Overview

Resume Genius is an online resume builder and job-search resource for people drafting or revising application documents. It is best suited to applicants who want guided writing, editing and related application tools in one place. Its free access keeps resume downloads to TXT, while paid plans add PDF and Word formats.

The builder guides users through resume sections with expert tips and pre-written content, and users can upload an existing resume for editing. Its 25 templates are described by the company as ATS-friendly and designed for common applicant-tracking software; that is a practical design aim, not a promise of hiring results. Students, entry-level applicants, experienced professionals, career changers and freelancers are all among its stated audiences.

Key features

Guided resumes and AI tools

Section-by-section prompts and pre-written content give users a structured way to start, while resume import supports people updating an existing document. The AI summary generator, skills generator and resume parser add help with drafting and organizing application material. This breadth is useful for applicants who want a starting point; people who prefer to write and format entirely on their own may have less reason to use the guided workflow.

Application tools and formats

A cover-letter builder, resume checker, expert resume review and digital resume extend the service beyond resume drafting. Free access allows cover letters to be downloaded as PDF, Word or TXT, but resumes only as TXT. Paid plans add PDF and Word resume downloads, which is important for anyone who needs those formats rather than a plain-text file. Word and Google Docs templates are also offered.

Mobile, privacy and support

The builder is described as optimized for phones, allowing users to build or edit a resume on mobile. The home page says user information is GDPR/CCPA compliant and describes cookie opt-out and personal-data access or removal options. The privacy policy says collected information can include contact details, work and education history, skills, resumes and other job-application data, so applicants should consider what they upload. Support is available by phone, email and live chat Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT.

The job board is limited to the US, making it less relevant to readers elsewhere. Payments are limited to credit cards: PayPal, Venmo, prepaid cards and debit cards cannot be processed.

Pricing

Resume Genius uses a freemium model, with a free plan and a 14-day trial. The pricing page advertises a 14-day money-back guarantee, and subscriptions can be canceled by email, phone or through the account dashboard.

Plan	Price	What it includes
Free Access	0.00 USD per free (billed $0)	Resume downloads in TXT only; cover-letter downloads in PDF, Word and TXT; US-only job board.
14-day Trial Plan	Custom pricing	Resume and cover-letter builders, AI summary generator, resume checker, resume review, and PDF, Word and TXT downloads.
Annual Plan	Custom pricing	Resume and cover-letter builders, AI summary generator, resume checker, resume review, and PDF, Word and TXT downloads.

Free Access is the clearest fit for someone who can use a TXT resume and wants to download a formatted cover letter without paying. The trial and annual plans include the same stated core tools and document formats; the trial is the shorter commitment, while the annual plan suits someone intending to keep using the service. Paid plans start at 7.95 /mo, but the trial and annual prices are custom pricing. Check the charge and renewal terms before subscribing.

Platforms

Resume Genius is available on web, Android and iOS. Its mobile-optimized builder lets users create or edit a resume on a phone, as well as work through the web version.

Who it's for

Resume Genius makes sense for applicants who want prompts, pre-written content and AI assistance alongside editing and review tools. Its free plan can work for people comfortable with TXT resume downloads, while job seekers who need PDF or Word resume files should consider a paid plan. The US-only job board limits its usefulness as a job-search resource outside the United States.

Pros and cons

Pros: Resume import and guided creation serve both first drafts and updates to existing resumes.
Pros: Resume, cover-letter, checking and review tools bring several application tasks together.
Pros: Free cover-letter downloads include PDF and Word, even though free resume downloads do not.
Cons: Free resume downloads are TXT only, so users needing PDF or Word must choose paid access.
Cons: The job board is US-only, limiting that feature for international job seekers.
Cons: Payment options exclude debit cards and several common alternatives, including PayPal and Venmo.

Alternatives

For a wider comparison, browse Resume Design Software, AI Resume Builders, Cover Letter Software or Resume Builders.

Kickresume is another freemium option on web, Android and iOS, with a free plan and no free trial.
MyPerfectResume has free access and a free trial, and is available on web, Android and iOS.
CakeResume offers a free plan across web, iOS and Android.
Rezi offers a free plan on web, iOS and as an extension; its free tier includes one resume and three PDF downloads.
CVDesignR offers a free plan on web and through an API, with up to eight CVs.
FlowCV is web-only and offers a free plan with one resume and one cover letter, without a free trial.
LiveCareer is a web-only freemium option with a free trial and a free basic-access plan that includes TXT downloads.
Novorésumé is a web-only freemium option whose Basic plan allows one version and a one-page resume, with no free trial.

Verdict

Choose Resume Genius if you want guided resume creation or editing plus cover-letter, checking and review tools, and can accept TXT-only resume downloads on free access. Look elsewhere if you need a job board beyond the US, cannot pay by credit card, or want PDF and Word resume downloads without moving to paid access.

	Resume Genius	SmoothApply
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Free trial	Yes	Yes
Paid from	—	$2.95/mo
Open source	No	No
Platforms	Android, iOS, Web	Web
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Paid from	7.95 /mo	19.95 /mo
AI writing tools	Yes	Yes
ATS optimization	Yes	Yes
Cover-letter builder	Yes	Yes
Resume templates	25	90
Resume import	Yes	Yes

Resume Genius vs SmoothApply

Resume Genius

SmoothApply