How to Make a Resume in Microsoft Word or Google Docs
You can make a good resume in Word or Google Docs by opening a built-in resume template (or a blank document), keeping a single column, using standard section headings, and exporting as PDF. Both are free or already installed for most people, and both work well if you avoid tables and text boxes.
You don't need special software to make a resume. Here's how to do it in both programs, and what to watch out for.
How do you make a resume in Microsoft Word?
- Open Word and choose File → New.
- Search for resume. Word offers several templates.
- Pick a simple one. Avoid templates with sidebars, icons or photo frames.
- Replace the placeholder text with your own.
- Delete sections you don't need.
- Check that the final document fits one page (or two, if you have lots of experience).
- Choose File → Save As and pick PDF.
If you start from a blank document, set margins to around 0.7 to 1 inch, choose a readable font (Calibri, Arial, Garamond or Georgia work), and use bold for headings and job titles.
How do you make a resume in Google Docs?
- Go to Google Docs and open the Template gallery.
- Look in the Resumes section and pick a simple layout.
- Edit the text directly.
- Share is not what you want here. Use File → Download → PDF Document.
You can also write on a blank page. Keep the layout plain and rely on bold text and spacing for structure.
Which is better: Word or Google Docs?
| Word | Google Docs | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Paid license or limited free web version | Free with a Google account |
| Templates | Many built-in | A handful, simple |
| Offline | Yes | Limited |
| Formatting control | More precise | Simpler |
| Sharing and backup | Manual | Automatic in the cloud |
Pick whichever you already use. The resume matters more than the tool.
What formatting mistakes break resumes?
These are the common ones:
- Tables for layout. Some applicant tracking systems read tables out of order.
- Text boxes. Content inside text boxes may not be read at all.
- Information in headers and footers. Parsers often skip them, so don't put your contact details there.
- Images and icons. Phone and email icons can turn into strange characters.
- Creative section names. Use "Experience", "Education" and "Skills", not "My Journey".
- Weird fonts. If the font isn't installed on someone else's computer, it can change.
See our ATS-friendly resume guide for more.
What should you do before you send it?
- Export to PDF and open the PDF, because it sometimes looks different.
- Try selecting text in the PDF. If you can highlight it, parsers can read it.
- Name the file FirstName-LastName-Resume.pdf.
- Proofread for typos and consistent dates.
When is a resume builder better than a word processor?
If you don't want to spend time on layout, a builder takes care of it: you type, it formats. The trade-off is that many charge for the final download. Our builder works without an account, and the free version adds a watermark that a one-time payment removes. Word and Google Docs are the free route. For help picking, see how to choose a resume builder. For what to write, see how to build a resume.
FAQ
Is there a resume builder in Microsoft Word?
Word has resume templates rather than a guided builder. Search for "resume" under File → New. Some versions of Microsoft 365 also include a Resume Assistant that has been changed over time, so features may differ.
Can I make a resume in Google Docs for free?
Yes. Open the template gallery, choose a resume template, edit, and download as a PDF.
Are Word and Google Docs resumes ATS-friendly?
They can be, if you keep the layout simple and avoid tables, text boxes and information in headers.
Should I save my resume as PDF or .docx?
PDF unless the employer asks for Word. PDF preserves your layout.
Where can I find resume templates for Google Docs?
In Google Docs, open Template gallery and look under Resumes.
Free to write and preview, no account needed.
Open the resume builderMore guides
- ATS-Friendly Resume: What It Actually Means and How to Format One
- Best Resume Builder: How to Choose One (and Avoid the Paywall Trap)
- Construction Resume Keywords: What to Include and How to Use Them
- Customer Service Resume: Skills, Bullet Points and Examples
- Free Resume Builder With No Sign-Up: What "Free" Really Means
- How to Build a Resume From Scratch: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Military to Civilian Resume: How to Translate Your Service Into Plain English
- Using ChatGPT or AI to Write Your Resume (Without Sounding Fake)
- Nursing Resume Builder: What to Include and How to Write It
- How to Build a Resume From Your LinkedIn Profile
- Resume for Students and Teens With No Work Experience
- USAJOBS Resume Builder: How to Write a Federal Resume That Gets Reviewed