prepare a resume using 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 2021 !

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 2021 .

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.

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How-To Geek

How to create a professional résumé in microsoft word.

Pressing the send button when sending your résumé to a potential employer can be a nerve-racking experience.

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

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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.

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How to Create a Resume in Microsoft Word

Last Updated: September 25, 2023 Approved

This article was co-authored by Alyson Garrido, PCC . Alyson Garrido is an International Coach Federation accredited Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Facilitator, and Speaker. Using a strengths-based approach, she supports her clients with job search and career advancement. Alyson provides coaching for career direction, interview preparation, salary negotiation, and performance reviews as well as customized communication and leadership strategies. She is a Founding Partner of the Systemic Coach Academy of New Zealand. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 1,633,068 times.

Resumes detail a person’s work experience, education, skills and achievements. A good resume that is clear, concise and easy to read is essential when looking for a job. Resumes should be word processed and should be neat and tidy. Microsoft Word offers you the option of creating your resume through templates, but you can also create your resume from scratch using Word's formatting features.

Sample Resumes

Creating a Resume from a Template (Word 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013)

• In Word 2007 you will have to click on “installed templates.”
• In Word 2010 it will be “sample templates.”
• In Word 2011 it will be “new from template.” [1] X Research source
• In Word 2013 the templates will be displayed when you click on “New.”

• In Word 2013, after clicking on “New” you will see a number of templates and a search bar which says “search for online templates.”
• After searching you will see a number of different resume templates to try out.

• Here you will be able to look through a number of templates for resumes and cover letters that you can download for free and edit in Word.
• You may have to sign in with your Microsoft online account to use these templates. [2] X Research source

• Be sure to look carefully at the detail of your resume and proofread it thoroughly.
• All of the versions of Word from 2003 to 2013 all come with some pre-installed templates for resumes.

• Click on the “Other Documents” tab, and then select “Resume Wizard.”
• Follow the wizard's instructions. The wizard will walk you through the resume creation process step-by-step
• If you do not see this option, it was not installed when you installed Word, and you will need to run the installation program again to install it.

Creating a Resume Without a Template

• Education and qualifications.
• Work and volunteer experience.
• Skills and qualities.
• It should also include your full contact details and state that references are available upon request.

• Most chronological resumes only cover the last 5 to 10 years of your employment history.
• You may wish to include positions earlier than this if they are appropriate to the job you're seeking.
• This is the format most American employers prefer to see resumes in.

• A combination resume might list your key skills at the top before providing a short account of your experiences.
• This type of resume can be helpful for those entering the job market with little work experience, or for those trying to change careers. [6] X Research source

• The CV is commonly used when applying for positions in Europe, and also when applying for positions at colleges and universities worldwide.
• CVs can be thought of as living documents that records all your work and achievements, which will generally grow and develop over time more than a resume. [7] X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing Center UNC's on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source

Writing Your Resume

• If your resume extends beyond one page, ensure that your name is in a header on every page.
• Your email address should appropriate for a job application. Use your own name or initials if possible.
• Don’t use something jokey such as "sly-dude," "foxymama," or "smokinhot."

• For example, you might write that your objective is “To contribute to the design of new word processing software.”
• Alternatively it may state the position you hope to attain, such as “A position as in healthcare policy and research.”
• Objectives have become less common, and you may prefer to provide this information in your covering letter . [8] X Research source

• You can include a bullet point or two to provide a little further information on your specialism, if it is appropriate for the position you are applying for.
• If you achieved any honours or awards as part of your studying or training include these here.

• Use bullet points to make sure it is clear and easy to read or scan through for key words relating to the position you are applying.
• You can include volunteer positions if they relate to the job you're seeking or if you have little paid experience. [9] X Research source

• You can title this section as “Other Relevant Skills”, or just “Skills.”
• This could include proficiency in foreign languages, knowledge of particular computer software and programmes, and any other specific skills not previously mentioned. [10] X Research source
• Take care to avoid repeating yourself. You don’t need to say you have “excellent communication skills” more than once.

• Allow reasonable margins around the edges of the page. Word's default settings are usually sufficient for this.
• Left-align your section headings. You can use single-spacing after a heading and before the section content, and double-spacing before a heading.
• Get your resume down to one page if at all possible. You can try adjusting your line spacing in the Paragraph dialog box, but don’t lose your neat formatting trying to get it down to one page.
• Rethink your words and try to express yourself more concisely.

Expert Q&A

• Don't wait until you're looking for work to update your resume. Any time you have a promotion or significant accomplishment, add the new information to your resume. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 1
• Always tailor your resume to the type of position you're seeking. You may have to add, rearrange, or delete accomplishments or entire sections according to what the position requires. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 2

• The appearance and format of your resume is a reflection of your competence; be sure it represents you at your best. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 1
• Be sure that all the statements in your resume are both factually and grammatically correct and that all words are spelled correctly. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://kb.iu.edu/d/agst
• ↑ https://templates.office.com/en-us/Resumes-and-Cover-Letters
• ↑ http://cla.umn.edu/student-services-advising/career-internship-services/job-search-resources/resume-guide/formatting-0
• ↑ http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/curricula-vitae-cvs-versus-resumes/
• ↑ http://www.career.cornell.edu/story/resumes/parts.cfm

About This Article

1. Open Word and click File . 2. Click New . 3. Click a resume template. 4. Type your own data into each field. 5. Save your resume as a new file. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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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. 

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How to make a resume in microsoft word.

Beginning your job hunt can seem like a daunting task. Crafting a perfect resume, however, doesn’t have to be. Microsoft Word provides plenty of tools and templates to help you make an impressive and professional resume. Just a few simple steps and you can have a stand-out resume.

To create a resume in Word, the first thing to do is pick the right template. Word has loads of pre-designed templates especially for resumes. These come with professionally designed layouts and formatting choices, so you can focus on your content and not stress about the design.

Once you have the template, you can customize it with your own info. This includes adding your contact info, work history, educational background, abilities, and other relevant details. All you need to do is replace the placeholder text with your own.

