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Go to File > New.
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In the search box, type Resume or Cover Letter.
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Double-click the template you want to use.
-
Replace the placeholder text with your own information.
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On the File menu, select New from Template.
-
In the search box, type Resume or Cover Letter.
-
Double-click the template you want to use.
-
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:
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Near the top of the screen, click Share.
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Under Share, click Get a Link.
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Under Choose an option, click View only.
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Click Create Link.
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Click on the web address to select it, and then copy and paste it into an email, message, or post.
It can’t be that hard to write your resume in Word, can it? Then why are you stuck? Overwhelmed with hundreds, no, thousands of pages and videos on how to make a resume in MS Word? Who has the time to sift through that mountain of informational junk to find the hidden gems?!
Worry not. We’ve left no stone unturned, and condensed down all you need to know about how to make a resume in Word.
In this guide you’ll learn:
- How to access a ready Microsoft Word template design and make it your own.
- How to create a resume in MS Word from scratch faster than you can say Microsoft Office, even if you’re totally new at it.
- How to format a resume to make it look better and more professional than most other resumes.
But instead of reading through all this, you can just swing on over to our resume builder which will do it for you. Not only is it more user friendly than MS Word, you can download your finished resume in a .doc file which will make writing your resume a sinch.
Let’s get started!
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.
First, you might want to check if submitting a resume in *.doc is a good idea: Is a Resume in PDF the Best Option?
Check out our resume templates to choose the best for you:
- Free Resume Templates
- Best Resume Templates
- Apple Resume Templates
- Blank Resume Template
- Simple Resume Templates
- Functional Resume Templates
- Student Resume Templates
- Recent Graduate Resume Templates
- Entry Level Resume Template
- One Page Resume Template
- Google Docs Resume Templates
- Creative Resume Templates
- Cool Resume Templates
- Modern Resume Template
- Minimalist Resume Templates
- Plain Text Resume Templates
How to Make a Resume in Word
Now get comfortable, we’re going to go through, step by step, how to make a resume in Word from scratch.
Access MS Word Templates
Accessing MS Word templates may seem complicated, but it really is just a few simple steps that we’ll show you them below.
- Open a new document.
- Click on the “more templates” option.
- Choose “Resumes and Cover Letters.”
- Choose the resume template that suits you best and click on it.
- Click “Create.”
- Your chosen resume template appears as a Word document and you’re ready to edit it with your personal information and experience!
Not sure which resume template packs the most punch? Browse through our selection and tips here: 25 Resume Templates for Microsoft Word
Make a Resume Header in Word
Going top-down, we start first with the resume header (and the Captain Obvious award goes to…).
The resume header should include the following:
- your name
- current job title
- phone number
- links to any online profiles or professional online sites that you have.
It should end up looking like this:
But hey, how did that nice line get there?
It’s simple so let’s leave that for later, once you’ve finished all your sections. If you’re super impatient, jump down here to learn how to add a line in a Word resume.
How to Format a Resume Header in Word
As your name is both important and the first thing the hiring manager sees, make sure it’s bigger than the rest of your text (14-16 pt).
Depending on the font you use, decide whether bold will make it look better and draw more attention.
Feel free to bold the titles of the information that you’re listing (like in the above example) to make it a little clearer to read.
Add a Resume Objective/Summary
Double space from the last line in your resume header.
Write “Objective” or “Summary” depending on which one you’re using. As it’s a section title, make it a little larger than the rest of the text (14-16 pt). Also, depending on the font you’re using, make it bold.
Beneath the section title, write a couple of sentences concerning your resume summary or objective.
Unsure whether a resume objective or summary is right for you? These two handy guides will help solve that problem: Resume Summary Examples and Resume Objective Examples
Your resume objective/summary section should look like this:
Write Your Experience Section in Word
Now we’re diving into the bigger sections of your resume that will take a bit more time and effort to get just right.
Again, double space from the last line and add the section title “Experience” in larger text like the previous section titles.
Next, add the date, title of your job position at the time and then the name of the company.
Next, add a few lines describing your relevant job responsibilities in bullet points.
