates for creative resumes. Then customize them to save hours of work. It can ensure that you can apply before the job closes. We'll also share resume tips to help you create a standout resume.
Premium Creative Resume Templates to Save Time
Skip ahead when building a resume. Use a creative resume template that's got all the components of a successful resume.
When you start with a premium creative resume template, all you've got to do is add your details. Creative CV templates or resumes for free may not contain quite as many built-in features. Looking for a cool template to make a creative resume? Take a quick look at some options from Envato Elements.
Explore The Best Resume Templates
Envato Elements is an all-you-can-download service for creatives. Elements brings a vast selection of the best creative premium resume templates (and other design assets). For a single flat rate, you get access to many creative assets. Every PSD and Word resume premium template (and more) in the Elements' library.
Want to see what you'll be getting? Let's take a look at some premium creative job resume templates, all from Envato Elements.
20 Top Premium Creative Resume Templates (Premium from Envato Elements)
Here are some great examples of creative resume templates. I've selected some of the best premium creative resume templates. All are available on Envato Elements. Let's take a look at some of our best-selling creative resume templates:
1. Creative Resume
This clean three-column style embodies the "flat" school of design perfectly. It's got all the placeholders for rapid resume design. This creative resume design works for different industries. It definitely has a professional and modern look. You won't find this quality with creative CV design templates for free download.
2. Creative Resume & CV Template
For a more unique creative resume or CV template need, there are few options that are better than this one. It's got beautiful illustrations and friendly graphics. The pseudo-timeline approach is a way to connect your past to the future. You won't find these features in a modern CV template for Word free download.
3. Pro Resume 3
Looking for a modern creative resume template? This is a solid choice. This Pro Resume is a bold option from the Envato Elements library. This resume leans toward a personalized experience. It leads with a profile photo and plenty of space for a bio. Creative CV design templates for free download won't be as clean as this one.
4. Colorful Creative Resume Templates
This works for Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Word. This option doesn't try to fly under-the-radar. It features a contrasting selection of colors and clean typography. Your resume will stand out for a hiring manager. Start working with this modern creative resume template.
5. Colorful Stylish Resume
This creative resume template has a lot of colorful elements. Even with the colorful elements, it maintains readability thanks to its arrangement. Use this template for both Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Word. Make a splash with the hiring manager.
6. Anna Creative Resume CV Template
This creative resume template has a two-column layout. Separate your skills and contact information from the education and experience section. The template is easy to edit in Photoshop, InDesign, or Word. It comes with a matching cover letter.
7. Creative Professional Resume Template
Looking for a clean and professional template? Then this creative resume is for you. It's got plenty of space to list your education, experience, and skills. You can also include a logo or a profile photo to make it stand out more. Edit this creative CV template in Word. Most free graphic resume templates won't be as clean as this one.
8. Premium Creative CV Template & Cover Letter
Try this creative resume template if you want a colorful, yet professional design. This creative resume design comes in three color variations. It also has a small space for a profile photo. Include your personal or summary statement and list your skills, education, and experience. This creative CV includes a matching cover letter. Customize it in Photoshop.
9. Professional Cover Letter and Creative Resume Template
Corporate doesn't have to be boring. This professional and creative resume template is a good example of that. It includes templates for both a resume and cover letter. Well-organized layers will make it easy to customize on Photoshop.
Not a Photoshop user? Edit this template on MS Word or Adobe Illustrator.
10. Clean and Cute Resume Templates
Looking for cute resume templates? This one is the right choice for you. All elements in this creative CV template are editable and customizable. You'll be working with a clean and minimalist design.
This creative resume template is great for fashion bloggers or designers. It comes with layouts for a creative CV and cover letter. Replace the placeholder content in Word, InDesign, or Pages. You won't get this much quality with free creative resume templates.
11. CV Resume Creative Design Template
You can't go wrong with this professional and creative resume template. Creative resume templates for Word for free download aren't as clean as this one. Easy to personalize with MS Word or Adobe Illustrator.
This creative CV template comes in size A4 and is print-ready at 300 dpi. Land your next job with this creative resume template!
12. Bold and Creative Resume Template
This is a bold and creative resume template for a job application. Make your creative CV look better than ever. Customize color schemes to match your style.
