Using a Resume Template or Not?

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All individuals who create a resume must make an important decision: should I use a template or not?

The answer to this question is somewhat complex. 

If you are very strong in working with templates for spacing, placing information in a template, and saving the work so that it appears professional, then maybe a template in MS Word is okay to use.  Choose a balanced look and avoid color. Some companies will not accept the special fonts and colors used on some of the available templates. Know the end-user and the submission requirements. This can save you time and energy later.

However, a word of caution:

Each resume should respond directly to a job posting. That means that you will need to revise a lot of details on your resume to fit each job that you are applying for. Sometimes template will create issues with spacing and formatting. 

My preference is to begin with a simple and plain Word document without any templates or required parts. This allows the person to modify the template quickly and save the new versions without issues of spacing and formatting.   By using a Word document, it is easy to modify, print, and attach to an employer website.