If you have key achievements that you’d like to include, add “key achievements” after your job responsibilities and also list them in bullet points. Since “Key Achievements” is a sub section header, remember to make it bold, underlined, or slightly larger than the surrounding text to help it stand out more.
Need more pointers on how to add work experience to your resume? This guide will point you in the right direction: Resume Work Experience, History, & Example Job Descriptions
Your finished work experience section should look something like this:
Add Your Education Section
The hardest part of your resume is over and done with, phew! Now on to your education.
Follow the same rules as before so double space and enlarge the font for the resume section title “Education.”
Next, add the date you graduated (or plan to graduate), the name and location of the school, and the title you acquired.
Simple!
If you’re feeling a little lost on how to add your education to your resume, you’ll definitely find these guides super helpful: How to Put Education on a Resume and How to List Continuing Education on a Resume
Your education section should look like this:
Add Skills to a Resume in Word
You’re already at your skills section now!
This section is an easy one as you won’t have to do much other than list.
Again, double space from the last line and use the same format for your “Skills” section header as you did for the rest.
Now simply list your skills. You can do this as a simple list or just some kind of formatting like bullet points. That’s all there is to it!
When you’re done, your resume skills section should look something similar to this:
It’s important to remember that you can’t just mention every skill you have including competitive bubblegum chewing. It needs to be relevant.
This guide will tell you exactly which professional skills are key to getting your dream job: Key Skills to Put on a Resume
Add Additional Sections to Your Resume
You’re already near the end, yay!
The additional section isn’t mandatory in your resume, but it is a great place to show off your achievements, certificates, interests, languages, and other things that don’t really fit elsewhere in your resume.
Add the relevant section headings, i.e. “Achievements”, “Certificates”, “Languages”, “Interests”, etc. and then form a simple list beneath.
Here’s an example:
That’s it!
Afraid that your resume doesn’t have enough impact? Check to see if it’s optimized to the job description with this handy guide: 6 Tips on How to Tailor Your Resume to a Job Description
When you’re all done, if you pull all the pieces together, your complete resume should look more or less like this:
Unsure if your resume is complete? Double check that you have all the crucial pieces: Parts of a Resume: What are the Important Elements?
Now, that looks okay, but it’s not exactly something to write home about. Want a resume in Word that will really stand head and shoulders above the rest?
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.
How to Format a Resume in Word
You’ve already learned a little about formatting a resume in Word throughout this guide, but let’s recap and add in some new tips for good measure.
Resume Fonts in Word
It may seem like something not really worth the worry, but a bad font can tank your resume faster than an unnoticed iceberg.
Use professional, modern fonts and stay away from fonts that are overly creative, hard to read, or simply comical (I’m looking at you, Comic Sans!).
For more in depth knowledge about what fonts are a “go” and which are a “no,” check out this great guide: Best Fonts for a Resume
Resume Margins in Word
Word usually has neat margins set up by default so you’re probably good to go from the start.
Just in case, though, remember that the standard margins for resumes are 1 in. on all sides.
Want to muse more over measuring your margins? This guide will do just that: Proper Resume Margins
Resume Line Spacing in Word
Again, Word will usually have you covered by default, but it’s good to know that 1.15 line spacing is best in a resume.
If you want to see what your line spacing is set to in a Word document, go the toolbox in the Home tab and select the icon that looks like a paragraph with arrows on the left side. A drop down menu will appear with different spacing options.
Resume Headings in Word
As we’ve already covered, the resume headings should stand out in some way. They definitely should be slightly bigger (14-16 pt) to set them apart from the rest of the 12 pt text.
If the legibility of the font allows, feel free to underline or bold the resume section headings as well.
Don’t go overboard though. This does not look good on a resume: WORK EXPERIENCE
How to Make a Line in Word for Your Resume
Making a line is one of those things that seems simple, but ends up giving you an aneurysm and a half when you try to do it.
There are actually three ways to create a line in Word—via hyphens, borders, or horizontal lines.
- Use hyphens.
Type in three hyphens (—) and then press “Enter.” Viola! You have a line!
- Use Borders.