This unique creative CV template works well for all kinds of creatives. It gives you the chance to show your skillset. A modern CV template Word free download lacks all these features.
13. Creative Resume Design CV
This is the creative resume design you're looking for. Stand out with a cool and creative resume template like this one. Its minimalistic design makes it easy to read. All colors and text can be modified to match your style.
The contrast and white space of this creative resume are perfect. Everyone will read your info and experience with ease. You won't find creative resume templates for free download as cool as this one.
14. Modern Creative Resume Template
This modern creative resume template is a wonderful reminder of simplicity. Lines, text, and shapes are enough. Craft an eye-catching creative resume with this template. Lead with a brief bio in the profile section, followed by all your experience. This creative CV comes in Adobe Illustrator and Word.
15. Minimalist Creative CV Resume Vol. 10
There are a ton of great choices in this selection! This minimalist creative resume template is no slouch. This download features a clean and modern look.
Looking for a modern creative resume template? This is for you! All the elements are editable on Illustrator and Photoshop. Change text, colors, styles, and images to make a creative resume design. This is better than creative resume templates for free download.
16. Clean Creative Resume / CV
Creative and minimal are totally compatible design concepts. Work with this unique resume CV template on Microsoft Word, Photoshop, and more. This creative resume design comes with organized and labeled layers. You can even add a QR code to direct people to your online portfolio.
17. Vintage CV Creative Resume Template Design
Get this creative resume design. This creative CV is designed to showcase yourself and your skills. It comes with a cool layout and unique color to make an impact.
It's easy to edit in Microsoft Word, Photoshop, or Illustrator. It'll be hard to find such a cool design with free creative resume templates.
18. Creative CV Creative Resume Template & Letterhead
Get the creative CV and letterhead combo with this download. Do you want to make a professional first impression? Then this modern creative resume template is for you.
Easy to use and customize, this template comes in AI, EPS, PSD, and PDF formats. Customize this creative CV template today and make it your own.
19. Fun and Creative Resume Template
Looking for cute resume templates? Or a creative resume design out of the box? Leave a great first impression with this creative CV template. Present yourself in a professional and fun way.
This creative resume template has a dynamic design. It's great for creative job applications. Edit the template in Photoshop or Illustrator. This creative resume comes with a matching cover letter.
20. Minimal Creative Resume Template
This is a simple and minimal creative resume template. Go straight to the point with your education, skills, and experience. This creative CV template in Word includes a profile photo. Use it to personalize this creative resume template. Customize it in Word or Illustrator.
Envato Elements (Design Without Limits)
Envato Elements has a compelling offer. For a single monthly price, you get access to thousands of premium creative resume templates. You’ll also get access to other templates such as business cards, fonts, web mockups, and more. Download as many templates as you need and customize them to your needs. Use them in an unlimited number of job applications or other projects.
Sign up for Envato Elements! Take advantage of everything this low monthly subscription has to offer.
25+ Free Creative Resumes Templates to Download for 2022
Looking for free creative resume templates for Word on the web? Check Envato's free offerings first. Try out various premium template files at no cost to you. You'll find more than creative resume templates for download.
Here's the deal:
Every month Envato Elements offers 12 different hand-picked files, (fonts, presentations, videos, and more). Create a free account to download this month's free premium files now.
Don't have the budget for a premium template? Then use free creative resume templates for Word to show your experience. We've also got great designed resume templates for free download here:
How to Make a Photoshop Resume Template (Free Resume Download)
How to Make a Resume Template in InDesign (With Free Template Download)
Still looking for free templates? I've scoured the web for the best of the best when it comes to free resumes. Each brings something different to the table. They all have the basic resume requirements. Check out these free creative resume templates:
1. Creative Resume Templates Free Download
Looking for a modern resume template in Word for free download? This free creative resume or CV template for Microsoft Word has just enough color. It will set you apart from the crowd.
2. Modern Resume Template Word Free Download
This neat, two-column resume for Microsoft Word helps you separate your details. Showcase your past career experiences and education. Download template CV for Word and get your dream job!
3. Simple Modern CV Template Word Free Download
This is a free creative resume template for Microsoft Word. It's got skills placeholders. Represent your experience with charts. This is a great creative resume template for free download.
