Over 80% of resumes never make it past the initial screening phase. Beating the ATS and standing out to recruiters takes more than just listing your skills; it takes strategy.

That’s where Kickresume comes in. This AI-powered resume builder promises to boost your chances with customizable templates and smart features designed to get results.

But is it really one of the best tools out there or just hype?

To check this out, I put Kickresume to the test. In this hands-on review, I’ll break down its features, pros, cons, and overall effectiveness to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your job search.

Summary

“Polished interface and solid AI writing make Kickresume a smart pick for most job‑seekers, but heavy pay‑walling of customization keeps it from a perfect score.”

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Scoring is based on hands‑on testing. Kickresume scores 4.5/5 stars on Trustpilot (1,800+ reviews).

First Impression & Overview

Kickresume really makes a strong first impression with its sleek and easy-to-use interface. It promises to help you create a professional resume in just a few minutes and it definitely delivers on that.

As soon as you land on the site, you’re met with a clear call to action encouraging you to sign up. You can create an account using your email, Google, or LinkedIn, which is super convenient no matter your preference.

The onboarding process is smooth and thoughtfully designed. It first asks for your LinkedIn profile link to pull in relevant details automatically.

If you don’t have one, you’ll be required to input your name and job interests instead.

Based on this info, Kickresume recommends resume templates and formats tailored to your career goals. The whole setup takes just a few minutes, and then you’re all set to start building your resume.

The dashboard itself is sleek and well-organized and offers plenty of tools to help you create and optimize your resume. Also, it includes various helpful career planning tools that make it count among the best resume builders for job seekers at any stage.

Pros of Kickresume

• Integration with LinkedIn: The platform allows users to import information directly from LinkedIn.
• Grammar and proofreading tools: Kickresume offers paid grammar editing and proofreading add-ons to ensure your documents are error-free.
• Extensive template library: It offers over 40+ professionally designed templates for resumes and cover letters.
• AI assistance: Kickresume's AI resume checker offers valuable insights into your resume's strengths and areas for improvement, so you can enhance the quality of your application.
• 1,500+ real resume examples: Kickresume provides access to over 1,500 resume and cover letter examples that helped real users land jobs at top global companies, an excellent source of inspiration and guidance.

Cons of Kickresume

• Limited features on free plan: The free version offers only four basic templates and lacks advanced customization options, which may not suffice for users seeking more sophisticated designs.
• No real-time collaboration: Unlike tools like Google Docs, Kickresume doesn't support real-time collaboration or feedback. It means you can’t work on a resume together with a coach, mentor, or friend.

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User Experience & Interface

Creating a resume with Kickresume is an easy, efficient, and flexible process, whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out.

Here’s a breakdown of the user journey, focusing on the resume creation workflow, mobile responsiveness, and the time required to complete a resume:

Resume creation workflow

1. Template selection: Once you're logged in, the next step is to choose from over 50 professionally designed templates. These templates are categorized based on different industries and job roles, so you can find one that best suits your needs.

1. Information input: Next, it will ask you to fill in your resume’s details, including personal information, work experience, education, skills, and achievements. To make this process quicker, Kickresume provides prewritten phrases and AI-generated content.

1. Adding extra sections: You can customise your resume further by including additional sections like Achievements, Awards, Certificates, Projects, and more. However, most of these are locked behind the Premium plan. The Education section is one of the few that’s accessible during the free trial, giving you a taste of the customization options available.

1. Design customization: Once your content is in place, you can personalize your resume’s look using the Design tab. We’ll share more details about the design options below.
2. Resume checker: Once you’ve filled out all your information, you can use Kickresume’s resume analysis tool. This feature offers an immediate ATS compatibility score and suggests ways to improve your resume, from phrasing to formatting.

1. Download and sharing: When you're happy with the final result, you can download your resume in PDF format. Alternatively, you can also share it directly from Kickresume.

Kickresume Mobile Responsiveness

Kickresume’s mobile app makes it easy to build professional resumes and cover letters right from your phone. The platform is fully responsive and adapts seamlessly across smartphones, tablets, and desktops.