Go to the Borders option in the Home toolbox and click on the drop down menu. Choose the first option “Bottom Border” and Word will automatically insert a line.
- Use Horizontal Line.
Go to the borders in the Home toolbox and click on the drop down menu. Choose “Horizontal Line”. Click and Word will insert a line.
Now you know more than one way to make a line in Microsoft Word!
Lines, like other format options, should be used once in a while to emphasize the main points. You don’t want to turn your resume into a web of lines created by drunken spiders.
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.
Key Takeaway
If you’ve ever wondered how to create a resume template in Word, well you just have! Now you can create several different tailored resumes for your dream jobs!
Wasn’t all that bad, was it?
Creating a resume in Microsoft Word may not be super easy, but it doesn’t need to be a complicated design or be a nightmare to format. You can definitely create a resume in one, relaxed sitting.
Just keep in mind to:
- Keep your resume sections in order.
- Format your resume section headings a little larger than the rest of the text.
- Double check if your font, margins, and line spacing are professional and legible.
- Use lines and format design sparingly in your resumes to emphasize instead of clutter.
Have you found this guide helpful? Any options or templates we’ve left out that you think could be useful? Let us know!
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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
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1
Use a pre-installed template in Word. Begin by opening up a new document in Word by clicking on “New” from the File menu. Once you have opened up the new document menu, you will be able to choose from a large number of templates that are included with the Word software. Click on “Templates” and then select one of the resume templates you see on the page.
- 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]
- In Word 2013 the templates will be displayed when you click on “New.”
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2
Download a resume template in Word. Word comes with a number of pre-installed templates for you to use, but there is a larger choice available through Office Online. It is straightforward to search for resumes templates on this database and download one that you like. Open up a new document and search for “resumes” in the Microsoft Office Online section.
- 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.
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Download a template directly from Office Online. You can view and download templates directly on Office Online without going through Word. Just visit the official website at https://templates.office.com/ and click on the resumes and cover letters section. You will see this section as one of those listed in the module on the left-hand side of the screen that says “Browse by Category.”
- 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]
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Complete the template. Once you have decided on a template that looks professional and is appropriate for the kind of work you are looking for, you can delete the default text and add your personal information. Format, layout and presentation are essential for a good resume, but they cannot disguise bad writing, spelling and grammar mistakes.[3]
- 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.
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Create a resume with the wizard (Word 2003 only). If you are using Word 2003 you will also have the option of the using the wizard that was included in the software. The wizard will guide you through the process of writing and formatting your resume. Start by selecting «New» from the File menu. This displays the New Document task pane. You should then select “My Computer» from the Templates section on the left side of the task pane.
- 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.
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Know what to include. Resume templates can be very useful if you are uncertain about how to format your resume, or you are not confident using the formatting tools on Word on another word processing programme. If you prefer create your own format and not to use a template, start by planning out which sections you will be including and how they will be organised. A resume should generally include the following sections:
- 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.
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Consider a chronological resume. There are a number of different types of resume, including the chronological resume, the functional resume, the combination resume, and the curriculum vitae (CV). The chronological resume lists your work experience from your most recent position to your earliest position, with your responsibilities for each position listed under the position title and dates you held it. This type of resume helps you to show how you have progressed over time.[4]
- 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.
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3
Be wary of a functional resume. The functional resume lists your key job skills first, then follows with a list of positions you’ve held. It can be useful to highlight your particular skills while hiding gaps in your employment history, but it is generally not advisable for students or recent graduates to use this format.[5]
It can be a useful format for those looking to translate their current job skills into a different field. -
4
Try a combination resume. A third option is the combination resume, sometimes known as a skills-based resume. This format enables you to highlight your skills most prominently, but also to tie them to your practical work experience. This can be helpful if your skills are more relevant than your work experience for the position you are applying for, but this format is unfamiliar to some employers and it is generally preferable to opt for a chronological resume.
- 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]
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Consider a CV. A curriculum vitae serves the same basic purpose of a resume, but there are different conventions that govern how it is written. The curriculum vitae is a comprehensive list of your job experience from your current or most recent position to your earliest. Unlike the chronological or functional resume, which typically run 1 to 2 pages, the CV is as long as it needs to be to encompass your experience.