Word also offers visual elements to enhance your resume, such as headers, bullet points, and dividers. This makes the text easier to read and more visually appealing.

Furthermore, Word gives you plenty of formatting options to customize the look of your resume. You can adjust fonts, colors, and styles to fit your taste or meet industry standards.

In short, creating a resume in Microsoft Word is not difficult. It helps you showcase your talents effectively. Thanks to the templates and customization options, you can make a professional-looking resume that reflects your unique skills and experiences.

Setting up Microsoft Word for resume creation

Setting up Microsoft Word for creating a resume

To effectively set up Microsoft Word for resume creation, follow these 5 steps:

• Open Microsoft Word and click on the “File” tab.
• Select “New” to open the template options.
• Type “resume” in the search bar to access various resume templates.
• Choose a template that suits your needs and click on it to preview or open it.
• Customize the template by replacing the placeholder text with your own information.

In addition, make sure to save your resume document in a compatible format, such as .doc or .docx, to ensure easy sharing and compatibility with different devices.

If you encounter any issues or need further assistance, consult Microsoft Word’s official documentation or seek help from their support team.

True History: Microsoft Word has been a popular choice for resume creation due to its user-friendly interface and wide range of customizable templates. Users have found success in creating visually appealing and professional resumes using the software’s features.

If you don’t know how to open Microsoft Word, maybe you shouldn’t be making a resume in the first place.

Opening Microsoft Word

Open Microsoft Word and get ready to write your resume like a professional! Here’s a four-step guide to help you out:

• Start the app: Click the Start menu, type “Microsoft Word” in the search bar, and hit enter. Or find the Word icon on your desktop or taskbar and double-click it.
• Create a new document: Open Microsoft Word and click the “File” tab at the top left corner of the screen. Select “New” from the drop-down menu.
• Choose a template: When you open your blank document, you can either begin creating it from scratch or opt for one of the pre-designed resume templates. Look for the “Templates” option on the right side of the screen.
• Start writing: After picking a template or starting with a blank page, it’s time to unleash your creativity! Personalize the sections, fonts, colors, and content to make your resume stand out.

Don’t wait any longer – open Microsoft Word and get started! Make the most of its intuitive interface and features to craft an amazing resume that will grab the attention of recruiters. Your dream job could be just around the corner – so start writing now!

Selecting a resume template

Pick a template that matches your style and profession. A modern and clean one usually works. Creative fields need something more unique.

Look for sections that show your experience, education, skills and achievements. An organized layout is best.

Check that you can customize it with fonts, colors and sections. This helps adapt it to your needs.

Choose one with clear headings and enough white space. Avoid complicated designs and too many graphics.

Make sure it’s compatible with software like Microsoft Word.

Ask colleagues or professionals for feedback. Their advice can be useful.

Find a template that’s professional, shows off your skills and fits industry standards.

Take your time to explore different templates.

The right resume template will give you an edge over other candidates. So start searching today and take the plunge towards that dream job.

Customizing the resume template

Choose a professional font and formatting style; one that’s simple to read.

Personalize the sections of the template to display your abilities, education, and work history.

Match your personal brand or industry by customizing the color scheme and design elements.

Add or take away sections to make a comprehensive resume.

Little details can have huge effects. Observe the alignment, spacing, and consistency throughout the document. Showcase your strengths with your own touches while keeping it clean and official. This way, you can create an impressive resume which clearly states your qualifications.

Fun fact: 76% of recruiters prefer customized resumes over generic ones, as found in a survey by TopResume.

Adding personal information

Adding personal details in a resume

Starting with personal information for a resume, it is crucial to include relevant details in a professional manner. Begin with your full name and contact information , such as phone number and email address. Refrain from unnecessary introductory phrases and keep the response concise.

Next, mention your home address , making sure it is up-to-date. Including a professional summary or objective statement is also vital, providing a brief overview of your skills and career goals. Remember to use a Semantic NLP variation of the heading, focusing on the importance of personal details.

To make your resume stand out, consider including relevant social media profiles , such as LinkedIn or GitHub. However, only include accounts that showcase your professional achievements and align with the job you’re applying for.

Additionally, it is essential to include a professional headshot , providing a visual representation of yourself to potential employers. However, ensure it is a recent and high-quality photo, displaying a polished and presentable image.

In summary, adding personal information to a resume requires attention to detail and professionalism. Including relevant contact details, a professional summary/objective, social media profiles, and a suitable headshot can enhance your resume’s impact.

(Note: The above response has been generated using a combination of machine learning and human assistance. It may not be entirely accurate or represent the views of the authors.)

Make your contact information stand out like a desperate ex trying to win you back.

Contact information

Don’t miss out! Update your contact details today.

Have a dedicated email address for professional correspondence while keeping your privacy. Including a reliable phone number makes communication and accessibility swift. A physical address is essential for businesses to be located easily. Social media profiles give another way to interact. A website is ideal to show important info about you or your organization. Instant messaging platforms , like Skype or WhatsApp, provide real-time convos.

Additionally, add other contact methods for no interruptions and to meet preferences. Review and update contact info often to avoid missed messages and partnerships. Small adjustments can make a huge difference in your journey, so don’t miss out – update your contacts now!

Objective statement

Strategically add personal details into formal settings. It will help boost your professional profile and create connections. It adds a personalized touch that sets you apart from the crowd.

Share hobbies, volunteer work, or accomplishments . It shows you’re well-rounded and has qualities beyond what’s on your resume.

Personal info can be great conversation starters. It lets people connect with you and makes a memorable impression.

Choose info that’s relevant to the industry or position. Show how it contributes to your professional goals.

Be mindful of appropriateness and ensure it reflects positively. Avoid sensitive or controversial topics.

Use personalization in your professional life. Bring the best version of yourself by strategically using personal information. Don’t miss out on meaningful connections and opportunities.

Summary or profile section

John Smith saw a boost in interview requests when he added a concise yet informative summary section to his resume. This snapshot of his skills and qualifications showcased his expertise and potential value.

The profile section highlighted his education, experience, certifications, and achievements . It also included unique details like specialized training, industries he worked in, and niche skills. These distinct elements made John stand out to employers.

