Resumes format in word

1. Go to File > New.

2. In the search box, type Resume or Cover Letter.

   

3. Double-click the template you want to use.

4. Replace the placeholder text with your own information.

1. On the File menu, select New from Template.

2. In the search box, type Resume or Cover Letter.

   

3. Double-click the template you want to use.

4. Replace the placeholder text with your own information.

See also

Create and use your own template in Office for Mac

Making a resume like this while you’re online is quick and easy.

Note: This template comes with a cover letter, so you’ll have everything in one document.

Choose one of our resume templates, and open it in Word for the web to make it yours.

Tip: If you’re already in Word for the web, get to the resume and cover letter templates by going to File > New, and then below the template images click More on Office.com.

You’ll be on the Templates for Word page. In the list of categories, click Resumes and Cover Letters.

As you work on the resume, you’ll probably want to rename it.

The template uses a table to line everything up. If you need to add more lines for job experience or education, add rows to the table by going up to Layout under Table Tools and clicking Insert Below (or Insert Above).

For tips on writing your resume, check out Six steps to developing a great resume.

Print it

When you’re finished, print it out or share it online. You can do this with the resume still open in Word for the web. No need to save it first (that’s already done for you).

To print it, press Ctrl+P, and wait for the Print dialog box.

Note: If you don’t see a Print dialog box, click the link for opening a PDF version of your resume. From there, use the PDF program’s Print command.

Share it

To share it online, send a link:

1. Near the top of the screen, click Share.

2. Under Share, click Get a Link.

   

3. Under Choose an option, click View only.

   

4. Click Create Link.

5. Click on the web address to select it, and then copy and paste it into an email, message, or post.

MS Word

Here is the most popular collection of simple resume format in word (.doc) file format. This collection includes basic, classic, creative, modern and simple professional curriculum vitae/CV, resume and cover letter templates with an instant free download option. All these modern cv templates with word format have a modern layout structure designed by professional designers around the globe. These are very easy and simple to customize or edit by just following a few simple steps which are in the documentation. You can also check out our other collection of Free InDesign Resume Templates, Free Indesign Resume Templates, and Free Photoshop Resume Templates.

Tried editing your resume in Word but created a table wider than the page itself? I get it. These things rarely want to cooperate. But you’re in the right place.

See a collection of resume templates for Word (also free) that will save you the hassle of selecting fonts and formatting columns.

This guide will show you:

• Where to find free resume templates for Word online.
• The advantages and disadvantages of Word resume templates.
• A collection of resume templates for Word better than 9 out of 10 others out there.

Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. It’s fast and easy to use. Plus, you’ll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here.

Create your resume now

Sample resume made with our builder—See more resume examples here.

Where Can You Find Word Resume Templates for Free?

Here’s the good news—you don’t have to browse through a hundred web pages to find resume templates for Word. Why? Because Microsoft Word already offers a bunch of free templates.

Follow these steps for easy access to resume templates in Microsoft Word:

1. Launch Microsoft Word.
2. Start creating a new document.
3. Click on Resume and Cover Letter, or type “resume” into the search bar.
4. Select the Word resume template you like.
5. Click Create and start editing the template in Word.
6. Or you can go straight to Microsoft’s templates page and browse through designs.

Now, let’s have a look at our selection of the best Word resume templates!

Want to make your resume in Word from scratch? Learn how: How to Write Your Resume in Word

Are Word Resume Templates a Good Choice?

You came here for free resume templates for Word. But before you dive in, there are a few things worth considering. 

Word offers over ten free templates for you to choose from. But given their easy access, you won’t be the only one using them, so it’ll be challenging to stand out. Thanks to their customizable designs, though, you will be able to personalize the template. Caveat: if you have enough time for a desperate struggle with the clunky formatting tools. 

Editing can be time-consuming and require more than basic knowledge of Microsoft Word. And if you’re doing it for the first time, you may not necessarily realize there are special resume formats you need to follow. Plus, you’d better know the rules behind an ATS-friendly template, or else nobody will have a look at your resume.

Pro Tip: When writing your resume, pay attention to its structure and the general look and feel. Studies show that recruiters spend only about 7 seconds scanning your resume initially. If it looks cluttered or they can’t quickly find the information they’re looking for, they’re very likely to reject it.

As you see, choosing one of the free resume templates for Word may not be an ideal solution for you. But there’s one thing you can try before making a decision—our resume builder.

Zety resume builder offers resume templates that are easy for you to play with, ready-made content suggestions for your profession, and a worry-free spell checker. And all our templates are compatible with the Applicant Tracking Software. See for yourself:

Cubic

Cubic is a professional resume template for Word that pairs traditional resume elements with a modern, minimalist layout. It’s nicely divided into three sections, each of which is of a different color. The progress bars will keep the recruiters reading till the end.

Concept

This resume template incorporates a timeline that makes it easier for the reader to follow your professional experience. The resume icons catch the attention of the reader. And you can easily edit the color palette of this resume template in our builder.

Crisp

Crisp is one of our two-column resume templates for Word. Its elegant look will work great for both creative and more traditional roles. No matter how much information you want to add, our builder will help you fit it all on one page.

Diamond

This resume template is a good choice for candidates who prefer the combination resume format. The sections are clearly visible and easy to skim.

Enfold

Whether you’re working in a traditional or creative role doesn’t matter. This is one of our resume templates for Microsoft Word that will work great in every imaginable scenario. The resume summary area at the top will help the recruiter quickly learn your stronger traits.