- 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]
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Complete your contact information. Once you have decided on your resume you can begin actually writing it up. Start by providing your full contact information at the top of the first page of your resume. Your contact information should include your name, address, telephone number, and email address.
- 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.»
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Consider including an objective. After your contact information, you might want to include a one line objective that states you career goal. Employers have mixed opinions on the inclusion of an objective statement, so consider carefully whether or not it adds anything to your resume. If you do decide to include one, make it short and closely focussed to the position you are applying for.
- 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]
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3
Outline your education and qualifications. The order you use for the following sections may vary, but in many instances you will start with a statement of your education and qualifications. Here you simply need to detail your qualifications at school and college as appropriate. List the colleges or technical schools you’ve attended, in reverse chronological order. Be sure to give the date you achieved your results.
- 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.
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Detail your work experience. List the positions you’ve held in reverse chronological order, with the start and end dates (month and year). In a chronological resume, the dates should be listed first, while they can be listed after the position title in a functional resume. Pick out the key tasks and responsibilities you had at each position, your accomplishments, and what skills you developed while working there.
- 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.[9]
- You can include volunteer positions if they relate to the job you’re seeking or if you have little paid experience.[10]
- 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.[9]
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Have an extra skills section. You will probably find that most of your skills have been covered in your education and experience sections, but it can be a good idea to have a separate skills section. This is an opportunity to highlight any skills and knowledge you have that is relevant to the position, but does not fit in anywhere else in the resume.
- 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.[11]
- Take care to avoid repeating yourself. You don’t need to say you have “excellent communication skills” more than once.
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Consider adding references. Generally you should only include named references with contact information if they are specifically required for the application process. Often references will only be taken up a later date. If you are not asked to include references in the application materials just write “references available on request” at the end of your resume.[12]
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Make final format adjustments. Once you have the information in place in your resume, you can then format it as desired. Choose a single, easy-to-read font, either a serif font (Times New Roman, Book Antiqua) or sans serif font (Arial, Calibri, Century Gothic). All text should be 10 to 12 point, except for your name in the first-page header, which can be 14 to 18 point. Bold your name, your section headings, and your job titles.
- 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.
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Question
How do I write a resume with little work history?
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.
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Expert Answer
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Question
Should I put my work history or education first?
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.
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Support wikiHow by
unlocking this expert answer.Typically, you should put your work history first, followed by your education and qualifications. However, if you are fresh out of college or don’t have much work history, put your educations and qualifications first.
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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.
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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.
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The appearance and format of your resume is a reflection of your competence; be sure it represents you at your best.
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Be sure that all the statements in your resume are both factually and grammatically correct and that all words are spelled correctly.
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About This Article
Article SummaryX
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?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,607,286 times.
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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:
Source: twistedsifter.com
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 #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
- Projects
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:
- Calibri
- Cambria
- Garamond
- Didot
- Georgia
- Helvetica
- Arial
- 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.
It is known to all what a resume is, i mean, not all. Still, those who have tried to apply for a job would witness, or those looking to apply for a job would testify that having a resume as an applicant is necessary for most jobs. At least 99% of the work now requires one to have a Resume.
If you are just like me some years ago, searching for jobs without knowing what a resume is at all, and also don’t know how to make one for myself, I always thought that i am only required to have an education certificate and also an application letter; those things are essential, but what a resume doe s is that it helps give you(the applicant) an edge over others applying for the job.
This post is specifically targeted to help educate those like me years ago who knew nothing about a resume and its importance. This post will help educate you by detailing the concept of a Resume, its importance, and how to create your resume with Ms word with ease; i will also recommend some places where you can find resume templates to use it makes your Resume.
What Is A Resume?
A resume is a document that presents a concise picture of the skills and qualifications of the applicant for the specific position, so length tends to be shorter into dedicated to the years of experience (generally a 1 to 2 pages document).
A great resume has to possess some qualities; a great resume grabs the attention of employers and recruiters, sells your most vital skills and accomplishments, shows how you are a match for a position or project, etc. One of the essential features of your resume to a potential employer is your employment history. You want to show a track record of relevant and reliable career experience.