4. Creative CV Templates Free Download
These free stylish resume templates include a placeholder for your picture. Replace text with your own info. This creative resume template in Word free download is ready for you.
5. Creative CV Templates Free Download
A bright, colorful resume template like this one won't go unnoticed. It's a great creative resume template Word free download. It comes with a sharp color scheme. Content placeholders make it good for showcasing your experience.
6. Clean Free Creative Resume Templates
This package has six different color schemes. Rest assured that there's an option that fits your sense of style. Showcase your experience with this minimalist creative resume template.
7. Olympic Creative Resume Templates (Free Download)
This creative CV has a hint of accent color in five different shades. This is a bold contender. It doesn't sacrifice professionalism for a sense of style. It's one of the best creative CV design templates for free download.
8. Yosemite Resume Template CV Word Gratis
This is another great creative CV design templates for free download. Yosemite takes a less classic look. It features all the content placeholders to build a creative resume. Download template CV for Word!
9. Job Hopper Resume (Creative CV Templates Free)
Maybe you've moved around or have sought diversity of experience. Maybe you've had many roles in the past. This creative resume template is structured to include all your experience. Put your best foot forward. Work with this creative CV design template for free download.
10. Balanced Resume Modern CV Template Word Free Download
Here's a unique modern creative CV or resume template in Word for free download. It features modern font choices and a good use of white space. Make this a trustworthy and bold choice for your application.
11. Bold Monogram Creative Resume Templates Free Download
Check out the slick look of this monogrammed option. It is a great free creative resume or CV template for Microsoft Word. It's a strong contender as a standout.
12. Clean Creative CV Templates Free Download
Check out this beautiful choice. This creative CV is a well-designed gratis resume. Creative resume templates Word like this one are a great way to start.
13. Porter Creative CV Templates Free
Are you a fan of the Swiss school of design? Then this strong free Adobe Photoshop resume template is for you. Showcase your talents with this creative resume design.
14. Casey Modern CV Template Word Free Download
Here's a timeline-style template for Adobe Photoshop. Sequence all your experience to make an impact. This is one of the best free creative CV templates you'll find.
15. Gagne Creative CV Templates Free
This creative CV includes a cover letter for a bonus. It comes with a bright and colorful choice, perfect for a creative career.
16. Dark Minimalistic Creative Resume Templates Free
A timeline approach like this helps you link up all your experiences. Show why you're the very best candidate with this creative CV. It's a great creative resume template in Word free download.
17. Functional Creative Resume Design
Looking for functional creative resume templates for free? Get an easy-to-update creative resume like this one. It helps you prepare a creative CV for your dream job. This is one of those free creative CV templates you can use over and over.
18. Professional and Free Creative CV Templates
Add all your main info in one page. This free Microsoft Word resume template has a simple design. Work with this creative resume design to showcase your skills. Get your next job with creative CV design templates for free download like this one.
19. Headshot Cover Letter & Creative CV Template
Looking for bold and creative resume templates for Word? This one is a good choice for you. The headline for this resume is your name and headshot. Fill in the placeholder with your name.
Make a lasting effect on a potential employer. Start working with this creative resume template in Word for free download!
20. Organic Shapes Creative Resume Templates Free Download
Looking for cute resume templates? The colors in this creative resume are a nice change of pace. They keep your resume friendly and easy to read. Work with this modern resume template in Word free download!
21. Cover Letter for Chronological Creative Resume
Work with this creative cover letter design to showcase your experience. Let your accomplishments shine using these creative CV templates. This is one of those creative resume templates for free with a clean design. Sometimes uncomplicated is best.
22. International Infographic Creative Resume Template
This resume template is ideal for a job in a high-end industry. It's got a sophisticated creative resume design.
Looking for free graphic resume templates? This is a great choice for you. It'll be hard to find creative resume templates for free as cool as this one.
23. Business Manager Creative Resume Template
This resume is on point with a traditional layout. Add your name in the header. Not all free creative resume templates come with a clean design. Work with these creative CV design templates for free download!
24. Entrepreneur Timeline CV Template for Word
This creative resume design is perfect for entrepreneurs. Impress potential clients with creative CV templates like this one. Add your contact info and experience to this creative design. Get this modern resume template Word for free download!