Iconic

This resume template is very easy to scan, and as such, it’s suitable for anyone pursuing a corporate position that attracts numerous candidates. The resume header, which is easy on the eye, will let the recruiters quickly see your great hire potential.

Influx

This modern-looking and elegant Microsoft Word resume template is a good choice for a managerial resume in more traditional industries. Its one-column layout is perfect for including a longer description of your work experience.

Minimo

This minimalistic resume template will be just as suitable for an academic CV as a more formal executive resume. It’s predominantly focused on the content, with a subtle addition of bar graphs to illustrate your proficiency in various skills.

Modern

This modern resume template includes visual elements that make it stand out from the rest and yet don’t distract the reader from the document’s content. Thanks to its two-column layout, it can hold much information without looking cluttered.

Initials

The visual addition of your initials makes this Word template for a resume look different from the rest. The template also incorporates a skill grading scale and a set of icons to make your abilities and contact details clearly visible.

Muse

This resume template blends professionalism and simplicity. The section titles are accentuated with small ribbon-shaped icons right next to them. This design emphasizes the header, so it’s worth creating an effective resume summary or a career objective!

Nanica

Nanica is one of our resume templates for Microsoft Word that’s perfect for a two-page resume or an academic CV. Thanks to its simple formatting, the resume sections can smoothly extend into page two and beyond if necessary.

Primo

This Word .doc resume template has a two-column layout that lets you include all your relevant experience and key skills. You’ll still have plenty of room to add extra resume information, such as computer skills or language proficiency.

When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check. Start building a professional resume template here for free.

When you’re done, Zety’s resume builder will score your resume and tell you exactly how to make it better.

Newcast

Another one of our professional resume templates for Word that’s perfect for a longer document. It’s suitable for seasoned executives and distinguished academics alike.

Simple

Thanks to its two-column layout, this simple resume template for Word is perfect for experienced candidates who want to present their professional side on a single page.

Valera

Valera is a creative resume template for Word that combines youthful energy with pure professionalism. Also, it’s perfectly usable as a two-page resume template.

Vibes

This resume template for Word mixes simplicity with modernity. The icons draw the recruiter’s eye right to the section titles, and the white space gives it an elegant, professional look.

Cascade

Cascade is a very universal resume template for Word. It’s suitable for entry-level candidates and executives alike. Its two-column layout will let you include a lot of information without cluttering the document.

And that was the last one of them. 

Use one of the above templates to create your own resume. And once you finish, download the document as a Word file. The result? Great-looking, immaculately formatted, and still editable resume.

Now, if you still want to see what Microsoft Word offers, there you have it.

12 Free Resume Templates for Word

See a collection of twelve resume templates for Word that are suitable for most professional positions:

1. Resume (Color)

This minimalist Word resume template emphasizes the candidate’s education and skills. It’s best for individuals who prefer the functional resume format. The subtle addition of color makes this template stand out from classic black-and-white designs.

Download it here.

2. Polished Resume by MOO

Bored of classic designs? This modern resume template for Word includes a bold choice of color and a dramatic contrast of white space and text. It’s perfect for confident job applicants.

Download it here.

3. Rose Suite Resume

Need a creative resume template that you can format in Word with additional space for your headshot? This one is an excellent choice to make you stand out from the crowd. Show your artistic side along with your qualifications.

Download it here.

4. Chronological Resume (Simple Design)

Simple doesn’t equal basic. This resume template for Word proves that. It’s a black-and-white design that uses capital letters to highlight the resume sections. A great choice for candidates who want their work experience to speak for itself.

Download it here.

5. Bold Monogram Resume

Want to make a bold statement with your resume? This is a great choice. Color blocks immediately catch the reader’s attention, and the monogram header will make them remember your name.

Download it here.

6. Sticky Note Resume

If black-and-white Word resume templates make you yawn, this can be a great choice. This unique design features multiple colors and a space for your headshot.

Download it here.

7. Balanced Resume (Modern Design)

This Word resume template allows you to show professionalism without appearing dull. The perfect balance of white space and text, the subtle addition of colors, and the mini icons make this design very pleasant to look at. It’s a good choice for candidates who prefer the combination resume format.

Download it here.

8. Basic Modern Resume

This classy design fits any profession. It’s a great one-page resume template for Word, suitable for job applicants who don’t want flashy colors to overshadow their qualifications.

Download it here.

9. Crisp and Clean Resume by MOO

If you’re a fan of modern design and infographic resumes, this Word resume template can match your taste. The bright colors of this template evoke positive emotions and provide a great backdrop for your qualifications.

Download it here.

10. Contemporary Resume

Do you believe that modern problems require modern solutions? Then this is the perfect Word resume template for you. It has a contemporary look thanks to a bold addition of color, the progress bars in the skill sections, and minimalist icons. Yet, it still follows the preferred reverse-chronological resume format.

Download it here.

11. Columns Resume

This resume template for Word uses a grid design to organize all information neatly. Thanks to capitalized headings, each section is clearly separated and easy to spot. A great choice for job applications that value orderliness.

Download it here.

12. Creative Resume by MOO

Are you a creative person? Then this resume template for Word can be a good fit for you. It stands out from the rest, thanks to modern resume icons and the visually appealing header and footer.

Download it here.

Need to see more resume templates before making your decision? Check here: 

• Best Resume Template
• Apple Pages Template
• Google Docs Resume Template
• Blank Resume Template
• Cool Resume Template
• Simple Resume Template
• 20+ Resume Layouts

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here’s what it may look like:

See more cover letter templates and start writing.