It is certainly not necessary in most instances to list every job you have ever had. Sometimes, people mistake a cv for something with a resume; a complete sets an entire applicant’s academic credential, so the document’s length is variable.
A resume is one of the essential things one must possess before applying for a job. In contrast, Every job requires one to have a resume; the actual reason important is that a resume describes your qualifications and what makes you unique. To stand out among other applicants, one must have a resume that markets your strength and matches the job.
Why Should I Have A Resume?
A resume will impress a potential employer when applying for a job. Having a resume sets the applicant apart from others. It will make the particular applicant stand out against other candidates. Still, a resume is also aiding if you are still looking to apply for an internship or more professional care.
Types Of Resume
Of course, there are different types of resumes which range up to 8 different types of resumes. But the most common of all these types. Therefore, the followings are some of the common types of resumes.
- Chronological Resume
- Functional Resume
- Combination Resume
- Infographic resume.
- Targeted resume.
Chronological Resume: A chronological resume lists work experiences and achievements starting from the current or most recent one and following up with previous jobs below. For the main reason, the chronological resume is the perfect choice for job-seekers with plenty of experience and achievements to list on the resume.
Sections to write a Chronological Resume Structure
The following are the main sections of a Chronological resume:
- Contact information.
- Professional title and resume summary/objective.
- Work experience and achievements.
- Education section.
- Your top soft/hard skills.
- Include optional sections (languages, certificates, volunteer experience, etc.)
Functional Resume: A functional resume format is a type of resume that focuses more on the skills rather than the work experiences. One can use a functional resume if you are a recent graduate with little work experience or if you are switching careers.
Sections to write a Functional Resume Structure
The following are the main sections of a Functional resume:
- List your contact information.
- Write a detailed resume introduction.
- Group your skills by type.
- Write your employment history.
- List your relevant educational background.
- Highlight your professional accomplishments.
Combination Resume: A combination Resume is a type of Resume that is essential, a combination of resume, or preferably called hybrid resume, combining two traditional resume formats. It is a mix of the reverse-chronological resume and the functional resume format. As in, it places equal emphasis both on your skills and work experience.
Sections to write a Combination Resume Structure
The following are the main sections of a Combination resume:
- List your contact information. Include the information at the top of the resume.
- Add a resume summary.
- Group your skills by category.
- Detail your professional experience (with bullet points).
- Note your education history.
Infographic Resume: An Infographic resume is a type of resume that is based on visual representations of the skills and experience of the applicant, such as timelines, graphs, icons, or bar charts. Unlike a traditional resume style, which uses text, an infographic resume uses graphic design elements.
Sections to write an Infographic Resume Structure
The following are the main sections of an Infographic resume: Include All the Relevant Sections.
- Decide How You’ll Organize Information.
- Choose Infographic Elements Wisely.
- Use Hierarchy.
- Start With a Great Template.
Targeted Resume: A targeted resume is a type of resume tailored to a specific job opening. A targeted resume is a standard resume with skills and work experience customized to fit a particular position. A targeted cover letter should go with each resume for maximum effect.
Sections to write a Targeted Resume Structure
The following are the main sections of a Targeted resume:
- Mentioning the company’s name.
- Use the same job title as the job description.
- Include 1–3 skills they want.
- Add your most significant 2–3 accomplishments that prove you own those skills.
- If they mention required years of experience, show you have them.
How to make a resume on MS word
It can’t be that hard to write/make your resume in Word, or can it? Then you get overwhelmed with hundreds, thousands of pages, and videos on how to make a resume in Ms word? Who has the time to sift through that mountain of information to make a simple resume? Most times, it might just be confusing and, as said earlier, “overwhelming.” To make a resume on Word, there are two methods.
There are two ways. It is either you build from;
From Scratch: This enables you to have the ultimate control. However, it is also required for you to familiarize yourself with all of Word’s tools and layout options. Building a resume from scratch can be more time-consuming but also more customizable.
Form a template: Ms word offers several already made or pre-made templates. You have to fill in your information. All the formatting and layout creation is handled for you.
