How to make a resume in Google Docs with templates

Google Docs is free, easy-to-use, and always available in your browser. When you're making an application, it might seem like the obvious choice. While it can help you create a basic resume with ease, many candidates prefer to use a specialized tool for a more polished look.

What is a Google Docs resume template?

A Google Docs resume template is a pre-designed outline you can use with the program. Rather than building a resume layout from scratch, you open the template and then replace the placeholder text with your details.

Google Docs offers several free templates through its template gallery and you can also use third-party templates. While this is a simple way to make a basic resume fast, it's not the only option. For a customizable, ATS-friendly resume, use a dedicated resume builder.

Pros and cons of Google Docs resumes

Google Docs resume templates are a perfect way to build a personalized document without a lot of technical know-how. The straightforward interface makes editing columns, fonts, colors, and information a breeze, resulting in a professional resume with minimal time and effort.

Still, Google Docs templates aren’t without their downsides. Here’s a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of building a resume with Google Docs:

Industry-specific Google Docs resume examples

Resume examples can offer a convenient starting point for job seekers. You can adjust a template to include information and elements specific to your industry. For instance:

• Software: Highlight the "Technical skills" section 
• Sales: Focus on metrics and achievements
• Marketing: Showcase quantifiable campaign results
• Education: Emphasize years of experience and student outcomes in the professional summary
• Healthcare: Focus on certifications, clinical experience, and soft skills
• Finance: Include numbers and percentages to demonstrate business impact
• Law: Highlight licensure and case outcomes
• Construction: Showcase project management and safety skills

Here's a selection of industry-specific resume examples for various professions. You can find even more in CVwizard's collection of resume examples.

The 5 best customizable Google Docs resumes

Taking advantage of Google Docs resume templates is straightforward, as the software comes with five default templates to get you started. Here’s an overview of those options, each of which has its own strengths and weaknesses:

Step-by-step: Using Google Docs templates

Here’s how to create a resume on Google Docs using one of the platform’s professional templates:

Step 1: Choose a template

Navigate to “Google Docs,” then choose your preferred option from the template gallery at the top of the page. Note that downloadable third-party templates have their own instructions for use.Step 2: Fill in your information

Click on the placeholder text in each section to put in your personal details. Once you’ve done that, add your resume summary, experience, education, and skills. It may be helpful to have this information saved elsewhere so you can copy and paste it over in order.

You can add extra sections, too. For example, you might want to highlight your language skills and volunteer work along with your work experience. This could give you a competitive edge when going up against other candidates.

Step 3: Personalize it

Want to give your resume some extra pizazz? Edit your resume to suit your needs. For example, you might change the colors or the text style. Keep in mind that the editing options within Google Docs are often quite limited. Don't try to change too much or you may end up messing up the formatting. Hit the “undo” button if you find that your edits disrupt the formatting.

Step 4: Check for any errors

When you've done all of the above, you need to check your resume for errors. Start by proofreading it to see if there are any spelling mistakes or grammatical inconsistencies. When you're done with that, go over the sections, and ensure that all of the margins and spacing has stayed in the right place.

Step 5: Download it as a PDF

Google Docs autosaves your resume as you go along. Here’s how to download and share your resume or cover letter once you’re done. You should typically download your resume as a PDF, unless the job advert says otherwise. Click “File” and hover over “Download.” You can then choose your preferred format from the drop-down list and download the document.

Make sure to save your PDF with a recognizable and professional file name. Here is a good and bad example:

Step 6: Share your resume (optional)

Click the blue “Share” button in the top right corner to change access restrictions to “Anyone with a link” and copy the link to your resume. Change the role from “Viewer” to “Commenter” or “Editor” if you want a recruiter to be able to make edits or comments.

How to build a Google Docs resume without a template

Of course, you don't always have to use a template. If you fancy yourself a design whiz, you can make one from scratch. Here's how you can do that using Google Docs:

Step 1: Create a base structure

List the essential sections (including work experience, education, and skills) using Google Docs’ “Heading 2” text style. Selecting professional fonts, such as Calibri, Arial, Georgia, or Times New Roman, and one or two accent colors (while keeping most text in black) will enhance readability.

Step 2: Format your resume

Formatting a resume in Google Docs can be tricky, especially if you're not used to the platform. Set your margins to 0.5–1 inch on all sides, keep your font size between 10–12pt for body text and slightly larger for headings, and use consistent spacing throughout. If the layout shifts when you make edits, use a table with invisible borders to anchor your sections in place.

Step 3: Add your details

When you're finished with the formatting, it's time to fill out your details. Below each header, add the relevant information. You can save space by using bullet points rather than blocks of text. This will help to increase the readability of your Google Doc resume.

Step 4: Review and download

Once you've done all of the above, check your resume for spelling, grammatical, and formatting mistakes. When you're happy with the results, click 'File' and then 'Download' and choose your format type.

Google Docs templates vs. resume builders

Google Docs resume templates are free and easy to edit and share. However, they come with significant limitations for personalization.

When should you use a resume builder tool instead?

While Google Docs is free, the software has some significant limitations. Using a resume builder offers many more customization options. With plenty of modern templates to choose from and the ability to add sections to fit your needs, it’s easy to create a downloadable, ATS-optimized document in no time at all.

The choice is yours. However, there are certain times that using a specific resume builder tool will work in your favor. Let's break it down.

Want to skip formatting headaches? Try CVwizard’s free resume builder to create a professional resume in minutes. Take a look at some of our resume templates below:

Key takeaways for creating a Google Docs resume

Google Docs is a free option suited to most basic resumes, but it has some drawbacks. You can get built-in templates on Google Docs on the platform's template gallery. Make sure to save your resume as a PDF.

If you're looking to create a pro-level resume with ease, try CVwizard's resume builder tool. We have a selection of beautiful, customizable resume tools you can choose from.