How to Make a Resume on Google Docs: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Make a Resume on Google Docs: Step-by-Step Guide

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), over 50 million people apply for jobs in the U.S. each year. A significant number of those resumes are created using Google Docs.

According to Google, Google Docs offers 5 free, built-in resume templates through its Template Gallery. According to Indeed, "exporting your resume as a PDF preserves formatting and is recommended for most job applications."

According to CareerBuilder, 75% of resumes are rejected before a human sees them due to formatting issues. Learning how to create a resume properly in Google Docs can significantly improve your chances of getting an interview.

This step-by-step guide walks you through creating a professional resume using Google Docs — from accessing templates to downloading the final version.

“How to Make a Resume on Google Docs: Key Takeaways

- Google Docs has 5 free resume templates
- Access templates through the Template Gallery
- Swiss is the safest, most professional choice
- Customize templates by replacing placeholder text
- Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri)
- Always download as PDF for job applications
- 75% of resumes are rejected due to formatting issues”

What You'll Learn in This Guide

• How to access Google Docs resume templates
• Which template to choose for your situation
• How to customize your resume step by step
• How to format your resume professionally
• How to download and export your resume

Step 1: Access the Google Docs Template Gallery

According to Google's official support page, accessing the Template Gallery is simple:

Step 1.1: Open your web browser and go to docs.google.com.

Step 1.2: Sign in to your Google account (or create one for free).

Step 1.3: Click the Template Gallery icon at the top-right of the page.

Step 1.4: Scroll down to the Resumes section.

Step 1.5: Browse the available templates.

According to MakeUseOf, "the template gallery offers a variety of professional-looking templates, including those for resumes, cover letters, and more."

Quick Tip: If you don't see the Template Gallery, you may need to click the "More" button or check that you're using the full version of Google Docs (not mobile).

Step 2: Choose the Right Resume Template

Google Docs offers 5 built-in resume templates. According to Toptal, "the resume template you choose can significantly impact how your qualifications are perceived by employers."

Template Overview:

According to Indeed, "the Swiss template is a safe choice because it uses a standard single-column layout that is compatible with most Applicant Tracking Systems."

Recommendation: If you're unsure which to choose, pick Swiss. It's the safest, most professional option for most job applications.

Step 3: Open Your Chosen Template

Once you've decided which template to use:

Step 3.1: Click on the template thumbnail.

Step 3.2: A new document will open with the template pre-loaded.

Step 3.3: The template will include placeholder text and formatting.

Step 3.4: The document will automatically be saved to your Google Drive.

Pro Tip: Google Docs auto-saves your work. You can close and reopen your document without losing changes.

Step 4: Customize Your Resume

According to Indeed, "replace the placeholder text with your own information."

Step 4.1: Replace Contact Information

Replace the placeholder name, phone number, email, and address with your own.

What to Include:

- Full name
- Phone number
- Professional email address
- City and state
- LinkedIn URL (optional)
- Portfolio URL (if applicable)

Step 4.2: Write a Professional Summary

According to CareerBuilder, "a strong professional summary grabs the recruiter's attention."

Summary Formula:

> [Job Title] with [X] years of experience in [industry]. Proven track record of [key achievement]. Skilled in [key skills] and [key skills].

Example:

> "Marketing professional with 5+ years of experience in digital strategy. Proven track record of increasing brand engagement by 40%. Skilled in social media management, content creation, and SEO."

Step 4.3: Add Work Experience

According to Indeed, "list your work experience in reverse chronological order (most recent first)."

Format:

- Job Title
- Company Name
- Location (City, State)
- Dates (Month Year - Present/Month Year)
- 3-5 bullet points describing your key achievements

Achievement Formula:

> Action Verb + What You Did + Result/Number

Examples:

- "Increased sales by 25% within 6 months"
- "Managed a team of 15 employees"
- "Reduced costs by 10% through process improvement"

Step 4.4: Add Education

Format:

- Degree
- Major (if applicable)
- Institution Name
- Location (City, State)
- Graduation Year
- GPA (if 3.5 or higher)

Step 4.5: Add Skills

According to Jobscan, "ATS systems look for skills keywords to match job descriptions."

Examples:

- Technical skills: Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Programming Languages
- Soft skills: Communication, Leadership, Problem-Solving
- Industry-specific skills: Project Management, Data Analysis, Customer Service

Step 4.6: Add Additional Sections (Optional)

- Certifications
- Volunteer Experience
- Projects
- Awards
- Languages
- Professional Affiliations

According to Indeed, "feel free to adjust sections and add new ones — but keep it professional."