25. Bold Infographic Creative Resume Template
Are you fresh out of college or changing industries? You need a creative resume design to highlight your traits. Consider this infographic and creative resume template. This is one of the best free graphic resume templates you'll find online.
Quickly Customize a Premium Creative Resume Template in Word
Have you found the perfect resume template? It’s time to customize it. Here’s how to quickly customize a premium creative resume template. I’ll be using the premium Creative Resume/CV template from Envato Elements.
This template has a professional look and feel. Use it for any type of job application. Let's start customizing it:
1. Replace Content
To do this, open up your resume template in Word and then double-click on any text area.
Press CTRL+A to select all the text, delete it, and enter your own content. Repeat this process for all other text boxes in your template.
2. Customize Fonts
As you’re editing the text, you can customize the fonts at the same time. Simply select your text. Then choose a new font from the drop-down menu on the Home ribbon.
3. Customize Colors
Simply click on a colored area, right-click, and select the Format Shape option. Then, choose your preferred color for the solid fill option.
4. Customize Cover Letter
Repeat the same steps above to customize the matching color letter. Open it up in Word. Then work on replacing the content and customizing fonts and colors.
5. Export Your Files
Are you done customizing both the resume and the cover letter? The last step is to save and export your files. It’s a good idea to export them to PDF format. Go to File > Save as and select the PDF option.
How to Customize Creative CV Templates in Adobe Photoshop
Let's take a look at customizing creative resume templates in Adobe Photoshop. This popular format can be wonderful for your next resume design. Here's a collection of quick tips to help you jump in. Get your creative CV templates customized and completed in a snap.
We'll use the following premium template. Besides a Photoshop PSD file, it comes with files for Illustrator and MS Word.
Let's get started:
1. Photoshop Layers Are Essential
To view your layers, go to Window > Layers within the software. This opens up the Layers panel, as shown below.
Here, we can sort through the different parts of our resume design. Notice, for example, how the text is all in a folder titled "Text". We can select individual parts of the design. Customize, edit, and move them in the composition. Take note of this. You'll likely need to refer to this content throughout the design process.
2. Edit Text With the Type Tool
To edit the text in your creative resume templates, turn to the Type tool. It's located in your Tools panel, highlighted below.
With the Type tool active, simply click on the text you'd like to edit. Then, type and delete as you would in most word processing software.
If you have trouble selecting the text, turn to your Layers panel. There, select the appropriate text layer. Double click on the layer thumbnail to select the type. Then, proceed to edit via this alternative method.
3. Customize Fonts With the Character Panel
But what if you want to change the fonts? Thankfully, that's simple too. Open up your Character Panel by going to Window > Character.
From this panel, we can select new attributes for our text. Remember, our Layers panel is very important. Make sure to select the applicable text layer first. Then, make changes to the text in the Character panel. If you don't select the right layer, your changes won't apply as intended.
4. Move and Adjust Design Elements With the Move Tool
Let's move the large, green polygon to a different place in our composition.
All we need to do is select the right layer in our Layers panel, as shown below. With this layer selected, we can then turn to the Move tool.
With the Move tool selected, click and drag. Move the content to a new place in our layout.
5. Change and Adjust Colors
We can also alter the colors in our design. Let's take our green polygon and change its color to something else.
Keep the same layer selected. Go to Image > Adjustments > Hue/Saturation at the top of the software. This opens up our Hue/Saturation window, as shown below.
Drag the Hue slider to change the color of the shape. We can also change up how saturated the color is from this window.
To preview your changes, make sure to toggle preview on. Once you're happy with your selection, click OK.
5 Creative Resume Tips for Awesome Results in 2022
Need some design tips to design your creative resume? Find a balance between visually interesting and appropriate for the situation. Check out these design tips. Get inspiration as you work on your next creative resume design:
1. Visuals Are Highly Communicative
Visuals have preconceived associations, and we can use this to our advantage. Your color choices, font choices, and the aesthetic can help craft a narrative. Present your skill set in a coherent way.
What keywords best describe the way you want to present yourself? Creative? Engaging? Responsible? Think about what words best describe the narrative you aim to craft. This can help you narrow down the perfect aesthetic for you.
