Nova resume template: how to use it, tips & FAQ
Nova is best for: Tech, product and marketing roles that want a contemporary look with a timeline.
Use Nova — freeAll 46 templates
Live preview with fictional sample content, drawn by the same renderer as the builder.
What the Nova layout looks like
A gradient banner header, timeline-style experience with accent dots, and skill bars in a side column.
The photo only appears if you upload one. In the builder, the Show these details? panel lets you show or hide the photo, date of birth, nationality, marital status and visa status — and that single setting applies to the preview, the PDF, the Word file and printing.
Who the Nova template suits
Think twice for: Conservative sectors and strict portals (skill bars are visual only).
Is Nova ATS-friendly?
Two columns with decorative skill bars. The skill bars are not saved in the Text PDF or .docx, which list skills as plain words.
Whatever design you choose, the builder's Application view shows the same content as a simple one-column page, and the Text PDF and .docx downloads keep selectable text in a clear reading order. No tool can guarantee how a particular employer's system reads a file, so follow the job advert's instructions. More in our ATS-friendly resume guide.
Tips for a stronger Nova resume
- Skill bars are decorative; do not treat them as a rating of your ability.
- Use two or three bullets per role so the timeline stays tidy.
- Choose a darker accent for the gradient to keep white text readable.
How to make a Nova resume in 5 steps
- Open Nova in the free builder — no account needed.
- Enter your details in the form, or import a JSON backup from another device.
- Click any text on the page to edit it in place; press Enter to finish or Esc to cancel.
- Check page flow with the page markers, then look at Application view for portals.
- Download a Text PDF, a Word .docx, a Design PDF or print.
Nova template FAQ
What do the skill bars in Nova mean?
They are a visual element with a fixed pattern, not a score. If you prefer no bars, try Capsule or Prisma.
Is Nova ATS-friendly?
Download the Text PDF or .docx for portals — both are linear and list skills as text.
Is the Nova template free?
Yes. Nova is free to edit and download as a PDF or Word (.docx) file, with no sign-up and no watermark.
Can I switch from Nova to another template without losing my content?
Yes. Your details are stored once and every template reads the same content, so switching designs never deletes anything. You can also undo a change.
Which file should I send to an online application portal?
Use the Text PDF or the Word (.docx) download. Both keep your content in a simple reading order with selectable text. Use the Design PDF when you email the resume directly to a person.