TL;DR: Zety resume builder offers multiple tools to help you create a professional job application package, including a resume builder, cover letter builder, CV maker, and resume checker. While it’s easy to use and advertises ATS-optimized templates, it falls short in pricing transparency, limits free downloads to .txt files, and lacks some advanced customization options. For those seeking a more comprehensive resume builder, Zety alternatives may offer better value with clearer pricing, more flexible design features, and more free tool options.
Writing a resume from scratch (or updating an outdated version) is as daunting as it is important.
A resume builder can help you minimize that overwhelm. A great one will come with:
- Access to a range of free tools to create a strong, relevant resume
- Step-by-step guidance to build and refine your content
- One dynamic system to manage and tailor your experience
- An application tracker to centralize your entire job search
Zety resume builder offers customizable templates and basic step-by-step guidance, but it lacks some of the free tools, flexibility, and job search integration that make it a great builder.
Below you'll find an overview of the Zety resume builder, as well as 8 Zety alternatives to help you choose the one that’ll guide you as you build your resume and track your job applications—optimizing your job search strategy from first draft to hired.
What does Zety offer?
Zety offers several online tools to help users create professional job application documents. The platform includes a resume builder, cover letter builder, CV maker, and a resume checker, all designed to guide users through the process with customizable templates and pre-written content. These tools are accessible to users at various stages of their job search, with a focus on producing ATS-compatible documents.
Zety allows users to either start from scratch or upload existing documents for customization. While the basic tools are free to use, downloading the documents in popular formats like PDF and Word typically requires a paid subscription.
Resume builder
With the option to upload an existing resume or start from scratch, the Zety resume builder offers customizable templates and pre-written content you can use to tailor your resume to a specific job. Designed with ATS (Applicant Tracking System) optimization in mind, Zety resume templates are advertised as complying with modern hiring systems.
The Zety resume builder also simplifies writing, with the option to select and modify sections with Zety resume example content suggestions based on your work history.
Zety resume builder pros:
- A variety of Zety resume templates
- General guidance with editable pre-written content
- Flexible customization options for layout, fonts, and sections
Zety resume builder cons:
- Templates with images and heavy graphics do not scan well into ATS systems
- Requires a subscription for downloadable resumes in PDF or Word
- Free version limits downloads to a .txt format, which isn't ideal for job applications
- Zety resume example content suggestions are generic, with no templates for metrics
Cover letter builder
The Zety cover letter builder can help you create professional cover letters by guiding you through the key components of a well-structured letter. With several templates to choose from, you can personalize sections like the greeting, body, and closing for a cohesive application that matches your resume.
The Zety builder also offers pre-written suggestions to help streamline the process, which can be useful for first-time job seekers or anyone struggling with writer’s block.
Zety cover letter builder pros:
- Offers matching templates for resumes and cover letters
- Customizable sections with pre-written content options
- Easy-to-use interface with guided steps
Zety cover letter builder cons:
- Subscription required to download final documents in usable formats
- Very limited free customization options
- Editing specific parts of the template can be difficult
CV builder
Zety’s CV Builder is designed for those needing a more detailed and comprehensive document to showcase academic and professional achievements. With it, you can select from various templates and pre-written sections, making it easier to write a CV.
Zety’s CV builder includes options for adding academic history, research experience, awards, and other achievements, giving you the ability to expand your professional narrative beyond the basics.
Zety CV builder pros:
- Pre-written sections and bullet points for easier structuring
- Templates optimized for academic and professional industries
- Flexibility to add personal profiles and specialized sections
Zety CV builder cons:
- Subscription required for downloading in formats other than .txt
- Some industries may require more tailored templates than what's available
- Limited free functionality for specific CV customizations
Resume checker
Zety’s resume checker offers instant feedback on how your resume performs—analyzing formatting, content, and ATS compatibility. With suggestions to improve your resume’s structure and wording, the idea is to make your document more appealing.
But while the feedback is helpful for general resumes, it may lack depth for those needing more specific, job-targeted advice.
Zety resume checker pros:
- Actionable feedback on ATS optimization and formatting
- Easy-to-understand suggestions
- Real-time updates
Zety resume checker cons:
- Limited features without a subscription
- Feedback can be too generic for specialized roles
- Suggestions less helpful for senior-level positions
Zety resume
Zety's resumes built within their resume builder caters to job seekers of all levels. With a focus on creating professional, ATS-friendly resumes, Zety's products provide users with a range of tools to craft an effective resume and job application documents.
