how to make attractive resume in ms word

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

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

How Do I Make a Resume in Microsoft Word?

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

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

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

How Should I Format My Resume in Microsoft Word?

The format you choose will depend on your experience level!

There are 3 basic resume formats to choose between:

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

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

Beautiful resume templates to land your dream job

Make a Resume in Microsoft Word in 7 Easy Steps

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

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

It should look something like this:

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

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

You should also familiarize yourself with the Layout tab .

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

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

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

Step 1: Create Your Layout

Let’s begin by visiting the Layout tab .

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

Here is a breakdown of these two elements:

‍ We recommend using 1-inch margins on all sides.

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

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

Columns and Sidebars:

‍ From the columns tab, you will find five options:

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

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

‍ Alignment:

‍ Choose between left, center, or right alignment.

We recommend using the left alignment.

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

Line Spacing:

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

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

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

We recommend the following seven fonts:

• Times New Roman

Step 2: Make Your Title Header

Your title header should contain the following information:

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

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

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

It should come out looking similar to this:

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

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

Step 3: Write an Objective or Summary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Step 4: Create Your Base Format

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

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

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

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

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

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

Work Experience

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

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

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

Step 5: Determine Your Section Organization

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

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

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

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

Step 6: Fill in the Information

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

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

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

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

Step 7: Double-Check Your Sections

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

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

Here are the key sections every resume should have:

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

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

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

There are also some additional sections to consider adding.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Select the Styles window from the Home tab .

From here, you will have options to create headers.

Your heading options are as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final Takeaways

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

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

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

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

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

Browse more resume templates that fit your role

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

Get inspired with more resume examples

More advice that will accelerate your career path, 15+ key healthcare skills to list on your resume in 2024 (with examples).

Healthcare is a massive and important industry that contains all sorts of professionals. To land a job in healthcare, you must understand what relevant skills employers are searching for. In this guide, we will cover key healthcare skills to include on your resume and why doing so is so important.

15+ IT Skills to List on Your Resume in 2024 (With Examples)

IT is a massively growing industry with tons of potential for professional growth. It’s no wonder why so many applicants are flocking to these jobs! In this guide, we will cover what IT skills are and offer you examples of some of the top skills to include on your resume.

50+ Key Technical Skills to List on Your Resume in 2024 (With Examples)

Including technical skills on a resume is an absolute necessity. These types of skills show employers your quantifiable qualifications. In this guide, we will cover exactly what a technical skill is and some of the best examples to include on a resume.

20+ Key Computer Skills to List on Your Resume in 2024 (With Examples)

With the world becoming more digitally focused, having strong computer skills is more important than ever. In this guide, we will cover what computer skills are and which ones are best to include on your resume.

Read our how-to guides on making your resume perfect

How to write a resume header.

Your resume header is the very first thing an employer will see. Not only does it need to contain the correct information, but it needs to stand out as well! In this guide, we will teach you how to write the ideal header for your resume.

How to Write Your Resume in Reverse-Chronological Order

When setting out to write the perfect resume, choosing a format is an important decision. Reverse-chronological resumes are the standard format, so knowing how to craft one is key! This guide will teach you how to write the best reverse chronological resumes.

How to List Contact Information on Your Resume in 2024

Learn how to format contact information on your resume and what information to share with the hiring manager.

How to Write a Two-Page Resume (with Examples & Tips)

Don't know whether you should write a one-page or two-page resume? Find out when it is appropriate to write a two-page resume and learn how to write it correctly.

Professional resume templates to help land your next dream job.

Facebook • Twitter • Linkedin • Pinterest • Crunchbase

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Should You Make a Resume in Word? 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Step #1: Pick a Word Resume Template 

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

Open Word. 

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

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

Click “Create.” 

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

Step #2: Create a Resume Header 

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

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

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

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

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

Step #3. Include a Resume Summary or Objective

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

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

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

Step #4: Create a Compelling Work Experience Section

This is where things get serious. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pro Tip #1 - List achievements over responsibilities

Notice the example above.

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

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

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

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

Step #5: Add Your Educational Background 

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

The education section of your resume should include the following: 

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

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

Step #6: Make Sure to Include Your Skills

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

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

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

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

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

Step #7: Include Optional Resume Sections 

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

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

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

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

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

• Certifications and Awards
• Publications 

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

How to Format Your Word Resume 

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

Best Resume Fonts in Word 

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

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

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

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

• Book Antiqua
• Trebuchet MS

Optimal Line Spacing for a Word Resume  

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

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

Headings in a Word Resume

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

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

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

Key Takeaways 

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

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

Here’s what’s good to remember: 

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

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

How-To Geek

How to create a professional résumé in microsoft word.

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

Quick Links

What is a résumé, using a microsoft word résumé template, crafting a custom résumé in microsoft word, deciding what information to include, organizing that information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click "OK."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Image Credit: fizkes /Shutterstock

• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Word

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

Updated: April 17, 2024

Published: April 04, 2018

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

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

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

Download 12 free, editable resume templates.

Free Resume Template Downloads for Word

1. monogram header resume template.

File Type: .docx

Download this template here .

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

Recommended For: Freelancers

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

12 Free Customizable Resume Templates

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

• Microsoft Word
• Google Docs
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Google Slides

Download Free

All fields are required.

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

2. Maroon Sidebar Resume Template

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

Recommended For: College Graduates

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

3. Centered Bar Resume Template

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

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

4. Modern Initials Resume

Download this template here

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

Recommended For: Early-state professionals

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

5. Bold Serif Resume Template

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

Recommended For: College Students

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

6. Strategist Resume Template

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

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

Recommended For: Project Managers

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

7. Modern Chronological Resume Template

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

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

Recommended For: Developers

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

8. Digital Marketing Resume Template

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

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

Recommended For: Mid-Level Marketers

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

9. Black and White Resume Template

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

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

Recommended For: Graphic Designers

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

10. Modern Design Resume Template

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

Recommended for: College students or interns 

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

11. Simple Chronological Resume

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

Recommended for: Working professionals

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

12. Urban Development Resume Template

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

Recommended for: Civil Engineers

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

13. Mandy Resume Template

Download this template here . 

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

Recommended for: Industry professionals

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

14. Email Marketing Resume Template

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

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

Recommended for: Email Marketers

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

15. Teaching Resume Template

File type: .docx

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

Recommended For: Teachers or educators

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

16. Info Pop Resume Template

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

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

Recommended For: Experienced Professionals

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

17. Strong Resume Template

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

Recommended For: Interns

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

18. Dark Resume Template

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

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

Recommended For: C-Suite Executives

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

19. Skilled Resume Template

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

Recommended For: Professionals in All Industries

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

20. Inbound Marketing Resume Template

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

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

Recommended For: Communications and Marketing Candidates

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

21. Smart and Professional Resume Template

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

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

Recommended For: Young Professionals

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

22. Face Forward Resume Template

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

Recommended For: Models, Actors, and Real Estate Agents

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

23. Spick and Span Resume Template

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

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

Recommended For: Creatives, Designers, and Developers

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

24. Timeline-Style Resume Template

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

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

Recommended For: Editors and Copywriters

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

25. Florist Resume Template

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

Recommended For: New graduates or early-stage professionals 

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

26. Content Production Resume Template

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

Recommended For: Content Creators and Videographers

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

27. Fresh Resume Template

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

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

Recommended For: Creative Artists or Digital Marketers

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

28. CV Resume Template

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

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

Recommended For: Graduate Candidates

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

29. Management Resume Template

File type : .docx

Recommended For: Managers or leaders 

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

30. Entry-Level Resume Template

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

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

Recommended For: Young Professionals and Career Changes

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

31. Goldenrod Resume Template

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

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

Recommended For: Architects

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

32. Resume Template With Personal Endorsements

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

Recommended For: Brand Marketers or Personal Influencers

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

33. Creative Resume Template

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

Recommended For: Photographers and Other Creatives

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

34. Modern Resume Template

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

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

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

35. Functional Resume Template

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

Recommended For: Media Professionals

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

36. Elegant Resume Template

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

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

Recommended For: Marketing Candidates

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

37. Blue Corporate Resume Template

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

Recommended For: Corporate Candidates

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

38. Concept Resume

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

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

Recommended For: Candidates in the Tech Industry

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

How to Make a Resume in Word

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

1. Open Microsoft Word on your computer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Recommended Reading:

• How to Write About Your Professional Background

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

5. enter your school and latest education..

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

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

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

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

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

7. list all relevant skills..

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

My Recommended Reading: 

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

8. Describe any relevant accolades and accomplishments.

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

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

Free Resumes Templates

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

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

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

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

How to Find Resume Templates in Word

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

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

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

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

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

How To Format a Resume in Word

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

1. Add your resume text.

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

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

2. Set the right margins and font size.

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

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

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

3. Create headers.

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

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

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

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

4. Create dividers.

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

Here's how to add dividers:

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

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

5. Add bullet points.

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

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

6. Adjust spacing and indentation.

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

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

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

7. Review for formatting consistency.

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

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

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

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

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

How to Save Your Resume

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

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

1. Click File

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

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

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

Tips for Using Word Resume Templates

1. choose the right template for your industry..

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

2. Keep your formatting consistent.

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

• Exploring the Best Resume Formats — The Complete Guide

3. Try advanced formatting features.

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

4. Use headings to organize your resume.

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

5. Experiment with advanced layouts and tables.

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

6. Add a visual timeline.

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

7. Personalize the template to reflect your personal brand.

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

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

Make the Most of Resume Templates in Word

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

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

Don't forget to share this post!

Related articles.