This is it! How do you like our selection of resume templates for Word? Would you like to share your opinion with us? Leave us a comment below! We’re always happy to hear from you.

Show off your accomplishments with creative templates

Land your dream job with free, customizable resume and cover letter templates. Give recruiters a taste of your potential and stand out from other candidates with a professional template. Cover letters provide an effective opportunity to show your personality and enthusiasm for a position. Focus on writing a compelling cover letter and let a professionally designed template do the rest. Stick to a sleek design when applying to corporate positions or show your creativity with bold colors. Resumes don’t need to look boring—add flair to your professional experience with a creative resume template. Impress potential employers with compelling resume designs without spending hours creating a layout. Once you choose your favorite template, you’ll be able to personalize each design element, like font styles, and add your own text. Using a template also makes it easier to customize your resume for each position you apply to. Print out as many copies as you’d like or download the template to share digitally when applying online. Remember, your next job is only a template away!

Are you looking to create a new resume but don’t want to go through the painstaking process of creating one from scratch, section by section?

To save a lot of time, you can use a Microsoft Word resume template instead.

Why would you want to do that?

For one, MS-Word comes with a lot of pre-built resume templates that can have you up and running with a fully customized resume in a matter of minutes.

There’s quite a lot of variety as well. So, you can really pick a resume template that both you and the HR manager will love.

Are you a marketer or a designer? Pick a creative resume and show off your imagination!

Applying for a finance position in a bank? One of the conservative, black & white word resume templates will work for you.

Word comes with a number of free templates, and there are other hand-crafted premium options available online.

Do you want a winning Word template that’ll have the HR manager glued to your beautiful resume?

Here’s what you need to know:

• How to Use Word Resume Templates
• 10+ Free Word Resume Templates
• 10+ Premium Word Resume Templates
• How to Make a Resume the Easy Way

How to Use Word Resume Templates

There are two ways you can get your hands on a Word resume template.

You can either go with a pre-customized Word template that comes with the software, or you can use an external template made by designers and career experts for Word specifically.

Let’s start with the resume templates that come with the software.

In-Build Microsoft Word Resume Templates

To access these templates, here’s what you do:

1. Open MS word
2. Click file from the menu bar on top of the screen
3. Select new
4. From there, you can select a number of different formats (resumes, flyers, cards, cover letters, and more)

In this case, we’re focusing on resume templates, so you can type that in the search bar to see the different kinds of templates available.

As you can see, there’s plenty of choice here and a lot of different design options.

From there on, you find the one you like, and just fill it in to your liking!

Each of the templates come with a brief description as well, based on the theme and what kind of impression you want to leave with that specific template.

Here’s what you’d be getting with the free Pink floral resume:

Present your resume with this easily customizable template. Edit your experience and information with this and know that you’ll be making a statement with the design choice. This template also includes information on how to build an effective resume:

Not sure what to put on your resume? We feel you! Picking the right template is only the first step. Check out our complete guide on how to make a resume and you’ll be an expert in no time!. 

10+ Free Word Resume Templates

The best things in life are free, right?

Let’s see if the best free Word resume templates also stack up.

Functional Resume (Simple Design)

Who’s it for: Any entry-level position

Creator: Microsoft

Where to find it: Microsoft Templates

Want something super simple for free?

Microsoft Word comes with a number of ready-to-go resume templates that are one click away. 

All you have to do is go to Microsoft Templates, where you’ll find a number of different templates for resumes, cover letter, newsletters, and more. 

There, you’ll find a number of good starting resume templates, like this functional resume by Microsoft.

When to Use This Template

Depending on your achievements and background, you’ll want to list your qualifications in a specific order. With this functional resume, you can list your objective, professional achievements, skills, and work history — in that specific order.

You can use this resume if you’re switching jobs to a different career, or as your no experience resume.

With just a bit of color to stand out and clear sections within the layout, you can’t go wrong with this template.

It’s a simple, and effective starting point for most job-seekers.

Though, the design might be all too common and easy to blend in with other candidates applying for the same job.

Modern Chronological Resume

Who’s it for: Mid-level job-seekers

Creator: Microsoft

Where to find it: Microsoft Templates

Most resume formats you find are going to be in chronological order. 

That is, starting from your most recent job experience, going down to your previous jobs.

You can’t go wrong with this format, and if you want something that’s professional, but also has a bit of flair to it, check out the Modern chronological resume by Microsoft:

When to Use This Template

The standard way to list your work experience is in chronological order. With this modern resume, you can start with your latest job experience to help the HR manager easily find what they’re looking for.  

This is a very straightforward approach, and it also has a color scheme and a design that can help you stand out from other candidates.

Just because it’s professional, doesn’t mean it has to be boring.

Though, if you want to take a more creative approach with your resume, you could use the…

Infographic Word Resume

Who’s it for: Marketers and social media experts

Creator: Microsoft

Where to find it: Microsoft Templates

Are you applying for a marketing or a design job where you’ll be creating a lot of web content?

Then you can make your resume a part of your portfolio with the infographic resume.

When to Use This Template

Use this infographic resume to list your qualifications in a way that’s easy to follow. The icons highlight your skills and the sections follow a clear direction.

This is a good example of custom tailoring your resume to the job.

It goes without saying that the content inside the resume has to be up to par as well. 

But as far as standing out goes, this infographic resume is guaranteed to attract eyes from a stack of resumes.