The mobile interface is intuitive, with well-sized buttons and a clean layout that keeps tools accessible without cluttering the screen.

You can choose from templates, edit content, and even switch between devices effortlessly. Thanks to cloud syncing, perfect for users who want to start on mobile and finish on desktop, or vice versa.

While the app generally performs well on smaller screens, some visual elements, such as icon placement or tight text spacing, can occasionally feel a bit snug. Still, the overall mobile experience is smooth, reliable, and well-suited for job seekers on the go.

Time Required to Create a Resume With Kickresume

On average, it takes 30 to 60 minutes to create a resume on Kickresume. However, time varies based on the complexity of the user's background and experience.

This time frame includes:

• Choosing the template: 5 minutes
• Inputting information: 15 - 30 minutes
• Customization: 10 - 15 minutes (if design modifications are needed)
• Finalizing and downloading: 5 minutes

AI Capabilities Assessment

One thing that stood out to me while using Kickresume was its integration of AI, powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4. I was genuinely curious about how helpful it would be not just for filling in blanks, but for actually creating a strong, job-ready resume.

After testing it out, here’s what I personally noticed:

1. Content Generation Quality for Different Resume Sections

When I used Kickresume to build a resume for a Copywriter role, I was impressed by how well the AI handled content generation. The suggestions were far from generic. It gave me strong, action-driven bullet points like:

• Increased web traffic by 25% through innovative SEO techniques.
• Wrote and edited compelling copy for the website, blog, and social media.
• Edited and proofread documents for grammar, style, and content.

2. Ability to Tailor Content to Specific Industries and Job Titles

Another feature I appreciated was how the AI adjusted the content based on specific job titles. Once I typed in the role I was applying for, it automatically suggested content that felt aligned with the expectations and language used in that field. That saved me a lot of time compared to starting from scratch.

3. Keyword Optimization for ATS

Kickresume also tries to help with ATS (Applicant Tracking System) optimization. I pasted in a job description and noticed the AI picked up on key terms and skills, subtly weaving them into the content it generated. That’s a small thing that can make a big difference in whether your resume gets past automated filters.

4. Handling of Unique Career Situations (Gaps, Career Changes)

Career gaps, whether due to personal reasons, travel, education, or other factors, often require more manual edits. While Kickresume's AI can provide general suggestions for resumes or cover letters, it lacks the depth and context sensitivity to fully address these more specific personal scenarios.

Template Quality & Design Options

When it comes to crafting a standout resume, the design and customization options can make all the difference. Let's take a closer look at what Kickresume offers in this area—and whether it lives up to the hype.

Templates Quality

Kickresume offers a collection of over 40 resume templates, each tailored to different professional fields and personal preferences. Designed by experienced typographers and HR specialists, these templates strike a balance between professionalism and modern design.

Free users can choose from a limited selection of four templates, while Premium users unlock access to the full library.

Design Customization Options

Kickresume provides robust design customization features. You’ll find font options, line spacing, icon styles, color themes, and headline capitalization settings.

However, some design elements like fonts and color schemes are marked as Premium, which limits flexibility for free users.

ATS Compatibility - Does Kickresume Help Your Resume Get Noticed?

ATS compatibility is crucial when crafting a resume, as employers commonly use these systems to screen applications.

So, how does Kickresume fare in this regard? Let's check its ATS compatibility:

• Template compliance with ATS: Kickresume emphasizes that all their resume templates are designed to be 100% ATS-friendly. However, the effectiveness largely depends on the content you input. For instance, using skill graphs or charts can pose challenges for ATS parsing.
• Formatting considerations: Even with ATS-friendly templates, certain customizations made by you, like adding skill bars, charts, icons, or images, can confuse ATS software and lead to misinterpretation or omission of critical information. To enhance ATS readability, it's recommended to use traditional text-based formats for skills and experience.
• Keyword optimization effectiveness: Kickresume's AI Resume Writer analyzes your job title and experience to generate relevant, role-specific content. It also helps embed important industry keywords into your resume, which is crucial for passing ATS filters. While it's not as advanced as full ATS simulators or match-rate tools, it does offer a solid foundation for keyword optimization.

