how to change resume format in word

How to Edit Resume in Word: A Step-by-Step Guide

Editing your resume in Word is a straightforward process. Simply open the document, make your changes, and save the file. If you’ve never done it before, don’t worry; we’ll walk you through the steps to ensure your resume looks polished and professional.

Step by Step Tutorial: How to Edit Resume in Word

Before diving into the nitty-gritty, let’s understand what these steps will help us achieve. By following this tutorial, you will be able to update your resume’s content, format, and design, making it more appealing to potential employers.

Step 1: Open Your Resume in Word

Start by opening Microsoft Word and the resume file you wish to edit.

When you open your resume in Word, you’ll see the content just as you left it last time. Make sure you’re in the ‘Home’ tab so you can access all the editing tools you need.

Step 2: Make Content Updates

Click on the text you want to edit and start typing to make changes.

Updating the content of your resume can include adding new job experiences, updating your skills, or correcting any typos you might have missed previously. Always double-check the information for accuracy.

Step 3: Adjust the Formatting

Use the toolbar to adjust the font size, style, and color, or to add bullet points.

Formatting is crucial on a resume. Make sure it’s consistent throughout the document. Use bullet points for lists, bold for headings, and keep the font professional and easy to read.

Step 4: Update the Layout

Move sections around by clicking and dragging, or add new sections by inserting text boxes.

A well-organized layout helps employers find the information they need quickly. Make sure the most important information, like your contact details and recent job experiences, are easy to find.

Step 5: Save Your Changes

Once you’re happy with the edits, save the document by clicking ‘File’ and then ‘Save As.’

Saving your document with a new name, like ‘Resume_Updated,’ helps keep track of the most current version. Remember to save it in a format that’s easy to send and open, like .docx or .pdf.

After completing these steps, your resume should be updated with the latest information and ready to impress any potential employers.

Tips: How to Edit Resume in Word

• Use templates: Word has built-in resume templates that can give you a head start.
• Keep it simple: Avoid overcomplicating the design. Stick to simple and professional fonts like Arial or Times New Roman.
• Proofread: Always proofread your resume before sending it out. Look for grammar mistakes and typos.
• Be consistent: Ensure the formatting is uniform throughout the document. This includes font sizes, headings, and bullet point styles.
• Use keywords: Include keywords from the job description to make your resume more appealing to recruiters and any applicant tracking systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What file format should i save my resume in.

Save your resume in a .docx or .pdf format, as these are the most commonly accepted formats by employers and are easily opened on most computers.

How can I make sure my resume looks the same on all computers?

Saving your resume as a .pdf can help maintain the formatting across different devices.

Can I add hyperlinks to my resume in Word?

Yes, you can add hyperlinks to your email address or LinkedIn profile. Just select the text, right-click, and choose ‘Hyperlink’ to add the URL.

How do I change the margins on my resume in Word?

Go to the ‘Layout’ tab and click on ‘Margins’ to select a preset margin size or click on ‘Custom Margins’ to enter specific measurements.

What is the best font size for a resume in Word?

A font size between 10 and 12 is generally the most readable. Headings can be slightly larger for emphasis.

• Open your resume in Word.
• Make content updates.
• Adjust the formatting.
• Update the layout.
• Save your changes.

Editing your resume in Word doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right approach and attention to detail, you can create a document that stands out in the job market. Remember, your resume is often the first impression a potential employer will have of you, so it’s worth taking the time to make it perfect. Whether you’re applying for your dream job or just looking to keep your professional documents up to date, following the steps outlined in this article will ensure your resume is polished and professional.

Don’t forget to utilize the powerful tools available in Word, from templates to formatting options, to enhance the readability and impact of your resume. And always, always proofread before sending it off – you never know what small typo might be lurking in your bullet points.

Ready to take the next step in your career? Your newly edited resume is your ticket to new opportunities. So go ahead, open up Word, and let’s get started on making your resume the best it can be!

Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.

His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.

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Format a resume with a template

Here’s how to download and use a template to create a sharp resume. We’ll show how you can cut and paste parts of your old resume and make the fonts and spacing look perfect.

Whether you’re online or offline go to FILE > New and search for “Resume.”

Preview and click the one you want to open.

You can start typing right away or cut and paste text into the document.

After pasting old text, it might look funny, or not formatted correctly. Select Ctrl to see Paste Options and choose one like Keep Text Only . Then the text use the font and formatting of the new resume.

Six steps to developing a great resume

Microsoft resume templates  

Look up words in the thesaurus

Most people submit resumes online these days, but there are still reasons why you need a paper resume.

A big one is at the interview. You want to come in with copies of your resume so you can hand it to the person.

So they don’t have to scramble to find the copy of theirs or look for on their computer.

So I’m going to show you a couple of different ways of formatting a resume.

First of all it’s going to be with a template.

I’m going to open up Word 2013 here, and it opens to this new gallery view that shows off templates.

If you have an earlier version of Word, you just want to go to FILE and New and you’ll be able to search for resume or search for templates.

I’m going to type in “Resume”.

If I was offline I get about a dozen or so resumes, here online I can get the full power of Office.com .

I can get a couple hundred I can look for.

Some with categories, occupations… Let me just click on this thumbnail, I can see a little bigger thumbnail, and I can click through these arrows to find one I like.

You can also see customer ratings which is Ahh..You know that way you can see what’s populate what people like.

I’m going to use this one here called the Timeless design . Open that up. And it populates with my name.

Today I’m Daryl McFarland. And it gives you some instructions of how to use the template if you need that or you can just start typing away with your new objective here for your resume.

Now with resumes, most of the time people have older resume, they may cut and paste in, they want to format it so let’s look at that for a few moments here. I’m going to open up some text that I have here.

And just cut and paste this objective.

And you want to ahh.. make sure you know each resume has to have a different objective for each company.

Don’t want to be general. You want to be specific with your resume.

So, here I have the text that I want but, of course, it looks a little different. The font size is wrong.

There is a couple of different ways to change the formatting. You can look at styles. Some people use Format Painter .

But when you cut and paste, if you don’t touch any other keys, you get this little box here at the end, with a little clipboard that says Ctrl by it.

Ctrl is the shortcut. So let me click Ctrl . And it opens up Paste options. And it gives me several options I can use.

I can use this one called Keep Text Only . And look, it shrinks down my text. Perfect. So that’s good. Let’s do it one more time.

We’re going to grab some of these old skills I have and I’ll update them as I work this new resume. Again, little too big.

Now notice this last line I have some bold text in it.

I want to keep that bold text but if I chose the option -- Keep text only , it strips out all formatting.

So hyperlinks and everything is striped out so I don’t want to use that.

I want to go over here and Merge Formatting , and there, it keeps the bold and also makes the text look proper for this template.

Templates in general especially in resumes, templates have what we call control content.

If you look up here we have boxes for street address, telephone, email.

That just gives you some structure to the template, you can delete those if you want.

Also down here in the experience area we have this.

If you don’t want it, again you can just simply right-click and remove content control and it’ll strip that away.

A lot of times people just want to update a resume with a different look.

You can do that really quickly with the DESIGN tab. Let’s go over there.

So click DESIGN and I get all this formatting options here at the top and I can just mouse over and my resume changes, it previews.

Now some of these look good. Some of them really don’t look good.

But it’s a quick way to kind of get a different look for your resumes.

Because sometimes we just want a fresh start with a new resume. You can also do that with Themes over here on the far left.

Themes are a great way to control color, font size, spacing.

I use it a lot for PowerPoint and not as much in Word, but you can set a difference to your resume and just click the one that you want. So that’s working with templates.

In our next video, we’re going to use formatting, well, we’re going to format without a template.

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How to Make a Word Resume in 2024 - 7 Easy Steps

At some point or another - meaning, before online resume builders made our lives easier - most of us have had to make a resume in Word. 

Now, making a resume in Word can be tiresome. Not being entirely optimized for the task, it can give you a hard time formatting and styling your resume to your needs - and this is just one of its disadvantages. 

That being said, the use of Word is unlikely to drop only because it’s impractical. This means that knowing how to make a resume in Word is still a good skill to have. And if you’re sitting and thinking: “well, this doesn’t make matters any easier” - we hear you. 

That’s exactly why this article is here - to teach you how to make a resume in Word, in just a few easy steps. 

• Should You Make a Resume in Word?
• How to Make a Resume in Word in 7 Easy Steps
• How to Format your Resume - 3 Pro Formatting Tips

But before we dive into the nitty-gritty details of how to make a resume in Word, let’s go through the downsides of using it to build your resume, and what other easier alternatives you might have in more detail. 

Should You Make a Resume in Word? 

Microsoft Word might once have been a top resume-building option, but that time is long gone. Although it has ready-made templates, Word in itself was never meant to be a resume builder - this reflects on the end product, which often looks old-fashioned and dull. 

Not to mention that it offers very little space for creativity. Try to make a small change in the layout and see the format crumble in front of your eyes. 

On the other hand, if you simply use the Word template without customizing it, yours might just become another resume in the crowd that won’t even pass the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) - the software most companies use to filter through countless resumes they receive daily. 

Long story short, here are MS Word’s main cons as a resume builder:

Long story short, here are MS Word’s main cons as a resume builder: 

• It can be clunky and outdated - chances are, any Word template you choose to use for your resume will look old-fashioned. Technology has changed what is expected of your resume, just as it has changed job-search over the last decade.
• It is not ATS-optimized - the software that most recruiters use not to waste time looking at the resumes? Well, most Word templates are not optimized for it. This means that you can be the fittest candidate for the job and not even get invited to an interview.
• It’s time-consuming - making changes to the layout of a Word resume template is a nightmare.

Everyone knows what happens when you move an image in Word:

It’s exactly for these reasons, as well as the added efficiency, originality, and time preservation, that online resume builders are the obvious choice for creating your resume. 

Novorésumé’s online resume builder is fast, easy to use, and perfect if you want to land that interview. You can start building your resume immediately just by clicking on the link, or you can pick one of our free resume templates , according to your needs.

Step #1: Pick a Word Resume Template 

The first step in making a resume in Word is accessing its free resume templates. How you access the templates may change depending on the Microsoft Word version you’re using, but what you ultimately need to do is the following: 

Open Word. 

Select one of the Resume templates Word suggests, or simply search for “resume” and you’ll find a bunch more.

Choose the resume template that best fits your qualifications and professional profile.

Click “Create.” 

You’re good to go: the template should appear as a Word document ready to be filled with your personal information and all other relevant sections. 

Step #2: Create a Resume Header 

From this point on, things should be pretty easy to pick up. 

Start filling up your resume from the top, which is where the resume header is located. Traditionally, the header should include the following information:

• First and last name
• Phone Number
• Location (Street Address, City, State)

You may notice the lack of optional information in this resume template, such as your professional job title , your LinkedIn URL , or social media links. 

If you feel like that info will significantly improve your resume, look for a Word template that includes them, or manually add them to the template you’ve already chosen. We’ll go over some formatting techniques to improve your resume template later on in the article. 

Step #3. Include a Resume Summary or Objective

Next, you need to describe your professional experience or professional goals (in case you lack the experience) through the resume summary or objective. 

Write a resume summary or resume objective - depending on which one best fits your resume - and try to express yourself in a way that will keep the recruiter’s attention for more than the traditional 7 seconds . 

Quick recap: a resume summary is a 2-3 sentence overview of your career and is used in 90% of the cases. A resume objective is more commonly used among those with little professional experience or those who are changing careers and describes your professional goals. 

Step #4: Create a Compelling Work Experience Section

This is where things get serious. 