John’s well-crafted profile section captured potential employers’ attention and made them eager to learn more. It definitely had a significant impact on his career!

Highlighting skills and qualifications

Highlighting Your Skills and Qualifications:

To capture the attention of potential employers, it is crucial to effectively highlight your skills and qualifications in your resume.

– Showcase your expertise: Use bullet points to succinctly list your key skills and qualifications. Highlight specific achievements and experiences that demonstrate your abilities in a clear and concise manner.

– Tailor your resume: Customize your resume to align with the job requirements by emphasizing skills and qualifications that directly relate to the position. This will showcase your suitability for the role and increase your chances of getting noticed.

– Quantify your accomplishments: Whenever possible, use numbers and specific metrics to quantify your achievements. This will provide concrete evidence of your capabilities and make a lasting impression on recruiters.

By employing these strategies, you can effectively highlight your skills and qualifications in your resume, increasing your chances of securing the job opportunity you desire.

Remember, your resume acts as a powerful marketing tool that presents your abilities and experiences to potential employers. Make sure it accurately reflects your skills and qualifications in a compelling and professional manner. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to stand out from other applicants by showcasing your unique value. Create a resume that leaves a lasting impression and positions you as the ideal candidate for the job.

Listing relevant skills: Because anyone can say they’re a ‘team player,’ but are they really ready to be sabotaged by their coworkers for the sake of office entertainment?

Listing relevant skills

Honing your skills and qualifications is essential in the competitive job market today. Employers appreciate job-seekers with the right expertise to be successful in the role. Briefly and effectively listing relevant abilities can exhibit your capabilities and boost your chances of getting your dream job.

Figure out the key skills that match the job requirements. Alter your resume or CV to emphasize these skills prominently. Utilize bullet points for easy readability. For example:

• Communication: Outstanding verbal & written communication aptitudes, allowing clear & succinct connections with clients and team members.
• Problem-solving: Strong analytical thinking and innovative problem-solving abilities to identify and settle issues quickly.
• Leadership: Displayed leadership qualities, such as the ability to motivate teams, delegate tasks, and create a collaborative work environment.

Moreover, show examples of how you applied these skills in past positions or projects. This shows practical knowledge and emphasizes your efficiency. Prioritize pertinent skills based on the job description.

Also, consider adding special details that make you stand out from other prospects when listing your abilities. These might be special certifications or specific training you have undertaken, language fluency, or industry-specific knowledge attained through internships or volunteer work.

The practice of listing skills has been a major part of recruitment processes for a long time. Employers have relied on this method to evaluate applicants’ suitability for the jobs. In our modern digital age, this has become even more consequential as technology advances swiftly across several industries. Therefore, displaying one’s skills keeps playing a critical role in finding meaningful employment prospects.

Remember, listing relevant skills proficiently can strongly improve your chances of impressing employers and being distinct from the rest. By illustrating your knowledge concisely and clearly, you can prove that you are an invaluable asset to any organization. So take the time to strategically showcase your qualifications—you won’t regret it!

Showcasing accomplishments

Featuring skills and qualifications is a must for those trying to make a good impression on potential employers or clients. By displaying accomplishments, folks can show their abilities in a persuasive way. This helps them stand out from the competition and increases their shot at success in the professional sphere.

• Accomplishments provide proof of an individual’s aptitude and successes.
• Displaying accomplishments allows people to emphasize their strengths and know-how.
• Highlighting certain accomplishments can get employers’ or clients’ attention.
• Accomplishments demonstrate success and give others trust.
• By emphasizing accomplishments, individuals can make their value and worth known.
• Showing accomplishments shows one’s capacity to fulfill promises and meet professional expectations.

In addition to this, it’s important to focus on the unique details that make individuals stand out from the rest. These may include revolutionary projects, industry awards, or inventive solutions. By highlighting these one-of-a-kind achievements, individuals can further raise their professional status and improve their chances of getting desired opportunities.

A great example of the importance of displaying accomplishments is a graphic designer who wanted a job at a well-known design agency. Instead of just listing his qualifications and skills, he created an online portfolio with his best works and noteworthy projects. This approach let him present his abilities in a visually striking way while providing solid proof of his skill and imagination. As a result, the designer not only caught the eye of potential employers but also got multiple job offers, leading to a prosperous career in the field.

Education and work experience

In the professional world, your educational background and work experience are crucial aspects that employers consider for job applications. Demonstrating your qualifications and relevant experiences can greatly enhance your chances of securing a desired position. Here’s how to showcase your education and work experience effectively:

To present your education and work experience, you can utilize a table format to arrange the information in a clear and organized manner. A table provides a structured layout that makes it easy for employers to review your credentials. Consider the example below:

While the table accurately displays your educational and professional background, it’s important to include additional unique details that highlight your accomplishments and standout experiences. These details could include specialized training, projects, internships, or any exceptional achievements related to your field.

It is recommended to avoid using sequencing adverbs or ordinal adverbs to maintain a formal and informative tone. By using concise and direct language, you can effectively communicate your message without any unnecessary fluff.

Pro Tip: When listing your educational qualifications, start with the highest level of education achieved and work your way down. Conversely, when showcasing your work experience, begin with your most recent or current position and progress chronologically.

By following these guidelines, you can create an impressive resume using Microsoft Word that effectively presents your education and work experience. With a well-structured and informative layout, you can increase your chances of getting noticed by potential employers.

Education is important, but let’s be real, employers just want to know if you can microwave a frozen burrito without setting off the fire alarm.

Adding educational background

Having a degree or taking related courses reveals your commitment to personal development. Employers can see the subjects you’ve studied, the know-how you have and the theoretical base you possess. This information helps them decide whether you are a great fit for a certain role or industry.

Adding certifications or licenses that you own can improve your reputation and make you stand out from other applicants. These extra qualifications highlight your abilities in specialized areas and might give you an advantage over competitors who don’t have such credentials.

It’s important to note that educational background alone doesn’t ensure success in the workplace. Yet, it offers a strong foundation to build real-world skills and experiences. By combining theory with practice, individuals can create an in-demand set of abilities.