The 17 Best Free Resume Builders We've Ever Discovered

25 Professional Bio Examples I Keep in My Back Pocket for Inspo [+ Templates]

Portfolios vs. Resumes — The Complete Guide

40 Interests That Deserve a Place on Your Resume

Making the Most of Electronic Resumes (Pro Tips and Tricks)

How to Write the Perfect Project Manager Resume

How to Write the Perfect Resume for Internships

Maximize Your Impact: 205 Action Verbs to Use on Your Resume

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

Marketing software that helps you drive revenue, save time and resources, and measure and optimize your investments — all on one easy-to-use platform

• Delete a Page in Word
• Convert PDF to Word
• Page Numbers in Word
• Double Space in Word
• Table of Contents in Word

How to make a resume in Microsoft Word

Whether you’re just entering the workforce or need a resume refresh, you’re probably considering  using Microsoft Word for the task. We’ll walk you through options for making a resume in Word, from using helpful templates to creating a resume from scratch.

Use a built-in Word resume template

Use a word resume template on the web, use a third-party word resume template, create a word resume from scratch.

If you’ve just downloaded Microsoft Word and want the quickest and easiest way to make a resume, start with one of Microsoft’s templates . You can look for one directly in Word and choose from a large collection of options.

Open Word, select File > New , and pop “resume” into the Search box. You can then browse the templates with resumes for specific jobs and industries along with those for any type of position.

Choose a template to see a description and pick Create to use the resume.

The Microsoft resume templates come with placeholders that you can simply swap out for your own details. This is handy if you like the appearance of all elements in the template. Of course, if you’re not fond of the color scheme or font styles, you can change those types of items.

• Microsoft Copilot ‘spews data all over the floors,’ says influential CEO
• Microsoft is fixing my biggest problem with Windows 11 on handhelds
• Microsoft Word may delete your files — here’s how to avoid it

Remember to go to File > Save As to save a copy of your resume.

Maybe you don’t have Microsoft Word on your computer yet but need your resume in that format. You can use Word on the web for free with a Microsoft account and take advantage of resume templates.

Visit the Microsoft Create website and explore the resume templates . If you see one you like, select it to open it directly in Word for the web.

Alternatively, select Create from scratch and choose Resumes, flyers, brochures . When Word opens, use the Designer sidebar on the right to browse through and choose a resume template.

Then, swap out the placeholders for your own details and customize the resume as you like.

If you like the template idea but don’t care for any of the Microsoft options, you can check out third-party templates for your resume. Here are just a few of the top options and samples of resume templates they offer for free.

Resume Genius

With Resume Genius , you can pick from over a dozen custom Word templates to download. From simple to professional to aesthetically pleasing to visually appealing, you’re sure to find at least one resume template you like.

Hloom offers over 15 resume and CV templates for free and even more if you don’t mind paying. Be sure to select Free on the left below License if you want to narrow down the no-charge options. As a bonus, you’ll also see a tab for cover letters if you’re in the market for one of those too.

Template.net

One more place to check out for Word resume templates is Template.net . You’ll find a large variety of attractive options specific to position or resume style. Like with Hloom, select Free beneath License on the left, and be sure to take a look at the cover letter collection too.

After you download a resume template from one of the above sites, simply customize it with your own details.

Maybe you’d prefer to simply create your resume from scratch; this is always an option if you have the time. Consider reviewing the above templates and samples for the information you should include and ideas for formatting.

To get started, add the following details to your resume:

Full name and current position : Place your name and position at the top. If you don’t have a current position, you can certainly omit it.

Objective (optional) : Provide a brief description of your goal to potential employers beneath your name and position. This is an optional inclusion — if you add one, try to keep it short and sweet with one to two meaningful sentences.

Contact details : Include at least your email address and phone number. If you have an up-to-date website or LinkedIn profile, you can add these as well. Make sure these details are kept together in a specific location so they’re simple to find.

Work experience : List your work experience in chronological order with the most recent first. Start with your position, then move onto the employer, month, and year you worked there, and your duties. You should include your duties and responsibilities in a list format making them easy to review.

Education : List your educational history in chronological order with the most recent first. Start with the degree, then add the school with the month and year you attended.

Skills, awards, and more : Use a list format to add your skills, awards, certifications, volunteer work, and any other details you feel important to the position or company.

Here are several tips when formatting your resume in Word:

• Use a heading or larger font for your full name at the top.
• Add headings for the Experience, Educations, and Skills sections.
• If you decide to use color, keep it to just one or two complementary colors.
• Try to use the same font style throughout, taking advantage of font sizes, headings, or bold formatting for more prominent details.
• Use a font that’s easy to read like a 12-point Arial, Calibri, Georgia, or Times New Roman for the main body text. You might also consider which font style works better for reading on the web versus on a printed piece.
• If your resume spills over onto the first few lines of a new page, use Microsoft Word’s double spacing tool to adjust line and paragraph spacing.
• If you include a headshot, make sure it’s a professional one.
• Consider using a table to structure your resume, as shown above.

Finally, be sure to keep the appearance and content of your resume consistent.

Is it OK to make a resume in Word?

Absolutely! This is exactly the type of document you should create in a word processing application like Microsoft Word. If you prefer, you can also use a web application like Google Docs to make a resume or downloadable software like LibreOffice Writer.

Once your resume is complete, you can save it as a PDF or other requested format in most word processing applications for submission to the potential employer or hiring manager.

How far back should a resume go?

Most experts recommend 10 to 15 years is appropriate for a resume. Keep in mind that you should include relevant work experience for that time period . For example, if you’re a nurse who worked at a fast-food chain for two months 12 years ago, you can likely exclude that job.

How many pages should a resume be?

The standard for a resume is one to two pages. However, this can depend on the length of your experience and education in relation to the position for which you’re applying. For instance, someone who’s been in the workforce for 20 years might require two pages, but a recent college graduate would probably only need one page.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Microsoft Copilot: how to use this powerful AI assistant
• Microsoft ends support for this four-year-old Surface device
• Best Buy knocked $200 off the Microsoft Surface Pro with CoPilot+
• Copilot Pro: how to use Microsoft’s advanced AI sidekick
• It’s official — Microsoft WordPad is dead after 29 years
• How-To Guides

Microsoft's Copilot+ PC initiative has been a smash hit, with many of them landing among the best laptops, but not for the AI hardware inside. Now, finally, Microsoft is putting the neural processing unit (NPU) inside Copilot+ PCs to good use. Starting today and going throughout the next two months, Microsoft will begin rolling out the 24H2 update for all Windows 11 PCs, and in the process, unlock several features for Copilot+ PCs, including the highly controversial Recall.

Recall is definitely the star of the show here, which will start showing up on Copilot+ laptops with a Snapdragon X chipset throughout October. Last week, Microsoft laid the groundwork for the release of Recall, detailing the security architecture of the feature and addressing some major criticisms of it. Now, for example, Recall is turned off instead of on by default. Microsoft is also allowing users to filter websites and giving users more control over their snapshots, including deleting them all.

You might want to start treating your web browser like you're always at work, at least if you want to use Microsoft's new Copilot Vision feature. The feature, which is natively built into Microsoft Edge, is able to "see what you see, and hear what you hear" as you navigate your browser, according to Microsoft's Executive Vice President Yusuf Mehdi.

All of this AI snooping isn't for nothing. Copilot Vision looks at what you're doing online to answer questions, provide recommendations, and summarize content. It can work with the new Copilot Voice feature, for example. Microsoft demoed the capabilities on Rotten Tomatoes, showing a user chatting with Copilot while browsing the website and looking for movie recommendations. Ultimately, Copilot settled on an Australian comedy for the Australian speaker, saying it made the choice because, "well, you're Australian." I guess that's taking personal context into account.

The Surface Pro 11 represents Microsoft's latest generation of its Windows tablet with a detachable keyboard. It's become a less popular type of 2-in-1 laptop over the last few years, with the 360-degree convertible becoming the dominant form factor. Even so, Microsoft put together a new machine that leverages Qualcomm's Snapdragon X chipset for great performance and battery life, while retaining what's always made the Surface Pro great.

Asus has introduced a competitor, the ProArt PZ13, which offers up some real competition. It also has great performance and battery life, except it costs a lot less -- upward of $700 less. Is greater value enough to unseat the Surface Pro 11's place on our list of best 2-in-1s? Specs and configurations

• Resume Templates
• Resume Examples
• Free Resume Builder
• How to Write a Resume
• Resume Format
• Resume Packs
• Cover Letter Templates
• Cover Letter Examples
• Free Cover Letter Generator
• How To Write a Cover Letter
• CV Templates
• CV Examples
• Free CV Maker
• Resume Help
• Cover Letter Help
• Job Interview
• Career Advice

Free Resume Templates

Download in Word, Google Docs, PDF 

Today is a great day to level up your resume.  Free resume templates in every style, format, and design you can imagine. 

Discover 180+ Resume Templates

Professional Resume Templates

Professional resume templates for job seekers with ample work experience. Showcase your skills and qualifications. Browse our best free resume templates to give your resume the glow-up it deserves. 

• Sleek, functional layout 
• “Sells” you as a strong candidate
• Suitable for all job titles 

Modern Resume Templates

Modern resume templates for Microsoft Word provide stylish, crisp, fresh design elements that will help you grab a recruiter’s attention in just six seconds. The right resume template for candidates in the tech and startup industry. 

• Chronological resume templates
• Made for readability and skimming
• Instant, free download

Simple and Basic Resume Templates

Uncluttered editable resume template with minimal styling. Choose a time-tested basic resume design to avoid any faux pas with employers or applicant screening software. 

• Editable and printable resume design 
• Easy customization in Word 
• Suitable for all resume formats

Creative Resume Templates

Don’t want a bland, blank resume template? These creative resume templates offer a perfectly balanced mix of personality, professionalism, and playfulness to make a strong first impression. 

• Free editable resume templates
• Unique personal branding
• Creative layout and formatting

Free CV Templates

Professional CV templates, perfectly suited for academic and federal jobs in the US and any type of job application in Europe. An impactful selection of the best CV templates with proper layout and formatting. 

• Full CV layout and formatting
• User-friendly design 
• Instant download CV templates 

ATS-Friendly Resume Templates

Clean and compelling resume design that sits well with applicant tracking software and hiring managers alike. Optimized fonts, clear formatting syntax, and optimal layout for readability.  