FREE Resume Template by Fernando Báez

Who’s it for: Graphic and web designers

Creator: Fernando Báez

Where to find it: Behance

What could be better than a free resume template that has already been tried and tested?

After using and getting a few jobs with the very same template as a freelance UI/UX designer, Fernando is now giving away his secrets in the form of a free template.

When to Use This Template

In the resume pack, you’ll find your resume template in .ai format (Adobe Illustrator), all resume fonts used in the design, and a free icon set by Brankic. In it, you can customize the infographics to help represent your specialties, knowledge, language skills, or hobbies.

(Need help with any of those sections? Read our guide on what to put on a resume.)

Whether or not you’re a designer, you can customize the above template to truly represent you and make it uniquely yours.

There’s nothing wrong with using a template — it’s not plagiarism.

It’s inside the resume what matters, which is going to be unique each time (at least it should be).

Bold Monogram Resume

Who’s it for: Any general-level position

Creator: Microsoft

Where to find it: Microsoft Templates

A resume objective is a short 1-2 sentence elevator pitch that provides an overview of your experience, skills, and motivations. 

In it, you explain why you’re the right person for the job.

With this Bold monogram resume, your resume objective is guaranteed to stand out and be one of the first things the HR manager will notice. 

When to Use This Template

Present your qualifications in a stylish way that’s also professional and guaranteed to stand out. This template includes an editable color scheme, and instructions on how to build an effective resume.

While the focus is definitely on the resume objective, the rest of the resume follows a smooth flow in an order that makes sense.

Need some inspiration on your resume objective? Check out our real-life resume objective examples guide.

Simple and Clean Resume Template 

Who’s it for: Creative directors

Creator: ZokiDesign

Where to find it: ZokiDesign

This simple and minimalistic resume template has a clean aesthetic, is easy to format and covers a lot of sections. 

You can show off your work experience as well as your background (resume summary or objective), education, skills, and even your hobbies.

Though you can change the color scheme, the format and the layout makes this resume ideal for creative roles. 

When to Use This Template

With a clean and modern aesthetic, this resume is a great way to quickly sum up your qualifications and also stand out from other resumes with its design. It has a minimal look to it, and still contain a lot of information while staying under 1 page. If needed, it can also be converted into a cover letter.

In short, the above resume covers just about everything you’ll need in a template and more.

The best part about it, like with most Word templates, is its customizability.

So, if you’re applying to a more conservative job, you can change the colors into a calmer tone — like black and white.

Creative Resume, Designed by MOO

Who’s it for: Anyone in a creative role

Creator: Microsoft

Where to find it: Microsoft Templates

Created with a neutral color scheme, this creative resume template by MOO was made to show off your creativity.

Yet, it won’t distract the viewers from the actual content within it.

So, depending on the company you’re applying to and your experience, you can draw eyes with this template.

When to Use This Template

This accessible resume template is for job seekers who want to show off their creative side and stand out from other candidates. It has all the important sections you’ll need and an editable color scheme. 

If you don’t necessarily have a lot of work experience, you can go with a creative template approach to stand out from other candidates and stay memorable.

In that case, you have to make sure your resume objective, skills, and other sections clearly display your motivation for the role.

Fully Editable Creative Resume Template by Omer Korkmaz

Who’s it for: Senior graphic, UI/UX Designers

Creator: Omer Korkmaz

Where to find it: Behance

If you’re a graphic designer and know you’re way around AI, this fully editable creative resume template by Omer Korkmaz might be for you.

This template has everything you’d need applying for a graphic design role:

• A place for your contact information
• Education
• Skills
• Work experience (with plenty of space)
• Certifications 
• And some extra space for other optional sections

When to Use This Template

This resume template is fully editable, and ideal for graphic designers. The free download includes a PowerPoint and Adobe Illustrator format, and the Open Sans font — everything you’ll ever need.

Because of the format versions that come with the template, you can really fine-tune the resume to perfection. You can change the design, the color schemes, and any other detail within Adobe Illustrator.

So, if you’re applying for a senior UX/UI designer role, you can really make sure that your resume reflects your qualifications with this creative template.

Minimal Resume — Free by Sovon Halder

Who’s it for: Web developers and designers

Creator: Sovon Halder

Where to find it: Behance

This minimal resume template has an interesting color scheme and a font system to it that can make you stand out easily.

It stays just under one page, with all the necessary sections intact.

The resume also comes with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and PDF formats.

So, formatting shouldn’t be a problem as you can just edit it and quickly send it to an employer.

When to Use This Template

Minimal design, A4 Size, print ready, and editable. The template focuses primarily on your work experience, and your soft and hard skills. And you can always edit it based on your qualifications. Once you’re done editing, the resume is already print ready, so, all you have to do is customize the resume based on the job you’re applying to.

Despite its minimalistic approach, there’s a lot going on in the resume and you can easily summarize yourself in one page.

There’s plenty of white space as well.

So, in short, it’s easy on the eyes and the readability within the layout is on point as well. Now, what matters is what actually goes within it.

Resume for Recent College Graduate

Who’s it for: Recent college graduates

Creator: Microsoft

Where to find it: Microsoft Templates

Finally, we’ve covered just about every type of resume scenarios, except this one.

This Word template for recent college graduates prioritizes your objective, education, skills, and ends with experience (which you can include if you have any).

The design and the layout is fairly simple, and most of the resume is already filled in with examples. All you have to do is modify it based on your background — 

When to Use This Template

This resume was made with college graduates in mind. If you don’t have a lot of work experience, you can use this template to prioritize other sections (e.g. your education, skills, abilities, experience).