As per a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), people with higher levels of education usually have higher earning potential and more career advancement opportunities than those with lower levels of education. This further emphasizes the significance of adding educational background when displaying one’s skills.

Including work experience details

When discussing work experience, it’s important to give a brief overview of each job. Focus on tasks and duties that show your skills. Present the info clearly and efficiently.

It’s also great to mention any unique accomplishments or projects . This shows not only your capabilities, but also your ability to exceed expectations.

Research from Forbes magazine shows those with work experience are more likely to get job offers. So, including relevant work experience in your education section is essential.

Remember to demonstrate professionalism and creativity with your work experience details. Use storytelling and show tangible results to grab employers’ attention. Showcase yourself as an asset in the workforce.

Formatting and organizing the resume

To ensure your resume stands out, it is essential to format and organize it properly. Here are some key points to consider:

• Start with a professional layout: Use a clean and simple design that is easy to read. Choose an appropriate font size and style, and maintain consistency throughout the document.
• Use clear headings: Divide your resume into sections with clear headings such as “Professional Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.” This helps the reader navigate and find information quickly.
• Prioritize relevant information: Tailor your resume for each job application by highlighting the most relevant skills and experiences. Place these details prominently and consider using bullet points to make them stand out.
• Arrange information in reverse chronological order: Start with your most recent experience and work backward. This allows employers to see your most recent accomplishments first.
• Use consistent formatting: Maintain consistency in font styles, spacing, and bullet points. This creates a visually appealing and professional-looking resume.
• Proofread and edit: Avoid spelling and grammatical errors by thoroughly proofreading your resume. Consider seeking feedback from a trusted individual to catch any mistakes you might have missed.

Remember, a well-formatted and organized resume can make a strong first impression on potential employers, increasing your chances of securing an interview.

Start building your resume with Microsoft Word today and maximize your opportunities in the job market. Don’t miss out on the chance to showcase your skills and experience effectively.

Pick a font that won’t make HR squint like they’re trying to read invisible ink, but also won’t shout, ‘Hey, I’m a robot pretending to be a professional!’

Choosing fonts and formatting

Fonts and formatting are vital when it comes to resumes. They can make yours stand out from the competition or make it look cluttered and unappealing. Here’s what you need to do:

• Opt for a clean font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman .
• Reject fancy or decorative fonts that can distract from the content.
• Font size should be between 10 and 12 points for the body text.
• Bold or italic formatting should be used sparingly to emphasize headings or achievements.
• Be consistent in formatting. All headings should be the same size and style.
• Utilize bullet points for better organization.

To take it to the next level, use white space to create a balanced layout. Also, try justified alignment for a polished look.

Remember that readability and professionalism have always been key. Back in the day, people used basic fonts and a simple format, but as technology advanced, they experimented with different styles. In the end, they reverted to clean fonts and well-structured formats for their resumes.

Arranging sections and headings

Start the resume off with a concise summary to grab the employer’s attention. Then, follow it up with sections in a logical order that best showcases the candidate’s qualifications.

Think formatting when writing the resume. Use a neat font and equal margins. List details under each section with bullet points instead of lengthy paragraphs.

Headings should accurately reflect the content. Get specific with titles, like “Relevant Work Experience” or “Internships.” This ties together related experiences and adds clarity.

Proofreading and finalizing the resume

Proofing and Perfecting Your Resume

Give your document the final polish

Proofreading and finalizing your resume is a crucial step in creating a professional and polished document that stands out to employers. To ensure your resume is error-free and effectively showcases your qualifications, follow these key points:

• Review for grammatical and spelling errors: Use the spell-check feature in Microsoft Word to catch any mistakes. Additionally, carefully read through your resume to catch any grammar or punctuation errors that may have been missed.
• Check formatting: Ensure consistent formatting throughout your resume, including font styles and sizes, bullet points, and spacing. A well-formatted resume is visually appealing and easy to read.
• Edit for clarity and conciseness: Cut out any unnecessary or redundant information, and focus on highlighting your most relevant skills and achievements. Employers appreciate resumes that are concise and to the point.
• Tailor your resume to the job: Customize your resume for each job application by highlighting skills and experiences that align with the specific role. This shows employers that you have taken the time to understand their needs.
• Get a fresh pair of eyes: Have someone else review your resume to provide feedback and spot any errors or areas for improvement that you may have missed. A second opinion can be invaluable in perfecting your resume.
• Double-check contact information: Ensure that your phone number, email address, and any other contact details are correct and up to date. This ensures that employers can easily reach out to you for any potential opportunities.

In addition to the above points, it is important to remember that the content and format of your resume should be tailored to your specific industry and the job you are applying for. By taking the time to carefully proofread and finalize your resume, you can increase your chances of landing that dream job.

True story: One job seeker diligently proofread and finalized her resume before sending it out to various employers. However, she accidentally misspelled her own name in the contact information section. Despite her impressive qualifications, this error gave employers a negative impression and hindered her job search. It serves as a reminder of the importance of thoroughly reviewing and perfecting your resume before submitting it.

Proofreading your resume is like playing detective, searching for errors and inconsistencies that would otherwise end up on your ‘Wanted’ poster.

Checking for errors and consistency

• Check your spelling and grammar. Typos and mistakes can make a bad impression on employers.
• Keep the font, size, and spacing consistent in your resume. Look out for aligning sections and bullet points for a neat look.
• Double-check facts like dates, job titles, and contact info. Also, be consistent with verb tenses and sentence structure.

Fun fact: A CareerBuilder study says that 58% of resumes have typos or grammar errors that could mean no interview.

Making necessary revisions

Review your resume content carefully. Look for any grammatical mistakes, spelling errors, or strange phrasing.

Notice the formatting and layout. Ensure it looks good and is easy to read with fonts, bullet points, and headings.

Evaluate the info on your resume. Highlight the essential details and place them in sections strategically.

Customize it to match the job you’re applying for. Showcase skills and experiences that the employer wants.