• Compatible with popular ATSs 
• One-column layout 
• Suitable for all experience levels 

Resume Templates With Photo

Put a face behind the name to make a memorable first impression. Resume templates with photos to land a dream job in acting, modeling, or creative professions. 

• Editable headshot space
• Optimized section layout 
• Brandable styles 

How to Choose The Best  Resume Template? 

Not sure which resume design works for your profession? Go with a professional resume template if you’re an experienced worker applying via email. Or download a basic resume template if the company uses an ATS — this way, your resume won’t get filtered out. 

Gunning up for a job in a creative industry or a hip startup? Try out one of the modern resume templates or a creative resume design to give your job application a unique, brandable flair. Resume templates with photos also work great! 

Or better yet, test-drive several free resume templates to see which one gets you the most positive responses! 

Resume Templates for Different File Formats

Get a free editable resume template in your preferred format — Microsoft Word (.doc), PDF, or Google Docs. 

Free Word Resume Templates 

The best resume templates for Microsoft Word. Our most downloaded and top-rated designs in .doc and .docx format are the ones you have seen on this page until here, so make sure to scroll back to the top if MS Word format is what you are looking for.

Google Docs Resume Templates 

Discover attention-grabbing resume templates for Google Docs. Download and edit your new resume design in the cloud, then share it with others with one click. 

Free Resume in PDF 

Use our free tool to make a resume online in PDF format. Write your resume faster with contextual tips and instantly generate a PDF copy for free. No account is required. 

Check our free resume builder

Resume Templates By Professions 

Get done with writing faster by downloading a pre-filled resume template for your position. Take advantage of the pointers and sample texts created by a professional team of resume writers.

Our remarkable set of role-based resume templates includes the optimal visual layout paired with text snippets you can use to model your own resume.

How to Use Your Free Editable Resume Template 

• Select a design you fancy and download a free copy to your computer. 
• Open the template in Microsoft Word or Google Docs to personalize. 
• Fill in the blanks using your personal details. Refer to relevant resume examples for ideas and tips. 
• Review and edit your resume. Include strong verbs and adjectives to add persuasion. 
• Save and name your document: Resume – First name and Surname. 
• Create a PDF resume version to send via email. PDFs help avoid formatting issues. 

How To Write A Resume

A resume template is the best cure for the blank page syndrome. You’re halfway done — all that’s left is to fill in the blanks in the resume template and hit save. 

Select The Right Resume Format 

The 3 most popular resume formats are chronological, functional, and combination resumes. 

• Chronological resume organizes the information like LinkedIn does – from the latest position to the first one, with education, interests, and additional info listed later. It’s the most popular resume format, preferred for recruiters. Go for it unless you’re entry-level or changing careers. 
• Functional resume keeps the focus on your skills and experience, rather than employment history. It’s the go-to choice for candidates with employment gaps and those without much hands-on work experience.
• Combination resume takes the best of both worlds and allows you to spice up your “dry” employment history with some juicy details about your skill set and achievements. Startups and edgier companies may prefer this. 

Create a Compelling Summary 

A resume summary is a two-sentence statement highlighting your key qualifications, skills, and value proposition for the role. It sits in the header area, right after your name and contact details. Think of it as a teaser to a movie — you should put your most marketable skills upfront to immediately capture the hiring manager’s attention and get them interested in reading the full copy. 

Add Work History 

List your employers in reverse chronological order. Each entry should include the employment date, job title, company name, key responsibilities, and achievements listed in bullet format . Include 3 to 5 bullet points for each position. Don’t get long-winded — your resume must fit into one page. 

Include Marketable Resume Skills 

With skills-based hiring on the rise, you must demonstrate specific competencies rather than just tenure and educational credentials. Showcase your best hard and soft skills in a featured sidebar section, plus your resume summary and work experience entries.

Check the following posts for ideas:

• Business acumen skills for resume
• Critical thinking skills for a resume 
• Conceptual skills for a resume
• Leadership skills for a resume 
• Organizational skills for a resume 
• Technical skills for a resume  
• Childcare skills for resume 
• Nursing skills for a resume 
• Transferable skills for a resume 
• Retail skills for a resume  

List Education 

Unless you are a recent graduate, don’t dwell on this section too much. Simply list all your degrees (highest to lowest), the name of your educational institution, and your graduation date. But if you’re still in college, you can also add your GPA , dean’s list , or research .  

Learn more from our ultimate guide to writing, styling, and formatting a resume . 

FAQs about Resume Templates 

Your popular Qs about our free resume templates answered. 

How can I format my resume for free?

Download a free pre-formatted resume template from Freesumes.com in your preferred format (Word or Google Docs). Open a copy in the word processing software and edit the blank sections with personal details. Click save, and you’ll have a professionally formatted resume in no time.

Is there a truly free resume builder?

Yes, Freesumes resume builder is 100% free to use. No account registration is required. Using our free generator, you can make a resume in PDF using one of the six free templates and contextual writing prompts created by expert writers.

What is the most popular resume template?

The most popular resume templates are chronological resume templates. You can find several dozen popular, professional resume templates on Freesumes in Word and Google Doc formats. Our templates have been downloaded over 4 million times! 

How to get a free resume template?

Head to freesumes.com and check our collection of 180+ fabulously free resume templates in different styles and formats. Select a design you like and click the download button to get an instant free copy in .docx format without any account registration. 

Do employers not like resume templates?

Employers don’t mind resume templates as long as they are professionally made and properly formatted. A sloppy or too vivid design, however, will make you look amateurish. Choose a simple, well-structured resume template in neutral colors, and you’ll always get a positive impression from a prospective employer. 

Is it better to make your own resume or use a template?

This totally depends on you. If you have an eye for design and know information architecture best practices, you can make a stellar resume on your own. Otherwise, you can save heaps of time by using a premade professional resume template to avoid any mishaps with layout or font selection.

INSIDER LOGIN | (800) 644-9694 | [email protected]

35 Microsoft Word Tips & Tricks That Make Creating a Resume a Breeze

Creating a powerful, professional resume is a crucial step in the job-hunting journey. More than a mere document, your resume acts as your personal marketing tool. It serves as your first impression to potential employers, providing them with a snapshot of your skills, experiences, and competencies. Consequently, the way your resume is designed and formatted can significantly influence its overall impact, potentially determining whether you’re selected by the hiring manager for an interview or passed over.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Which version of ms word, using the ruler, using the show/hide tool for non-printing characters, microsoft word tips for customizing the quick access toolbar, activating gridlines for precise resume design alignment, microsoft word tips for using dictation, harnessing the power of autocorrect, maximizing efficiency with quickparts, auto-updating date and time in a resume or cover letter, speedy text selection tips, deleting text in a snap, capitalization styles, changing the text case effortlessly, mastering the format painter, character spacing, text effects, fine-tuning readability with paragraph spacing, how to use borders, how to use shading, page breaks, section breaks, how to insert page numbers, ats considerations, why use bullet points in a resume, how to insert and customize bullet points in word, working with images in your resume and using text wrapping options, microsoft word tips for incorporating shapes in your resume, incorporating watermarks in your resume, microsoft word tips for using tables in a resume, how to insert tables in word, using tables and ats compatibility, incorporating smartart for enhanced visual appeal, using charts and graphs to graphically convey numerical data, using text boxes for emphasis and visual appeal, using styles, applying themes, distinctive resume templates, creating a custom resume template, adding page borders to your resume, adding page color or fill for on-screen visual appeal, embedding fonts for consistency across systems, microsoft word tips for using artificial intelligence (ai) for your resume.

• Recent reviews

One powerful tool that can help you create an impressive resume is Microsoft Word. Word is not just a text editor but a potent instrument that, when fully harnessed, can assist you in creating well-structured, attractive, and impactful resumes and cover letters. In fact, Microsoft Word (.DOCX) is considered the standard, best file format for resumes.

Learning some simple Microsoft Word tips and tricks can save you immense time and stress when writing a resume . With just a few shortcuts and formatting commands, you can dramatically reduce the hours spent on aligning text, adjusting fonts , and reformatting sections. You’ll gain the ability to focus more on the content of your resume— your skills, experiences, and achievements —rather than laboring over the technical aspects of formatting it.

So, dive in to learn how to leverage Microsoft Word to craft impressive resumes and cover letters , with simple Microsoft Word tips to learn not only new features but also advanced uses of familiar ones.

This guide will cover Microsoft Word tips for desktop computers – for both Windows or Mac users. Most will not work on the simpler versions of Word you might use on your phone or online in your browser.

Most or all of these Word tips and tricks should work with any Office version you might be using, from 2016 forward to Office 365 . Some will also work with 2013 and earlier versions, but not all. The MS Word tips are written from the perspective of a PC user, so there are two small differences you should know if you are working on a Mac version of MS Word.

If you are asked to right-click on something, on a Mac you should use Cmd-click instead

If you are asked to press Alt and another key, on a Mac you should click Option and the same key

Setting Up MS Word for Productivity

Boosting your productivity in Microsoft Word doesn’t require special skills. Here are some ways to tweak your Microsoft Word settings to enhance your resume-writing efficiency :

For more than just creating a resume, the MS Word ruler will be helpful in formatting any document. It is recommended that you activate it and then leave it on.

Activating the Ruler: Head to the View tab and check the box for ‘Ruler.’ This will display a ruler along the top of your resume, letting you easily adjust margins, indents, and spacing.

The Show/Hide tool reveals non-printing characters, like spaces, tabs, and paragraph breaks, which are usually invisible in your resume. Seeing these can be invaluable when you are attempting to troubleshoot a formatting problem in any Word file.

Activating Show/Hide: Locate the Home tab and find the paragraph symbol (¶). Clicking this will turn on the Show/Hide tool, revealing all the non-printing characters in your resume. This is great for ensuring that your resume formatting is consistent and professional.

The Quick Access Toolbar can be personalized to have your most-used commands just a click away. Adding frequently used commands to the Quick Access Toolbar can indeed make the process of creating a resume in Microsoft Word and then formatting it more efficient.

