Looking for a job? Wondering how to make a resume on Google Docs? You may have struggled to make your document stand out in the past – but not anymore!
With the right CV template in Google Docs, you can create them quickly. Just open the Google Docs template library, pick the outline that suits your needs, and enter all of the corresponding information.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through how to make a resume on Google Docs in just a few minutes. I’ve also included free resume templates made by our Spreadsheet Point experts!
Table of Contents
What Are the Basics to Include on My Resume?
Clear, concise, and well-researched resumes improve your chances of a hiring manager calling you back. Only include details that are relevant to the job description. Focus on – and highlight – your relevant skills, experience, accomplishments, and strengths.
At its most basic, a resume should include the following:
1. Contact Information
Add your full name, email address, phone number, and LinkedIn account (if available). Though adding your mailing address is unnecessary, you might want to add your city if the position is location-dependent.
2. Introduction
An introduction can be in the form of a resume objective or summary. This should include your qualifications, previous roles, and professional background.
Note: In some parts of the world, resumes include photos. In the United States, it is advisable to avoid using them.
3. Education
Here, include the name of your schools and your highest degrees (e.g., major, minor). Additionally, you can add relevant certifications and coursework if they relate to your desired position or if you’re applying for an entry-level position.
4. Work Experience
In this section, add your relevant experiences in the specific field. Include the job title, the organization you worked for, and the period of time you worked there. A bullet point list may be optimal to provide an overview of your responsibilities and accomplishments.
5. Skills Section
Add the hard and soft skills, qualifications, and accomplishments that are relevant to the position you’re applying for. The purpose is to illustrate that you are a well-rounded candidate.
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What Is an Applicant Tracking System?
When making a resume in Google Drive, choose a template that’s visually appealing and readable by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
Employers use ATS software for storing, filing, and searching candidates’ resumes. By scanning for specific keywords, ATS helps organize (and locate) the best job candidates. ATS software is advanced, but it’s certainly not perfect. Any formatting issues can make it hard for the software to read the resume.
When you’re creating a resume on Google Docs, exclude these elements:
- Tables
- Images (e.g., photos, graphics, graphs, logos)
- Text Boxes
- Header
- Footer
- Less Common Fonts
- Columns
How to Optimize Your Resume for an ATS
If you want your resume to pass through the automatic sorting process used by most applicant-tracking systems, include keywords associated with the specific position you’re applying to. That might mean making several versions of a resume in Google Docs.
Here are a few considerations when building an ATS-friendly resume:
- Include all relevant credentials
- Use industry-specific keywords
- Include specific job titles and work experience
- Type out the full name of certifications
With these additions, you’ll be more likely to appear at the top of the applicant pool. Some hiring managers sort resumes by keyword, so make sure you include the full name of your certifications, programming languages, or other industry-specific skills.
How to Make a Resume on Google Docs
If you don’t wish to create your resume from scratch, there are a few resume outlines for Google Docs that you can use. Here’s how to use Google Docs resume formats from the template gallery:
- Open your Google Docs account and click on the template gallery button.
- Scroll down to the Resumes section. Click the CV template in Google Docs that appeals to you. For this example, we’re using the ‘Modern Writer Resume Template.”
- The template will have placeholder text in the fields where you can add your data. Start by adding your name, email, phone number, and address in the fields toward the top.
- Once you’re done making the changes, you can download or print the resume. To download the curriculum vitae template for Google Docs, click File in the main top bar and Download in the dropdown menu. Select the format you wish to download the file (usually PDF).
- You can also print the resume template by clicking on File > Print.
A Note About Resume File Formatting
If you download the file, we suggest using the PDF Document (.pdf) format. This will lock the file and prevent further edits. You can, however, convert the PDF back to other file types later. If you want to allow future edits, most word processors widely support Microsoft Word (.docx).
The Best Free Resume Templates from Google Docs
Google Docs has several CV templates – and all of them are supported by ATS software.
Coral Resume
One of the best resume formats on Google Docs is Coral. This general resume template uses color to differentiate various sections. Most major categories (e.g., skills, experience, education, awards) are highlighted by a coral color. The start of the resume allows you to add contact details like address, phone number, and email.
Note: Be sure to delete the “Hello” and “I’m” at the top!
Spearmint Resume
The Spearmint template is suitable for people already working in a specific field. It features the contact details at the top and the typical categories further down the page.
This Google Docs resume template is compatible with ATS software. However, when filling out this resume template, format the Experience category with proper bullet points.
Modern Writer Resume
This free Google Docs resume template has a modern aesthetic, with colors emphasizing the names and locations.
While the skills are added to the top part of the page, you can change the order or remove/add new ones, depending on your requirements.
Free Custom CV Templates from Spreadsheet Point
General Resume Template
This Google Docs resume template is simple to use and easy to understand. In the left column, add contact information, education, skills, and other interests. In the right column, add your profile and job experience.