For uniqueness, include quantifiable achievements or metrics to illustrate your work’s impact. Emphasize keywords related to the job and industry.

Before finishing, get feedback from colleagues or professionals in your field. They may spot areas for improvement that you missed.

Saving and sharing the resume

Paragraph 1:.

When it comes to storing and exchanging your resume, Microsoft Word provides convenient options. Make your resume easily accessible by learning how to save and share it efficiently.

Paragraph 2:

• Saving your resume: Utilize the “Save As” feature in Microsoft Word to choose a specific location on your computer or cloud storage to save your resume. Ensure you use a descriptive file name to easily identify your resume.
• Sharing your resume: Microsoft Word allows you to share your resume through email or by uploading it to online job platforms. Use the “Email” or “Share” options to send your resume directly or save it in a compatible format for online applications.

Paragraph 3:

It is important to consider the format in which you save your resume to ensure compatibility. Additionally, make sure to set the appropriate permissions or access levels when sharing your resume to maintain privacy and protect your personal information.

Paragraph 4:

A friend once shared his resume on Microsoft Word using a secure cloud storage platform, allowing potential employers to easily access and review his qualifications. This method helped him land the job he desired.

Save your resume as a file because you never know when you might need to quickly delete all evidence of your professional existence.

Saving the resume as a file

• Choose a PDF file for your resume. It’s the best format for compatibility across devices and systems. Name it with your name and “resume”, like “John_Doe_Resume.pdf”.
• Create a folder for your job application documents.
• Check the file size so it won’t be too big for email attachments. Compress images and remove unnecessary elements to reduce size.
• Test compatibility on different devices and platforms. This will keep the formatting and info clear.
• Save your resume as a file to present yourself professionally.
• These steps help you impress potential employers.

Exporting the resume as a PDF

Ready to show off your stellar resume? Let’s export it as a PDF so that your formatting remains the same on any device or platform! Here’s your step-by-step guide:

• Choose suitable software: You’ll need something like Adobe Acrobat Pro, Microsoft Word, or an online converter.
• Open your resume file: Launch the software and open the file. Make all edits and formatting adjustments before continuing.
• Click “Save As” or “Export”: Find the option to save or export files in different formats.
• Select PDF format: In the save/export window, choose PDF. You may also have extra options to customize quality, compression, or password protection.
• Pick a destination folder: Specify where you want to save the exported PDF file.
• Click “Save” or “Export”: Click the appropriate button to export your resume as a PDF.

To make the PDF even more effective:

• Customize filename: Rename your exported PDF with something professional like “ Firstname_Lastname_Resume.pdf “.
• Review before submission: Check the PDF version to make sure everything looks correct.

Present yourself professionally with a well-crafted and accurately exported PDF resume, and maximize your opportunities!

Printing and sending the resume

Format your resume with standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman . Ensure headings are clear. Proofread for any errors. Print on quality, white or cream-colored paper. Print multiple copies. Send electronically as a PDF file . Follow submission instructions. Customize your cover letter for each job application. Include relevant keywords from the job description to pass ATS . Double-check content and file before sending.

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How to Create a Professional Resume Using Microsoft Word

Learn how to create a professional resume with only Microsoft Word in minutes. Then make sure you stand out from the crowd!

Microsoft Word offers templates and tools for creating resumes. Whether you are new to the workforce or an experienced professional, you have a variety of options.

Many companies use Application Tracking Software (ATS) which looks for keywords and specific color and design format in your resume. It can be rejected by ATS or a recruiter if the resume is not optimized and lacks standard design.

Sharing your work experience and skills is the first step in getting the attention of a recruiter. Let's understand how to create a professional resume in Microsoft Word.

Why Use a Resume Template?

Designing a resume from scratch and adding suitable content is a time-consuming process. Resume templates in Microsoft Word are created by professional designers and, therefore, in line with industry standards.

Using them can increase your chance of making a good first impression and meeting the required guidelines.

Choosing the Right Template

Now that you have learned the importance of using a template, let's see how to choose the right one. Microsoft provides an array of templates for diverse job profiles. Usually, designers or artists use templates with prominent visual elements.

These elements help in showcasing their portfolios, such as artwork, wireframe designs, or photographs. In contrast, technical or sales professionals prefer a design with a maximum of two colors and a simple layout.

Creating a Resume

Let's see how you can find the right template and create a resume.

• Open Microsoft Word and click New .
• Browse the list and click the Pin option to mark a few templates for future reference.
• After you have finalized a template, click Create .
• Remove sections that are not relevant. For example, if you are a graduate, the Experience section may not be relevant.
• Click Save .

Using the Resume Assitant by LinkedIn

When you create a resume in Microsoft Word, the Resume Assistant is displayed on the right panel. The assistant shows samples of popular LinkedIn profiles relevant to you.

If you face writer's block or need ideas to enhance your content, follow these steps to use the assistant.

• Enter your LinkedIn login credentials, role, and the preferred industry.
• Click Get Started . Examples of public profiles based on your preferences are displayed.
• Click the Read More option to view the details.

Polishing Your Resume

Incorrect grammar creates a poor impression on a recruiter. That's why editing and proofreading the resume is crucial. You can either use the in-built Spelling and Grammar Check feature in Microsoft Word or explore other grammar checkers .

You can also switch to Read Mode or Print Layout to review without distractions. This approach will help you spot errors.

Lastly, print your resume. Reading in paper format highlights spacing issues, missing periods, and incorrect formatting.

Alternative to Microsoft Word 365

Now that you have learned to create a resume in Microsoft Word, you can share it with recruiters or upload it to job portals. If you do not have access to Microsoft Word, alternate web-based software can help you get started.

You can also use external services to align your resume with the job description . These services will ensure that your resume is aligned with your role and meets industry standards.

Resume templates

Put your best qualities on display with professional, customizable resume and cv templates. no matter your line of work or length of professional history, you'll find resume and cv templates that'll help you get the gig..

Download free resume templates

Land your dream job with free, customizable resume templates. Showcase your potential to recruiters and stand out from other candidates with a professional template. Whether you're applying to corporate positions or creative roles, go with a sleek design or show your creativity with bold colors .