It’s simple and straightforward. 

And sometimes, that’s what it takes to get your foot in the door when you’re a recent college grad with not a lot of experience.

Still confused on how to structure your resume when you don’t have a lot of experience?

See our full guide for student and graduate resumes for a detailed guide on what you can include.

10+ Premium Word Resume Templates

Now, the other side of the coin is actually paying for your resume template.

You might be thinking — the reason I’m looking for a job in the first place is to make money, why would I pay for a resume template?

A couple of reasons.

First, most premium resume templates only go up to around $15-20 at most.

And if you do find one that too perfect to pass up on — $15 is a relatively small price to pay for investing in your future.

You can then customize and re-edit your template for any future jobs, too.

After all, if it worked once, it’s probably going to work again, right?

Another advantage premium resume templates offer is that they also tend to come with extra features and/or files within.

Let’s take a look at what that might look like:

Clean Resume Template by HalfCircle

Who’s it for: Graphic and web designers

Creator: HalfCircle

Where to find it: CreativeMarket

Price: $6

This clean resume template by HalfCircle comes with a DOCX MS Word file and an Adobe Photoshop File for easy customization.

It also includes three different color schemes, a cover letter, all the fonts used, and it’s also ready-to-print.

When to Use This Template

The resume includes a clean layout with an easy-to-read font choice. The colors, along with the rest of the resume, are customizable and you can edit everything in even more detail with the Photoshop PSD file. The cover letter section, meanwhile, includes plenty of space for your text and has a contact information section as well.

The best thing about this template is how clearly the sections are separated.

Nothing in it feels too close to each other and it’s just as easy for the HR manager to find or jump to any specific section they’re looking for.

There’s not much else to say about this resume other than that it’s very straightforward and simple — living up to its name clean resume template name.

Professional Resume / CV Template by Classic Design

Who’s it for: Web and graphic designers

Creator: Classic Design

Where to find it: Behance

Price: $7

Looking for something more professional?

The professional resume template by Classic Design might be what you’re looking for.

The colors aren’t as vibrant here but the colors and the typography suggest that it’s more for a senior job role in a more traditional working environment.

When to Use This Template

This professional resume template has a more faded gray color scheme to it, and a font style that’s easy to follow. The template comes with Word, Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator formats, and a cover letter — all of which are easy to customize.

Though the default resume text is suited for a design role, you can easily to your career field and it won’t be out of place due to its design.

The template has all the sections you’d ever need, for both a creative and a more traditional job, and the HR manager will have an easy time following it top to bottom.

Professional Resume Template

Who’s it for: Marketers and bloggers

Creator: Mukhlasur Rahman

Where to find it: Behance

Price: $8.47

Want your resume to be personally tailored to your personality and job role?

This professional resume template by Mukhlasur Rahman might be for you then.

The Word template follows a consistent color scheme and layout that’s been specifically designed for designers and bloggers.

When to Use This Template

This professional and creative resume template has been tailor made for designers and online bloggers. It includes a contact section, social media, education, skills, profile, work experience, and awards. The template also comes with a separate cover letter, a reference page, and a free icon set.

If you’re going to be working closely with social media and other relevant online channels, you might want to include a whole section for it on your resume.

In it, you can include the following sections, depending on how relevant they are to you:

• LinkedIn
• Medium
• Personal site or blog
• Quora
• Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram

If the job requires you to be a social media expert, this might also be the perfect place to mention how you managed to grow your social media channel 0 to 10K.

Resume Template & Cover Letter by Opu;ent Studio

Who’s it for: Any senior role

Creator: Opu;’ent

Where to find it: Behance

Price: $9

If you’re applying for a more senior role this Word resume template & cover letter by Opu;ent Studio might be more up your alley.

The template is easy to edit in Adobe InDesign and Microsoft Word, and covers the following sections:

• Biography (though you can edit this for resume summary or objective)
• Work experience
• Education
• Technical Skills
• Contact information
• Cover letter

When to Use This Template

With a clean and unique look to the resume, this template is more suited for professionals and senior-level positions. There is a lot of space for work experience, and you can just as easily transform the biography section into a resume summary.

And if you think the template looks short, don’t worry. Everything you can’t mention in it goes in the cover letter.

Look at the cover letter as a one-page document that briefly summarizes your background.

A good cover letter is a supplement to your resume and can get the HR manager to call you back.

Wondering if you should also include your picture on the resume like in the above template? That may depend on your location.

Check out our guide to see if you should include a picture on your resume or CV.

Clean Resume/CV + Cover letter by Tamzid Hasan

Who’s it for: Web, IT developer

Creator: Tamzid Hasan

Where to find it: Behance

Price: $5

If you are indeed looking for a more professional resume, this clean resume/CV combo by Tamzid Hasan might work great.

When to Use This Template

Clean one page resume that also comes with a cover letter and a reference template. It follows a professional black and white color scheme and a layout that focuses on work experience. Main features include:

• A4 & US Letter size
• Clean & professional design
• Microsoft Word (Docx) files
• CV/Resume + Cover Letter + References
• 1 & 2 page version
• Paragraph style
• Free font

Of course, ideally, your resume should fit within one page. But if you have 5+ years of experience, you can break that rule and go with the two page version the template comes with.

If you are indeed going to go over the one page rule, since you’ll have more space in your overall resume, you can also include:

• Hard skills
• Soft skills
• Languages
• Certifications
• References

One page is ideal, but depending on the job role and your experience, you can also include some extra sections to back up your background.