Pros:
- Wide selection of professionally designed resume templates
- ATS-optimized resume designs
- Helpful content suggestions for each resume section
- Ability to download resume in multiple file formats
- Access to resume examples for inspiration
Cons:
- Subscription required for full access to features and resume downloads
- Some users may find the resume content suggestions too generic
- Limited resume customization options compared to more advanced builders
- No integrated job search or application tracking features
8 Zety Alternatives
Teal
Teal is a powerful Zety alternative that includes an AI Resume Builder, a Job Application Tracker, customizable templates, and a free Career Hub packed with resources.
It's an all-in-one platform with a variety of free (and some paid) tools to create and manage your resume—and entire job search.
With Teal, you can write and tailor your resume step by step—choosing from your comprehensive career history—speed up the process using AI, compare your resume to specific jobs, and more.
Key Feature #1: Free tools to build your resume from scratch
Some resume builders make you pay for specific sections like "Skills" or to see how your resume aligns with a job.
But many of Teal's features are free, including LinkedIn profile import, all resume sections, the top five job description keywords for every role, basic resume analysis, job matching, template customization, and more. You can also store your entire career history for absolutely free.
Key Feature #2: Step-by-step guidance to articulate your experience and skills
A lot of resume builders offer generic pre-written templates and minimal guidance on how to showcase your unique qualities, skills, and metrics.
But Teal is a companion to the job search—not just an AI Resume Builder.
With free (built-in!) step-by-step guidance for creating every section of your resume, tools like AI Generation for your professional summary, bullet points, and cover letter that prioritizes modern resume best practices, Teal is a partner throughout every step of the process.
Key Feature #3: Build, tailor, and manage your resume in one platform
Resume builders often lack streamlined management systems.
Teal is a single, dynamic builder and management system where you can easily customize and save your resume for different roles without having to pay more, create multiple files, or use various platforms.
Key Feature #4: Job application tracking on the same platform you manage your resume
Most resume-building software just does that—it helps you build a resume. But Teal offers so much more—for absolutely free.
With Teal's free Job Application Tracker, keep track of all your applications and manage your entire job search on the same platform where you create and store your resume.
Price
Many Teal features are completely free, including some of the AI-powered generation tools. For premium features like Unlimited Advanced Resume Analysis and Unlimited Keywords, you can upgrade to Teal+ for $9/week.
Ready to write and manage multiple versions of your resume that showcase your unique skills and experience while tracking your entire job search in one place? Sign up for Teal now for free.
MyPerfectResume
Most recruiters make their initial decision on whether to keep reading or move on quickly! That’s not a lot of time to make a solid impression. MyPerfectResume wants to help you polish up your information so you can make those seconds count.
As far as the resume builder itself, it looks rather familiar. If you’ve just tested out Zety and you jump straight into MyPerfectResume, you might feel a sense of deja vu.
That’s because the two resume builders are very similar in the setup stage, down to the recommended bullet points that show up when you get to the job description section.
In addition to the Resume Builder, you’ll find a CV Builder and Cover Letter Builder that work similarly. MyPerfectResume also offers a variety of training materials and a job board.
Be aware that MyPerfect Resume isn’t technically an AI resume builder. It’s just pulling pre-written phrases that it thinks might be relevant from its database—it’s not writing anything new.
Best features
- Easily build a professional resume in minutes.
- Choose from pre-written bullet points.
- See numerous examples of materials written using current best practices.
Price
MyPerfectResume describes itself as a “free online resume maker,” but that’s not exactly true. If you want to download or use that “free” resume, you’ll need to pay $2.95 for 14 days of access—but then you’ll be auto-renewed at $23.95 every four weeks.
Novoresume
Novoresume has a different feel than Zety and MyPerfectResume. Your first step once arriving on Novoresume’s site is to pick a template and provide some basic information, which will register you for an account.
Next, you land on a preformatted resume page full of blanks you’ll need to fill in. You can edit the sections to change the look, and Novoresume will offer guidance when it thinks your information isn’t strong enough, but it won’t supply content for you.
Novoresume is a great choice if you already have a good idea of what you want your resume to say, and it’s one option that can help you create a more eye-catching resume. But it might not be the best fit if you need help describing your experience.
Novoresume features
- Edit your resume’s look using the tools provided.
- See grammar-checker style suggestions on how to improve your written content.
- Know what you’re paying for, thanks to transparent pricing.
Price
Novoresume allows you to create a single resume or CV for free. If you need more, the company uses a straightforward pricing system. You can buy one month of access for $19.99, three months for $39.99, or an entire year for $99.99. These are one-time charges—Novoresume doesn’t use auto-renew tactics.