The work experience section is the most important part of your resume for obvious reasons and usually plays a decisive part in the recruiters’ decisions. So just filling up the gaps in the experience section of the Word template won’t be enough. You should try to make this section as compelling as possible - following some of the tips provided below. 

But first, the basics. As with any standard format, the experience section should include the following components: 

• Job title and position
• Company name and location
• Dates of employment 
• Achievements and responsibilities 

Again, how the resume looks in Word will depend on the template that you have chosen. 

Obviously, the template lets you add as many professional entries as you wish - but that doesn’t mean you should go overboard. List your experience in reverse-chronological order, meaning: start from the latest and move back in time, based on the amount of professional experience you possess. 

There are, of course, a couple of pro tips that you should follow even as you use the Word templates to make your experience section more compelling. 

Pro Tip #1 - List achievements over responsibilities

Notice the example above.

Instead of responsibilities, we have opted to list achievements. Listing achievements over responsibilities whenever possible is one of the best ways to stand out in the eyes of recruiters. That’s because responsibilities are similar for one type of job, while achievements show exactly what you can contribute to the position . 

Pro Tip #2 - Tailor your resume to the job you are applying for.

Another good practice is tailoring your resume to the job you are applying for. This can help you go through the ATS and land your resume right on the recruiters’ tables. 

If you want to know exactly what information to include in your resume, how and when to list achievements over responsibilities, and how to tailor your resume to your job, head over to our complete guide on how to write a resume .

Step #5: Add Your Educational Background 

Things should get quite easy after you get your professional experience section out of the way.

The education section of your resume should include the following: 

• University name and location 
• Years attended
• Program name / Degree obtained 

Optionally, you can include your GPA, Minor degrees, or any special award or academic achievement. Our advice is to include them only if you are a recent graduate or entry-level professional with not much else to include in your resume, or if your education history is truly outstanding. 

Step #6: Make Sure to Include Your Skills

At this point, you can consider most of the work done! 

Now that you have reached the skills section, things get even easier. Make a bullet or numbered list of your hard and soft skills and you’re good to go. 

Hard skills are usually measured through experience levels - you can place your experience level (usually categorized into Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced or Expert ) into brackets, so you don’t take up too much space within the resume. 

Pro Tip #3 - Tailor the skills and qualifications on your resume to the job

Take a look at the essential skills required on the job ad and see if you can incorporate them into your list of skills. 

Step #7: Include Optional Resume Sections 

Congrats - you can finally stretch your legs and even allow yourself a little pat on the back. 

The additional sections are not mandatory in a resume, so if you’ve reached your resume space limit, you can just call it a day and save your resume. 

They are, however, a great way to show off additional assets such as languages, hobbies and interests, and even volunteering experience on your resume ! 

• Remember to also determine your language knowledge levels. Those are Native , Fluent , Proficient , Intermediate , and Basic.  

In the off chance that you still have some space left - considering resumes should be 1-2 pages at most and that Word templates are not as good at saving space as online resume builders - you can include the following optional sections: 

• Certifications and Awards
• Publications 

Follow the same practice as with the skills section, and you’re good to go!

How to Format Your Word Resume 

With all the essentials covered, let’s go over some formatting tips such as fonts, line spacing, and headings so that your Word resume looks as uniform and clean-cut as possible. 

Best Resume Fonts in Word 

We cannot repeat this enough - the resume font you use, matters. It matters just as much as first appearances matter and we all know they do, a lot. 

The font that you decide to use will impact your resume readability whether you like it or not, so you should use a font that will help you stand out, but not in a bad way. What’s a bad way? Comic Sans and other similarly-looking comic fonts. 

The usual Times New Roman, point-12, formula, on the other hand, will just blend you with the crowd. 

Instead, consider using one of the following recruiter-friendly fonts which will complement your resume both on-screen and in printed form, according to Business News Daily :  

• Book Antiqua
• Trebuchet MS

Optimal Line Spacing for a Word Resume  

The good thing about the Word resume template is that it usually has fonts and line spacing covered for you, yet it’s still good to know that the best line spacing for resumes is 1 or 1.15 between text and double lines after headings.

Feel free, however, to play around with line spacing when it comes to adjusting your resume layout.

Headings in a Word Resume

Again, Word templates do a good job of making the headings stand out. As a rule of thumb - and as is noticeable in the above examples - headings should be bigger than the rest of the text. So, if you’re using a 12 pt text, consider adjusting the headings between 14-16 pt. 

You can also underline or bold each resume section heading, or even use a different font, but as we always advise: don’t go overboard and try to maintain the style of the Word resume template that you have chosen.

And by now, you should have a complete resume in Word that looks like this:

Key Takeaways 

Well, here you have it - your nicely tailored resume in Word, ready to land you that job interview. 

Although not the easiest task, we are convinced this article has given you all the necessary information on how to make a resume in Word and the confidence to do so easily. 

Here’s what’s good to remember: 

• Order your resume sections properly, usually in reverse-chronological order. 
• Make sure that your section headings stand out from the rest of the text, by usually using a larger font size.
• Check if your chosen font, line spacing, and margins are aligned, readable, and professional-looking. 
• Opt for an online resume builder such as the one Novorésumé provides for a more modern, time-saving, and HR-friendly resume. 

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How to Create a Resume in Microsoft Word (Step-by-Step Guide)

If this is your first time creating a resume in Microsoft Word, the process may seem overwhelming. Luckily, this article is here to help! In this step-by-step guide, we will cover how to create an effective resume from start to finish using Microsoft Word.

How Do I Make a Resume in Microsoft Word?

There are two primary methods for making a resume in Microsoft Word:

• ‍ From Scratch: This gives you the ultimate creative control. However, it also requires you to familiarize yourself with all of Microsoft Word’s tools and layout options. Building a resume from scratch can be more time-consuming but also more customizable.
• ‍ From a Template: Microsoft Word offers several pre-made resume templates. By using these, all the formatting and layout creation is handled for you. You simply have to fill in your own information.

To use a template, go to File > New and then select a template from the Resume and Cover Letter section.

How Should I Format My Resume in Microsoft Word?

The format you choose will depend on your experience level!

There are 3 basic resume formats to choose between:

• ‍ Reverse-Chronological: Details your most recent job and works backwards from there. This format focuses heavily on work experience. ‍
• Functional: Focuses on skills and education rather than work experience. This is a good option for recent graduates or applicants with minimal work experience. ‍
• Hybrid/Combination: Combines elements of both the Reverse-Chronological and the Functional. This is a good option for applicants with gaps in their employment history.

Choosing the best format for your needs is key. For more help on this subject, check out our guide on How to Choose the Correct Resume Format in 2024 !

Beautiful resume templates to land your dream job

Make a Resume in Microsoft Word in 7 Easy Steps

First, let’s make sure you can navigate the Microsoft Word ribbon!

The ribbon is the toolbar found at the top of the screen.

It should look something like this:

The main parts of the ribbon you should familiarize yourself with on the Home tab are Font , Paragraph , and Styles .

These are how you will edit the appearance of your text and headers.

You should also familiarize yourself with the Layout tab .

This tab is where you will adjust your margins and add columns!

Once you have taken your time to figure out where all of your tools are, it’s time to begin building your resume!

Important Note: These steps detail how to create a resume in Microsoft Word from scratch. By using one of the program’s pre-made templates, you can bypass many of these steps and simply fill in the pre-made format.

Step 1: Create Your Layout

Let’s begin by visiting the Layout tab .

Here, you can set your margin size and decide if you want to use columns.

Here is a breakdown of these two elements:

‍ We recommend using 1-inch margins on all sides.

This will give you enough white space to keep your resume looking neat without sacrificing too much space.

It will also ensure your formatting looks good on printed versions of your resume. ‍

Columns and Sidebars:

‍ From the columns tab, you will find five options:

• The One , Two , and Three options are how you will create separate columns.
• The Left and Right options are how you will create sidebars! Sidebars are useful because they leave more room for the main text and sections.

From the Home tab , you can edit the following elements of your layout:

‍ Alignment:

‍ Choose between left, center, or right alignment.

We recommend using the left alignment.

Whichever you choose, it is a good idea to keep your alignment consistent across the board. ‍

Line Spacing:

‍ We recommend using 1.15 – 1.5 line spacing for the body text.

For section titles and headers, use 1.5 – 2.0 spacing to help them stand out from the rest of the text. ‍

‍ Use a simple and highly legible font. Try to use only 1-2 fonts throughout your resume.

We recommend the following seven fonts:

• Times New Roman

Step 2: Make Your Title Header

Your title header should contain the following information:

• Your Job Title
• Contact Information
• Professional Social Media Links

Use an H1 header to write your name at the very top.

Use the Normal style to write the rest of your information (see “How Do I Add Different Sections of the Resume on Microsoft Word” below for more information on header styles).

It should come out looking similar to this:

Copywriter Email: [email protected] Phone: (123) 456-7890 Website: Janesmith.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janesmith

Check out some of our free resume examples to see alternative ways of formatting your title header!

Step 3: Write an Objective or Summary

Following your title header will be your resume objective or summary.

This will be a short statement between 1-5 sentences detailing your desired job title, experience, and career goals.

You will want to write this statement in the Normal style .

However, you may want to use a slightly larger font than the rest of the text in other sections.

This will help your objective or summary statement to stand out.

Here is an example of how this might look with the title header example from before:

Resume Objective: I am a copywriter with over 5 years of experience. working with corporate clients. I am seeking the position of Head Copywriter at your company, bringing with me over 10 major corporate clients.

Step 4: Create Your Base Format

By creating a base format, you can save the document as a separate file to return to and fill in again and again.

This will help you to tailor your resume to fit specific jobs!

The idea of the base format is to provide outlined sections with the correct spacing and number of bullet points.

You are essentially creating a skeleton for your resume that you can edit and adjust over time.

By doing so, you ensure you have already allocated the proper amount of space on the resume for each section.

For example, this is what your base Work Experience section may look like:

Work Experience

Job Title 1 , Company Name Date – Date · Descriptive Sentence · Descriptive Sentence · Descriptive Sentence Job Title 2 , Company Name Date – Date · Descriptive Sentence · Descriptive Sentence · Descriptive Sentence ‍ Job Title 3 , Company Name Date – Date · Descriptive Sentence · Descriptive Sentence · Descriptive Sentence

As you gain more work experience, you can return to this base format and make changes as need be.

Because you have already outlined the section, you won’t have to worry about reformatting the entire resume to make a few simple changes.

Step 5: Determine Your Section Organization

Once you have built the base format of your resume, it’s time to determine if your sections are in the optimal location.

For instance, if you are creating a Reverse-Chronological style resume you will want your Work Experience section to come first.

Comparatively, if you are creating a Functional style resume you may want your Skills or Education section to come first.

The order and organization of your sections will impact the impression your resume makes on hiring managers.

Step 6: Fill in the Information

Now that you have created the base format of your resume and chosen the optimal organization, it’s time to fill in your information!

When filling in your information, be mindful of the following 3 factors:

• ‍ Be Concise: Always use simple sentences that clearly describe your strengths and accomplishments. Avoid complex sentences or overly complicated vocabulary and jargon. ‍
• Use Bullet-Points: In each section, use bullet points to separate each thought or idea. This will make your resume more visually appealing and easier to read. ‍
• Choose Compelling Language: Try to avoid repeating the same words or phrases over and over. Mix it up, use keywords, and find the best action verbs to make your resume sound even better!

Not sure how to make your language more compelling on your resume? Take a look at our list of 350+ Action Verbs to Make Your Resume More Effective in 2024 .