KickresumeOutput Quality Evaluation

Here’s a quick evaluation of Kickresume’s output quality and export options:

1. Writing quality, tone, and grammar

Kickresume's AI Resume Writer uses advanced natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML) algorithms to generate personalized content. By analyzing millions of data points, it tailors your resume to resonate with recruiters in your target industry.

What really stood out to me, though, was the human proofreading add-on.

For $28 per resume, you can have your resume reviewed by professional editors who check for grammar, clarity, and overall readability. The turnaround is fast, usually within two business days, and adds a valuable layer of polish.

With this combination of AI-generated content and human refinement, you get a resume that reads naturally, sounds professional, and is free of errors, like it was written by an expert human.

2. Export options: PDF, Word, and plain text

Flexibility in exporting your resume is crucial. When it comes to exporting resumes, Kickresume does a solid job offering flexibility, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

• PDF: This is definitely the best option if you want your resume to look exactly the way you designed it. In my testing, the PDF output preserved all formatting, colors, and layout details perfectly. It’s ideal for submitting directly to recruiters or uploading to platforms that accept visual resumes.
• Microsoft Word (.doc): Kickresume lets you export to Microsoft Word, which is helpful for ATS systems that parse Word files better than PDFs. However, I noticed that some advanced formatting and certain graphic elements didn’t carry over cleanly. So, while it’s functional, it’s not ideal if you're relying on a heavily styled layout.
• Plain Text: This format strips away all formatting and provides a clean, unembellished version of your resume. It is great for copying and pasting your resume into online forms.

Kickresume Special Features and Add-ons

​Kickresume isn't just about crafting standout resumes; it offers a suite of special features and add-ons designed to elevate your job application process.

Let's discover what makes Kickresume more than just a resume builder:

• Personal website builder: For creatives and professionals aiming to showcase their portfolios, Kickresume offers a personal website builder. This feature transforms your resume into a dynamic online presence to make it easier for employers to view your work and achievements.
• Job search integration: Kickresume goes beyond document creation by offering job search functionalities. Its AI-driven algorithm suggests job opportunities that align with your skills and experience, simplifying your job hunt.
• Multilingual support: Kickresume supports every language with a left-to-right orientation, including English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Italian.
• Career planning tools: Kickresume offers valuable career planning resources, including a career map and interview questions tailored to specific industries. These tools help you navigate your career path with confidence and prepare for the next steps in your job search.

Kickresume Pricing Structure & Plans

Kickresume offers a range of pricing plans to suit various needs. Let's break them down:

• Free plan: This option lets you create and download resumes using basic templates. It's a great starting point if you're new to resume building or just need a simple document. However, customization options are limited, and advanced features like AI assistance are not included.
• Premium plan: For those seeking a more comprehensive set of tools, the Premium Plan unlocks a host of features, including a wider selection of templates, AI-powered resume writing assistance, and the ability to create a personal website.

Pricing for this plan is as follows:​

• Monthly Subscription: $19 per month, billed monthly
• Quarterly Subscription: $9 per month, billed quarterly
• Annual Subscription: $4 per month, billed annually

In all the plans, Kickresume offers a 14-day money-back guarantee. This way, you can try out the Premium features risk-free.

Privacy and Data Security Measures

Kickresume outlines its privacy and data security measures transparently. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Data collection and usage

Upon signing up, Kickresume requests consent for three permissions:

• Receiving marketing materials based on personal data. (optional)
• Allowing the sharing of personal information with potential employers.​ (optional)
• While testimonials may be shared on the website, users can request their removal if desired.

The company assures users that it does not sell or publicly disclose personal data without consent.