ResumeLab
ResumeLab is another online resume builder product that looks similar to Zety and MyPerfectResume. You supply basic information, and ResumeLab can step in with prepopulated phrases if you’re not sure what to say about job descriptions.
If you’ve tried MyPerfectResume or Zety, you won’t find anything new here in terms of structure, but you might get better auto-generated results.
ResumeLab features
- Easily build a polished resume in just a few minutes.
- Populate your work history with suggested phrases.
- Add unique content to your resume’s footer, or add your own sections.
ResumeLab pricing
ResumeLab charges just $2.70 for a 14-day subscription. It will auto-renew on day 15 for decidedly more money. (ResumeLab doesn’t make the amount clear anywhere prior to paying the initial subscription.)
Resume Genius
Resume Genius is another tool that helps job seekers build resumes, CVs, and cover letters. It follows the same structure as Zety and ResumeLab, with a few important differences. Resume Genius offers job seekers additional documentation, training materials, and free-to-download cover letter and resume templates. And it’s lower in cost.
Best features
- Download your Resume Genius resume for free as a text file.
- Get the same functionality as Zety at a lower monthly price.
- Brush up your skills using a library of helpful explainers and resources.
Price
Resume Genius has a $2.95 14-day trial, which auto-renews into an annual plan of $7.95/month ($95.40/year). Interestingly, Resume Genius does allow you to download your resume for free—but only as a plain text file.
CakeResume
CakeResume is an international job search platform that also provides a unique approach to building resumes, CVs, and portfolios.
CakeResume expects you to supply more of what you want your resume to say, but it does offer editing and design tools (along with dozens of templates across numerous industries) so you can make your resume shine. Resume snippets can help round out your message, too.
Best features
- Advanced design tools let you modify your resume however you want.
- Premium resume snippets can add polish and professionalism.
- Usable free tier lets you experiment and learn the tool before you pay.
Price
CakeResume allows you to build and download one resume for free, but it will show CakeResume branding. For more resumes, better snippets, and no branding, you’ll need the $10/month plan. A $15/month plan adds Google Analytics.
VisualCV
VisualCV is a professional-focused service for building CVs and resumes. The resume builder is easy to use and even allows you to build an entire website for your resume. You’ll find all sorts of professional templates, and there are quite a few educational resources here, too.
VisualCV also offers pro services, where human resume writers can review or even write your resume for you.
VisualCV resume features
- Beautiful resume templates help you stand out
- Detailed editor allows more customization than some competitors
- Wide range of educational resources
VisualCV pricing
VisualCV lets you test drive all resume templates and create one actual resume for free. After that, you’ll need to pay $15/month (billed quarterly) to develop your job search documents.
Kickresume
Kickresume is a resume builder, job board, and resume checker. The platform also includes generative AI-powered writers that can create your resume, CV, or even resignation letters.
Kickresume allows users to create resumes that are optimized and visually engaging, which is a great combination for getting seen and being memorable.
Kickresume’s resume checker is a strong addition for job seekers who already have a resume: It will analyze your existing resume and make dynamic suggestions for improvement.
Best features
- Visually engaging resumes
- Unique remote-friendly job board
- Generative AI tools
Price
Kickresume gives you four basic templates for free, but for the best experience, you’ll want their Premium plan. It costs $60 annually or $19/month if you don’t need the annual plan.
Get more with Teal’s Resume Builder
Writing your resume is more than just pulling together a generic list of responsibilities—it's about showcasing your unique skills and qualifications.
But it can take a lot of work to start creating, tailoring, and managing multiple versions (and your entire job search!). It's time-consuming, complicated, and modern best practices change often.
Luckily, builders like the Zety alternatives above simplify this process. And while there are several great tools, Teal's AI Resume Builder stands out with its comprehensive free features and reasonably priced unlimited features as an end-to-end resume management platform—giving you the tools you need to succeed.
Skip the stress of a blank page and streamline your resume writing. Sign up for Teal for free today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should I look for in a Zety alternative for resume building?
Can I find industry-specific resume templates in Zety alternatives?
How do Zety alternatives compare in terms of pricing and value?
Is Zety the best resume builder?
Zety offers solid tools for creating resumes, cover letters, and CVs, but it may not be the best choice for everyone.
While Zety provides customizable templates and ATS optimization, its lack of free downloads in common formats like PDF and Word, along with limited customization, may lead users to consider Zety alternatives like Teal, which offer more flexible features and clearer pricing.