Step 7: Double-Check Your Sections

Once you have completed steps 1-6, look back over your resume and make sure you have included all of the key sections.

You should also take some time to consider what additional sections you could include.

Here are the key sections every resume should have:

• A title header with your name and contact information
• An objective or summary statement
• Work experience

As we have covered, the order of these sections will vary depending on the format you have chosen.

However, each of these sections should always be included in your resume.

There are also some additional sections to consider adding.

Here is a quick list of extra sections that can add some extra flair to your resume:

• Awards and achievements
• Certifications
• Unpaid experiences, such as volunteer work or internships
• Relevant hobbies

How Do I Add Different Sections to a Resume on Microsoft Word?

The way to create different sections on your resume comes in two parts:

• Use an H2 header to create the section titles (Work Experience, Education, Skills, etc.)
• Use the Normal style to create the body of text below the H2 header

Here is a breakdown of how to use the H1, H2, H3, and Normal styles within your resume:

Select the Styles window from the Home tab .

From here, you will have options to create headers.

Your heading options are as follows:

• ‍ Heading 1: Use this heading as your largest title. This is what you will use to write your name at the top of the page. Use a bolded font between 16 to 20 pt in size. Use 1.5 to 2.0 line spacing to help the title heading stand out. ‍
• Heading 2: Use this heading to create your section titles. Use a bolded font size between 14 to 16 pt. in size. Make sure these headings are smaller than your title heading. Use 1.5 to 2.0 line spacing to help these headings stand out from the rest of the text. ‍
• Heading 3: Use this heading to create your job titles. Your job titles should be only slightly bigger than the rest of the text. Use a bolded font between 12 to 14 pt. in size. Use between 1.15 to 1.5 line spacing. ‍
• Normal: Use the Normal style to create the body text underneath the heading. Use a regular font between 11 – 12 pt. in size. Use between 1.15 to 1.5 line spacing.

What are the Pros and Cons of Using Microsoft Word to Craft Your Resume?

Microsoft Word is a handy tool to have, especially if your computer comes with the program pre-installed.

Here are 3 pros and 3 cons to using Microsoft Word to create your resume:

• ‍ Total Creative Control: When creating a resume on Microsoft Word directly from your computer, you have total control over the design and format. ‍
• More ATS Friendly: Applicant Tracking Systems are designed to read .doc files, the file format used by Microsoft Word. ‍
• Can be Edited by Recruiters: If you are using a recruitment agency, a Microsoft Word file can be easy to edit by recruiters before sending it off to employers.
• ‍ The Microsoft Word Learning Curve: If you are unfamiliar with Microsoft Word, there can be a pretty steep learning curve that can cause you frustration. ‍
• Time Consuming: Building a resume from scratch can be highly beneficial, but also highly time-consuming. This can become problematic if you need to create a resume quickly. ‍
• Temperamental Templates: Microsoft Word offers tons of free resume templates. On the surface, this is super useful. However, these templates can be tricky to use. One wrong move can mess up the formatting in a big way and be an even bigger headache to try and fix.

Why Should I Use an Online Resume Template or Resume Builder?

By using a resume template from an online provider, such as Easy Resume, you are more likely to find a template that fits your exact needs.

Plus, online resume templates and resume builders often have more design elements that are easier to use compared to Microsoft Word.

Are you interested in using our online templates or resume builder? Check out our beautifully designed resume templates to build your optimal resume!

Final Takeaways

Microsoft Word offers a lot of capabilities to help you build your ideal resume.

Here are five key takeaways for creating a resume on the program:

• Create a base skeleton for your resume that you can use again and again for different jobs.
• Use different heading styles to help your resume title and section titles to stand out.
• Use the column tool under the Layout tab to create sidebars. Sidebars are great for smaller sections, such as certifications or awards!
• Always use concise and compelling language.
• Consider using a template to build your resume faster.

At Easy Resume, we have designed our resume templates and online resume builder to fit your needs. No matter your level of experience or skill at making resumes, we have the tools to help.

Don’t forget to check out our expansive collection of FREE resume guides and examples while you’re here!

Browse more resume templates that fit your role

Ed is a co-founder of Easy Resume. His background in scaling teams at tech startups over the last decade has given him extensive experience and knowledge around how to hire top talent and build successful teams. He enjoys mentoring, coaching, and helping others reach their career goals. When he's not writing about career-related advice, he's playing with his dog, Lilo, or going on long hikes in upstate New York.

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How To Format Your Resume in Word in 2024

Font Settings

Paragraph settings, layout settings, frequently asked questions about formatting your resume in word.

In the guide below, we’ll walk you through the key settings you’ll need to familiarize yourself with to create a professional-looking resume in Microsoft Word. There’s no need to turn in something that looks like it was pecked out on a typewriter. Putting a little time and effort into formatting your resume can make the difference between a hiring manager passing you by or catching their eye.

The following suggestions are meant to be a jumping-off point and are based on general best practices for crafting a resume. You can tweak these default settings based on your preferences or industry standards.

Home: Font 

While 11-point font is typically the gold standard size these days, certain things should be bigger to highlight important points (your name) or as a way to organize your resume’s sections.

Set your name to 17, section headings to 14, and all other text to 11.

Don’t use more than two fonts on your resume (one for your name and section headings, and one for everything else). For most traditional industries, stick with traditional resume fonts like Calibri or Cambria.

For a simple resume format, stick with black text throughout. If you’d like to introduce color, see the tip on shading below.

Bold, italic, underline

Use bold for all titles (e.g., your name, job titles, and college degrees) and italic for all organizations (e.g., past employers and schools).

But keep in mind bolded text stands out more than italicized text. So you may want to reverse this setting if your past job titles are now less important than your employer names.

Generally, avoid underlining text on your resume, except hyperlinks .

CAPS and Small Caps

Home: Font: dialog box launcher (arrow in the bottom-right corner): Effects

Use all caps or small caps for your section headings to help set them off from the other information. (You can also use caps to set off job titles and organizations.) But note that caps make the text slightly harder to read, so don’t use them if your section headings are long or uncommon (e.g., Presentations and Publications, not PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS).

Line spacing

Home: Paragraph

Keep your entire document at Word’s default paragraph spacing of 1.15.

Text alignment

In general, set the entire document to “Align Left.” This is the standard alignment most people are used to, and anything else can feel jarring. However, as a final formatting step, consider setting your name, contact info, section headings, and text of shorter sections to “Center” for a more balanced look.

Bullet points

Use bullet points to set off all the achievements in your Experience section. Also, consider bulleting your job duties and profile summary.

Use either the standard circle symbol or a simple alternative such as squares, diamonds, arrows, or check marks.

Add light gray shading behind your name, contact info, and section headings. You can also use color, but make it a light tint to not obscure the text. Also, consider shading for any atypical text on your resume, such as client testimonials or special awards.

Add a slim border below each section heading and a slightly thicker border below your contact info.

Point spacing

Layout: Paragraph

Before you set your resume’s point spacing, it’s a good idea to delete all “empty” paragraphs. Click the Show/Hide button (Home: Paragraph) to make all paragraph marks visible on your document (they look like a backward P ). Then delete all paragraph marks that have no accompanying text, i.e., those that are flush against your left margin.

Once you’ve deleted all empty paragraphs, set “After” spacing to zero points for the entire document.

Set “Before” to:

• 14 points for all section headings
• 5 points for all bulleted information
• 11 points for all other information

Page margins

Layout: Page Setup: Margins: Custom Margins…

Page margins are the white space on every side of the page. While you can adjust the margins later if you feel you need more or less white space, set the margins to 0.7” on all four sides by default.

Layout: Page Setup

Keep your entire document as one column. When a resume section comprises many short items or phrases (e.g., the key skills section), you can use the pipe symbol or tab stops to consolidate them and avoid having too much white space.

What can I do about extra blank space? -

After formatting your resume text, you may have a mostly blank second or third page. Extra space may also be created when the last word of a paragraph or bullet point appears on its own line. Remember, the above recommendations are just a starting point. Feel free to tweak them to solve these or other spacing issues that arise. 

If your document text runs onto an extra page, make your page margins smaller (but don’t go below 0.5” on all sides). Then reduce the font size or point spacing slightly. Also, delete the document’s headers and footers , or shift their position since they can interfere with whatever page margins you’ve set. 

If the last word of a paragraph or bullet appears on its own line, play around with Word’s hyphenation and character spacing options. These settings can help you condense the text slightly so that the extra line disappears. 

Only delete resume text as a last resort. 

What Word settings can I ignore? -

For the purposes of a standard resume, you can safely ignore many of Word’s more advanced settings and features, such as:

• Content controls 
• Illustrations 
• Section breaks 
• Tables 
• Text boxes 
• Text effects 
• Themes 

Features like these are generally meant for longer Word documents with more sophisticated formatting demands. Leaving them off your resume makes it much simpler and easier to update with new information later. 

What about applicant tracking systems? -

The above recommendations will help your resume perform better on applicant tracking systems ( ATS) platforms . Generally, a simple and consistent resume format is likelier to pass ATS and reach a hiring manager's desk. 

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Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, ACRW)

Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

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How to create a professional résumé in microsoft word.

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Microsoft Office vs. Google Docs, Sheets, Slides: Which Is Best?

7 tips for fixing unusual word document printing, i finally bought a linux laptop, here's what i chose and why, quick links, what is a résumé, using a microsoft word résumé template, crafting a custom résumé in microsoft word, deciding what information to include, organizing that information.

Pressing the send button when sending your résumé to a potential employer can be a nerve-racking experience. We're here to show you how to create a résumé using Microsoft Word and provide a few tips on getting you through the résumé screening process so you can press that send button with confidence.

A résumé, often referred to as a CV (curriculum vitae), is a summary of a person's background and experience, including work experience, education, and even volunteer work, and its most common use is to send to potential employers when searching for a new career opportunity. In fact, though taking on a much different form than that of what you'd expect a résumé to look like today, Leonardo Da Vinci even did this himself, and he is often given credit as the first person to create a resume.

Of course, the résumé has undergone quite the transformation since Da Vinci's 1482 version, drastically so during the age of word processors and digital typesetting in the 1970's---40 years after résumés became an institution. Fast-forward to today and not only do you have your standard .doc or .pdf résumé, but you'll also see people uploading video résumés on YouTube and using social media platforms like LinkedIn to sell themselves to companies.

We should be thankful for these developments because now we can skip the quill and ink and jump straight into Microsoft Word.

Microsoft Word offers a bunch of résumé templates. Some are beautiful; some are not. We'll let you decide which style fits you best, but here's where you can find them.

Go ahead and open Word. As soon as you do, you'll be greeted with several different templates to choose from, ranging from a simple blank document, cover letters, résumés, or even seasonal event flyers. Click the "Resumes and Cover Letters" link under the search box to see only those types of templates.

Now, you'll see all the different resume styles Word has to offer. There are a lot of different styles and color schemes to choose one, so pick what feels right. If you scroll down the list a bit, you'll also see some plainer resume templates designed for different purposes---like an entry-level, chronological, or extended CV style.

Some of the templates are already built into Word; others are a quick, free download from Office.com (and you won't even have to leave Word to grab them). When you click to create a resume, Word will let you know the download size (if it needs to download the template). Click the "Create" button and a few seconds later, you'll be in your document and ready to edit.

That's all there is to it! But what if you didn't find a résumé you liked? Luckily, Word has a few formatting tools to help you craft the perfect résumé.

Before we start, it's important to know that each résumé should reflect a person's personal experience and education. Since everyone's experience is different, it's no surprise that their résumés will be too.

That being said, there are some general aesthetic guidelines for making a résumé that we highly recommend you follow for a professional-looking document .