European Hosting & GDPR Compliance

Kickresume is hosted in the European Union and is fully compliant with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), one of the world’s strictest privacy laws. This gives users full control over their data, including the right to access, correct, or delete it at any time, with a high standard of transparency.

Data retention and security

Kickresume retains user data for five years from the last login. Users have the right to request the deletion of their information at any time. To safeguard data, the platform employs SSL encryption to ensure that personal information remains secure during transmission.

Refund policy

Kickresume typically does not issue refunds except under specific circumstances, such as pricing errors or unjustified account blocking. In these cases, users may receive a full refund or a refund for the remaining subscription period, respectively.

Real User Testimonials of Kickresume

Trustpilot reviews present a mixed yet predominantly positive picture of Kickresume. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 1,892 reviews, the platform is lauded for its ease of use, quality templates, and helpful AI features. However, some users believe there is room for improvement in customization capabilities and user interface design.​

Here’s what people say:

Positive feedback

Many users commend Kickresume for its user-friendly interface and the quality of its templates. For instance:

• Askhat Mulyukov shared that “Does very well what it promises, exceeded my expectations, would recommend to others. Although I didn't have any technical issues, it would be nice to have a real-time assiatnce available for those who might want to use it.”
• Bashirah Salami praised Kickresume, ‘’Great tool for vamping up work application in this AI era. Great tool for vamping up a pre-existing resume or cover letter. The AI feature uses your work experience to identify skills and relevant jobs to highlight in your cover letter. Pleased with the end results. The templates offered for resumes are also clean and ATS friendly.”

Negative feedback

However, some users felt that certain aspects of Kickresume fell short:

• Peter Scott shared a mixed experience “It would be cool if we could create folders for “My Documents”, this way uses could archive old résumé’s and cover letters. The app is still new and could use a bit for functionality. Would be neat if we could save our Job descriptions then, “link” a job description onto the Work Experience section depending on what job type we are applying for with the specific resume. It has been very helpful for someone who “gets stuck” doing résumé’s.”
• Mariah Tree said "The resume template variety is great, and they add new ones regularly. The AI tools will write good blurbs, but they are too wordy for resume entries, which can be frustrating. The formatting options leave something to be desired; some templates will force a line to be separated from its heading onto another page, and there's no logical way to adjust it. Overall, it's worth the price, but I look forward to updates.”

Who Should Use This Tool?

Kickresume is best suited for job seekers who need a polished resume quickly but have limited design experience.

The platform caters particularly well to:

• Recent graduates and entry-level professionals who need guidance on resume structure and formatting
• Career changers looking to reposition their experience effectively
• Mid-level professionals wanting to refresh their resume with modern templates
• Job seekers in creative fields who need visually appealing designs but lack graphic design skills
• Individuals with limited time who need a professional-looking resume without extensive effortStart using Kickresume for free...

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kickresume free to use?

Yes, Kickresume offers free features, including access to basic resume templates and cover letter creation. However, advanced customization options and premium templates are available through a paid subscription. Additionally, students and teachers can access the Premium version for free upon verifying their status.

Can I download my resume in different formats?

Yes, you can download your resume as many times as you want without any limits. Kickresume allows users to download their resumes in multiple formats, including PDF, Word document (docx), and plain text.

How do I cancel my Kickresume subscription?

To cancel your subscription, log in to your Kickresume account, navigate to your account settings, and select the option to cancel your subscription. Ensure you cancel before the end of your current subscription term to avoid automatic renewal.

Can I use Kickresume for cover letters too?

Yes, Kickresume provides a dedicated cover letter builder with customizable templates. You can create matching cover letters that complement your resume, enhancing your application.

Will this help me pass ATS systems?

Kickresume offers ATS-friendly resume templates designed to help your application pass through Applicant Tracking Systems. Additionally, the platform provides an ATS Resume Checker to optimize your resume for ATS compatibility.

Summing Up

Kickresume delivers on its core promise as a robust resume builder with an intuitive interface and professionally designed templates. However, the limited customization options on a free tier and premium paywall for essential features can be a drawback for users seeking more personalized design and functionality.

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