How to make a resume in Google Docs (with free templates)

Making a resume in Google Docs can be a tedious task. The platform wasn't built with recruiter-ready applications in mind, and the template options are limited. Let's look at some pros and cons of the platform.

You'll also find out how dedicated tools like Jobseeker’s resume builder can help you go beyond the basics with ATS-friendly, design-optimized templates that take minutes to customize.

Best free Google Docs resume templates

To get started, let's take a look at the five resume templates offered by Google Docs. Here are the best resume templates for Google Docs you can start editing right away:

Should you use Google Docs for your resume? (pros and cons)

There are pros and cons to using Google Docs to create a resume. As far as pros, it’s free, easy to use, and has built-in templates. You can access your resume from any computer with internet, since all documents are stored on Google Drive. Playing around with fonts, colors, columns, and other design elements is easy to do.

However, the free template options within Google Docs are limited, so it can be difficult to create a truly unique resume unless you significantly customize your resume. Also, the program is technically a word processor that isn’t strictly designed for the purpose of resume creation.

As an alternative to Google Docs, Jobseeker offers a resume builder tool that includes a library of polished, ATS-optimized templates that are easily customizable. It’s simple to swap between layouts and templates with a single click, and you can download your professional resume instantly when you’re happy with it. Here's a quick comparison of the two tools:

One other limiting factor of Google Docs is that you can only create columns of equal width, so you would not be able to make a resume that has a sidebar for your personal information and a wide column for your experience and education, unless you use one of Google Doc's pre-made templates.

Google Docs also doesn’t necessarily generate resumes that are ATS-optimized, and it can take a lot of time to switch between templates (since you’ll need to re-enter your information into each template).

With Jobseeker's resume builder, making an ATS-friendly application is a breeze. The tool formats the document for you, doing the heavy lifting, so you can focus on what matters. You can start creating your application with one of our professionally designed resume templates below:

If you'd like more inspiration to help you create a great resume, check out our collection of resume examples for dozens of job titles and industries.

How to create a resume in Google Docs with templates

Using a Google Docs resume template is a quick way to create a clean, professional-looking resume. These templates provide consistent formatting and sections so you can focus on writing great content instead of wrestling with margins or font sizes.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to use Google Doc resume templates:

1. Choose a Google Docs template

To use a Google Docs template, log in to your Google account, open Google Drive, and click “new.” Then, mouse over the arrow next to “Google Docs” and click “From a Template.” You can then select one of the five built-in resume templates: Coral, Modern Writer, Spearmint, Serif, or Swiss.

Select the template that you like the best, and remember that if you want to change templates later, you’ll need to re-enter all of your data in the new template.

You can also download or purchase a Google Docs resume template from the internet and follow the instructions that come with the template to get it imported into Google Docs.

2. Fill in your resume header

Once you’ve decided on your resume template, you can begin entering your information. Start with your header, which should contain your full name, email address and phone number, and LinkedIn URL. You can also include your mailing address or general location information, as well as links to other social media and/or an online portfolio if applicable.

Most templates will have these fields built in, but if you want to include multiple links, you may need to adjust the formatting.

3. Write your resume summary or resume objective

Next, add your job title and your resume summary or resume objective, depending on your situation. A resume summary is best if you have at least some professional experience, while a resume objective is suitable for recent graduates, students, or those otherwise entering the professional workforce for the first time.

Your resume summary or objective should serve to capture a hiring manager’s interest and persuade them to continue reading the rest of your resume.

4. Enter your work experience, education, and skills

Incorporate your work experience, education details, and skills into their respective resume sections. Most of this will simply be filling in the blanks, but you can make these sections as interesting and powerful as possible by including bullet points under each entry.

5. Add optional resume sections

If you still have space left over on your resume after adding all the essential information, you can then consider adding optional resume sections. Your resume should be no more than a single page if you have less than 10 years of experience and no more than two pages if you have more experience than that.

If you still have room, consider adding sections like languages, volunteer experience, internships, hobbies and interests, extracurricular activities (if you’re a student), awards and achievements, publications, certifications, etc.