Customizing the Toolbar: Right-click on the toolbar and select “Customize Quick Access Toolbar.” From here, you can choose which commands to add, putting your most frequently used actions front and center.

Here are some commands you might consider adding:

Save As: While Ctrl + S will save your work, you’ll need to navigate the menu to use Save As. If you’re frequently saving new versions of a Word document, having this command handy can be a time-saver.

Show/Hide Formatting Symbols: This command allows you to quickly view the invisible characters and formatting symbols in your Word document. This can be handy when dealing with tricky formatting situations, like when you can’t figure out why there’s an extra space somewhere.

Clear Formatting: This command quickly removes all formatting from the selected text, which can be a real time-saver if you’re copying and pasting text into your Word document from various sources with different formatting.

Select All: If you frequently need to select the entire content of a Word document (for formatting, copying, etc.), having this command on the Quick Access Toolbar can be handy.

Style commands: If there are specific styles you frequently use when formatting resumes (like heading styles, bullet styles, etc.), you can add these to the Quick Access Toolbar.

Insert Picture: If you frequently need to add logos or other images to resumes, having this command on the Quick Access Toolbar can save time.

Track Changes: If you’re often editing resumes and need to keep track of what changes you’ve made, you might find it helpful to have this command on the Quick Access Toolbar.

Remember, the goal of customizing the Quick Access Toolbar is to reduce the time spent navigating menus for the commands you use in Microsoft Word most frequently. The commands that will be most useful to you will depend on your specific workflow.

Gridlines can act as your guide, helping you align text, images, and other resume elements perfectly:

Using Gridlines: You can activate gridlines in a Microsoft Word document by going to the View tab and selecting ‘Gridlines.’ This adds a faint grid overlay on your page, offering you a frame of reference for arranging elements.

Gridlines for Resumes: When creating a resume, every detail counts, including the alignment of your content. A misaligned bullet point or irregular spacing can disrupt the flow and presentation of the resume format. Using gridlines can prevent such inconsistencies. For example, if you’re adding images or aligning dates on the page, gridlines will help you line them up accurately.

Dictation can be a game-changer for creating professional resume content more naturally and efficiently in Microsoft Word:

Setting up Dictation: First, make sure your microphone is set up and functioning properly. Then, navigate to the Home tab and click on ‘Dictate.’ Word will start transcribing as you speak, turning your spoken words into written text.

Dictation for Resumes: Dictation can be especially useful when writing your resume as well as other documents, such as a cover letter. It allows you to speak out your experiences and qualifications, which can often be easier and faster than typing. For instance, you can narrate your job responsibilities and accomplishments or the resume summary section, and Word will type it out for you. This is also beneficial if you’re someone who finds it easier to articulate your thoughts aloud.

Autocorrect isn’t just about fixing typos—it can also create time-saving shortcuts in MS Word files to your frequently used words or phrases:

Setting Up Autocorrect: To access Autocorrect, go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options. Here, you can add your own entries.

Autocorrect for Resumes: As a job seeker, you might frequently use terms like your full name, address, professional certifications, or specific industry jargon. Autocorrect can create shortcuts for these. For example, you can set Autocorrect to replace “myaddr” with your full address, or “mycerts” with the full names of your certifications. This way, you’re not typing out these lengthy details every time.

Another use is to make sure the accents are added to the word résumé. You can set up entries to turn “resume” into résumé. But the unaccented word resume is a word, so it might be better to use a shortcut. Such as replacing “rz” with “résumé” and “rzs” with “résumés.”

Autocorrect can also be used to create shortcuts for phrases you frequently use in your cover letter. For instance, you could set it to replace “intro1” with a standard introduction for your cover letter. Or “closing1” with a standard cover letter closing.

Autocorrect can also correct formatting. If you consistently forget to capitalize certain acronyms, you can add them to your Autocorrect list to ensure they’re always in upper case. For example, ‘mba’ can automatically be corrected to ‘MBA’.

QuickParts is a tool that allows you to create, store, and reuse content—a fantastic way to save time and ensure consistency in your Microsoft Word resume:

Setting Up QuickParts: You can find QuickParts under the Insert tab. Once you’ve selected some text that you want to save, go to Insert > QuickParts > Save Selection to Quick Part Gallery.

QuickParts for Resumes: QuickParts is perfect for storing sections of your resume that remain relatively static across applications, such as your contact information or a professional summary. You can even save bullet-pointed skills lists for various job types. For example, if you’re applying for both marketing and sales roles, you could have two separate QuickParts saved—one for marketing skills and another for sales skills. Then, you can just click to insert the relevant skills list into your resume.

Cover Letter Structures: You can also save the general structure of your cover letter as a QuickPart, including an introduction, body, and conclusion. When you start a new cover letter, simply insert these QuickParts and fill in the specifics for the job role you’re applying for.

By adjusting these settings, you can tailor Word to better suit your workflow and make the resume creation process smoother and more efficient.

When creating a resume or a cover letter , you may want to include the current date. MS Word can insert a date that updates automatically. Go to Insert > Date & Time, select your preferred format, check the “Update Automatically” box, and click OK.

Microsoft Word Tips & Tricks for Text Formatting

Among the too-often overlooked Microsoft Word tips are shortcuts for selecting text. As you are creating your resume, you will frequently have a need to select text in order to edit or format it. MS Word offers several quick methods for selecting text, making it a breeze to highlight the parts of your resume that you want to change:

Single Word: If you want to select a single word, simply double-click on it. This is perfect for when you need to change specific terms in your resume.

Whole Sentence: To select a whole sentence, hold down the CTRL key and then click anywhere within the sentence. It’s great when you need to rewrite or delete an entire sentence.

Entire Paragraph: To select a whole paragraph, just triple-click on any word within the paragraph. Handy when you want to move, remove, or completely rework a whole paragraph.

Whole Document: If you need to select all the text in your resume—for instance, to change the font or text size—just press CTRL+A. This can be a big time-saver when you need to format text across your whole resume.

Deleting text in Word documents is as straightforward as selecting it and hitting the delete or backspace key, but there are even faster ways:

Delete a Word: To delete a whole word, move your cursor to the beginning of the word and press CTRL+Delete. This is useful when you’re tweaking your word choices to make your resume more impactful.

Delete Word Behind the Cursor: To delete the word located behind the cursor, press CTRL+Backspace. This is especially handy for removing unnecessary words or information as you review and refine your resume content.

Word provides several capitalization styles, such as ‘small caps,’ which turns lowercase letters into smaller capital letters, and ‘all caps,’ which transforms all text into uppercase. These styles can give your resume’s section headers a polished look. You can find these options in the ‘Font’ dialogue box under the ‘Font’ tab.

One of the most practical yet overlooked Microsoft Word tips is the ability to change the case of text without retyping it. For example, you may be working with a Microsoft Word resume template , and the section headings are in all caps, but you prefer them in sentence case. Here’s how you can easily change them:

Changing Case: Start by highlighting the text you want to change or click in a word within your resume. Then, just press Shift+F3 to cycle through lowercase, uppercase, and title case. This can be incredibly useful when you’re creating your resume and realize you need to switch between case styles for headings, titles, or company names.

The Format Painter is a handy tool that allows you to duplicate the formatting from one piece of resume text and apply it to another. This can be a lifesaver for ensuring consistent design throughout your resume :

Using Format Painter: First, select the resume text with the formatting that you want to copy. Then, click on the Format Painter icon on the toolbar (it looks like a paintbrush). Finally, highlight the text where you want to apply the copied formatting. Voila, your resume design and formatting is consistent and professional.

Keeping Format Painter Active: Sometimes, you might want to apply the same formatting to several different parts of your resume. You can keep the Format Painter tool turned on by double-clicking the Format Painter icon. This way, you can click around your resume and apply the formatting to multiple text areas.

Turning Off Format Painter: When you’re finished using the Format Painter, you can turn it off and return to your regular cursor by clicking the Format Painter icon again or by pressing the ESC key on your keyboard. With the Format Painter off, you can go back to editing your resume as normal.

Advanced Microsoft Word Tips for Formatting Resumes

While most Microsoft Word users are familiar with basic text formatting features such as changing font styles and sizes , applying bold or italic styles, underlining, and adjusting text alignment, Word offers an array of more advanced formatting options that can help give your resume an edge . It’s important to use these features judiciously and always with the aim of enhancing the clarity and professionalism of your resume.

Character spacing, which adjusts the space between letters, is a feature that can be used to subtly alter the look of your resume, particularly in section headers. To access this feature, highlight your text, right-click and choose ‘Font.’ In the font dialogue box, go to the ‘Advanced’ tab, where you’ll find options for character spacing. You can choose to condense or expand the space between characters for a more compact or spacious appearance.

Word also offers a variety of text effects that can be applied to your resume headers or titles, such as shadow, outline, glow, and reflection. To apply text effects, highlight the text, and in the ‘Font’ section of the ‘Home’ tab, click on ‘Text Effects and Typography.’ From there, you can select the effect that suits your style best.

Text effects, if you use them at all, should not ever be used for large sections of body text within your resume. Instead, use them very sparingly, such as for section headings in your resume.

Again, remember that while these advanced options can make your resume more visually appealing , it’s important to use them sparingly when creating a resume. Overuse of text effects or character spacing can make your resume harder to read or appear unprofessional. Always prioritize resume readability over design and consider the resume expectations of your industry when deciding how much creativity to inject into your resume formatting .

The judicious use of white space, the blank area around your text and images in the resume layout , is an effective way to increase your resume’s readability. While the most common way to create white space in Word documents is to hit the ‘Enter’ key for a line break or a new paragraph, Microsoft Word offers a more precise method – paragraph spacing. Here’s how:

Highlight the line of text after which you want to add extra space.

Right-click and choose ‘Paragraph’.

A dialog box will appear. Look for the ‘Spacing’ section.

Increase the ‘After’ value to add precise spacing after the highlighted text line.