Go ahead and open up a clean, blank document in Word.

The first thing we'll want to do is set our margins. Go to the "Layout" tab and click the "Margins" buttons.

The drop-down menu displays several different margin options from which to choose. If you can't find the one you're looking for, you can click "Custom Margins" at the bottom and enter your specifications. Let's go ahead and do that.

According to the experts, the best margin size is 1" for the top and bottom and 0.63" for the sides. This may seem like an oddly specific number, but the objective is to get as much (relevant) information about yourself as possible on a page without overwhelming the reader. With the above credentials, we leave enough white space on the page for the reader to not feel suffocated.

Click "OK" once you've entered the margin sizes you want.

Now that our margins are set, it's time to start inputting information.

The information you put mainly depends on what you're trying to accomplish and where you are in your professional career. If you have over two years of working experience, then detailing that information is much more valuable than which high school you graduated from or which clubs you were a part of in college. Like a cover letter, your résumé should uniquely cater to the recipient. Dress to impress.

So, which information should you put? We'll give you the overview, and you can decide which areas you should detail.

• Contact Information
• Professional Experience (It's also ok to include any volunteer work at the bottom of this section)
• Additional Skills

For all of these, tailor the information to the job. You don't need to fit irrelevant work experience in there unless not including it would create a gap in your work experience. But if you're applying for a job as an accountant, nobody cares that you delivered pizzas 12 years ago. And you do list out any additional skills, make sure they're relevant to the position for which you're applying. Your high school friend might be impressed by how high you can kick, but your future employer---not so much.

Another thing to remember is that you should always list out your experience in reverse chronological order. That is, list out your most recent experience first, and go back from there.

There're several ways to do this, but arguably the most effective way is by creating headings and then inserting a table for the content of each section. By doing so, you're not only able to move content around in groups instead of individually, which can be a headache in itself, but you're also able to give your résumé a unique touch by adding table designs. In the image below, for example, we've added a dashed border to the left side of the table to create a nice little visual element to tie the different experience elements together.

First things first, let's go ahead and find a heading that we like. In the "Styles" section of the "Home" tab, you'll find several default styles. If you can't find one you like, then Word has a feature that lets you create your own. First, click the "More" arrow on the right-hand side of the different built-in styles.

You'll see a menu with three different options. Go ahead and click "Create a Style."

The "Create New Style from Formatting" window will appear. The only thing you can do here is to name the style, so click "Modify."

Now you should see a window with many formatting options. For fonts, there's no best option. Just make sure you use something that's clean and readable. "Georgia" is a great example. A 14 pt font size is fine for headings, but make sure it's bold so that each section is easier to find for the reader.

The "Add to the Styles gallery" option will automatically be selected. It's good to leave this option selected so you'll have easy access to your heading for the other sections of your résumé. If you plan to use this heading again in future documents, you can go ahead and deselect "Only in this document," but since we only plan to use it for our résumé, we'll keep that option selected.

Click "OK."

Go ahead and type in your first heading and apply the new style to it. In this example, we'll use "Experience" first.

Now, let's use a table under our first heading so that we can keep all our content lined up correctly. Place your insertion point on the line under your new heading, switch to the "Insert" tab, and click the "Table" button.

You'll see a 10x8 grid on the drop-down menu. You can create the table size by moving your mouse over the grid and clicking when it's the size you want. For your résumé, you'll need one column and enough rows to contain the separate pieces of information you have to list. For example, if you have three prior jobs to list in the Experience section, you'll want a table that's 1x3.

And here's what it looks like after we've inserted the table into the document.

We'll remove the border lines later. First, go ahead and put in your information. You'll want the "Job Title, Company" text to be 1 or 2 pts larger than the rest of the text but be sure to keep it smaller than the heading of the section. If you want your job title to stand out, you can change the color or make it italic, but try to keep it simple.

Once that's ready, let's go ahead change the borders of our table. Select the table by placing your insertion point anywhere inside it. Switch to the "Design" tab in the "Table Tools" section of the Ribbon, and then click the "Borders" button.

If you want to keep it simple and remove all the lines of your table, select "No Border." In this example, we're going to give our table a little flavor, so we'll select "Borders and Shading."

Because we only want to customize the left border of our table, we will select "Custom" under the "Setting" section. This lets us use the "Preview" section to deselect the sides on which we don't want borders. Click the boxes surrounding the preview to turn off all the borders except for the left one.

In the "Style" list, you can select the border design, color, and width you want. Click "OK" when you're ready.

Now we should have an experience section on our résumé that's starting to shape up. A little playing with colors and maybe spacing the table rows a bit, and you should be ready to go.

Now, just repeat these steps for the rest of the sections and your professional résumé will be finished in no time!

Image Credit: fizkes /Shutterstock

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How to Create a Resume in Microsoft Word

Last Updated: September 25, 2023 Approved

This article was co-authored by Alyson Garrido, PCC . Alyson Garrido is an International Coach Federation accredited Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Facilitator, and Speaker. Using a strengths-based approach, she supports her clients with job search and career advancement. Alyson provides coaching for career direction, interview preparation, salary negotiation, and performance reviews as well as customized communication and leadership strategies. She is a Founding Partner of the Systemic Coach Academy of New Zealand. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 1,638,817 times.

Resumes detail a person’s work experience, education, skills and achievements. A good resume that is clear, concise and easy to read is essential when looking for a job. Resumes should be word processed and should be neat and tidy. Microsoft Word offers you the option of creating your resume through templates, but you can also create your resume from scratch using Word's formatting features.

Sample Resumes

Creating a Resume from a Template (Word 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013)

• In Word 2007 you will have to click on “installed templates.”
• In Word 2010 it will be “sample templates.”
• In Word 2011 it will be “new from template.” [1] X Research source
• In Word 2013 the templates will be displayed when you click on “New.”

• In Word 2013, after clicking on “New” you will see a number of templates and a search bar which says “search for online templates.”
• After searching you will see a number of different resume templates to try out.

• Here you will be able to look through a number of templates for resumes and cover letters that you can download for free and edit in Word.
• You may have to sign in with your Microsoft online account to use these templates. [2] X Research source

• Be sure to look carefully at the detail of your resume and proofread it thoroughly.
• All of the versions of Word from 2003 to 2013 all come with some pre-installed templates for resumes.

• Click on the “Other Documents” tab, and then select “Resume Wizard.”
• Follow the wizard's instructions. The wizard will walk you through the resume creation process step-by-step
• If you do not see this option, it was not installed when you installed Word, and you will need to run the installation program again to install it.

Creating a Resume Without a Template

• Education and qualifications.
• Work and volunteer experience.
• Skills and qualities.
• It should also include your full contact details and state that references are available upon request.

• Most chronological resumes only cover the last 5 to 10 years of your employment history.
• You may wish to include positions earlier than this if they are appropriate to the job you're seeking.
• This is the format most American employers prefer to see resumes in.

• A combination resume might list your key skills at the top before providing a short account of your experiences.
• This type of resume can be helpful for those entering the job market with little work experience, or for those trying to change careers. [6] X Research source

• The CV is commonly used when applying for positions in Europe, and also when applying for positions at colleges and universities worldwide.
• CVs can be thought of as living documents that records all your work and achievements, which will generally grow and develop over time more than a resume. [7] X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing Center UNC's on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source

Writing Your Resume

• If your resume extends beyond one page, ensure that your name is in a header on every page.
• Your email address should appropriate for a job application. Use your own name or initials if possible.
• Don’t use something jokey such as "sly-dude," "foxymama," or "smokinhot."

• For example, you might write that your objective is “To contribute to the design of new word processing software.”
• Alternatively it may state the position you hope to attain, such as “A position as in healthcare policy and research.”
• Objectives have become less common, and you may prefer to provide this information in your covering letter . [8] X Research source

• You can include a bullet point or two to provide a little further information on your specialism, if it is appropriate for the position you are applying for.
• If you achieved any honours or awards as part of your studying or training include these here.

• Use bullet points to make sure it is clear and easy to read or scan through for key words relating to the position you are applying.
• You can include volunteer positions if they relate to the job you're seeking or if you have little paid experience. [9] X Research source

• You can title this section as “Other Relevant Skills”, or just “Skills.”
• This could include proficiency in foreign languages, knowledge of particular computer software and programmes, and any other specific skills not previously mentioned. [10] X Research source
• Take care to avoid repeating yourself. You don’t need to say you have “excellent communication skills” more than once.

• Allow reasonable margins around the edges of the page. Word's default settings are usually sufficient for this.
• Left-align your section headings. You can use single-spacing after a heading and before the section content, and double-spacing before a heading.
• Get your resume down to one page if at all possible. You can try adjusting your line spacing in the Paragraph dialog box, but don’t lose your neat formatting trying to get it down to one page.
• Rethink your words and try to express yourself more concisely.

Expert Q&A

• Don't wait until you're looking for work to update your resume. Any time you have a promotion or significant accomplishment, add the new information to your resume. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 1
• Always tailor your resume to the type of position you're seeking. You may have to add, rearrange, or delete accomplishments or entire sections according to what the position requires. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 2

• The appearance and format of your resume is a reflection of your competence; be sure it represents you at your best. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 1
• Be sure that all the statements in your resume are both factually and grammatically correct and that all words are spelled correctly. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://kb.iu.edu/d/agst
• ↑ https://templates.office.com/en-us/Resumes-and-Cover-Letters
• ↑ http://cla.umn.edu/student-services-advising/career-internship-services/job-search-resources/resume-guide/formatting-0
• ↑ http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/curricula-vitae-cvs-versus-resumes/
• ↑ http://www.career.cornell.edu/story/resumes/parts.cfm

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1. Open Word and click File . 2. Click New . 3. Click a resume template. 4. Type your own data into each field. 5. Save your resume as a new file. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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40 Free Resume Templates for Microsoft Word (& How to Make Your Own)

Published: April 17, 2024

No matter what industry you work in (or your experience level in that industry), a plain, black-and-white resume written in Times New Roman font just doesn't quite cut it anymore.

But just because resumes have gotten more creative doesn't mean you need special design software to make your application stand out — some of the best Word resume templates allow you to develop your personal brand while also communicating your experience and career goals. 

Read on to find the perfect template for your next resume, then learn how to write and create your own resume in Microsoft Word.

Download 12 free, editable resume templates.

Free Resume Template Downloads for Word

1. monogram header resume template.

File Type: .docx

Download this template here .

We'll start with a simple one. This is a HubSpot exclusive resume template that is simple and clean with attractive monogrammed headers to call out each section of the resume. The rest of the design relies on a simple serif font for easy reading, which is a good thing considering that hiring managers only take 7.4 seconds to evaluate a resume. You want your experience section to be easily scannable.

Recommended For: Freelancers

This resume template is best for freelancers. The project section is great for showcasing the skills that would be most applicable for the industry the applicant wants to enter.

12 Free Customizable Resume Templates

Fill out this form to access your free professionally-designed templates, available on:

• Microsoft Word
• Google Docs
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Download Free

All fields are required.

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

2. Maroon Sidebar Resume Template

Pulling your more text-heavy information off to the side in an attractive color-blocked sidebar, this resume lets your experience stand for itself in white space at the top. It's also easily customizable with no difficult-to-manipulate tables or formatting. The sidebars are in movable text boxes that can even be removed if you wish.

Recommended For: College Graduates

This template is best for young professionals starting their careers. This adjustable resume template can give you full customization options for your first resume.