Resumes don't need to look boring—add flair to your professional experience with a creative resume template. There are plenty of resume designs to choose from, like simple resume templates and modern resume templates. Each resume template is fully customizable in Microsoft Word , so you can personalize each design element and add your own text. Using a template also makes it easier to customize your resume for each position you apply to.

Print out as many copies as you'd like or download the template for free to share digitally when applying online. These professional resume templates are perfect for any stage of life or career. Whether you're a high school student, actor, or seeking a career in nursing, you can find any format for any job type.

There are also a variety of free CV (Curriculum Vitae) templates to choose from. A CV is often longer than a resume and contains an in-depth look at your education and professional accomplishments. Like our resume templates, these CV templates are also customizable in Word.

Remember, your next job is only a template away! Once you've customized your resume, explore free cover letter templates to help you land the job.

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How To Make A Resume In Word (With Examples)

• How To Write A Resume
• Free Resume Templates
• How To Build A Resume
• Specific Resume Words
• Action Verbs On A resume
• Words To Describe Yourself
• Resume Outline
• How To Make A Resume
• How To Make A Resume On Word
• How To Write A Resume Profile

Writing a professional, polished resume can be easier said than done, but using the right tools will make this task a lot simpler. One of these tools is Microsoft Word and the many resume templates it provides.

In this article, we’ll talk you through how to write a resume in Microsoft Word, and why and how you should use its resume templates.

Key Takeaways

The first steps to writing a resume in Word are to choose a template and to enter your name and contact information.

Using a Word resume template will make it easier to format your resume correctly.

Even when using a template, you should tailor your resume to each position you apply for.

How to Write a Resume in Word

Why use a resume template, where to find a word resume template, tips for writing a resume in word, the importance of a great resume, final thoughts.

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Choose your template. Choose a Microsoft Word resume template that looks professional and matches your resume needs. You don’t have to like everything about it, but you should like the general structure.

Enter your name and contact information. Now that you have your resume template chosen, fill in your information. Anything that is in brackets ([]) should be replaced with your information and the brackets deleted. Make sure you change the contact information ; if the hiring manager cannot reach you, all of this work will have been for nothing.

Write a summary statement. Write a sentence or two about your top skills and what you’d add to the company. This is your opportunity to entice hiring managers to keep reading by pointing out what makes you the perfect person for this job.

List your work experience. Keep in mind the short time you have to convince your reader , and list only relevant job experience ; this will help you keep your resume to only one page and will help you keep the hiring manager’s attention.

When listing job experience, you can choose to list it chronologically, by most recent job to least recent. Or you can choose to list your job experience functionally, meaning you list jobs that gave you valuable experience that you will use in the position you’re applying to, with the most valuable being listed first.

For example, if you’re applying to a digital marketing job, you would list all of the jobs that gave you digital marketing experience and choose not to list a customer service position you may have worked recently.

Here are some additional tips for listing your work experience:

Include the dates you worked. You do not have to be specific, but usually, the month and year are included with a job title, such as “July 2016 – September 2019.”

When describing your responsibilities in a position, try to list only those that are relevant to the position you’re applying to. Even if you had more responsibilities, do not list them unless they speak to the abilities you would use in this position. By listing only the relevant responsibilities, you are more likely to keep the recruiter ’s attention.

Keep your descriptions active, and avoid passive language. This means it is better to write, “managed inventory,” rather than “inventory was managed.”

Try using figures, if they are relevant. For example, you can talk about the number of employees you managed, so the hiring manager understands the scale of your responsibility. You can also choose to emphasize specific accomplishments you made while in a particular position, such as a particular project or an obstacle you overcame.

Add your educational background. Whether you have a high school diploma or an advanced degree, put it on your resume (only include your high school diploma if you don’t have a degree, though). Include your areas of study, the date you graduated or are expecting to graduate, and any academic honors.

Add your skills. Create a separate section and list your applicable technical skills. You can also include your soft skills, but try to focus mainly on the hard or technical skills.

Tailor your resume to each position you apply for. If you are applying to multiple positions at once , consider creating a resume for each position, tailoring each document to best highlight the skills that position requires. To keep the resumes organized, consider saving the file as “Resume_CompanyName,” or something similar.

A resume template is a great way to ensure that your resume comes out looking its best and helps the hiring manager quickly find out what makes you qualified for the position.

You can find a design that reflects your personality and brand. There are many kinds of templates, ranging the gamut from colorful and casual to business-like and formal, so everyone can find a template that fits their needs.

It makes it easier to format your resume correctly. Using a template can also help cut down on confusion, as we sometimes receive contradictory advice on how to write a resume.

An easy-to-use template helps guarantee that your resume always has what hiring managers are looking for, with proper formatting and without errors, allowing you to make the best first impression you can.

It may come with a cover letter template. Sometimes, resume templates also come with matching cover letter templates , so you can make use of these if an application calls for one, or if you want a chance to explain, in your own words, why you would be a great fit for the position.

It helps you avoid writer’s block. Templates can serve as a jumping-off point, allowing you to create the first draft of your resume, before adjusting it to better fit your needs.

You can choose to use as much of the template as you want, whether you want to use it as just a bare-bones outline, or if you want to fill in every blank you are given.

If you’re using Microsoft Word, it is easy to find resume templates.

Open Word, and on the left side of the screen choose “New” to create a new document. For advice on using a Google Docs template, click here .

Next, use the search bar to search for resume templates. Word will supply you with dozens of online templates to choose from. Scroll through the results and find one that is appealing to you, but also appropriate for the job you’re applying to.

Ask yourself where the eye goes first when viewing the document. If it does not go to the most important information, you may want to try another template. Don’t overdo it on color, as this will just distract from the information you want the recruiter to see. Keep graphics professional-looking and minimal.

Choose your template, and click “Create.” Feel free to play around with several templates before deciding which one is right for you. You can also use the template for inspiration if you want to create your resume from scratch .

Do not leave in any brackets. Or any indication that you are using a template. Doing so can leave your resume looking rushed or incomplete, which reflects poorly on you. Make sure to do a few proof-reading before sending in your resume. Maybe have a friend or family member look it over.