For example, you might want a distinct separation between your job titles and their corresponding descriptions. Or, for lists of accomplishments or skills, you might want more space between each bullet point to make each item stand out more. By tweaking the ‘After’ value, you can set exactly how much space you want to appear between these sections.

Properly utilized paragraph spacing can improve your resume’s overall aesthetic and readability. Instead of large, uneven gaps from multiple line breaks or dense blocks of text that are hard to read, paragraph spacing gives you the power to create a well-organized, attractive Word resume . With each section and list neatly separated, hiring managers can easily navigate through your qualifications, increasing the chances they’ll appreciate the skills and experiences you bring to the table.

Microsoft Word Tips for Using Borders and Shading Options When Creating a Resume

When creating a resume, you may want to highlight specific paragraphs or words to draw the reader’s attention to your key accomplishments or skills. Microsoft Word’s Borders and Shading options offer a simple way to achieve this effect.

When creating your resume, borders can frame paragraphs or single words, setting them apart visually. To add a border:

Select the paragraph or text you wish to highlight.

Go to the Home tab and click on the arrow next to the Borders icon in the Paragraph group.

Choose the type of border you want to apply from the dropdown menu.

You can select borders for the top, bottom, left, or right of your text, or create a box around it.

The options also allow you to select line styles, colors, and widths.

Shading fills the background of your selected text with a color, which can help emphasize key resume sections. Here’s how to add shading:

Go to the Home tab, then click on the arrow next to the Shading icon in the Paragraph group.

Pick the color you wish to use from the palette.

You can choose from theme colors or standard colors or even create a custom resume color . Remember to choose a shade that contrasts well with your text for readability.

Using borders and shading allows you to make specific portions of your resume stand out.

This is a good place to mention Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). ATS are software tools used by many employers to streamline the hiring process. They automatically sort and analyze resumes, filtering out those that don’t meet specific criteria for job roles and allowing employers to search for applicants by resume keywords .

Understanding ATS is critical for job seekers because these systems can significantly influence whether your resume gets seen by a human reviewer. Thus, ensuring your resume is ATS-friendly can improve your chances of making it to the next stage of the selection process.

If you are concerned with whether your resume is ATS-compatible , you may worry about using features such as borders and shading in your resume. You’ll be happy to know that borders and shading are compatible with almost all modern ATS and should have no impact on the ability of the ATS to parse your resume.

However, moderation is still key. Overuse of these tools can make your resume look cluttered and divert attention from your content. Use these tools strategically to highlight only the most essential parts of your resume.

Microsoft Word Tips for Resume Layout & Organization

How to insert page breaks and section breaks.

Page breaks and section breaks are great tools for controlling the flow and formatting of your resume.

Page breaks allow you to start a new page instantly, which can be particularly useful if you want to begin each section of your resume on a fresh page. You might also insert a page break if you have included both a cover letter and your resume in a single document and want to be certain your resume starts on its own page. To insert a page break, place your cursor where you want the new page to start, go to the Insert tab, and click on ‘Page Break.’ Instantly, all text following the cursor will be moved to the next page.

Section breaks are used when you want different sections of your document to have varying layouts or formatting. For example, if you want a section with a different margin size. Or if you want different headers or footers. To insert a section break, place your cursor at the desired location, click on the Layout tab, then the ‘Breaks’ drop-down menu, and choose the type of section break you need.

If your resume extends beyond one page , it’s professional and practical to use page numbers. This makes your resume easier to navigate and ensures pages stay in order if printed. To do this, go to the Insert tab, select ‘Page Number’ from the drop-down menu, choose the location of the page numbers (top of the page, bottom of the page, in the margin, or in the current position of the cursor), and finally choose the design you prefer.

Setting Up Headers and Footers

Headers and footers are sections at the top and bottom of your resume, respectively. They can be used to display consistent information on every page, like your name, contact information, and page number.

Go to Insert, click on ‘Header’ and select the style you want. You can then type in your desired text, such as your name and the position you’re applying for.

Footers are set up just like headers, but instead of going to Insert > Header, you would go to Insert > Footer. Here, you might include contact information or page numbers.

For ATS reasons , it is important that your name and contact information is entered in the body of the resume on the first page. But, on subsequent pages, you can include this information in the header of the resume .

The Headers and Footers options provide flexibility for how these sections appear across different pages of your resume. Key options include “Different First Page” and “Different Odd and Even Pages.”

For resumes, the “Different First Page” option is especially useful. By selecting this, you can maintain a clean, uncluttered first page while still including critical information like your name and page number on subsequent pages. Here’s how:

Click on the ‘Insert’ tab on the Ribbon and then select ‘Header’ or ‘Footer.’

In the ‘Header & Footer’ tab that appears, tick ‘Different First Page.’ The first page of your resume will now have no header or footer, but these will automatically appear on the following pages.

You can then enter your name and page number on the second page’s header, ensuring that if your resume extends beyond one page, your essential details will appear at the top of each subsequent page automatically.

This way, even if your resume spills onto extra pages, your name and page number will automatically be included, keeping your document professional and organized.

You can learn more about creating your resume headers in this blog post , which includes a video demonstrating how to add them and format them in your resume.

Using Bullets to Make Your Resume Easier to Read

Bullet points are an essential part of many resumes. They help break down information into digestible pieces, making your resume easier to read and understand. Furthermore, they highlight your skills, experiences, and achievements in a clear, concise manner.

Readability: Bullet points break up large blocks of text, making your resume easier to scan quickly.

Highlight Important Information : Bullets draw attention to key pieces of information. They allow you to showcase important aspects of your accomplishments and skills.

Professional Look: Using bullet points gives your resume a tidy, organized, and professional appearance.

To start a bullet point list, click the ‘Bullets’ button on the ‘Home’ tab in the Ribbon. You can also press the keyboard shortcut three keys, ‘Ctrl’ + ‘Shift’ + ‘L.’

Once you start typing, pressing ‘Enter’ will create a new bullet point on the next line. When you’re done with your list, press ‘Enter’ twice to stop the bullet points.

To customize your bullet points, highlight the ones you want to change, and click on the drop-down arrow next to the ‘Bullets’ button. This opens up a library of different bullet styles to choose from.

For more options, select ‘Define New Bullet’ at the bottom of the menu. Here, you can choose a new symbol, picture, or even use a specific font for your bullet points.

Remember to keep your bullet points concise and focused. Each one should highlight a specific achievement or task. Also, maintain consistency in your resume formatting . If you choose a specific bullet style or punctuation, use it throughout your resume.

Working in MS Word with Special Resume Content & Design Options

While traditionally, resumes have been text-centric, there’s an increasing trend toward including relevant images that can enhance your resume. For instance, you might want to add images associated with your work (e.g., for a real estate resume you might include a photo of a residential development, or a teacher might include a resume graphic that conveys the concept of education), infographics calling out your accomplishments , or even logos of your previous employers or certification bodies.

Let’s talk about how to add an image to your resume and work with text wrapping options:

Inserting an Image: Navigate to the ‘Insert’ tab in the Ribbon and select ‘Pictures.’ You’ll then choose the image you’d like to add to your resume from your computer or device. Once the image is inserted, it might disrupt your document’s formatting. This is where ‘Text Wrapping’ comes in handy. By right-clicking on the image and selecting ‘Wrap Text,’ you can choose how you want your text to flow around your image. There are several options like ‘Square,’ ‘Tight,’ and ‘Through,’ each providing a different aesthetic and functionality. Experiment with these until you find the one that suits your layout the best.

However, keep in mind the limitations of certain applicant tracking systems (ATS) when it comes to images. While it’s a common misconception that images will always cause problems with an ATS , the reality is more nuanced. In fact, most modern ATS systems will simply ignore the image and continue reading the text. This means your resume won’t be rejected just because it contains an image. But remember, the content skipped over won’t be considered by the ATS when it’s evaluating your resume.

So, while you can absolutely include images in your resume, ensure the most crucial information is also presented as text. This way, even if an ATS skips over the image, it will still pick up on the essential details, making your resume as effective as possible.

Ultimately, images can add a personal touch or visual flair to your resume , but they should be used judiciously, so that they complement, not overshadow, the textual content.

Utilizing shapes in your resume is an innovative way to increase visual appeal and guide the reader’s eye to key information. From creating ruling lines with a simple line shape to encapsulating text within a rectangle, circle, or custom shape, these elements can be used to break up text-heavy documents and highlight your unique value proposition.

For job seekers concerned about ATS compatibility, rest assured: most modern ATS can handle both shapes and images. While the ATS won’t ‘read’ the shape itself, it will proceed to the next text section, leaving your document’s readability intact.

Microsoft Word’s suite of shapes can be accessed via the ‘Insert’ tab on the ribbon. To insert a shape:

Click on the ‘Shapes’ icon.

Select a shape from the drop-down menu.

Click and drag on your document to draw the shape.

Once you’ve inserted your shape, you can customize its look to match your resume’s overall style. Right-click the shape and choose ‘Format Shape’ to adjust color, line thickness, fill, and more.

To position a shape behind text:

Right-click on the shape.

Select ‘Wrap Text’ and then choose ‘Behind Text’.

This enables you to move your shape freely behind your text, creating a visually compelling background.

Adding shapes to your resume provides an opportunity to create a visually engaging document that stands out from the crowd. However, use them sparingly and strategically, ensuring your content remains the star of the show.

A watermark is a faint design or text in the background of a page. Though they’re commonly used for branding purposes or to mark a document as confidential, there are creative ways to utilize watermarks on a resume as well.

A watermark could be a way to subtly incorporate a personal logo or branding element, demonstrating your attention to detail and design skills. Alternatively, a light watermark of a field-related image could serve as a visual reference to your industry, adding a unique and personal touch.

However, there are a few things to remember. First, ensure that your watermark doesn’t distract from the readability of your text. It should be subtle and light enough to provide a nice aesthetic without detracting from the content.