3. Centered Bar Resume Template

This resume takes on a different look than most resumes, centered around a single bar. This makes the resume more visually striking, which could draw attention as hiring managers are evaluating candidates. It also puts emphasis on the objective with your chronological experience supporting it underneath. All of this is in an attractive serif font that is elegant and classy.

This template is great for college graduates to show their most recent accomplishments. The "Objective" section will help you showcase where you are trying to go in your career.

4. Modern Initials Resume

Download this template here

The modern initial resume template organizes your experience, education, and skills in a simple, easy-to-digest layout. You can download it as a .docx file. 

Recommended For: Early-state professionals

I like this resume template for early-stage professionals (3-5 years of experience) because it lets you call attention to the key aspects of your experience and briefly summarize the skills that make you a qualified candidate. 

5. Bold Serif Resume Template

Speaking of serif fonts — this resume puts forward an element of grace and formality with its font choices. It's perfect for individuals who are looking for more organic colors than the ones more typically found in resumes, and the colors are also easily changed in Microsoft Word's theme settings. It also includes a skill-level bar, adding a nice visual touch to the template.

Recommended For: College Students

This template is great for college students to demonstrate their internship experience. The volunteering section gives a rounded viewpoint of your accomplishments if you are just leaving college.

6. Strategist Resume Template

High-level strategy demands a range of skill sets — project management, media, planning, and more. So, strategist resumes need space to hold a lot of information without overwhelming the reader.

This design is clean and pleasing to the eye. It's easy to scan and customize based on your specific experience.

Recommended For: Project Managers

The "Areas of Expertise" section stands out on this template. This gives you a chance to draw a clear connection between your professional experience and what you're capable of.

7. Modern Chronological Resume Template

This resume template is available from Microsoft itself, and it's one of many free templates the company has prepared for those who depend on Microsoft Office tools to create content. Yes, it’s written in Times New Roman — don't freak out.

Designs like this can borrow an old-school typeface and still impress recruiters with a clean layout and subtle use of color. You can also change the font if you wish (and the same goes for every template in our list).

Recommended For: Developers

The "Skills" section is perfect for candidates in the tech industry. A candidate can showcase the languages they are fluent in and show a variety of accomplishments, successfully demonstrating their capabilities as they move into a new industry.

8. Digital Marketing Resume Template

The digital marketing resume below comes from our own collection of resume templates, all of which open directly in MS Word.

Coming with two pages total, this sheet holds a wealth of information and offers the perfect amount of style while maintaining professionalism. Mid-level marketers all the way up to CMOs can find this template valuable.

Recommended For: Mid-Level Marketers

In this resume template, mid-level marketers can effectively showcase a variety of their skills, as well as their portfolio and other media pieces.

9. Black and White Resume Template

The Black and White resume template below suits professionals who prefer using color and shading to add structure to their resume.

The black banner at the top contrasts the applicant's name nicely to help make him/her more memorable to recruiters. The gray banner just below the header is perfect for a summary or career objective — it makes one's goals known but doesn't overpower the experience listed below it.

Recommended For: Graphic Designers

If you're a graphic designer, this is the resume to showcase your art. This template has a monochromatic color scheme, but if you are a designer, you can easily take it to the next level.

10. Modern Design Resume Template

This simple but effective resume template covers everything you want to share in your applications. The basic color choice also helps you stand out. 

Recommended for: College students or interns 

This template lets you outline your objective, skills, and abilities, making it an excellent option for interns and college students who might still need to gain significant working experience but have a skillset they want to call attention to. 

11. Simple Chronological Resume

This no-frills, chronological resume template places section headers on one side and relevant information on the other, giving you ample space to highlight your experience and expertise. 

Recommended for: Working professionals

If references are relevant to the job you’re applying for, you can keep the section in. Otherwise, you can remove it and use the extra space to add more information about your experience. 

12. Urban Development Resume Template

The illustration on the top-left of this template shows who the designers at Hloom had in mind for this resume: civil engineers. But because it's a Word document, that graphic is easy to edit and replace with an image that represents your line of work. Are you an analytics buff? Design a clever bar or line graph icon and place it next to your name in blue (or whatever color you'd like!).

Recommended for: Civil Engineers

If you're a civil engineer who wants to display your accomplishments, this is the template to use. There's a section that lets you list all of your achievements and notable opportunities that made you grow as a civil engineer.

13. Mandy Resume Template

Download this template here . 

This resume template stands out because of its simplicity. Sections are clearly laid out and scannable, and the subtle color choice adds a unique flair. 

Recommended for: Industry professionals

I like this resume template for anyone in a unique industry because you’ll be able to summarize your experience right off the bat, making it easy to display your qualifications.

14. Email Marketing Resume Template

Red color never fails to stick out on a sheet of paper, especially if it's included in small amounts. This resume template for email marketers captures that balance.

In addition to the professional title in the top right-hand corner, this template also stands out with a thin sans-serif font, helping make a lot of text easier for a recruiter to digest and read through.

Recommended for: Email Marketers

If you are an email marketer who wants to highlight successes in your previous campaigns without boring the viewer with the details, this resume template is perfect for displaying bite-sized information.

15. Teaching Resume Template

File type: .docx

This simple resume template lets educators outline their goals as instructors, key teaching skills, and highlight the important experience that makes you the best fit for the role. 

Recommended For: Teachers or educators

I like this template for teachers or educators because the additional sections for communication and leadership summaries let you expand on how you demonstrate the key expected qualities of any effective instructor.

16. Info Pop Resume Template

This one, also from Hloom, gives you exactly what the name suggests: ample space for the info you need, with headers that pop just enough to get your employer's attention.

Although the template fits a ton of text, its soft color palate prevents the document from seeming overwhelming.

Recommended For: Experienced Professionals

This resume gives a lot of information all at once, which is perfect for professionals with more than eight years of experience. The layout makes it easily scannable and easy for a recruiter to read.

17. Strong Resume Template

This resume template features bold sections of color that fill the page. This format is perfect for interns who don't have a lot of professional experience yet. It's also useful for roles where a portfolio or other resource is a priority for hiring managers.

Recommended For: Interns

Make the depth of your interest, knowledge, and creativity more important than how long you've been working with this template. Sections for education, learning more, and describing yourself and your brand make it easy to share what you're about.

18. Dark Resume Template

Ironically, a dark background could be just the thing to ensure your resume doesn't fall into the black hole of resumes piled on the hiring manager's desk.

Using soft, yellow font, the resume template below inverts the usual color scheme of a resume without trying too hard to be creative.

Recommended For: C-Suite Executives

If you have years of experience in an executive position, this design has a bold and unique design that will separate you from the pack. What's more, it has an area where you can list your achievements, relevant skills, and notable opportunities, allowing you to showcase your effectiveness as a leader.

19. Skilled Resume Template

This resume design by Hloom communicates a truly professional tone. The template's muted colors work well with its clean layout.

Recommended For: Professionals in All Industries

Whether you're just starting out in any industry or looking to change careers, this template is suitable to highlight your skills and qualifications to propel you to the next level.

20. Inbound Marketing Resume Template

Here's another resume template dedicated to the digital marketer. This sheet offers all the inbound marketing language you need to express your values as a passionate, brand-loyal professional.

Like a few other templates on this list, it also uses just a dash of vibrant color in the applicant's name at the top (where it matters most).

Recommended For: Communications and Marketing Candidates

This template is great for candidates moving into a communications or marketing role. Aside from its amazing visual appeal, this template creates a sense of connection with the reviewer by adding a personal touch.

21. Smart and Professional Resume Template

This is another sharp template that offers a basic but confident design for any professional. The warm-colored panel on the right-hand side is pre-formatted for a written profile, where you can write a summary of your background or a form letter to each employer.

Just be sure to personalize this messaging to each new recipient so it works for the job you're applying to. This template is available on Freesumes, and is free to users once they share the page to Facebook or Twitter.

Recommended For: Young Professionals

This resume is great for someone starting their career who needs a little guidance on how to best display notable experiences related to the job posting. Also, it's an editable template that can easily be personalized to appeal to the HR rep reading the resume.

22. Face Forward Resume Template

It's not typical to add a picture to your resume. In fact, it's actively discouraged in some industries. But for roles where your image is a selling point, this is a great choice. The photo at the top is small and subtle, but it also makes the simple design stand out.

Recommended For: Models, Actors, and Real Estate Agents

This resume template is especially useful for working professionals with a lot of experience or a range of non-traditional experiences. There's also room to highlight unique skills and qualifications.

23. Spick and Span Resume Template

There isn't a better name for the template below. The Spick and Span resume might be the cleanest-looking sheet on this list.

It uses boldface, all-caps, and gray typeface to structure various headers of the document differently and maximize the hiring manager's reading experience. And all that minimalism makes the professional headshot at the top pop off the page.

Recommended For: Creatives, Designers, and Developers

Resumes that look like this can be the work sample. If you have a background in illustration or design, making your resume stand out will be a great nod to your future employer. Get creative with your resume's design if you want to work in an illustrative industry.

24. Timeline-Style Resume Template

Similar to the Centered Bar resume earlier in the post, Hloom's Timeline template is a super simple but creative way to tell your story.

You can convey your progression through various jobs you've held on one side of the vertical line, and more static elements of your background — such as skills and education — on the other.

Recommended For: Editors and Copywriters

This template has a sleek and clean look that places the focus on the highlights of your experience rather than on the minor details. If you have a background in editing or copywriting, this resume is the perfect way to showcase your skills in a concise and effective narrative — without the fluff.

25. Florist Resume Template

Despite being labeled as a Florist resume, this basic template is easily customizable and suitable for anyone entering the job market. 

Recommended For: New graduates or early-stage professionals 

Even If you have little experience, this resume lets you showcase the unique skills and abilities that set you apart.

26. Content Production Resume Template

This basic resume template is suited for content producers at all career stages. By spreading out the header and "Skills" text horizontally, the resume below fits a lot of crucial information comfortably on one page (of course, it also comes with a second page if you need it).

Recommended For: Content Creators and Videographers

This resume will help content creators showcase their biggest projects and most notable accomplishments. It's great for showing how your scope of work has increased over the years, solidifying your expertise in that field.

27. Fresh Resume Template

This is perhaps the most imaginative of all the Word-based resume templates on this list — with both a skills meter and a comic headshot.

The template was designed by Venkata Naresh and comes with 12 different versions of this design. Have you created a Bitmoji of yourself? Do you think your employer would find it creative? Match the template and add it as your photo.

Recommended For: Creative Artists or Digital Marketers

If you need a resume template that will showcase your artistic skills without being too casual or informal, this is perfect for you. You can also add in notes of your accomplishments, relevant skills, and qualifications for the job.

28. CV Resume Template

The curriculum vitae-style resume below flips the typical two-column resume so the basic applicant information is listed across the right side, rather than the left.

Feel free to change the color of this sidebar in Microsoft Word if dark red isn't your thing — the template can pull off any color you wish.

Recommended For: Graduate Candidates

If you are a graduate student entering the workforce, having a CV-style resume will demonstrate the depth of your knowledge first and showcase how your continued education will contribute to your future work environment.

29. Management Resume Template

File type : .docx

Recommended For: Managers or leaders 

I like this resume template for managers or leaders because the unique format lets you call attention to your key career goals and give a timeline of the experience leading to you being a well-qualified leader.

30. Entry-Level Resume Template

When you're early in your career, a customized resume is key. This template is simple, with a clear structure and spaces to highlight important skills, education, and experience.

The design uses accessible fonts to create a clean and professional look that you can personalize for your brand.

Recommended For: Young Professionals and Career Changes

At this stage in your career, it's essential to add useful data and examples to your resume to show hiring managers what you can bring. The easy-to-read fonts and headers in this template will help you highlight relevant details in your resume.