2. Have Fun, But Keep It Professional
Design can be a lot of fun. It can be really tempting to go all out with bells and whistles, especially when it comes to creative resume templates.
But don't forget that this is a professional situation. Your resume is often your first impression. You want to put your best foot forward. This doesn't mean that you can't turn to creative CV templates that are quirky. It means that you need to be cautious of your choices.
When you go in for a job interview, how you dress matters. The same applies to your resume. This is an opportunity to show that you are a desirable, professional candidate. Distracting visual elements can turn a fun design into an unprofessional one.
Check out this tutorial to learn more design tips:
3. Consistency Is a Professional Approach
This means, for example, your resume and your cover letter could match. This makes them look visually related.
Have you got a pre-existing professional brand? Consider using it in your resume and cover letter. For example, your business card could match your professional brand too. This could extend to your website, social media presence, and more.
4. Remember Your Target Audience
This might seem like strange advice, at first. What target audience? Well, your target audience is your potential employer. Think about what the position calls for and what an ideal candidate might look like on paper. A creative resume can help distinguish you from the rest of the applicants. But if your approach isn't appropriate, it might prove to be a detriment.
Like we said earlier, you wouldn't show up to an interview in your pajamas. Your resume is similar. It should be dressed for the occasion and specifically tailored to it too. Showcase key content relevant to the position. Don't distract with bells and whistles.
Learn some keywords and phrases to impact your potential employer:
5. A Photograph Can Add a Personal Touch
Your resume is often your first chance to make an impression. We want to be seen, remembered, and contacted. This is a challenge when choosing the right design for your resume.
A face can prove to be a lot more personable than text. This isn't necessarily a rule, or appropriate for every resume. Just as a profile photo can be personable on social media, it can work in this scenario, too.
5 Exciting Creative Resume Design Trends
Unsure of what creative resume templates design you want? It’s okay. We can help you find inspiration with the latest resume trends. Here are some current resume design trends:
1. Field-Specific Resumes
This type of template can serve as an outline. This way, you don’t forget an important part of your resume. Field-specific resumes look more put together. That's because you've got a constant theme throughout your template.
2. Infographics
It's common to incorporate data in a creative CV template. The best way to include data in your resume and have it look visually appealing is to show that data through infographics. They can showcase your strengths in a precise and appealing way.
Check out some of the best infographic creative CV templates:
3. Readable Resume
When personalizing a creative resume template in Word, it’s easy to get carried away. Make sure that the place you're applying to can read your resume. Use a font that can easily be read. Don’t have an overcrowded creative resume. Overcrowded resumes can be hard to read.
4. Put Important Information at the Top
Most people remember what they first read. That's because they lose interest halfway down the page. You've got important info and want the reader to remember? Put it at the top.
5. Keep Your Brand in Mind
Find a creative CV template that matches your brand. Even if the resume is in the same colors as your brand. Remember that your creative resume will serve as your brand. Choose a creative CV template that best represents you.
3 Characteristics of a Great Resume
There are almost always more job applicants than available jobs. So, it's your job to build a resume that stands out from the crowd.
You've got to be bold and stand out. Your job application will make it to the top of the stack and land you an interview. A job resume may not land you the job. But it's the first step to get your foot in the door.
Here are three key sections that most job resumes feature. Also, learn how you can fill them out. This will help you build the best creative resume possible:
1. Personal Section Characteristics
This section can give a brief background on your interests, mission statement, or other fast facts. These should help "put a face with a name" to the reviewer.
2. Experience Section Characteristics
When applying for the job we all face the challenge of crafting our career story. Write a new resume with each job application. Write your experience in a way that helps you showcase yourself correctly.
The most important part is connecting your experience to the job at hand. For example, mention any projects where you worked related to the role you're applying.
3. Education Section Characteristics
This show why you the right choice for the job. You might not have an advanced degree or the perfect field of study. List off the courses you've taken online, through other jobs, or on your own. List any extra courses you took in a formal educational program. For example, that computer science course you took despite being a business major.