However, make sure that everything you add to your resume is relevant to the job that you are applying for or gives a potential employer insight into your qualifications and/or personality. Avoid adding sections solely to fill space.

6. Download and share your Google Docs resume

Learning how to download a resume from Google Docs doesn't have to be hard. When you've completed your resume, simply click "file" and then "download". You can then select either PDF or Word document as a format.

For most users, PDF is the best format, but you can submit your resume as either a Word or PDF document, and Google Docs allows you to download your completed resume as either file type. Below you'll find a quick comparison of the two formats:

A PDF will preserve your careful formatting and ensure that your resume looks the same to anyone who opens it. When you save your resume as a .DOCX file, the fonts, colors, and formatting can get scrambled, leaving your resume untidy or even illegible.

Save your resume PDF with a professional file name, such as “JohnSmithResume” or something similar. That way, it’s immediately clear to the hiring manager what document they’re looking at, and it helps prevent any mixups.

Want more options? Jobseeker offers 12+ free Google Docs-style resume templates that are fully ATS-optimized and designed by professionals. Browse our resume templates and resources today!

How to create a resume in Google Docs without a template

If you decide not to use a template, it may take you longer to set up your resume, but you can make sure that it’s original and unique. Include all of the same information outlined above, and make sure to clearly label each section with a header.

You can play with various text styles and emphasis, such as bolding or italicizing text to create visual interest. Google Docs also has several pre-made heading settings, or you can set your own Heading 1 (H1), Heading 2 (H2), and normal text parameters. 

Whatever text style you decide to use for your headings, subheadings, and body text, make sure it’s consistent throughout.

Tips for creating a professional Google Docs resume

Before you hit “download,” spend a few extra minutes polishing your resume. Some simple layout tweaks and strategic word choices could mean the difference between being overlooked and getting invited to interview. Follow these expert tips to ensure that your Google Docs resume looks polished and professional:

Keep the format and style clean and simple

Select a resume format that best suits your situation. For most people, this will be a reverse chronological resume format, although you can also use a functional or combination resume format. Use no more than two columns and make sure to use headers and bullet points to break up the text.

While you can play around with interesting fonts (especially if you’re making a creative resume), it’s generally best to stick with one or two professional fonts, such as:

You can also change the color of your text, but make sure to keep your resume professional and easy to read. Keep your body text black or dark gray, and if you decide to use a color for your name and headings, select something that’s not overly loud or garish. Ensure that any colors you choose will look good both on a screen and when printed out.

Tailor it to each position

Your job application will likely be far more successful if you tailor your resume to each job opening rather than use a general resume for all of your applications. Use a resume template to ease this process.

Make sure to mention the company and the position that you’re applying for by name in your resume summary or objective, and identify and use keywords from the job description. Make it clear in your resume that you’re the best candidate for the job by addressing as many of the employer’s requirements, qualifications, and desired characteristics as possible in your resume.

Proofread your resume carefully

Before submitting your resume, make sure to carefully edit and proofread it. Don’t simply rely on Google Docs’ spellcheck function — read through your resume carefully yourself or enlist the help of a trusted friend or family member to look it over for you. Here's a final checklist for proofreading your resume:

Create a matching cover letter

Google Docs also has cover letter templates available that match the Spearmint, Swiss, and Modern Writer resume templates, so you can easily create a coordinating cover letter. If you decide to create your own resume, use the same fonts and color scheme to create a unified personal brand for your entire application.

While these templates make it easy to maintain a consistent look, they still require manual formatting to ensure that your alignment and spacing are just right. Changing one detail can throw off the layout of your entire letter. 

Key takeaways for creating a Google Docs resume

Google Docs resume is a great place to start for those who are new to the workforce or who aren’t ready to invest in a more professional resume just yet. Google Docs resume templates are ideal for beginners, students, or job seekers who want a no-cost, easy-to-edit option. The formatting flexibility is limited, so be prepared to spend extra time if you want to customize your layouts. For a better design, it's worth looking at resume builder tools.

Ready to upgrade your resume? Using a dedicated resume maker tool is the easiest way to get started. The formatting is already taken care of, so you can focus on the content. Start with Jobseeker’s free, professional resume templates and build a standout application today.