31. Goldenrod Resume Template

This template, also offered on Freesumes, dares to use yellow as the dominant color — but doesn't sacrifice professionalism in the process.

The document anchors the education section to a thick, bright banner across the bottom, but you can likely change this to a skills section with some simple editing in Microsoft Word.

Recommended For: Architects

This clean-cut design represents a candidate who is all about precision. This template would serve candidates who have experience in architecture or construction.

32. Resume Template With Personal Endorsements

What makes this resume unique is the space for references on the lower left-hand side. Does your field need others to vouch for your experience? This resume gives you room for three solid recommendations.

Recommended For: Brand Marketers or Personal Influencers

If you work in branding or have a large social media following, you can show your ability to create a cohesive message with this resume template. Feel free to change the color scheme to suit your brand.

33. Creative Resume Template

This one was designed by the stationery experts at MOO and is offered for download by Microsoft. Simple but vibrant, this template hugs the text with an artistic header and footer — great for recent graduates who need to fill empty space on the page.

Recommended For: Photographers and Other Creatives

If you are a photographer who does freelance work, this is a great template to showcase your experience. This will give your hiring manager or client an excellent first impression because it showcases your creative ability without sacrificing the important elements — your accomplishments.

34. Modern Resume Template

This resume embraces simplicity with a slight touch of color to make things a bit more interesting. It also nicely sections off Skills and Education notes from the Work History list.

With LiveCareer.com, you can generate a template with your basic information and then download it to add small details.

This resume gives a modern twist on the resume. It's perfect for those looking for a fresher look than the traditional resume.

35. Functional Resume Template

This NovoResume.com template is colorful and includes a place for your headshot which could make you look both interesting and confident to an employer.

Recommended For: Media Professionals

A colorful format like this one might be great for a media or advertising professional who wants to keep their job application visually memorable to prospective employers.

36. Elegant Resume Template

If you're looking for simplicity and efficiency rather than something colorful, consider this Elegant Resume Template from Jofibo.

With Jofibo, you can select this or other similar templates on the website, enter your information, and then download it quickly and easily.

Recommended For: Marketing Candidates

If you are a mid-level marketing candidate, use this fun template to showcase all of your expertise and accomplishments. It's an eye-catching template that displays your creativity and ability to engage.

37. Blue Corporate Resume Template

Because of the color and image, it's pretty memorable. But, for those who prefer a more conservative resume look, this template is fairly simple.

Recommended For: Corporate Candidates

This template is great for accomplished candidates moving into a high-rank position. This layout allows you to fit plenty of accomplishments, and the conservative look organizes the fullness of your career neatly.

38. Concept Resume

This resume is perfect for displaying a clear timeline of your career history. It's ideal for a seasoned professional who may have a lot of experience and wants to display it on one to two pages.

The template also allows you to highlight your competency level in various areas, giving the recruiter an easy way to spot your expertise.

Recommended For: Candidates in the Tech Industry

This resume is great for people in the technical space because it adds a touch of color and feels more compact, which will allow you to get right to the point about your key skills, certifications, and work experiences.

How to Make a Resume in Word

• Open Microsoft Word on your computer.
• Select either Basic Resume or Bold Resume from the template menu.
• Fill in your name and contact information at the top.
• Draft a brief summary of your experience and goals.
• Enter your school and latest education.
• Describe each job you've held using the lines prompted on the template.
• List all relevant skills.
• Describe any relevant accolades and accomplishments.

1. Open Microsoft Word on your computer.

If you have Microsoft Word installed on your computer, open the program and let it load for a moment. There will be a couple of helpful options waiting for you on the first screen, specifically for resume creation.

2. Select either "Basic Resume" or "Bold Resume" from the template menu.

Once you've launched MS Word, a window of templates will appear. Scroll down until you see the template options designed for resumes — there will be at least two of them. Double-click the one that suits your style and personal brand, but don't be too particular about design just yet — you can customize these templates quite a bit.

3. Fill in your name and contact information at the top.

When your resume template opens, you'll see placeholder text for each line of your resume, starting with your first and last name at the top. Delete this header text and enter your name, as well as any contact information by which you want the recruiter to contact you.

4. Draft a brief summary of your experience and goals.

Use the first line below your name and contact info to describe who you are, what you do, and what you're looking for in your career.

My Recommended Reading:

• How to Write About Your Professional Background

27 of the Best Professional Bio Examples I've Ever Seen [+ Templates]

5. enter your school and latest education..

List any relevant degrees or certificates you received through schooling. You can safely exclude secondary education if you've graduated from an accredited college.

6. Describe each job you've held using the lines prompted on the template.

Your professional experience is frequently the most important section of your resume, so feel free to rank this section above your skills and education, depending on how many jobs you previously held.

• Resume Tips to Get You The Job You Want, Straight from Recruiters

How to Write a Simple, Effective Resume (+20 Examples)

7. list all relevant skills..

If you have experience in certain software, exercises, problem-solving, or management techniques, use them to populate your skills. Your resume's "Skills" section helps reveal what all of your previous jobs or related experiences have in common, based on what they taught you and what you provided them.

My Recommended Reading: 

• 17 Recruiter-Approved Skills for Your Resume That'll Help You Get the Job

8. Describe any relevant accolades and accomplishments.

Finish out your resume with any personal accomplishments or accolades you think a hiring manager in your industry would appreciate. Although this section shouldn't include a Most Improved recognition from little league, for example, it should definitely include your Marketer of the Month award from your last position.

Next, let’s talk about another easy way to create a resume in Word — templates.

Free Resumes Templates

Fill out the form to get your resume templates., how to upload external templates into word, 1. download your template., 2. double-click on your chosen template..

Your new template will open in Microsoft Word and is ready for editing.

You can also try the following series of steps if the instructions above aren't working.

• Download your template.
• Open Microsoft Word.
• Click File and scroll to Open .
• Click on the folder where you downloaded your templates.
• Open your chosen resume template and begin editing.

How to Find Resume Templates in Word

1. open microsoft word., 2. click new on the left sidebar., 3. choose one of the resume template options in word..

These templates are visually appealing and are ready-made to send with your job application.

If you already have Microsoft Word open on your computer, follow the directions below:

• Click File in the top left corner.
• Scroll to New from Template.
• Choose one of Word's resume templates.

Next, let's cover how to format your brand-new resume in Word.

How To Format a Resume in Word

Even the brightest, most beautiful resume template will need some editing to fit your goals and information. We'll go over it piece by piece.

1. Add your resume text.

Sometimes adding resume text to a template is as simple as copy and paste. Other times, this task can be an exercise in frustration.

To make sure this process goes smoothly, remove any text formatting before you paste your resume text. If you're working on a Mac, you can clear formatting with a tool like Text Editor.

2. Set the right margins and font size.

Most resumes have one-inch margins on all sides for easy printing. Most Word documents will automatically have one-inch margins, but it's best to double-check or create them yourself. Here's how to create one-inch margins for your resume:

• Click Layout in the top navigation of your Word document.
• Click Margins .
• Choose the Normal setting, where it states 1" on the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the document.

Lastly, choose an easy-to-read font size. 12 pt. fonts are standard for most resumes. But if you have a particularly long CV, you may want to choose a smaller font size to make your resume easier to scan.

3. Create headers.

You should separate each section (such as education or work experience) with a header.

If you're formatting a basic resume, you can create a header in Word by selecting Styles from the formatting options at the top of your document workspace. If you can’t see this workspace, try clicking Home at the top left.

• Try Header 1 for your first and last name at the top of the page.
• Header 2 is great for the "Education," "Work Experience," and "Skills" sections.
• Use Header 3 for employer names and job titles.
• Then, use normal text to fill in the details of your accomplishments, skills, and educational background.

You can also use this feature to adjust the headers in your template.

4. Create dividers.

If you want to visually divide your resume into different parts, you can create dividers to split up the information and make your resume more scannable.

Here's how to add dividers:

• Go to Insert .
• Click Shapes .
• Select the line icon to draw a line in your Word resume.
• Use the Format Shape menu on the right to adjust the style of your line.

Another shortcut to create dividers is pressing "=", "_", or "*" three times and hitting enter. These shortcuts will create a variety of dividers that can add dimension to your resume.

5. Add bullet points.

The truth is, no hiring manager will read a paragraph of information. So, we recommend using bullet points to list your accomplishments and responsibilities.

You can add bullets using the icons in the formatting window at the top of your document workspace. Check out bullet point styles by clicking the arrow to the right of the bullet points icon. Then, choose the style you like best.

6. Adjust spacing and indentation.

White space on a resume gives your reader visual breathing room. This helps them understand which parts of your resume are most important. To create that white space, use the spacing and indentation tools in Word.

Line spacing options will increase the space between lines in your document. This creates more white space between lines of text.

Use the formatting buttons at the top of your document workspace to add or remove indentation. Keep in mind that you may change more than one section of text if you make indentation changes.

7. Review for formatting consistency.

When you're formatting a resume, it's easy to get so involved in what the text says that you may forget how it looks. Another common pitfall is focusing your energy on how to make everything you want to say fit on a single page.

But you need consistent formatting to create a professional first impression for your resume.

Once you've finished formatting, do a quick scan of your new resume.

• First, check that all your headers, sub-headers, and text sections are the same font and the same size.
• Next, take a look at your bullet point, dash, and other styles. Make sure that sizes and styles are consistent throughout your resume.
• Finally, scan your resume to make sure that the spacing is consistent. Try squinting at your document to see if some sections have more white space or indentation than others.

These kinds of issues are often easier to notice on a physical resume, so scan a printed copy if you can.

How to Save Your Resume

Remember, once you've finished personalizing your resume, you're not ready to submit an application yet.

Let's go through the instructions you'll follow if you're saving a resume you created from a template for the first time:

1. Click File

2. scroll to save as, 3. name and save your new resume..

If you click Save instead of Save As , you'll save your new resume over the template. So, it's a good idea to use Save As if you think you may need to start over with the template. If you don't, you might end up wasting the time it takes to find and download your resume template again.

Once you're done editing your resume in Word, you may also want to save it in PDF format. This helps you make sure that your resume's format will stay the same for everyone who receives it.

Tips for Using Word Resume Templates

1. choose the right template for your industry..

Whether you're in marketing, sales, engineering, or another field, resume expectations will vary. Check out online resumes from other professionals in your field. Then, choose a template that aligns with those examples to find the right format to showcase your skills and experience.

2. Keep your formatting consistent.

Consistency is key when it comes to formatting your resume. Font styles, sizes, bullet points, and colors should be the same throughout the document. Consistent formatting gives your resume a polished and professional look.

• Exploring the Best Resume Formats — The Complete Guide

3. Try advanced formatting features.

Experiment with styles and sections to create a unique resume that stands out. These features offer you more control and consistency as you format your resume.

4. Use headings to organize your resume.

Headings make it easy for employers to scan your resume and find the information they're looking for. Make headers stand out with a distinct font or style.

5. Experiment with advanced layouts and tables.

Try adding columns or text boxes for visually appealing sections or to highlight key details. Test out different layouts to see what gets the best results.

6. Add a visual timeline.

The hiring manager for your dream role may be more interested in your progression than your job titles. Try crafting a visual timeline using SmartArt or shapes to show your career progression. This can also be an interesting way to show your work history or educational background.

7. Personalize the template to reflect your personal brand.

Templates are an amazing starting point, but don't forget to personalize your resume to reflect your personal brand.

Add a distinct color scheme, fonts, or a personal logo to leave a lasting impression on potential employers.