Secondly, as with images, remember that an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) won’t “read” a watermark, so make sure it’s not essential information.

If you look carefully at the image below, a screenshot of this accounting resume template , you will see the creative use of a graph paper-looking background used as a watermark

To add a watermark, navigate to the ‘Design’ tab in the Ribbon and choose ‘Watermark’ in the ‘Page Background’ group. You can either select one of the pre-designed watermarks available in Word or click on ‘Custom Watermark’ to create your own.

If you choose ‘Custom Watermark,’ you will be given options to insert a picture or a text watermark. Here you can adjust the size, text, font, layout, and color to match your desired design. Once you’re done customizing your watermark, click ‘Apply’ to insert it into your resume.

Remember to preview your document and print a test page before finalizing, as watermarks can look different on screen compared to when they’re printed. By using a watermark strategically and effectively, you can give your resume a distinct aesthetic advantage.

Leveraging Tables in Your Resume

Tables are a powerful tool in Word that can help you organize your resume content effectively. They are particularly useful for creating clear sections and making sure all your information aligns nicely. However, while they can help make your resume more visually appealing and organized, they should be used sparingly and wisely due to concerns with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Organization: Tables can be a great way to organize sections of your resume. For example, you could use a simple two-column table to create a list of your transferable skills or technical skills.

Alignment: If you’ve ever struggled with aligning text or bullet points, tables can be a lifesaver. For example, you can use them to align the header of your resume neatly, with your name on the left margin and your contact information on the right.

Visual Appeal: When used effectively, tables can increase the eye-appeal of your resume, making it more pleasing to the eye and easier to read.

Go to the ‘Insert’ tab in the Ribbon and choose ‘Table.’ You can then choose the number of columns and rows for your table. For a resume, a simple two-column or three-column table can be effective. (Be very cautious about using any multi-row, multi-column table in our resume, as this has an impact on ATS).

Enter your data into the table. You can adjust the size of the cells by clicking and dragging the edges.

To remove the border, select the table, go to the ‘Design’ tab under ‘Table Tools’ in the Ribbon, and choose ‘No Border’. You will find many other pre-set formatting options here as well.

While tables can be great for organization and visual appeal, it’s essential to remember that Applicant Tracking Systems don’t handle complex tables well . A complex table will usually result in your table content getting entered into the ATS as jumbled, unreadable text. To avoid this issue, limit your use of tables to simple ones.

Microsoft Word’s SmartArt tool offers a dynamic way to highlight your key skills or personal brand traits in an infographic-style format . This eye-catching approach can make your resume stand out and quickly communicate your core strengths to potential employers. For example, you might use a horizontal process layout to list your key skills or a cycle layout to describe the steps you take in a project management process.

To add a SmartArt graphic to your resume:

Go to the ‘Insert’ tab.

Click on ‘SmartArt’.

A dialog box will appear where you can browse through a variety of layouts. Choose one that best fits your content.

You can then customize your SmartArt by adding text, changing colors, and adjusting the size to fit your resume layout.

While SmartArt can help your resume visually pop , it’s essential to remember that most ATS view SmartArt as a graphic. This means that the text contained within the SmartArt may not be read or considered by the ATS during the evaluation process. Consequently, vital information could be missed.

Therefore, if you choose to use SmartArt in your resume, ensure that any critical skills, qualifications, or traits included within the SmartArt are also present elsewhere in the text of your resume. This redundancy ensures your vital skills are still identified by the ATS.

The MS Word resume templates with included SmartArt, shown above, include the administrative resume template that is part of our Administrative Works Collection , the C-suite resume template from our Executive Rule Collection , the Connexion Collection ‘s resume with social media links , and the resume from the Authentic Elements Collection which provides an especially versatile resume format . 

Charts and graphs can be a powerful tool in your resume, allowing you to present complex data in a visually appealing and easy-to-understand format. These graphical representations can make it much simpler for potential employers to grasp your achievements , especially if they involve numerical data.

For example, a bar graph can effectively illustrate a steady increase in annual sales or profits, while a pie chart can show the percentage of a target goal that you’ve achieved. Alternatively, a line graph could vividly illustrate the consistent improvement in customer satisfaction scores over time.

Here are the steps to add a chart or graph to your resume:

Click on ‘Chart.’

In the dialog box that appears, select the chart type that best represents your data.

An Excel-like worksheet will open where you can enter your data.

After entering your data, close the worksheet, and the chart or graph will appear in your Word document. Customize the size, color, and style of your chart to match the rest of your resume’s formatting .

Though charts and graphs can be visually impressive and simplify data representation, as we’ve already mentioned many times, remember that most Applicant Tracking Systems view these elements as images, potentially skipping the information they contain. This means that essential data within your chart or graph may not be read or evaluated.

As a workaround, consider including the same data in a text format elsewhere in your resume, like in your achievements or experience section. This way, the ATS can still capture your accomplishments , and the human readers can appreciate the visual representation of your success.

Text boxes in Microsoft Word can serve as powerful tools to highlight key information and create visual interest in your resume. They can be used to draw attention to details such as an excerpt from a reference letter , awards, and honors, or standout achievements.

Here’s how to create a text box and adjust text wrapping:

Click on ‘Text Box.’

Select a predefined text box or choose ‘Draw Text Box’ to create a custom one.

Insert your desired text into the box.

With the text box selected, click on the ‘Format’ tab to adjust the color, border, and other visual aspects.

To control how text and other elements on the page wrap around your text box:

Right-click on the text box and choose ‘Wrap Text.’

Select the style of wrapping that best suits your layout.

Remember, if you want your text box to blend into the rest of your resume, you can remove its outline and background color.

However, a word of caution: many Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) may not correctly interpret the text inside text boxes. ATS often treats these boxes as graphic elements and may bypass the enclosed text. While text boxes are a visually engaging element for human readers, any crucial information or keywords in the box should be included in the body of your resume as well.

The MS Word resume templates with included text boxes, shown above, include the New Horizons Collection resume template for experienced professionals , the healthcare industry resume template from the Healthcare Edge Collection , and the powerful resume template from our Midnight Vista Collection . 

Utilizing Predefined and Custom Styles in Resumes

Leveraging styles and themes.

Styles and themes are an excellent way to ensure consistency in your resume’s formatting. These tools offer a unified look and feel across the entire document, enhancing readability and visual appeal.

Styles in Microsoft Word are predefined sets of formatting specifications that you can apply to text within your resume. They can help ensure consistency throughout your resume, leading to a more professional and organized appearance. Here’s how to use them: For example, styles can be applied to specific pieces of text, such as headings, subheadings, or body text. By consistently applying styles, you can ensure that similar elements of your resume (like job titles or company names) are formatted identically , making your document easier to navigate.

Here is how you can use styles:

Click on the text that you want to apply a style to. This can be a heading, subheading, job title, company name, or paragraph.

Once your text is selected, navigate to the Home tab in the toolbar at the top of your screen.

In the Styles group, you’ll see a list of different text styles. Hover over each to see a preview of the style on your selected text.

Click on the style that you wish to apply. Your text will immediately change to reflect this style.

If you wish to create your own style, format a section of text as you wish, then highlight it and open the dropdown menu. Select “Create a Style” and give your new style a name. For example, you might create a style named “Resume Headline,” one named “Job Description,” and another named “Job Title.”

Remember, consistency is key in a resume. Ensure that you apply the same style to similar pieces of text. For instance, if you use a specific style for job titles, apply that style to all job titles in the document.

Themes are a great way to control the overall visual impact of your resume . They ensure a consistent color scheme , font selection , and graphic effect across your entire document. Here’s how to apply a theme:

Navigate to the Design tab in the toolbar at the top of your screen.

Click on the Themes button. A drop down menu will appear, displaying a variety of different themes.

Hover over each theme to see a preview of how it will look on your document.

Once you’ve found the theme that best suits your resume, click on it to apply the theme.

Consider the role and industry you’re applying for when choosing a theme. For more creative roles, you might choose a modern, visually striking resume theme . For more traditional roles , a simple, professional resume theme might be more suitable.

Once you have chosen a theme that you like, you can customize it further using the options on the Design tab. For example, you can change the colors or the fonts using the options on those two menu items.

Leveraging Professional and Custom Resume Templates

Resume templates are an invaluable tool for most job seekers, offering both an aesthetically pleasing layout and a structured guide to organizing your professional history. Using a resume template can save you considerable time , ensure consistency, and allow you to focus on tailoring your resume content to each role.

Distinctive Resume Templates offers a comprehensive suite of professionally designed resume templates for MS Word that cater to a broad range of career stages, from new graduates to C-suite executives , and in both chronological and functional formats . Each resume template design is not only visually compelling to catch the hiring manager’s attention but is also ATS-compatible , meaning it’s been designed to be easily read and parsed by ATS.

With hundreds of unique resume templates to choose from, you’re sure to find a resume format and design that suits your personal style and professional needs for your own resume. You can focus on what you’re saying, knowing that how you’re saying it looks polished and professional, and your job application will stand out in a sea of standard resumes.

In addition to using professional resume templates , you may want to create a custom resume builder template that truly reflects your personal brand. This is particularly useful for job seekers who frequently tailor their resumes for different roles .

Create a new document and set up your preferred formatting for text, headings, bullets, and sections.

Once you’re satisfied with your layout, navigate to ‘File > Save As.’

In the dialog box that appears, choose ‘Word Template’ from the ‘Save as type’ dropdown menu.

Give your new resume template a name and save it.

If you wish, include all the basic content for your resume, such as writing your resume summary, listing transferable skills in a resume skills section, including your job history, and an education section.

The next time you need to create a tailored resume for a specific job, you can start with your personalized resume template:

Go to ‘File > New.’

Click on ‘Personal’ to access your saved templates.

Select your custom resume template and click ‘Create.’

This will open a new resume builder document based on your template, allowing you to adjust the content for each job description and other key parts of your resume such as a resume skills section, without having to format and write a resume from scratch each time. Tailor your content for your desired job, such as customizing the soft and hard skills with relevant skills for the specific job. This ensures consistency across your resumes while giving you flexibility where you need it most.