Modern Resume Template for Microsoft Word by ResumeCoverPro

Who’s it for: Any professional and creative role

Creator: ResumeCoverPro

Where to find it: Etsy

Price: $11

Looking for something that’s modern and professional?

Check out the professional resume package by ResumeCoverPro which includes — resume and cover letter templates, an icon pack, free fonts, effective customer support and more.

When to Use This Template

This template focuses on the main categories: education, profile, skills, work experience, and awards. You can edit each section to customize it but for the most part, it follows a very straightforward layout and color scheme. All you have to do is edit in the blanks and send it in.

This template wasn’t designed with any one specific job role in mind, so, it’s a great general-purpose approach with its design and layout.

As long as you have Word (or Google Docs), you can customize it to make it truly yours.

And if for some reason you need further help, the template comes with additional instructions and even customer support.

Optimized 1-page Edition Resume by TheResumeCoach

Who’s it for: PR, Marketers

Creator: TheResumeCoach

Where to find it: Etsy

Price: $15

This optimized 1-page edition resume is an attempt at perfecting the resume layout with the bare essentials.

For most jobs, regardless of the seniority level or the career field, this template will allow you to get all of your qualifications on paper, in a classic A4 one page format.

When to Use This Template

This template allows you to highlight your key skills and qualifications, all in one page. No need to worry about going overboard with this as this has been specifically designed for a 1-page approach.

This is a clear attempt at optimizing for the 1-page resume format.

If you’re looking for something that’s professional and you can use for multiple scenarios — the above template might be the way to go.

It’s easy-to-use and will look good for most people.

All you have to do is fill in the blanks and you’ll have a fully customized resume that’s guaranteed to stand out and attract eyes.

Elegant Resume by Horea Nicodin

Who’s it for: Pretty much anyone

Creator: Horea Nicodin

Where to find it: Dribble

Price: $10

Everything about this elegant resume template screams fanciness and it’s guaranteed to get a second look from the HR manager — which is your chance to really draw them in.

If your background is half as good as how the resume looks, you’re guaranteed to get a call back (if not for an interview, just for them to compliment your resume).

When to Use This Template

This template is ideal if you want to leave a lasting impression. It’s functional as well as elegant — definitely the best of both worlds.

Fortunately, it doesn’t actually come with a cursive font, as that would just make the recruiter’s job harder.

Though, the resume template (and the cover letter) do come with any file format you’ll ever need — Word, Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

This one-page resume template is ideal for those who want to keep their resumes concise, with just the right amount of flair.

2-page Resume/CV Combo by Resume Templates

Who’s it for: UX/UI Designers

Creator: ResumeTemplates

Where to find it: Dribble

Price: $7

If you’re going to be breaking the 1-page resume rule, you better have a good reason for it (i.e. a lot of experience).

And if that’s the case, then you could use the 2-page resume/CV package by ResumeTemplates.

When to Use This Template 

Clean, modern and professional Resume with Letterhead design. Fully customizable, and easy to use and replace the color & text.

This 2-pager Word template also comes with a cover letter, 100% scalable files (Photoshop, Illustrator, Word), and is ready to print.

It follows a reverse-chronological order and even has a references section. 

So, if you’re going to be using this template, make sure you have enough experience to fill it in with.

Modern Resume Template Package by ResumeFoundry

Who’s it for: Online marketers

Creator: ResumeFoundry

Where to find it: Etsy

Price: $15

Last but not least, this is another take on the modern creative resume package by Resume Foundry.

The package follows an all-in-one approach and the feature of being able to customize it based on your experience.

When to Use This Template

This template comes with just about everything you’ll ever need, regardless of your experience level.This includes a 1-3 page template, a cover letter, references, instructions, and a ready-to-help customer support.

Everything you see on the template is editable, and you also have the freedom to continue over the 2nd page (if needed).

Though, if you’re going to take the one-page approach, you’ll find that it has all the sections you’d need for most jobs. And the design won’t be out of place for just about any career field either.

So, essentially, you’re getting everything you’d need for $15, all that’s left to do is edit them accordingly.

How to Make a Resume the Easy Way

That’s a lot of choice for a Word resume template.

While they might look good on paper, one common issue with building your resume with Word is that it can be super hard to format.

What do we mean by this?

Well, essentially, if you wanted to edit one specific part of your template (e.g. margin, design), there’s a chance that the whole formatting might break and spill over onto the 2nd page.

Sounds familiar? It happens to the best of us.

The reason this happens is because while Word is a powerful software on its own, it will always move your sections to the next page if the formatting isn’t just right.

Details matter to Word, sometimes a bit too much.

Do you want to simplify your resume building process down to its core?

Novorésumé template builder allows you to work and format your resume without having to worry about space, margins and other tiny details.

Everything is formatted based on the layout you choose and you won’t have to worry about your sections seemingly disappearing like in Word.

All this and more — for FREE.

Key Takeaways

So, to recap, here’s everything you need to know about using Microsoft Word resume template:

• You can use preloaded templates in Word by clicking File from the menu bar on top of the screen, then New, and from there, search for a “resume template” from the prompted search bar.
• The templates Word comes with are free, and you can also use premium templates, which you can find online.
• Though the premium templates cost money, the difference is noticeable as in most cases, they’ve been designed by career experts and artists all over the world.
• Once you find an ideal template that fits your qualifications, you can simply download it and edit it within Word.
• Though, if you’re looking for a smoother experience, you can simply use a powerful online resume builder for free, to represent your skills and qualifications based on how you want it.