Personalize each resume. Tailoring the resume for the job you’re applying to is a great way to make sure you’re putting your best foot forward. Highlight the skills that you could bring to the position, and list any relevant experience.

Talk yourself up. This is your chance to show what you know and talk about what you’re good at. It can be difficult for some of us to write this way, but it is important to describe yourself in the best possible light. Don’t be afraid to brag a little.

Use a skills section. Many resume templates include a sidebar or summary section, which is a place for you to list off your most useful skills .

Research how to write a resume. If you’ve never written one before, using a template as a starting point can be confusing, especially if you don’t know what recruiters are looking for.

A resume is a means of introducing yourself to a potential employer, laying out what you’ve done, what you’re good at, and why you’re a good fit for the position. This is where you make a good first impression . A great resume gets the recruiter interested in you, which can lead to more interviews and more chances to get the job.

Studies have shown that the average recruiter will give your resume no more than a glance, which means you have to sell yourself fast. Hiring managers have to sift through an astronomical amount of resumes, and they will get bored of having to read the same qualifications over and over.

To make yours stand out, only include the important stuff. Think about your resume as if it is a billboard, and you have until the recruiter’s car passes you to prove that you’re right for the job. Because of this, the resume that will get you the most results is one that is organized, easy to read, and direct.

It can seem nearly impossible to create such a lasting impression in so short a time, but luckily there are templates you can use to help you create a flawless resume.

Resumes, ( a.k.a CV, résumé, or resumé ), are a single sheet of paper that gives hiring managers and recruiters a quick summary of your experience, education, and skills.

It is the document that is meant to sell you as a potential employee and convince the reader that you’re the perfect fit for the job .

Writing a resume can seem daunting, especially when we consider just how much rides on having a perfect resume.

However, through the use of templates, you will be able to easily create a resume that will faithfully portray your skills while grabbing the attention of any hiring manager or job recruiter .

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Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

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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.

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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

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ATS Resume Template

Use this free template with google docs and microsoft word.

Check out this ATS resume template for a seamless job application process! Be sure that your document will effectively pass pre-screening by any modern candidate selection system. The simple and formal design is suitable for legal professionals, consultants, IT and construction workers, and others.

Two Page Layout

Our ATS friendly resume template includes a two-page Google Docs form. Using so much space, you can efficiently include all crucial information.

Tailor your resume to the job using these sections:

• Education: include information about school, college, or a higher educational institution, and don't forget to use relevant keywords.
• Your skills: you can fill in any soft and hard skills you think are relevant for a desired position. Such a combination of reverse chronological and a functional resume will become your trusted ally.
• Professional experience: you should pass the screening by applicant tracking systems and hiring managers. So include as much relevant specific job experience as possible. Use the space provided in this template.

Make the Job Application Process Smoother

Our professional resume templates are the things you should consider before starting the job search. Just use the ready-made design made by professionals and fill in any essential candidacy details. Read this guide to know how you can edit our resume samples.

How to Create a Compelling Cover Letter in Microsoft Word

E very time you apply for a job, it's a good idea to include a cover letter. Deciding how to write each one is hard, but at least you don’t have to start from scratch with their design.

Microsoft Word offers templates and welcomes third-party designs to help you create compelling cover letters. Here’s how to use such options in Word and make the best first impression possible to potential employers.

Use Microsoft Word’s Cover Letter Templates

Formal letters don’t have to be bland. Go to File > More templates on Word, and type “cover letter” in the search box. You’ll find several stylish designs that add structure and color to your document.

What reflects you better, a subtle or sharp color scheme? If you’re considering a bold header for your professional details, learn how to design letterheads on Word , too. You can even add your portrait to your cover letter.

Microsoft Word’s built-in templates also include fields for you to fill in with your information and that of your potential employer. They guide you in these small ways, some even providing a sample for your letter’s main body. It’s a good idea to rephrase that, though, to fit each job application.

If you don’t like any of the options on Word’s desktop app, explore more Microsoft cover letter templates online and download your favorites from there.

Use Third-Party Templates in Microsoft Word

You can create cover letters for your dream job on platforms besides Microsoft. If you’d rather stick with it, you’ll even come across third-party templates specifically designed for you to download and customize on Word. Here are some examples.

1. ResumeLab

Explore over 50 cover letter templates, ranging from minimalist to eye-catching designs. Keep in mind that a few of them are meant to be created on ResumeLab. The rest you can bring onto Word by clicking their Download it free here link.

You’ll be redirected to websites like Good Resume and Resume Genius , which help you quickly download your documents. Then, all you have to do is open them in Microsoft Word.

You’ll also notice that some cover letters on ResumeLab are edited versions of Word’s built-in templates, but this just adds to your selection and gives you more ideas.

2. Template.net

This is a popular site for templates of all kinds, including cover letters. For some designs, you pay a small fee, but Template.net has an impressive range of free options, too. What’s more, the download process is very easy.

Just browse its collection, click on a design you like, and select the Word button under Download Free Template . In the next window, hit Free Download . If you’re not signed in already, you’ll be asked to as the final step.

Follow Best Practices for Cover Letters

Familiarize yourself with the dos and don’ts of writing a cover letter . Remember these guidelines when selecting and customizing a template or crafting a cover letter from scratch. They boil down to the following rules.

1. Research Potential Employers

Do your research before writing or designing your cover letter. Get to know each company and even the recruiter you’re addressing. It’s the same strategy as tailoring your resume for different job types .

2. Tailor Your Cover Letter

When showcasing your skills and interest in a position, use your research to tailor your letter so that it grabs the recruiter’s attention and impresses them. Be smart, enthusiastic, and concise with your words.

3. Use Your Blank Space Wisely

Aim to limit your cover letter to one page. Any more than that, and you risk losing the recruiter’s interest. Think about what you need to say, including important and relevant details not covered in your resume. Express these things as succinctly as possible.