Final Touches for Your Resume and Other Considerations

Page borders can be a distinctive touch to your resume, creating a clear visual boundary that can help your document stand out. Whether simple or ornate, they should be used judiciously to complement your resume’s content without overpowering it. Here’s how you can add a page border in Word:

Click on the ‘Design’ tab on the ribbon at the top of Word.

Click on ‘Page Borders’ in the ‘Page Background’ group. This will open the ‘Borders and Shading’ dialog box.

In the ‘Page Border’ tab, select the style, color, and width of the border you want to use.

Under ‘Apply to’, select ‘Whole document’ to apply the border to every page. If you want the border only on the first page, select ‘First page only’.

Once you’re satisfied with your settings, click ‘OK’ to apply the border to your resume.

Remember, while a page border can make your resume visually distinctive, it’s important to ensure that it doesn’t distract from the most crucial element of your document: the content. Keep it simple and professional. For example, a thin, single-line border in a muted color can add a touch of elegance without being distracting.

Page color or fill can add a subtle and sophisticated layer of design to your resume when viewed on screen. These visual enhancements can create a more personalized look and feel, even making your digital resume look as though it’s been printed on premium textured paper. Here’s how to do it:

Navigate to the ‘Design’ tab on the ribbon at the top of Word.

Click on ‘Page Color’ in the ‘Page Background’ group.

From the dropdown menu, you can choose from a selection of standard colors, or you can customize a color. For a textured look, select ‘Fill Effects.’

In the ‘Fill Effects’ dialog box, you can select ‘Texture’ to choose from a variety of preset textures, or you can select ‘Pattern’ to choose a two-color pattern.

Remember, when using page color or fill, subtlety is key. You want to enhance your resume’s visual appeal without drawing attention away from the content. Very light colors and very subtle textures or patterns usually work best for this purpose.

Embedding fonts in your Word document resume is crucial to maintaining the visual consistency of your resume format when it’s viewed on different computers. If you’ve used a less-common font that’s not likely to be installed on all computers, embedding the font will ensure that your recipient sees the resume exactly as you designed it, preserving your chosen typography.

Here’s how to do it:

Click on the ‘File’ tab.

Select ‘Options.’

In the ‘Word Options’ dialog box that appears, click on ‘Save’ on the left-hand side.

In the ‘Save’ section, locate the ‘Preserve fidelity when sharing this document’ section.

Check the box next to ‘Embed fonts in the file.’

To reduce file size, also check ‘Embed only the characters used in the document (best for reducing file size).’ However, this option should be used carefully, as it may prevent future editing.

Remember, while this is a valuable tool for ensuring a consistent resume format, it’s not always necessary and should be used judiciously. Standard fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri are typically installed on most computers, so embedding these can unnecessarily increase the size of your document. This can make your resume file harder to transmit digitally and may cause slow loading times when opened.

However, by taking the extra step to embed your less-common chosen fonts, you can confidently share your resume, knowing that its typography will appear just as you intended, no matter where or how it’s viewed.

At the time of publishing this article, Microsoft is planning to introduce a new AI-powered feature called Copilot to subscription versions of Word. Copilot will leverage OpenAI’s ChatGPT , a powerful language model, to assist users in generating, editing, and summarizing content.

With the Copilot button, users will be able to access ChatGPT’s capabilities directly within Word, making it easier to draft, edit, and refine resumes and other documents . The AI can help with tasks such as generating text based on prompts, suggesting alternative phrasings, summarizing long passages, and even answering questions about the content.

The Copilot feature is expected to be a valuable addition to Word, enhancing the user experience and making it even more powerful and versatile for both personal and professional use.

However, at this time, the Copilot feature is still in development, and its release date and specific capabilities haven’t yet been announced.

Mastering Microsoft Word for Creating a Resume: Final Thoughts

Microsoft Word, an integral tool in our daily professional lives, is laden with powerful features that can streamline and augment the process of crafting a stellar resume . As you delve deeper and familiarize yourself with these Microsoft Word tips and functionalities, you unlock the potential to elevate your resume and set it apart from the rest.

It’s important to note that a polished, well-formatted resume is more than just an aesthetically pleasing document. It serves as a potent tool that articulates your professional journey in a compelling manner to prospective employers, thereby enhancing your chances of securing your dream job. So, take these Microsoft Word tips to heart and get started on creating a resume that truly tells your unique professional story .

As you embark on your journey to write a resume, bear in mind that the exact location of some features might slightly differ based on the version of Microsoft Word you are using. However, the core functionalities remain largely unchanged, and you’ll be able to apply most of these tips across different versions.

We wish you success and joy in your resume-crafting endeavors. Here’s to creating a document that not only captures your career highlights but also embodies your unique professional brand !

About the Author: Michelle Dumas

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Related posts.

Protect your data

This site uses cookies and related technologies for site operation, and analytics as described in our Privacy Policy . You may choose to consent to our use of these technologies, reject non-essential technologies, or further manage your preferences.

• Resume and Cover Letter
• Step-by-Step Guide on...

Step-by-Step Guide on Creating your Resume Using MS Word

9 min read · Updated on December 08, 2023

Microsoft Word is the best program to use when creating your resume. Here's how to do it so that your resume gets past the Applicant Tracking System - ATS and impresses hiring managers.

Microsoft Word comes with some very attractive templates that are ready to use and allow you to fill in the blanks. The bad thing is the templates offered by Word are not usually ATS-friendly. It is best to create your resume from scratch. You can do so without being an expert at using Word or knowing all of the formatting options the program offers.

A simple online search about creating a resume from scratch returns millions of results. Choosing the right set of instructions can be daunting. So, instead of going down that rabbit hole, follow this step-by-step guide on creating a resume using MS Word. 

MS Word resume templates

It can seem like an easy answer to pick a template offered by Word. You open the program, click templates, and are presented with hundreds of options. However, considering that ATS can't properly parse information from resumes that have text boxes, columns, images, and charts, those templates are not going to serve you well . 

Submitting a non-ATS-friendly resume is the best way to have your resume rejected for a job. When your resume is rejected by the ATS software, the human beings at the company don't even know you exist. It is one of the top reasons job seekers are ghosted by companies. 

Format your overall document before you start typing

Believe it or not, an ATS will scan resumes for everything from keywords, experience, and education to margin width and font. There are some pre-typing formatting options you'll need to set to ensure that the ATS can read your document.

Set your margins so that they are no narrower than 0.5 inches all the way around. Alternatively, you can use 0.75 and one-inch margins if you prefer.

Choose the font you want to use . You can use more than one font in your resume to distinguish between headers and body text, but use no more than two separate fonts. 

On the “Paragraph” formatting ribbon, set your line spacing to “Multiple” at 1.06 and enter “6 pt” in the “Before” box to ensure that your lines are squished together. You want to create some white space in your resume.

Setting the right formatting options ahead of time can save you some headaches when you're finished typing the text. 

As you type out your resume information in your resume, use the “Font” and “Styles” formatting ribbons to customize things like font size, colors, headers, and section separators. Your resume should contain the following sections :

Other (e.g., Affiliations, Licenses, Certifications, Volunteerism)

Your contact section

Type your name on a line by itself. Typically, you want your name to be larger than the other text on the document. You can even put it in all caps or small caps to help it stand out. On the next line, type your city, state, zip code/postal code, phone, email, and any online portfolios you want hiring managers to know about. 

It is no longer customary to include your full address. There have been instances of discrimination against job seekers based on their home addresses. It is critical, though, that you include your zip or postal code. Hiring managers can query the ATS for resumes within a radius of a zip code. If your zip code is missing, your resume doesn't get included.

If you use the “Intense Quote” style, your name and contact information will be set apart from the rest of the document with a border along the top and bottom of the text. Highlight your name to increase the size of the font and make it bold. 

Title and summary section

As you write the title and summary of your resume, make sure that it is future-facing and targeted to the job to which you want to apply. Type the title on a line by itself and, like your name, put it in all caps, small caps, larger text, and bold text so that it stands out from the rest of the words on the page. It's also a good idea to center it on the line. You can also change the color.

Some rules to use when applying color to your resume:

Color draws attention to the important parts. 

Use bright colors (e.g., blue and green) for headers and contact information.

Use complementary colors (e.g., lighter shades of blue and green) for subheadings, position titles, and degrees.

Avoid using red on your resume as red is associated with stopping. You don't want to give someone a queue to stop reading your document. 

The summary paragraph should be three to five sentences in length with a focus on what you bring to the table in alignment with relevant keywords from the job description. Be specific, but be concise. Focus on how much experience you have, a few things that you're really good at, and include at least one achievement.

Your skills section

Your contact section, title, and professional summary won't have headers. The skills section is where you'll start including headers to separate content. Type the word “Skills” on a line by itself. Follow the same style for each of the other sections in your resume. 

Then, on the next line list out your professionally relevant and job-specific skills. Keep the list to no more than 12 skills and be sure to use a strong mix of hard and soft skills . 

Your professional experience section

This is where the bulk of your resume content should appear. In order to properly write your experience section, you should use the chronological resume format . This simply means that you start with your current or most recent job and work backward. There are some general rules of thumb to keep in mind when writing the experience section of your resume. 

How to lay out the information for each job: Start with the name of the company and the timeframe you were employed there. It's best to use the MM/YYYY format for your jobs. After that, list your position title followed by three to five achievement bullets. Make sure that each bullet starts with a verb so that you have an action-based resume. 

Stick to the last 10-15 years of experience: A great resume represents approximately 10 years of experience. It's okay to go back 15 years, but it's recommended that you avoid going further than that. You can certainly list older experiences under an “Early Career Experience” title, but the roles in that list won't contain bullets detailing your accomplishments. 

