Create an Impressive Resume Using Google Docs (2023)

Table of Contents

1. Adjusting Settings in Google Docs
2. Creating the Header Section
3. Adding Personal Information
4. Formatting the Name
5. Adding Resume Sections
6. Adjusting Line Spacing and Adding Borders
7. Organizing Sections Based on Job Type
8. Adding Educational Background
9. Aligning Information and Formatting
10. Adding Bullet Points and Listing Skills
11. Formatting the Skills Section
12. Describing Relevant Work Experience
13. Using Action Verbs and Quantifying Information
14. Including Interests to Show Personality
15. Adding a References Section
16. Properly Sending Your Resume

Adjusting Settings in Google Docs

Before creating your resume template, it is essential to adjust some settings in Google Docs to ensure that your document looks professional. Start by accessing the "File" tab and clicking on "Page Setup." Here, you can modify the margins to your preference, typically narrowing them down to 0.5 inches to allow for extra space. Once you have made the necessary changes, click on "OK."

Creating the Header Section

The header section of your resume is where you will include your personal information that makes it easier for potential employers to contact you. Start by adding your name and surname, followed by your physical address, email address, phone number, and LinkedIn URL. To make your name stand out, increase the font size to around 18 and apply the bold style.

Adding Personal Information

Include your physical address in the header section, mentioning the city and state where you currently reside. This information is crucial for employers to determine if they need to fly you in for interviews or not. Additionally, ensure that you include your email address, phone number, and LinkedIn URL for further contact.

Formatting the Name

To make your name more visually appealing and noticeable, it is recommended to increase the font size to around 18 and use the bold style. This simple formatting change will help your name stand out and create a lasting impression on hiring managers.

Adding Resume Sections

To organize your resume, it is essential to include specific sections such as Education, Skills, Experience, Interests, and References. These sections are the primary components of a well-structured resume that provides a comprehensive overview of your qualifications and experiences.

Adjusting Line Spacing and Adding Borders

To make each resume section stand out, you can adjust the line spacing to add some space before and after each paragraph. Additionally, applying borders to the sections can further enhance their visibility. You can use Google Docs' formatting options to choose different border styles and colors, but it is recommended to keep it simple by selecting the top and bottom borders. Finally, consider increasing the font size and applying bold formatting to the first section to make it more prominent.

Organizing Sections Based on Job Type

The sequence of resume sections depends on the type of job you are applying for. For example, if you are seeking an internship, hiring managers often prioritize recent schooling and academic achievements. On the other hand, if you have relevant work experience, it should be placed above other sections to grab the hiring manager's attention. It is crucial to understand the preferences of potential employers and present your qualifications accordingly.

Adding Educational Background

In the Education section, include information about your educational background, such as the university you attended and the degree you obtained. To make this information more visually appealing, use bold and italics styles. Additionally, mention the city, state, and date of your education. To align this information to the right, enable the ruler option in the "View" tab and add left tab stops. Drag the tab stop to the desired position to align the information correctly.

Aligning Information and Formatting

To create a well-organized resume, ensure that each section is aligned correctly, providing a consistent and professional appearance. Utilize formatting options such as bold and italics to make the text more visually appealing. Additionally, consider adding bullet points to help break down information and make it easier to read.

Adding Bullet Points and Listing Skills

In the Skills section of your resume, use bullet points to outline your relevant skills. To create a visually appealing skills list, go to the "Insert" tab and click on the table drop-down menu to insert a 3x1 table. Adjust the table's margins to align with the edges of the document. Categorize your skills to make them more organized and easy to understand. Review the job description to ensure that the skills you list match the requirements stated.

Formatting the Skills Section

To enhance the visual appeal of the Skills section, create space between the columns by centering the middle column and right-aligning the right column. Once you have filled in all the cells, remove the borders to make the section look cleaner. Select the entire table and choose the "0" option in the border width icon to remove the borders. This formatting change will help the skills section stand out and grab the attention of potential employers.

Describing Relevant Work Experience

If you have prior work experience, it is crucial to provide detailed descriptions of your responsibilities and achievements. Use action verbs to begin each sentence and quantify the impact you made. By quantifying your experiences, you inform potential employers about the specific results you achieved. Remember to structure each sentence to include information about the problem you addressed, the solution you implemented, and the positive outcomes that resulted from your efforts.

Using Action Verbs and Quantifying Information

When describing your work experience, start each sentence with action verbs to convey your active role in the achievements mentioned. Action verbs such as "checked," "analyzed," and "managed" add impact and purpose to your resume. Additionally, quantify the information whenever possible to provide measurable results. This helps potential employers understand the specific impact you had in previous roles.

Including Interests to Show Personality

Although not a requirement, including an Interests section in your resume can provide insight into your personality and potential areas of common interest with hiring managers. Avoid generic interests and try to make them unique and engaging. For example, instead of simply stating that you enjoy watching Netflix, mention specific series such as Ozark and Breaking Bad, which are popular among many people. This personal touch can help create a connection between you and the reader.

Adding a References Section

While not always necessary, adding a References section to your resume can be beneficial if you have satisfied ex-employers who can vouch for your abilities. If you choose to include this information, ensure that it is concise and to the point. Opt for ex-employers who can provide positive feedback on your work ethic and skills. Remember to keep your resume within one page, so only include this section if you have adequate space available.

Properly Sending Your Resume

The final step in creating an effective resume is sending it out properly. If no specific instructions are provided by the employer, it is generally recommended to email your resume as a PDF or Word document attachment. To do this, go to the "File" tab, select "Download," and choose the preferred format. Save the file with your name and surname to ensure that the employer can easily identify it. Pay attention to the small details, as they demonstrate your attention to detail and professionalism.

Highlights

• Adjust settings in Google Docs for a professional look.
• Create a header section with personal information.
• Format the name to make it stand out.
• Include essential resume sections like Education, Skills, and Experience.
• Organize sections based on the job type you are applying for.
• Add education details with proper alignment and formatting.
• List skills using bullet points and relevant categories.
• Describe work experience using action verbs and quantify achievements.
• Include an Interests section to show personality and common ground.
• Optionally, add a References section if space allows.
• Properly send your resume by following the employer's instructions or sending as a PDF or Word document.

FAQ

Q: How many pages should my resume be? A: It is generally recommended to keep your resume to one page unless you have extensive work experience or notable accomplishments that require additional space.

Q: Should I include references on my resume? A: Including a References section is optional. Only include it if you have positive and relevant references who can vouch for your abilities.

Q: Can I customize the resume sections based on the job I am applying for? A: Yes, you can customize the sequence and emphasize certain sections based on the job requirements. Prioritize the most relevant sections to grab the attention of hiring managers.

Q: Should I include hobbies and interests in my resume? A: Including hobbies and interests can provide insight into your personality and potentially create a connection with the reader. However, be selective and choose interests that are both genuine and relevant.

Q: How should I send my resume? A: If the employer does not specify the preferred format, it is generally recommended to send your resume as a PDF or Word document attachment via email. Ensure that the file is properly named with your name and surname for easy identification.