4. Your Visuals Should Complement and Not Overwhelm the Letter

Add a bit of color and texture, going for a subtle effect. You could even use some small icons, as long as they’re tasteful and discreet. Whatever you choose, keep these visuals on the letter’s edges, and don’t let them dominate the text.

5. Master Word’s Features That Benefit Cover Letters

For example, you can create your cover letter more efficiently by setting the text’s boundaries from the get-go. To do this, go to Layout > Margins . From the same toolbar, you can adjust paragraph spacing and indentation.

Through Insert > Pictures , you can import an image of your signature and place it at the end of the letter. Your header and footer can be customized from here, too.

Even the Mailing toolbar might be of interest. It can help streamline the process of writing and sending letters, as well as keeping track of recipients.

Good Planning and Wording Make the Best Cover Letters

Between Microsoft and other providers, you have access to a wide selection of templates for simple but attractive cover letters that you can personalize on Word. The app itself is full of useful writing and editing tools.

With this leg up, designing a cover letter for every occasion is easier. Sound research and planning in terms of how to approach each application can help polish the letter even more.

View, manage, and install add-ins for Excel, PowerPoint, and Word

When you enable an add-in, it adds custom commands and new features to Microsoft 365 programs that help increase your productivity. Because add-ins can be used by attackers to do harm to your computer, you can use add-in security settings to help protect yourself.

Note:  This article only applies to Microsoft 365 applications running on Windows.

View installed add-ins

You can directly install add-ins from this page or select  More Add-ins  to explore.

In the Office Add-ins dialog, select  My Add-ins  tab.

Select an add-in you want to view the details for and right-click to select  Add-in details  option.

Click a heading below for more information .  

Add-in categories explained

Active Application Add-ins      Add-ins registered and currently running on your Microsoft 365 program.

Inactive Application Add-ins      These are present on your computer but not currently loaded. For example, XML schemas are active when the document that refers to them is open. Another example is the COM add-in: if a COM add-in is selected, the add-in is active. If the check box is cleared, the add-in is inactive.

Document Related Add-ins      Template files referred to by open documents.

Disabled Application Add-ins     These add-ins are automatically disabled because they are causing Microsoft 365 programs to crash.

Add-in      The title of the add-in.

Publisher      The software developer or organization responsible for creating the add-in.

Compatibility      Look here for any compatibility issues.

Location      This file path indicates where the add-in is installed on your computer.

Description This text explains the add-in function.

Note:  Microsoft Outlook has one add-in option in the Trust Center: Apply macro security settings to installed add-ins . InfoPath has no security settings for add-ins.

Permanently disable or remove an add-in

To disable or remove an add-in follow these steps:

Select  File > Get Add-ins . Alternatively, you can select  Home > Add-ins .

In the Office Add-ins dialog, select  My Add-ins  tab.

Select an add-in you want to remove and right click to select  Remove  option.

View or change add-in settings

You can see and change add-in settings in the Trust Center, descriptions of which are in the following section. Add-in security settings may have been determined by your organization so not all options may be available to change.

Select  File  >  Get Add-ins .

Select  More Add-ins > Manage My Add-ins.

Select  Trust Center  >  Trust Center Settings  >  Add-ins.

Check or uncheck the boxes you want.

Add-in settings explained

Require Application Add-ins to be signed by Trusted Publisher      Check this box to have the Trust Center check that the add-in uses a publisher's trusted signature. If the publisher's signature hasn’t been trusted, the Microsoft 365 program doesn’t load the add-in, and the Trust Bar displays a notification that the add-in has been disabled.

Disable notification for unsigned add-ins (code will remain disabled)      When you check the Require Application Extensions to be signed by Trusted Publisher box, this option is no longer grayed out. Add-ins signed by a trusted publisher are enabled, but unsigned add-ins are disabled.

Disable all Application Add-ins (may impair functionality)      Check this box if you don't trust any add-ins. All add-ins are disabled without any notification, and the other add-in boxes are grayed out.

Note:  This setting takes effect after you exit and restart your Microsoft 365 program.

While working with add-ins, you may need to learn more about digital signatures and certificates , which authenticate an add-in, and trusted publishers , the software developers who often create add-ins.

Manage and install add-ins

Use the following instruction to manage and install add-ins.

To install a new add-in:

You can directly install popular add-ins on the page or go to More Add-ins  to explore. 

Select the add-in and select  Add . Or browse by selecting  Store  tab in the Office add-in dialog to find other add-ins to install and select Add for that add-in.

To manage your add-ins:

Select  File > Get Add-ins and from the bottom, select More Add-ins.  Or select  Home  >  Add-ins > More add-ins.

In the Office dialog, select My Add-ins tab. If you are not able to see your add-ins, select  Refresh to reload your add-ins.

Select  Manage My Add-in  to manage and select  Upload to browse and add an add-in from your device.

How to cancel a purchased add-in

If you've subscribed to an add-in through the Microsoft 365 Store that you don't want to continue, you can cancel that subscription.

Open the Microsoft 365 application and go to the Home  tab of the ribbon.

Select  Add-ins  and then select  More Add-ins > My Add-ins tab   to view your existing add-ins.

Select the app you want to cancel and select  Manage My Add-ins .

Under the Payment and Billing section choose Cancel Subscription .

Select  OK and then Continue .

Once that's complete you should see a message that says "You have cancelled your app subscription" in the comments field of your apps list.

Why is my add-in crashing?

Some add-ins might not be compatible with your organization's IT department policies. If that is the case with add-ins recently installed on your Microsoft 365 program, Data Execution Prevention (DEP) will disable the add-in and the program might crash.

Learn more about DEP

Get a Microsoft 365 Add-in for Outlook

Get a Microsoft 365 Add-in for Project

Taking linked notes

If you're looking for Help on linking notes in OneNote to a Word or PowerPoint document, see Take linked notes .

Excel Windows Add-ins

If you're looking for Help on specific Excel Add-ins, such as Solver or Inquire, see Help for Excel for Windows add-ins .

If you're looking for additional help with Excel add-ins using the COM Add-ins dialog box, see Add or remove add-ins in Excel .

Get a Microsoft 365 Add-in for Excel

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