Discover More Resume Templates

• Google Docs Resume Templates
• Chronological Resume Templates
• Combination Resume Templates
• Creative Resume Templates
• One Page Resume Templates
• 2 Page Resume Templates
• High School Resume Templates

Suggested reading:

• How to Write a Resume & Land That Job [99+ Real-Life Examples]
• CV vs. Resume — What are the Differences & Definitions [+ Examples]
• 40+ Real-Life Resume Objective Examples [+How-to Guide]

When it comes to resumes, presentation is just as important as the skills and experience that the resume itself spells out. Trying to design a resume from scratch can be a challenge, especially with few design skills.

Need a little help? Check out these 51 free (yes, FREE!) Microsoft Word resume templates that you can easily download to your computer, edit to include your experience, and hand in with your next job application. No recruiter or hiring manager will be able to say no.

Can’t wait to view them one by one? We’ve put together a selection of the best free resume templates in one easy download below.

Why use a resume template?

Resume templates are handy tools for job seekers for a number of reasons. Firstly, it allows you to spend more time polishing up the content instead of worrying about the layout and design.

Secondly, it gives first-time job applicants a better idea of how much to write and the sections to focus on. This also applies if you’ve been out of the job market for a while and haven’t had to edit your resume recently.

Before you sprint ahead to the templates, here are some resume dos and don’ts you should know.

Resume dos and don’ts

Do

• Tailor your resume to each job you apply to
  • Highlight your most relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments
• Optimize your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
  • Include keywords from the job description in your resume where it fits organically
  • Triple check your resume for grammar, punctuation, and spelling
• Use data specific examples where possible (e.g. “increased sales by 30% by doing x”)
• Include non-academic and non-professional experiences, such as volunteer work or side projects
• Use powerful verbs to describe your work (e.g “amplified”, “executed”, “maximized”)
• Include your contact information
• Keep your bullet points to under two lines  
• Ask someone you trust to go over your resume with you
• Create a master resume. This will make it easier to tailor your resume to any job
• Include all your relevant credentials
• Save your resume file as something with your name on it. This will make it easier for managers and HR folk to locate your files
• Be consistent throughout your application. This means using the same fonts, styles, and naming conventions on your file.
• Showcase your soft skills
• Print out copies of your resume for interviews

Don’t

• Include obvious skills (e.g. gmail)
• Include irrelevant hobbies or interests. That space can be better utilized for highlighting your achievements and skills
• Include work experiences during high school unless you’re a recent graduate
• Use an objective sentence. These are widely considered to be outdated, and only relevant if you are changing careers
• Hide gaps in your resume. Be confident when explaining the gap and speak on the skills you learned during that time
• Use cliches or too much jargon. Oftentimes, the first person reading your resume will be from HR
• Write overly complex sentences. Keep it straightforward and easy to understand
• Use more than two fonts 
• Include photos (unless you’re applying for a role in the arts)
• Include your salary history. Save that for the negotiation process

How to optimize your resume for ATS

If you’re applying for a job, there is a very high chance that the resume will first be seen by some software before it makes its way to a pair of human eyes. This software is called an Applicant Tracking System and it sorts, scans, and ranks job applications that come through to a recruiter or employer.

ATS helps recruiters filter through candidates by scanning for relevant information and keywords in an application. Writing a resume that is ATS optimized is imperative, as you could potentially miss out on opportunities even if you’re qualified. 

Here are some ways to ensure your resume is ATS-friendly:

• Keep graphics to a minimum
• Incorporate keywords and phrases used in the job description. Don’t overdo this, as resumes with a high match can be flagged for gaming the system
• Save your resume as a PDF (you can easily export as PDF once you’ve edited your Word resume template)
• Some ATS software can’t read data in the header or footer. Ensure all your important information is in the body of your resume
• Avoid using too much formatting
• Make your resume easy to read, for robots and humans. This means avoiding overly wordy sentences and abbreviations where appropriate

Customizable Word resume templates

Turning a blank document into an attractive, well-designed resume is hard work, especially when you’d rather put that time to use in your job search. That’s where these free Word resume templates come in. You can choose from a range of ready-made designs, whether you’re looking for something classic, minimalist or colorful. All of the templates are easy to customize with your personal details, and you can even change the colors and themes if you’re so inclined.

When you’re done filling out your template, make sure to save your file as a Word .docx file (or .doc for older versions of the program), so you can always come back and make changes. When you’re ready to send your resume, be sure to attach it in the requested format, for example PDF or .docx. To export as a PDF from Microsoft Word, go to the File menu —> Export —> Create PDF.

You can browse the free resume templates below, and get a selection of the best templates delivered straight to your inbox.