Use stacking to list multiple roles at the same company: When you have progressed through more than one position within a single company, you'll list the company name first with the total amount of time you were employed there. In the next line, you'll list the last role you had with the company and the time you held that position followed by your achievement bullets. After those bullets, list the previous role you held with the company with the time you were in that role but don't list the company name again. Here's what that looks like:

ABC Company | 03/2007-Present

Senior Leader (05/2015-Present)

Experience that relates to the job to which you're applying.

Example(s) of projects or situations where you used this skill.

1 to 2 accomplishments or measurable results showing your expertise with this skill. 

Associate Leader (03/2007-05/2015)

Your resume isn't meant to be a record of your professional life's events.

Talk about achievements that will intrigue a hiring manager to call you for an interview.

Anytime you can use numbers, it's best to do so.

Your education section

End your resume with an education section, which includes your education, professional development, and any credentials you may possess. List graduation dates only if you're still in school or graduated within the last year. You should also spell out acronyms (e.g., Master of Business Administration rather than MBA). You can put the acronyms in parentheses after the full spelling. This holds true for degrees and school names.

If you didn't graduate, you can still list your higher education on your resume. After you type out the degree you were pursuing and the name of the school, put verbiage that indicates the degree is unfinished. Here's an example:

Bachelor of Science in Business Management | ABC State School | Expected completion: MM/YYYY

When you didn't finish and know you're not going back, simply put the number of credit hours you completed in the place of the “Expected completion” text:

Bachelor of Science in Business Management | ABC State School | 98/120 Credit Hours Completed

Additional sections that may appear on your resume

Some jobs require you to be a member of a particular organization. You may have completed some career-related research or have articles published to which you want to call attention. Put a relevant header for any extra information that you want on your resume and type out the information. 

Formatting headers

Now that you have the content written, it's time to make it look pretty. It's easy to update the text of each header title by enlarging the font and using bold. You can do more, though. 

• Shading: Highlight the “Skills” header and click the down arrow next to the paint bucket icon on the “Paragraph” formatting bar. This will allow you to change the shading behind the header. Be sure to use something that complements any color you've already used and don't let the shading make it so you can't read the header text.
• Borders: With the word “Skills” still highlighted, click the down arrow next to the borders button on the “Paragraph” formatting bar (it's right next to the paint bucket icon). Choose to add a top or bottom border (or both) to your header. The choice is completely yours to use one or both borders.

Whatever formatting you decide to finish with on the “Skills” header needs to be repeated on all headers to ensure a level of consistency within your resume. The only header that wouldn't need formatting is the line you created if you decided to list “Early Career Experience.” You can simply bold that and leave it as simple text. 

Now you have a beautifully formatted, from-scratch resume. In the end, all you needed to know how to do was bold text, change the font, and format shading and borders. 

If you have questions, TopResume has a team of expert resume writers standing by.  

Recommended reading:

• The Hidden Dangers of Using Microsoft Word Resume Templates  
• What's an ATS-Friendly Resume? And How to Write One
• How to Write a Chronological Resume (Tips + Examples)

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

See how your resume stacks up.

Career Advice Newsletter

Our experts gather the best career & resume tips weekly. Delivered weekly, always free.

Thanks! Career advice is on its way.

Share this article:

Let's stay in touch.

Subscribe today to get job tips and career advice that will come in handy.

Your information is secure. Please read our privacy policy for more information.

How to Create a Resume on Word Without a Template – Tips & Tricks

Creating a resume in Microsoft Word without a template might seem daunting, but it’s actually quite straightforward. Essentially, you’ll open a new document, set your margins, choose a professional font, and then organize your information into sections like "Education," "Experience," and "Skills." With a bit of formatting know-how, you can have a polished resume ready to impress potential employers in no time.

Step by Step Tutorial: Creating a Resume on Word Without a Template

Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand that creating a resume without a template gives you the freedom to customize it to your liking. You can play around with the layout and design to stand out from other candidates.

Step 1: Open Microsoft Word

Open Microsoft Word on your computer to start a new document.

When you open Microsoft Word, you’ll usually see a selection of templates. However, for this guide, you’ll want to start with a blank document. This will give you a clean slate to build your resume from scratch.

Step 2: Set Your Margins

Set the margins of your document to ensure your resume has a clean, professional look.

To set your margins, go to the ‘Layout’ tab and click on ‘Margins.’ Choose the ‘Normal’ option, which sets all margins to one inch, or customize them to your liking. Keeping your margins even is key to making your resume look neat.

Step 3: Choose a Professional Font

Select a professional, easy-to-read font for your resume content.

Under the ‘Home’ tab, you’ll find the font options. Fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman are typically used in professional documents. Stick to a font size between 10 and 12 for the body of your resume.

Step 4: Insert Your Header

Type your name and contact information at the top of the document to create the header.

Your name should be the most prominent text on the page, so consider making it a couple of font sizes larger than the rest of your text. Immediately below your name, include your phone number, email address, and if relevant, your LinkedIn profile or professional website.

Step 5: Organize Your Information into Sections

Divide your resume into sections like "Objective," "Experience," "Education," and "Skills."

Use bold or slightly larger font sizes to make the section headers stand out. Your "Experience" section should list your past jobs in reverse chronological order, while your "Skills" section should highlight any relevant abilities or certifications.

After completing these steps, your resume will be ready to be filled with your professional details. Remember, the key to a great resume is not only the content but also the clarity and organization of the information.

Tips for Creating a Resume on Word Without a Template

• Keep your formatting consistent throughout the document for a cohesive look.
• Use bullet points for lists, such as job responsibilities or achievements, to improve readability.
• Avoid using too many different font styles or sizes, which can make your resume appear cluttered.
• Stick to a simple color scheme, like black and white, to maintain professionalism.
• Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting when submitting to potential employers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best font to use for a resume.

The best font for a resume is one that is professional and easy to read, such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.

How long should my resume be?

For most professionals, a one-page resume is sufficient. If you have extensive experience, a two-page resume is acceptable.

Should I include references on my resume?

It’s generally recommended to have references available upon request rather than including them on your resume.

Can I add color to my resume?

While you can add color, it’s best to use it sparingly and stick to a simple color scheme to maintain a professional appearance.

How often should I update my resume?

You should update your resume regularly, especially when you gain new experiences, skills, or certifications.

• Open Microsoft Word
• Set Your Margins
• Choose a Professional Font
• Insert Your Header
• Organize Your Information into Sections

Creating a resume on Word without a template might seem like a tough task at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a breeze. Not only does it allow you to personalize your resume to reflect your individuality, but it also challenges you to learn new formatting skills that can be handy in various professional scenarios. Remember to keep things simple, clean, and professional. Your resume is a reflection of your work ethic and attention to detail, so taking the time to create it from scratch can make a significant difference. If you follow the steps outlined above, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a resume that not only showcases your abilities but also your dedication to quality. So go ahead, open up Word, and start typing away; your next job opportunity could be just a well-formatted resume away!

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

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

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Related Posts

• How to Make a Resume on Word: Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Create a Template on Word: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Make a Resume Without Microsoft Word: Alternative Tools
• How to Edit a Template in Word: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Save a Document as a Template in Word 2019: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Save a Word Document as a Template: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Change Margins in Word: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Set Margins in Word 2010: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Set Up 1 Inch Margins in Word 2010: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Set 1 Inch Margins in Word for Office 365: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Copy a Template in Word: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Use a Signature Font in Word for Office 365: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Change the Default Font in Word 2013: A Step-by-Step Guide
• What is the Best Microsoft Word Cursive Font? A Comprehensive Guide
• How to Show Margins in Word 2013: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Change Margins in Google Docs (A Quick 4 Step Guide)
• How to Show Margins in Word: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Make Times New Roman Default on Word 2010: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Create an Outlook Email Template in Outlook 2013: A Step-by-Step Guide

Get Our Free Newsletter

How-to guides and tech deals

You may opt out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Create designs that inspire

Trending searches, productivity, social media, generate stunning ai-powered visuals.

A girl rides a skateboard while walking her dog. The girl is wearing a purple sweatshirt, baggy jeans and boots. She has expressive, round brown eyes and a look of determination. The background is an out of focus park and the girl is in a 3d illustrated animation style.

A watercolor hummingbird, centered, in red and yellow with a soft cream, watercolor background.

A banana with sunglasses surfing a blue wave.

Front-facing view of a mountain with floral decorative elements, papercraft quilling style, in pastel pink, blue and purple colors.

An abstract background of melting liquid with a metallic sheen, dark purple and gold colors with reflective studio light.

Illustration of a man playing a decorated steel pan drum.

A macro, detailed portrait of the face of a Dalmatian dog staring straight ahead with bright blue eyes on a solid pastel blue, out of focus background. The portrait is realistic with studio lighting.

A yellow sun with orange rays rises over white and purple clouds in a pop art style. There should be a halftone effect and screen printing aesthetic. The orange rays radiate outward and fill the background.

A group of assorted donuts in a pink bakery box.

A portrait of a man in a digital collage style. The man is wearing thick red glasses with circular patterns in blue and orange on the inside of the frames. The man is in a red polka dot shirt with a background of thick, brightly colored lines in pink, blue, and red. Collaged into the background is a ferris wheel and a circus tent.

A profile view of a caterpillar crawling on a moss-covered rock with the lush, green forest in the background, macro view, detail, close-up.

Cartoon style woman with a blue hat, fishing on a river near a forest.

A colorful street scene in the style of Mexican mural art. The street has adobe-colored shops on both sides with striped awnings. There is a fountain in the center and trees and mountains in the distance.

A single pink ranunculus in the style of a vintage botanical drawing.

A unicorn stands on a wooden pier looking out over clouds below, with a starry night sky above.

Create and edit in an instant with Microsoft Designer

Image generator

Generate any image you can imagine with just a text description.

Background remover

Remove the background from your image in one click.

Sticker creator

Describe the sticker you want, and our AI will generate it for you.

Browse thousands of customizable templates

Fresh picks.

Celebrate an occasion

Food and drink

How it works

1. Start with the perfect template

2. Customize it with help from AI

See the templates for:

3. Share your creation with the world