Make the Most of Resume Templates in Word

Resume templates can help you unlock the power of pre-designed layouts to create a gorgeous and professional resume. This makes it easy for you to focus on compelling content for a powerful resume. With one simple download, it's easy to show employers what you're capable of and stand out with every job application.

Editor's Note: This post was originally published in 2018 but was updated in May 2020 for comprehensiveness. This article was written by a human, but our team uses AI in our editorial process. Check out our full disclosure to learn more about how we use AI.

Don't forget to share this post!

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Resume templates to create a killer resume for your job application.

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Switching Careers? Here’s How to Write a Strong Resume.

• Benjamin Laker,
• Vijay Pereira,
• Abhishek Behl,
• Zaheer Khan

Start with a personal statement.

When you’re switching career paths, there’s one essential thing you need to focus on: updating your resume. Crafting a smart resume is key to showing your potential employer why you wish to make a change. While there’s no one right format to write a resume, here are some tips you can follow:

• Begin the resume with a personal statement. This is a short description about who you are, your reasons for changing your career, your new goals, how your previous experience can be transferred to the new industry, and why you’re perfect for the job.
• Next, instead of highlighting your work experience first, showcase the skills you’ve learned throughout your career. That’s because when changing careers, the hiring managers reviewing your application may not always be familiar with the roles and responsibilities of a different industry.
• Below your skills, you can include a more traditional description of your relevant work history. You don’t need to include every job you’ve ever had, especially if you’ve held a number of positions that don’t highlight any essential skills required for this role.
• Finally, end with a chronological list of your educational qualifications. You can also include details about any certifications or courses that you may be undertaking that may be relevant to the position you’re interested in.

Switching career paths and trying something completely new can open you up to exciting opportunities, help you learn new things, and even earn you more money. But it’s not always easy — especially if you’re looking to move into an entirely different field. Apart from doing your research and unearthing opportunities, there’s one essential thing you need to focus on before you make the leap: updating your resume.

• Benjamin Laker is a professor of leadership at Henley Business School, University of Reading. Follow him on Twitter .
• Vijay Pereira is a professor of strategic and international human capital management at NEOMA Business School.
• AB Abhishek Behl is an assistant professor of information management at the Management Development Institute Gurgaon.
• ZK Zaheer Khan is a professor in strategy and international business at the University of Aberdeen.  

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How to Edit a Resume in Word, Docs & PDF

• The most effective way to edit each part of a resume
• How to edit your resume in Word, PDF, and more
• How to use Teal's Resume Builder to tailor your resume and match your qualifications to the job posting

When you edit your resume, it’s tempting to think the hard work is over. All of your work experience and accomplishments are down on paper, so proofreading should be a breeze, right?

In reality, resume editing deserves just as much (if not more) time and attention as resume writing . Careful editing means you not only catch pesky typos or errors but also adequately highlight your accomplishments, demonstrate your skills, align yourself with the job description, and stand out from the other job seekers and applicants. 

Wondering how to go beyond light proofreading and learn how to edit a resume that lands interviews? This guide to editing your resume covers:

Preparing to edit your resume

• How to edit resume content

How to format your resume

• How to edit your resume on different platforms

Understanding the basics of a resume

Reviewing your entire resume at once can feel overwhelming. When you understand the different sections, you can break your document into chunks and review them one at a time. In general, this means taking a close look at the following sections:

• Name and contact information (included in your resume header)

Target title

• Professional summary 
• Previous employment and work experience

These make up the skeleton of any resume, but there are other parts of a resume candidates can include depending on their industry, career path, and experience level. 

You might think that editing is an afterthought. It’s the step you rush through before hitting “submit.”

But carefully reviewing and polishing your resume isn’t a final, quick box to check in your job search. Ask any professional resume writer or editor, and they’ll tell you that editing isn’t a part of the process—it’s a process all on its own that warrants time, energy, and attention.

What to do before editing your resume

• Identify a specific job description to tailor your resume to. A well-edited resume isn’t just one that’s free of typos and mistakes. An optimized resume should match a specific position.
• Carefully review the job posting. It’s not enough to simply have the job description. You need to read it thoroughly and pay close attention to the relevant keywords (meaning skills, responsibilities, and requirements) that should be incorporated in your application materials. 

Pro Tip: With Teal's resume maker , you can attach your desired job posting and see the keywords you should use to tailor your resume to the job description .

• Research the company. Check out their website and LinkedIn page to understand the company’s mission, culture, team size, and recent happenings. Even if you don’t use this information directly with your job application, it helps you vet the companies you’re interested in and gives you useful context as you connect with hiring managers and move through the process.
• Compile a list of your accomplishments and experiences. Reflect on your past experiences and make note of key projects or achievements, positive feedback, and other impressive results. Save this resource in a personal folder (you don’t want it tied to work folders as you’ll need access after you leave) and add to it throughout your career. You’ll be glad to have that information ready the next time you’re on the job hunt.
• Use action verbs. As you adjust the bullet points on your resume, pay attention to verb choice. Print or bookmark a list of action verbs to make that process faster and easier.
• Create an environment where you can focus. Remember, editing isn’t something to speed through while you’re distracted. Set yourself up with a quiet space where you can zone in on improving your materials without interruptions.

How to edit your resume content

After gathering your professional materials, you’re ready to proofread and polish your resume to make it as compelling as possible. Here’s how to edit each section of your resume:

Resume header

Your name and contact information go at the top of the page in your resume header. It’s an easy section to overlook (because it’s so short and straightforward). But as you edit:

• Confirm your name is the largest text on your entire document.
• Check that your contact information is professional, accurate, and still active (especially if it’s been a long time since you updated your resume).
• Ensure your location is current, correct, and only lists your city and state instead of a full address.
• Clean up your LinkedIn URL (view your profile and then click the pencil next to “public profile and URL” on the right side of the page to adjust the link).

While it might seem strange to include a job title on your resume, this can grab the attention of the hiring manager and immediately present you as a qualified fit.

Keep in mind that your resume title doesn’t have to be the title you held at your last job. You can adjust it to something that’s representative of your experience but is also a better match for the job you’re applying for. As you work on this:

• Return to the job description to determine what words they’re using to describe the role.
• Add some impact by incorporating a value proposition. Example: Instead of saying “Event Manager” say “Event Manager | Coordinating end-to-end marketing event planning and execution to drive attendance and ROI”

Professional summary

When it comes to writing your resume, this is one of the most daunting sections. It feels like you need to condense all of your skills, past positions, and achievements into one short, punchy paragraph. Here’s how to make your professional summary section even stronger:

• Revisit the job description to understand what qualifications they’re emphasizing. That’s your sign that those should appear in your resume summary . If a decade of experience is one of the requirements, lead with that. Example: “As a driven sales manager with 10+ years of experience in fintech…”
• Trim it down. As you write, you focus on getting words down on paper. It’s when you edit that you can weed through and keep only the most impactful and impressive pieces. Your summary doesn’t need to be long—it should only be three to five sentences.

Work experience

A large portion of your resume is dedicated to your past jobs. As you edit, your goal isn’t just to share what you did in those previous roles but also to showcase how it’s relevant to the position you’re applying for. As you work on your work experience section:

• Confirm the start and end date of each role to ensure they’re accurate.
• Review the verb tense for your bullet points. Previous positions should use past tense (“managed”) while current roles use present tense (“manage”). 
• Adjust your action verbs to add impact and keep your content fresh. 
• Add quantifiable bullet points to share not just what you did but why it mattered. Example: “Improved customer relationships, increasing repeat business by 20%.”
• Focus on relevance by revisiting the responsibilities outlined in the job description and connecting the dots to your own experience. 

Your skills section is like your highlight reel. It’s where you list the competencies that you’ll bring to that position. To give this short section maximum impact:

• Return to the job description to identify what strengths the employer is seeking and add them to your own section (provided you honestly possess them, of course). 
• Ensure you have a healthy balance of technical skills and soft skills. 
• Make sure your skills section isn’t doing all of the talking. As you emphasize certain competencies, return to your summary and work history section to provide examples of times you applied those strengths in the real world.

If you think of your education section as the place where you list your degree, then it’ll likely stay stagnant. But if you treat it as a spot where you can share all of the relevant things you’re learning in your career, it requires a little more attention. To give your education section a boost:

• Add any certifications, courses, publications, or other learning opportunities that are relevant to the role.
• Remove outdated or irrelevant educational experiences (there’s no need to list high school on your resume).

Take some time to work through those checklists as you review each section of your resume. If you want to dig even deeper, check out this comprehensive guide for more in-depth tips on resume editing . 

Professional resume editors know editing isn’t all about words. You also need to dedicate some focus to formatting and perfecting the visual appearance of your document so it’s clean, polished, and easy for recruiters to read. 

Resume section order

This starts by paying close attention to your resume organization , meaning the order of your sections. There isn’t one “right” order for your resume. Instead, your goal is to put the most pertinent information toward the top so it’s unmissable and positions you as the best applicant for the opportunity.

For example, if the posting lists a specific degree type as a prerequisite for the position, you could move your education section closer to the top. Or, if you’re an entry-level employee without any formal work experience, you might put your skills section before your professional history.

In short, playing with the order is a solid way to demonstrate relevance without actually adjusting any of the content on your resume. Teal's Resume Builder makes this painless. You can click and drag your sections to automatically reorder them on your document. 

Resume layout and design

Beyond adjusting the order, there are a few other design tips to keep in mind as you enhance and edit your resume layout : 

• Choose a clear, easy-to-read font (Helvetica, Times New Roman, and Roboto are all popular and recruiter-approved choices)
• Confirm your font size is large enough so employers can review your information without squinting or zooming
• Adjust your margins and white space so your document looks organized and balanced

These are also simple to do within Teal's resume creator . In the “design” menu, choose from four different resume templates to instantly adjust your document’s appearance. Regardless of which resume template you select, you can also customize your font, accent color, and margins using easy dropdown menus.

How to edit a resume in different file formats and software programs

What about the logistics involved in editing your resume? That will depend on your file format and what tools you used to create your resume in the first place. Editing a resume in a word processor like Microsoft Word is different from editing one in a design program like Canva, for example.

Here’s a quick look at some of the most popular design and word-processing programs and how to edit accordingly: 

How to edit a resume in Microsoft Word

• Open your file in Word.
• If your resume is a PDF , navigate to “File,” “Open,” and then find your document. Be aware that converting a PDF back to a Word document will usually result in some jumbled formatting. To avoid this, consider using an AI Resume Builder instead.
• Adjust and edit your content.
• On the “Home” tab, use the buttons to adjust your font and colors.
• Use the “Layout” tab to adjust your margins.
• When you’re ready, click “File,” “Save As,” and then name your document something intuitive and recognizable so you can easily find it when you need it.
• Once you're ready to export your file, you'll want to download the resume in a PDF or Word file format .

How to edit a resume in Google Docs

Editing your resume in Google Docs is comparable to Microsoft Word, as both are popular word processors.

• Open your file in Google Docs.
• If your resume is a PDF, navigate to “File,” “Open,” and then find your document, either within your Google Drive or locally on your computer. Like Word, be aware that converting a PDF to a Google Doc can cause strange formatting issues you’ll need to fix.
• Use the menu at the top of the page to adjust your font and colors.
• If you need to adjust your margins, click “File,” “Page Setup,” and enter new values for your margin sizes.
• When you’re ready, name your document something intuitive before clicking “File,” “Download,” and choosing the file type you’d like to export to. 