1. The basic resume template

Want a basic resume to get yourself started? This is a great one for inputting your objective statement, experience, and skills. Download

2. Skill-based resume template

What makes this resume template great is that it has a little color but it’s also perfect for any industry. Download

3. The chronological resume template

Want a resume that makes it easy to put your jobs in chronological order and send it off? This is the straightforward template you’re searching for. Download

4. Another traditional resume template

Want to spruce up your resume without changing too much of the formatting? Try putting either your headings or subheadings in a different font. Download

5. The black-and-white resume

This black block will stand out amongst a sea of white resumes. Download

6. Orange resume template

This resume layout is actually optimized for applicant tracking systems, so you’ll be able to pop in keywords for the position you’re applying for and get yourself to the next round. Download

7. Peach resume template

Adding in colorful lines to your subheadings or your personal logo can add special touches to your resume without taking away from the content. Download

8. Creative resume template

Borders are an easy way to add more color to your resume and also take up space without being distracting. Download

9. Formal resume template

If you’re working in a more formal industry, resumes like this one give you the ability to add color while still being professional. Download

10. Profile resume template

This resume is another universal option that’ll help you look great no matter the field you’re applying for opportunities in. Download

11. Colorful resume template

You can add a little color on your resume without making it the color of a highlighter. Download

12. Grey and white resume template

This resume template is made for professionals who want an elegant yet modern resume. Download

13. Newspaper resume template

Journalists and copywriters can lean on this template to both showcase management experience and also their skill sets. Download

14. Monogrammed resume template

Want to stand out? This template is great for catching the eye of hiring managers. Download

15. Technical resume template

Technical resumes can be difficult to format, but they don’t have to be impossible. Download

16. Pink resume template

Elle Woods isn’t the only one with a pink resume; if you work in an industry where creativity and color can get you a long way, why not try it? Download

17. Visual resume template

You can use visuals to show your expertise, which might come in handy when you’re applying for jobs where you need to flaunt what you’ve got. Download

18. Creative peach resume template

Adding a few icons can be a nice touch to a resume, especially one for creative or design positions. Download

19. Minimal resume template

Want a more minimalistic resume design but don’t have a ton of experience to show? This template makes your resume look a little more chic. Download

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62 Best Free PowerPoint Templates to Make Your Life Easier

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20. Light pink resume template

Pastels are your thing? Then you’ve found your perfect resume. Download

21. Bold resume template

Feeling bold? Submit a black resume and see what happens. Download

22. Long profile resume template

Want to add a longer profile about yourself to your resume? This template lets you do it. Download

23. Plain, but trendy resume template

This resume is called “plain but trendy,” and it’ll make you look put together. Download

24. Green resume template

A little splash of bright green color can’t hurt, especially if you’re applying to more creative positions. Download

25. Light pink resume template

If you’re applying to jobs where showing off your personality more is an asset, this resume template could do the trick in landing you that perfect gig. Download

26. Colorful blue resume template

This resume is colorful, straightforward, and easy to read. What’s not to love? Download

27. Unconventional resume template

You’ll wake up a drowsy recruiter with this red and black template. Download

28. Fancy emerald resume template

Feeling blue? A hiring manager sure won’t after checking out this resume template. Download

29. Simple resume template

Don’t let this simplistic resume fool you; it can help you go far in your job search. Download

30. Splash of blue resume template

This template flips the typical resume setup on its head, which could work in your favor during the application process. Download

31. Creative resume template

The color’s a little unorthodox, but now’s not the time to bore recruiters. Download

32. Mint resume template

This resume is so cool, recruiters will be stunned with amaze-mint (get it?). Download

33. Purple resume template

Purple is an unconventional resume choice, but it may serve you well in some professions. Download

34. Yellow resume template

This resume’s surprise is the pop of color at the bottom. Download

35. Classic resume template

This design’s a little more classic than others but still has an interesting neutral color scheme. Download

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Looking for PSD resume templates instead? We’ve got you covered:

10 Free PSD Resume Templates to Help Yours Stand Out

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36. Simple pink resume template

This resume template includes a summary section, which is ideal if you are changing careers or have recently graduated. Download

37. Creative profile resume template

This template is particularly customizable – the header image, activity icons, and fonts can be changed fairly easily (especially if you’re proficient in Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop). Download

38. Dark sidebar resume template

This sleek design keeps your personal branding consistent across the board. It comes with both a resume and cover letter template. Download

39. Light resume template

If you want a creative resume that isn’t too colorful, look no further. This light resume template features clean lines and ample white space to let your credentials shine. Download

40. Colorblock resume template

This colorblock template is ideal for creatives who want their resume to stand out. Download

41. Minimalist resume template

If you’re looking for a role in a more formal industry, this template is ideal. Its text-centric layout coupled with colored headings makes it professional, but not too serious. Download

42. Bold Blue resume template

Ideal for jobseekers who have a myriad of information to present. There is a section for a summary, education, experience, awards, skills, social media, and contact details. Download

43. Appleseed resume template

This clean template has a section to chart your skillset. Download

44. Timeless resume template

It’s named the ‘Timeless’ template, and it’s easy to see why. The understated, yet elegant, layout is something you can use throughout your career. Download

45. Modern resume template

The large heading font and logo makes your name stand out more. Download

46. Colorful infographic resume template

Best suited for jobseekers in less formal fields. Download

47. Mint block resume template

This stylish resume features a calming blue header and comes with a matching cover letter template, too! Download

48. UX resume template

You can use icons and progress bars to visually demonstrate your skill set, language ability, and hobbies. Download

49. Venn diagram resume template

This template features a unique way of presenting your professional skill set – a Venn diagram! It also comes with an accompanying portfolio and cover letter template. Download

50. Monochrome resume template

This comes with an accompanying cover letter template – perfect for design-minded employers and jobseekers. Download

51. Organic shapes resume template

This word resume template walks the line between funky and professional. Ideal for those who intend on applying to a creative role. Download

Download your free Word resume templates

Need a variety of resumes at your fingertips? We’ve put together a selection of the best free resume templates in one easy download below. And don’t forget to check out our handy cover letter template too!

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