This template is best suited for people with plenty of work experience.
Streamlined Resume Template
Sometimes, it’s best to keep things simple. With this streamlined template, recruiters will be able to find the section they want instantly. It features key sections, such as summary, experience, education, and relevant skills.
Tip: For a more custom experience, change the text color, font size, and border width.
Modern Resume Template
If you’re looking for a more modern look, this template might be perfect for you. Featuring all the sections you require (e.g., skills, contact information, languages, experiences, education), it’s divided into two separate columns.
How to Create a Google Docs Resume Template from Scratch
Making a new resume can be a time-consuming process, but we recommend it if you need a highly customized option.
- Head to Google Docs and create a blank document.
- Set the page layout by selecting File > Page setup > Pages > Paper size. Choose “Letter” size, set the Orientation to “Portrait,” and set the margins to anything above 0.5 inches (which should be ATS-friendly).
- To divide the template into sections, head to the main toolbar and select Insert > Table. Choose whatever grid works best for your resume layout.
- After adding your sections and relevant details, download the resume by clicking on File > Download > desired format.
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What Types of Resumes Exist?
There are three commonly used resume formats.
1. Chronological Resume
Here, your work history is listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. You’ll emphasize your employment with clear job titles and work history dates.
Note: Exercise caution if you have substantial employment gaps or are entering the workforce for the first time.
2. Functional Resume
A functional resume might be good for you if you’re new to – or reentering – the workforce. Also called a skills-based resume, it emphasizes your areas of expertise without a chronological work history.
Note: Some recruiters don’t prioritize these types of resumes.
3. Combination Resume
As the name suggests, combination resumes blend the qualities of chronological and functional resumes. It’s recommended for showcasing substantial employment history, past experience, and skills that were honed over time.
Tips for Using a Google Docs Resume Template
Are Google resumes good? Absolutely! But Google Docs resume templates require more than just copy-pasting your information into a file: You need to personalize it!
Enter the Correct Information
Review all the content before finalizing it. I usually take a break for a few hours (or days) before finalizing my files. Otherwise, I occasionally ask a friend to proofread them.
Personalize Your Layout
Even though you’re starting with a CV template, your resume doesn’t need to look like everyone else’s.
- Change the colors of the headings
- Use different fonts
- Include various heading and font sizes
- Add the proper bullet point formatting
- Increase or decrease the font to fit the content better on the page.
- Remove or add sections to fit the job description.
Example: Updated Swiss Resume
Strike a Balance
When I add my skills and experiences to any Google Docs resume template, I keep it brief and succinct. If you add too many details, the reader will probably ignore it. However, if you add too few details, the reader might not glean enough from your CV.
Keep It Short
Whenever possible, it’s ideal to keep your resume on one page. This requires a lot of close reading, formatting, and editing, but you want recruiters to spot your achievements and skills immediately.
Include Social Media
When used correctly, your social media presence can have a major impact on recruitment. If you have any questionable publications, I’d recommend scrubbing them!
Show Results with Numbers
If you can provide specific numerical examples of your accomplishments, use them. Metrics are always a great way to measure success.
Optimize Text
Look through the job description and highlight words or phrases that stand out. Identify the most frequently used terms and be sure to insert them (without looking too obvious).
Check Your Grammar
Many employers will ignore your resume if they spot incorrect grammar or typos. Run your CV through spellcheck!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Difference Between Resumes and Cover Letters?
The sole purpose of your resume (or CV) is to show recruiters that you’re qualified for the advertised position. In a nutshell, it’s an advertisement for yourself.
Also known as a motivation letter, a cover letter is often paired with a resume. This single-page document is really just a resume summary, showing potential employers how your skills and abilities will benefit their company. A customized motivation letter also demonstrates that you’ve spent time researching the position being offered.
Related: Check out These Cover Letter Templates
Do Google Docs Have Free Resume Templates?
Absolutely! Google Docs free resume templates. Go to the main Google Docs landing page and click on the Template Gallery button in the upper-right corner.
Is It Better to Create a Resume on Google Docs or Word?
Google Docs resumes are great, but they’re also commonly used. That means they aren’t always the best if you’re looking to highlight your professionalism. Docs and Word have similar features, so there isn’t much difference when using one or the other for creating a resume.
What Is the Best Resume Format on Google Docs?
Google Docs offers several resume templates, including Coral, Spearmint, and Modern Writer. All of these resume templates are great for building a CV. Plus, they’re all readable by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
How Do I Make My Resume Fit on One Page in Google Docs?
If the content in your template nearly fits on one page, go to File > Page setup. Reduce the left and right margins to fit more content on the page. Play around with font size, paragraph spacing, and the white space around headings.
Wrapping Up
Now you know how to make a resume on Google Docs! Whether you use one of our templates, Google Docs’ templates, or you build one “from scratch,” your next job application couldn’t be easier!
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