How to edit a resume in Canva

In general, it’s best to avoid using Canva for creating your resume. While it’s a powerful program, the results aren’t always friendly to applicant tracking systems (ATS). That’s because an ATS can’t read icons or design elements. Designs can be too complex and cluttered, and the process of editing and updating quickly becomes cumbersome. 

However, if you do need to edit your resume in Canva, here’s how:

• Open your file in Canva.
• If your resume is already created in Canva, navigate to that file.
• If you need to import a resume, click “Create a Design” and “Import File.”
• Click into different sections on the document to adjust the text, colors, sizing, and more.
• When you’re ready to export, click “Share,” “Download,” select your file type, and press the “Download” button.

How to edit a resume in LinkedIn

LinkedIn is like a digital version of your resume, but it’s not the same as a resume. That said, it can be a big help when creating your first draft. If you need to add or change your information, you can update any section of your LinkedIn profile by selecting the pencil icon.

Pro Tip: With Teal, you can import your LinkedIn profile to get your resume started and revise from there.

How to edit a resume in Teal

Teal’s editor lets you drag and drop to reorder sections and even hide information if you’d prefer not to show on certain versions of your resume.

You can edit your Teal resume three ways: 1. Select the pencil icon next to any section of text to manually revise any text-based information on your resume.

2. Select the magic wand icon (next to the pencil icon) to use AI to rewrite sections of your resume. 

3. Navigate to Design Mode (select “Design” in the top menu) to access more editing tools including: 

• Format settings
• Style settings
• Section order

Can you edit a resume on your phone?

While you can edit a Google Doc resume on a mobile device using the Docs app, or a PDF using the Adobe Acrobat app, stick with a computer instead. Your phone has a smaller screen which makes it harder to fill in details, adjust your formatting, and add the necessary polish. It’s likely you’ll create more mistakes than you fix.

The process will feel a lot less stressful on a desktop or laptop. But with that said, it’s worth taking a look at how your resume comes across on mobile to make sure the content isn’t jumbled—just in case a recruiter reviews it that way.

Pro Tip: You can edit any resume format—whether it’s a .doc, PDF, or your LinkedIn profile—by uploading it to Teal's Resume Builder and then save and name each version. It’s easy to find the exact resume you need, without wasting time searching or re-updating. 

How to update your resume

Your resume isn’t something you need just once. When the average person holds 12 different jobs in their lifetime, it’s safe to assume you’ll be involved in a job search several times throughout your career. 

That’s why it’s so beneficial to commit to regularly updating your resume. When you’re ready to look for a new job, you only need to knock the dust off—rather than adding years of history.

Updating your resume will involve all of the typical tailoring and editing steps outlined above. However, you’ll also need to: 

• Add current or recent roles or experiences
• Refresh your skills to keep pace with changes in your industry
• Remove outdated information (your resume shouldn’t go back further than 15 years)

To stay on top of your resume, set a date on your calendar for every six months to a year to comb through your information and make any necessary updates. Doing so means, if and when you’re ready to hunt for a new position, your resume will only be one year old at most.

Edit and enhance your resume with Teal

Remember this: your resume is only as good as your editing. The editing process isn’t an afterthought or formality to rush through—it’s a crucial step that helps you catch any mistakes and present yourself as the best fit for the jobs you want most.

Fortunately, you don’t need to tackle editing on your own. Teal's versatile resume maker will make it easy to polish your design, refine your content, re-order your sections, and keep track of all of the different versions of your resume so you can always find what you need. 

Ready to create and edit your best resume? Sign up for Teal's Free Resume Builder today .

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best practices for formatting a resume in word to ensure it remains consistent across different computers, can i maintain the same formatting in google docs when converting my resume from word or pdf, what is the most efficient way to edit a pdf resume without losing the original design.

Kat Boogaard

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How do I change my resume template or design?

At Resume.io, we offer 30+ professionally designed resume templates ranging from fresh and modern to clean and classic and everything in between! We encourage you to try out multiple templates to find the style that best suits your industry and experience. As you apply for jobs,

you can even create and save multiple versions of your resume with different templates.

To change your resume template, first open your resume within the builder app. On the right side of the screen above the resume preview, click “Select template”.

Within the template selector page, you’ll be able to navigate between all of our designs, choose from our theme colors (or pick your own!), and adjust the line spacing of your resume. Use the arrows at the bottom of the page to preview the various pages of your resume. You can export your resume right from the template selector, or click “Back to editor” to continue writing.

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Mastering Microsoft Word: How to Fix Margins in Word Easily

When it comes to desktop publishing, getting your page layout just right is crucial. One of the most critical aspects is margin settings. Correct margins ensure that your document looks professional and is easy to read. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into how to fix margins in Word, covering everything from the basics to advanced settings. Whether writing a report, preparing a resume, or crafting a newsletter, understanding how to control your document margins makes all the difference.

Table of Contents

What Are Margins in Word?

Before we dive into how to fix margins in Word, it’s essential to understand what margins are. Margins refer to the empty spaces that border the perimeter of your document. They frame your text and ensure that it isn’t squished or too close to the edges of the paper. Margins help improve the readability of your document and provide space for binding, if necessary.

Why Fixing Margins in Word is Important

Incorrect margins can make your document appear unprofessional or difficult to read. For instance, if margins are too narrow, the text might run too close to the edges, making it hard to read or print. On the other hand, if margins are too wide, they can waste space and make your document unnecessarily long. Fixing margins in Word ensures your document meets specific formatting guidelines, especially for academic papers, business documents, or printed material.

How to Access Margin Settings in Word

Accessing the margin settings is your first step toward perfecting your document layout. Here’s how you can do it:

• Open Word: Start by opening Microsoft Word.
• Navigate to the ‘Layout’ Tab: Click on the’ Layout’ tab at the top of the Word window. In some versions, this tab may be labeled ‘Page Layout.’
• Click on ‘Margins’: You will see a ‘Margins’ button in the ‘Page Setup’ group. Click on it.

Once you click the ‘Margins’ button, a drop-down menu will appear, showing a list of predefined margin settings and the option to create custom margins.

Predefined Margin Settings

Microsoft Word offers several predefined margin settings. Here’s a quick overview:

• Normal: This is the default setting in Word, with one-inch margins on all sides.
• Narrow: Sets the top, bottom, left, and right margins to 0.5 inches.
• Moderate: Adjusts the top and bottom margins to one inch and the left and right margins to 0.75 inches.
• Wide: This setting sets the left and right margins to 2 inches and the top and bottom margins to 1 inch.
• Mirrored: This is useful for documents that will be bound. It sets mirrored margins (inside and outside margins).

How to Fix Margins in Word: Customizing Margin Settings

While predefined settings are handy, sometimes you need more control. Here’s how to fix margins in Word using custom settings:

• Click on ‘Margins’ in the ‘Layout’ tab.
• Select ‘Custom Margins…’ from the bottom of the drop-down list.
• Page Setup Dialog Box: This will open the ‘Page Setup’ dialog box.

In the ‘Page Setup’ dialog window, you can enter your preferred measurements to manually set the top, bottom, left, and right margins . Once you’ve set your custom margins, click ‘OK’ to apply them.

Using the Ruler for Quick Margin Adjustments

Another way to adjust margins is by using the ruler at the top and left sides of your Word document:

• Show Ruler: If you can’t see the ruler, navigate to the ‘View’ tab and select the ‘Ruler’ checkbox.
• Adjust Margin Markers: The ruler has small, triangular markers. Simply click and drag these markers to adjust your margins.

Using the ruler can be a quick and visual way to fix margins in Word, especially if you only need to make slight adjustments.

Fixing Margins for Specific Sections

Sometimes, you need different margin settings for various parts of your document— for instance, in a complex report or a book. Here’s how you can fix margins for specific sections:

• Insert Section Breaks: Place your cursor where you want the new margin settings to start. Navigate to the ‘Layout’ tab, select ‘Breaks,’ and then opt for ‘Next Page’ within the ‘Section Breaks’ section.
• Adjust Margins: Go to the ‘Margins’ button in the ‘Layout’ tab and adjust the margins for this section.
• Consistent Formatting: Repeat this process wherever you need different margin settings.

Remember, section breaks are crucial for keeping your document organized when different formatting is applied to separate sections.

Margins and Printing

It’s essential to understand that printer settings can also affect margins. Before printing, always check the following:

• Printer Settings: Make sure your printer is set up correctly and matches the margin settings in Word.
• Print Preview: Utilize the ‘Print Preview’ option in Word to verify that everything appears correctly. This can save you from printing errors and wasted paper.

How to Fix Margins in Word: Troubleshooting Common Margin Issues

Here are some common margin-related issues and how to fix them:

Text Not Fitting on the Page: If your text doesn’t fit within the given margins, try reducing the margins slightly or reformatting your text.

Inconsistent Margins: Check to ensure that you haven’t accidentally inserted unnecessary section breaks. The ‘Show/Hide’ feature in the ‘Home’ tab allows you to see hidden formatting marks.

Printing Problems: If your document prints differently than it appears on-screen, check the page setup in Word and your printer’s settings.

Advanced Margin Settings

If you need more advanced settings, Word offers a few extra features:

• Gutter Margins: Useful for printed materials that need binding. You can find this option in the ‘Page Setup’ dialog box.
• Layout: Use the ‘Layout’ tab within ‘Page Setup’ for more advanced options like setting headers and footer margins.

Frequently Asked Questions Related to the Question: How To Fix Margins In Word?

Q. What are margins in Word? A. Margins in Word are the blank spaces around the edges of your document. They help define where text and images begin and end on a page.

Q. How can I change the margins in a Word document? A. To adjust the margins, navigate to the “Layout” tab, select “Margins,” and then pick one of the available preset options, or opt for “Custom Margins” to define them yourself.

Q. What is the default margin setting in Word? A. Word’s default margin settings are typically 1 inch on all sides: top, bottom, left, and right.

Q. Can I set different margins for different sections of my document? A. you can set different margins for different sections by placing your cursor in the section you want to change and then adjusting the margins using the “Page Setup” dialog.

Q. How do I set margin measurements in centimeters instead of inches? A. To switch to centimeters, go to “File,” click on “Options,” select “Advanced,” scroll down to the “Display” section, and change the “Show measurements in units of” to centimeters.

Q. What happens if my margins are too narrow? A. If your margins are too narrow, text and images might get cut off when printed or appear cramped on the page, making your document look unprofessional.

Q. Can I reset my margins to default settings? A. Certainly! To return the margins to their default settings, navigate to the “Layout” tab, choose “Margins,” and then click on “Normal” to set them back to 1 inch.

Q. How do I apply new margin settings to the entire document? A. To apply new margin settings to the document, go to “Margins” in the “Layout” tab and choose your desired margin option. Make sure you select “Apply to The whole document” if prompted.

Q. Are there any shortcut keys in Word to adjust margins? A. While there aren’t direct shortcut keys to adjust margins, you can open the “Margins” menu quickly by using the Alt key: press “Alt,” then “P,” then “M” for margins.

Q. What should I do if my custom margins are not saving? A. Select “Set as Default” in the “Page Setup” dialog to ensure that your custom margins are saved for future documents.

Understanding how to fix margins in Word is vital for anyone involved in desktop publishing. Whether you’re working on business documents, academic papers, or personal projects, proper margin settings ensure your document looks professional and reads well. From predefined settings to custom adjustments and advanced options, Word offers many tools to help you get your margins right. So, next time you open a new document, you’ll know how to perfect it!

About the Author

CJ grew up admiring books. His family owned a small bookstore throughout his early childhood, and he would spend weekends flipping through book after book, always sure to read the ones that looked the most interesting. Not much has changed since then, except now some of those interesting books he picks off the shelf were designed by his company!