Steps On How To Make Your Resume On Word
The following are the steps to follow to make a resume on Word:
Step 1:
Create Your Layout: By visiting the layout tab in this section, you can set your margin size and decide if you want to use columns or not.
Step 2:
Make Your Title Header: The title header contains the following information:
- Your name
- Your job title
- Contact information
- Website
- Professional social media links
-Use the H1 header to write your name at the very top. -Then, use everyday style to write the rest of your information. It should come out looking similar to this:
Lare Smith
Copywriter
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (123) 456-7890
Website: Janesmith.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janesmith
Step 3:
Write an objective or summary: This is a primarily short statement between 1-5 sentences detailing your desired job title, experience, and career goals. You will want to write this section in the Normal Style. However, you may want to use a slightly larger font than the other text in other sections. This will enable the objective statement to stand out.
Step 4:
Create Yout Base Format: By creating a base format, you can save the document as a separate file to return to and fill again and again. This will help mainly to provide outlined sections with the correct packing and numbers of bullet points. Doing so creates a skeleton for your resume that you can edit and adjust over time.
This is what it will 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.
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 the information!.
But before filling in the information, make sure you take note of the following features;
Be Concise: Use simple sentences that clearly describe your strengths and accomplishments. Avoid complex sentences or overly complicated vocabulary and jargon. When filling in the information, be mindful of the following factors:
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 exact words or phrases over and over. Mix it up, use keywords, and find the best action verbs to make your resume sound better.
Step 7:
Double Check Your Sections: Once you have completed steps 1-6, review your resume and ensure you have included all critical sections. It would help if you also took some time to consider what additional sections you could include.
Here are the key sections every resume should have:
- A title harder with your name and contact information
- An objective or summary statement
- Work experience
- Education
- Skills
As we have covered, the order of these sections will vary depending on your chosen format.
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 different sections that can add some extra flair to your resume:
- Awards and achievements
- Certifications
- Unpaid experiences, such as internships or volunteer work
- Relevant hobbies
Templates
In conclusion, with the update above on How To Make A Resume In Word, one is now aware of the types of Resumes and how to build a resume from scratch as a beginner/without experience in Word.
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How to Make a Resume on Word
- Open Microsoft Word and pick a template. …
- Write your name and contact information at the top. …
- Write a convincing introduction. …
- Summarize your work experience. …
- Add your education history. …
- List your relevant job skills. …
- Include career accomplishments and awards at the bottom.
Secondly, What do I put for skills on a resume?
These are the key skills you should include in your resume:
- Creativity.
- Interpersonal Skills.
- Critical Thinking.
- Problem Solving.
- Public Speaking.
- Customer Service Skills.
- Teamwork Skills.
- Communication.
Also How do you list Microsoft skills on a resume? Put your MS Office skills in a resume skills section. List only those abilities you trully possess. Incorporate most advanced skills into your resume experience section. Use bullet points to describe your achievements.
In fact How do I design a CV?
Let’s dive in.
- Make Your Job Skills As Modern As You Are. …
- Make Sure Your CV Is Mobile-Friendly. …
- Keep In Mind Your Target Industry When Choosing Color Schemes. …
- Use Your Resume To Tell A Story. …
- Give A Design Nod To Your Line Of Work. …
- Use Your Resume as a Personal Branding Document. …
- Use Design That’s Right on Top of the Trends.
How do I upload my resume online?
Employers often require applicants to upload their resumes online in a job search engine profile or directly to their website when they apply for jobs.
…
- Make sure your resume is in the correct format. …
- Copy and paste your resume. …
- Click the “upload” or “upload resume” button. …
- Select your resume file.
What are skills examples?
The top ten skills graduate recruiters want
- Commercial awareness (or business acumen) This is about knowing how a business or industry works and what makes a company tick. …
- Communication. …
- Teamwork. …
- Negotiation and persuasion. …
- Problem solving. …
- Leadership. …
- Organisation. …
- Perseverance and motivation.
How do I write about me on a resume?
