How to Create a Professional Resume in Microsoft Word

Whether you’re embarking on your career journey or need to revamp your resume, Microsoft Word is a popular choice for the task. This guide will walk you through various methods for creating a standout resume in Word, from utilizing helpful templates to crafting one from scratch.

Using Built-in Word Resume Templates

The quickest and most convenient way to create a resume in Word is by using one of Microsoft’s readily available templates. You can access a vast collection of options directly within Word. Simply open Word, navigate to

File > New

, and enter “resume” into the Search box. Explore templates designed for specific jobs and industries, as well as those suitable for any type of position. Select a template to view its description and click

Create

to utilize it. Microsoft’s resume templates include placeholders that you can effortlessly replace with your own details. This is particularly useful if you appreciate the overall design of the template. However, if the color scheme or font styles don’t align with your preferences, you can easily modify them. Remember to save a copy of your resume by going to

File > Save As

.

Utilizing Word Resume Templates Online

Even if you don’t have Microsoft Word installed on your computer, you can still access and use its resume templates online for free with a Microsoft account. Visit the

Microsoft Create website

and explore the available resume templates. If you find one that catches your eye, select it to open it directly in Word for the web. Alternatively, choose

Create from scratch

and select

Resumes, flyers, brochures

. Once Word opens, use the

Designer sidebar

on the right to browse and select a resume template. Then, simply replace the placeholders with your own information and customize the resume to your liking.

Leveraging Third-Party Word Resume Templates

If you prefer a different style or are not satisfied with Microsoft’s templates, you can explore third-party options for your resume. Here are some highly recommended resources with free template samples:

*

Resume Genius:

Offers over a dozen custom Word templates to download, ranging from simple and professional to visually appealing and aesthetically pleasing. You’re sure to find at least one resume template that suits your taste.
*

Hloom:

Provides over 15 free resume and CV templates and even more options for a paid subscription. To filter for free templates, select

Free

under

License

on the left. Additionally, Hloom offers cover letter templates if you need one.
*

Template.net:

Hosts a wide variety of attractive resume template options tailored to specific positions or styles. Similar to Hloom, select

Free

under

License

on the left and explore the cover letter collection as well.

Once you download a resume template from any of these sites, simply personalize it with your own details.

Crafting a Word Resume from Scratch

If you prefer a more hands-on approach and want to create your resume entirely from scratch, this is always an option, especially if you have the time. Consider reviewing the aforementioned templates and samples to gain insights into the information you should include and formatting ideas. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

1.

Full Name and Current Position:

Place your name and current position at the top of the resume. If you don’t have a current position, you can omit it.
2.

Objective (Optional):

Provide a brief description of your career goals to potential employers below your name and position. This section is optional. If you include it, keep it concise and impactful with one to two meaningful sentences.
3.

Contact Details:

Include at least your email address and phone number. If you have an updated website or LinkedIn profile, feel free to add those as well. Ensure these details are grouped together in a designated area for easy access.
4.

Work Experience:

List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent position. Begin with the position title, followed by the employer, month, and year of employment, and then describe your duties. Present your duties and responsibilities in a bulleted list format for easy readability.
5.

Education:

List your educational history in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent degree. Include the degree name, followed by the school name, month, and year of attendance.
6.

Skills, Awards, and More:

Use a bulleted list format to highlight your skills, awards, certifications, volunteer work, and any other relevant details that contribute to your qualifications for the position or company.

Formatting Tips for Your Word Resume

* Use a heading or a larger font size for your full name at the top.
* Add headings for the

Experience, Education

, and

Skills

sections.
* If you choose to use color, limit it to one or two complementary colors.
* Maintain consistency in font style throughout the resume, using different font sizes, headings, or bold formatting to emphasize key details.
* Opt for an easy-to-read font like Arial, Calibri, Georgia, or Times New Roman in a 12-point size for the main body text. Consider the font’s suitability for both web and printed versions.
* If you include a headshot, make sure it’s professional.
* Consider using a table to structure your resume for a clean and organized look.
* Finally, ensure the appearance and content of your resume are consistent throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it acceptable to create a resume in Word?

Absolutely! Word processing applications like Microsoft Word are designed for creating documents like resumes. You can also utilize web applications such as Google Docs 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 potential employers.

How far back should a resume go?

Experts generally recommend including 10 to 15 years of relevant work experience. However, focus on including experiences that are pertinent to the position you’re applying for. For instance, if you worked at a fast-food chain for a short period many years ago and it’s not related to your current career path, it’s probably safe to exclude that experience.

How many pages should a resume be?

The standard length for a resume is one to two pages. However, this can vary depending on the length of your experience and education in relation to the specific position. Someone with extensive work experience might require two pages, while a recent graduate may only need one.