Check out this tutorial. It'll provide more information about listing your education:
Find More Creative Resume Templates
The templates shared in this post are just a small selection. Check out what’s available on Envato Elements. Find more amazing creative resume templates to download. Check out these roundups below:
25 Awesome Resume CV Templates (With Beautiful Layout Designs 2023)
35+ Best Professional Business Resume Templates (Company CVs 2022)
20 Best Visual CV Resume Templates for Artists & Creatives (in 2023)
Benefits of Using Professional Templates
There's no doubt that there are a lot of free resume templates out there. But a professional premium template has some advantages. Learn the benefits over the free templates. Here are just a few of them:
1. More Customization Options
Professional templates offer a lot more customization options than free resume templates. Tweak every section, color, font, and any other part of your resume as you like. Make it fit your personality and the job you’re applying for.
2. Come With Extras
Professional resume templates include extra files such as matching cover letters. In some cases, they even come with matching business card designs. This means you've got everything you need. Leave a professional impression on your employer in one package. Don't worry about trying to piece together various free templates.
3. Greater Design Variety
Professional resume templates offer more design variety. You’re not limited to the same layout. That might be the case with many free resume templates.
4. You Save Time
Envato Elements gives you access to top creative resume templates. You get a head start on your next creative resume The design is already done! There are placeholders for each type of content. These will guide you through the resume creation process.
5. Impress Hiring Managers
Hiring managers receive hundreds of resumes. That's why you need to get your resume noticed. CV/resume templates from Envato Elements use the latest and best design trends. You'll end up with a creative resume that stands out.
Benefits of Envato Elements (The Power of Unlimited Use)
Envato Elements is a unique service. It's a flat-rate subscription. It includes thousands of great resume/CV templates for a single flat-rate price.
Sign up for Envato Elements. You'll get access to thousands of unlimited-use graphics and templates. Find from web themes to creative resume templates for Word, and more. All for one low price!
Common Word Questions (FAQ)
Even if you use Microsoft Word, you’re probably not an expert. So here are some common questions that people ask:
1. Can I Make a Flowchart Diagram in Microsoft Word?
Show your work history on your creative resume template in Word. Flowcharts are a great way to make your resume more visually appealing.
Want more information on how to create a flowchart in Microsoft Word? Here's a great article:
2. How to Add Header and Footer to My Resume Template?
Headers and footers are great. Add page numbers or your name to the bottom or top of your page. Is your resume more than one page? Then consistency in your header and footer is important.
Learn more about headers and footers. Check this article out:
3. Can I Edit Background Images in Microsoft Word?
Yes, you can. If your creative resume template has a background image, you can edit it. The wrong background image could make your resume look unprofessional.
Learn how to add and edit a background image in Word. Check out this article:
4. Is There a Spelling and Grammar Checker in Microsoft Word?
Bad spelling and grammar can leave a bad impression. It’s important to have great spelling and grammar. Learn how to use the spelling and grammar checker in Word. Read this article:
5. Can I Make My Resume Into an Infographic Resume?
Infographics are a great way to make data appealing. Infographics can also make your creative resume stand out. Add infographics to your resume. Learn how with this article:
Learn More About Resumes
Create a great-looking resume. That's easy when you start with a free creative resume template. Pre-built elements in a template will help you update the placeholders with your details.
Want to learn more about how to create a great resume? The articles below are a great way to keep learning. Check out these tutorials. Find other options and approaches for crafting your resume!
How to Make a Great Combination Format Resume With Templates
30+ Best Infographic Resume Templates (Creative Examples for 2023)
Top 15 Resume Mistakes (With Good vs Bad Resume Examples)
Create a Great Resume With These Premium & Free Creative Resumes Templates Today
Save time by downloading premium resume templates. You'll get unlimited downloads of the best creative resume templates from Envato Elements. This also includes fonts, icons, and other design elements. You'll get everything you need to make your resume template stand out.
Download the free creative resume templates for Word that I shared above. But generally, you're better off with a premium template. They are better than a modern resume or CV template Word free download.
Why not download your favorite creative resume template today? Get started on your next resume!
Editorial Note: This post has been updated with contributions from Brenda Barron, Sarah Joy and Janila Castañeda. Brenda and Sarah are freelance instructors for Envato Tuts+. Janila is a staff writer with Envato Tuts+.