Tips for writing an “about me” resume section
- Be brief. It is important to make sure you are not rambling in your “about me” section. …
- Be honest. It is very important to be truthful in your “about me” section. …
- Proofread and read aloud. …
- Keep your “about me” section updated. …
- Tie it into the job description.
What are your top 5 skills?
The top 5 skills employers look for include:
- Critical thinking and problem solving.
- Teamwork and collaboration.
- Professionalism and strong work ethic.
- Oral and written communications skills.
- Leadership.
How do I describe my computer skills on a resume?
You can include your computer skills in your resume summary, skills section, and employment history. In your resume summary, you can highlight one of your key skills: “Team-focused editor with 5 years of experience using content management and collaboration software including Slack and Trello.”
What are basic computer skills?
Basic computer skills refer to your ability to perform fundamental tasks on a computer. This can include understanding certain software, applications, programs, tools and more. Computer skills fall into two categories: software and hardware.
What are office skills?
Microsoft Office skills are the techniques that an individual learns when working with Microsoft Office programs. They demonstrate a candidate’s experience and comfort using some of the most popular Office programs, such as those used to create documents and presentations and manage communications.
Is a resume the same as a CV?
The CV presents a full history of your academic credentials, so the length of the document is variable. In contrast, a resume presents a concise picture of your skills and qualifications for a specific position, so length tends to be shorter and dictated by years of experience (generally 1-2 pages).
What are the basic elements of any resume?
Key Elements of a Resume
- Personal Information. Name Current and Permanent address (may be omitted from a resume posted on the web) …
- Objective. In one short sentence summarize your goal for your job search. …
- Education. …
- Work and Related Experience. …
- Awards and Honors. …
- Activities/Hobbies. …
- Skills. …
- References (3-5 people)
Where can I upload my resume?
11 best resume posting sites
- Indeed. Indeed is by far the largest job board in the United States and many other countries. …
- Monster. Monster would currently take the number two spot for popular job search sites. …
- CareerBuilder. …
- Glassdoor. …
- ZipRecruiter. …
- The Muse. …
- Craigslist. …
- USAJobs.
How can I upload my resume to my phone?
From Google Drive on your lap/desktop, click New > File Upload > select résumé in PDF and Word. Momentarily your résumé will appear on your android or iPhone. From your phone, you can share it via email or text to recruiters.
What is to upload a resume?
WHAT THIS MEANS: UPLOADING attaches a copy of your resume to your profile. tip: to upload — after you have browsed for your resume file, be sure to. click the save button to complete the upload. tip: to receive consideration you must complete the application — even if.
What are your top 3 skills?
Here are the seven essential employability skills with examples:
- Positive attitude. Being calm and cheerful when things go wrong.
- Communication. You can listen and say information clearly when you speak or write.
- Teamwork. …
- Self-management. …
- Willingness to learn. …
- Thinking skills (problem solving and decision making) …
- Resilience.
What are your strengths?
Some examples of strengths you might mention include: Enthusiasm. Trustworthiness. Creativity.
What computer skills should I put on my resume?
List of Computer Skills for Resume:
- MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint, OneNote, Access)
- Google Drive (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms)
- Spreadsheets (Excel, Google Sheets, OpenOffice Calc). …
- Email (mail merge, filters, folders, rules)
- Presentations/Slideshows (Powerpoint, Google Slides, OpenOffice Impress, Tableu)
What are 5 words to describe yourself?
Good Words to Describe Yourself (+ Example Answers)
- Diligent / Loyal / Reliable. I am always the first person my friends call because they know I am always there for them. …
- Creative / Innovative / Visionary. …
- Motivated / Ambitious / Leader. …
- Honest / Ethical / Conscientious. …
- Friendly / Personable / Extrovert.
How do you describe yourself?
Example: “I am ambitious and driven. I thrive on challenge and constantly set goals for myself, so I have something to strive toward. I’m not comfortable with settling, and I’m always looking for an opportunity to do better and achieve greatness.
What can I write about myself?
Let’s start with some examples of personal essay prompts:
- Tell me about yourself.
- Describe a challenge or event that made you who you are today.
- What are your short and long-term goals, and how do you plan to achieve them?
- Write about a time you failed at something. How did it affect you?
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