Step 5: Format Your Resume Professionally

According to Business Insider, "do not use tables, columns, images, text boxes, headers or footers. Keep a one column layout, standard fonts, consistent spacing."

Step 5.1: Use Standard Fonts

According to Indeed, "use Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman — these are the fonts most ATS systems recognize."

Safe Fonts:

- Arial (recommended)
- Calibri
- Times New Roman
- Georgia

Font Size:

- Name: 20-24 pt
- Headings: 14-16 pt
- Body text: 10-12 pt

Step 5.2: Use Consistent Spacing

- Use standard margins (1 inch on all sides)
- Use consistent line spacing (1.15 or 1.5)
- Add space between sections
- Use bullet points for achievements

Step 5.3: Use Standard Section Headings

According to Jobscan, "ATS systems look for standard section headings."

Standard Headings:

- Professional Summary
- Work Experience
- Education
- Skills
- Certifications

Avoid:

- Creative headings
- Uncommon terminology
- All-caps headings

Step 5.4: Proofread Carefully

According to CareerBuilder, "typos are the #1 reason resumes get rejected."

Check For:

- Spelling errors
- Grammar mistakes
- Inconsistent formatting
- Missing contact information
- Incorrect dates
- Outdated information

Pro Tip: Read your resume out loud to catch errors. Ask a friend or family member to review it.

Step 6: Download and Export Your Resume

According to Indeed, "exporting your resume as a PDF preserves formatting and is recommended for most job applications."

Step 6.1: Click File > Download

Step 6.2: Select PDF Document

Step 6.3: The file will download to your computer

Step 6.4: Attach the file to your job application

Export Options:

According to Google's official support page, "Google Docs allows you to download in multiple formats including PDF, DOCX, and ODT."

Pro Tip: Always check the job application instructions. Some employers prefer DOCX over PDF.

Bonus: How to Customize Your Resume for Each Job

According to Indeed, "customizing your resume for each job significantly increases your chances of getting an interview."

Step B1: Save a Copy

- Click File > Make a copy
- Rename the file with the job title and company
- Example: "Resume_Marketing_Manager_CompanyName"

Step B2: Review the Job Description

- Identify keywords and requirements
- Note required skills and qualifications

Step B3: Update Your Professional Summary

- Tailor it to the specific role
- Include relevant keywords

Step B4: Highlight Relevant Experience

- Emphasize experience that matches the job
- Reorder bullet points to highlight the most relevant achievements

Step B5: Update Skills

- Include skills mentioned in the job description
- Remove irrelevant skills

Step B6: Save and Export as PDF

- Download the tailored version as PDF
- Submit with your application

Common Mistakes to Avoid

According to Jobscan, "these are the most common mistakes people make when creating resumes in Google Docs."

Expert Quotes to Remember

“"The entire Template Gallery is free, including all resume templates."”

“"The Swiss template is a safe choice because it uses a standard single-column layout that is compatible with most Applicant Tracking Systems."”

“"Do not use tables, columns, images, text boxes, headers or footers. Keep a one column layout, standard fonts, consistent spacing."”

“"Typos are the #1 reason resumes get rejected."”

“"The template gallery offers a variety of professional-looking templates, including those for resumes, cover letters, and more."”

Sources & References

• Google Docs Official Support — Template Gallery access and instructions
• Indeed — Resume template guides and career advice
• Business Insider — ATS formatting advice
• CareerBuilder — Resume statistics and tips
• Jobscan — ATS and resume parsing research
• MakeUseOf — Google Docs tutorial guides
• Toptal — Professional resume template reviews

Conclusion: Make Your Resume on Google Docs Today

Creating a professional resume on Google Docs is easy and completely free. According to Google, the platform offers 5 free, built-in resume templates. According to Indeed, the Swiss template is the safest choice for most job applications.

Key Takeaways:

- Google Docs has 5 free resume templates
- Access them through the Template Gallery
- Choose Swiss for the safest, most professional option
- Customize by replacing placeholder text with your information
- Use standard fonts: Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
- Use standard section headings
- Use bullet points for achievements
- Download as PDF for job applications
- Customize your resume for each job

Action Steps for Today:

1. Open Google Docs and access the Template Gallery
2. Choose the Swiss template (or Spearmint for entry-level)
3. Replace placeholder text with your information
4. Add your work experience with quantified achievements
5. Proofread carefully for errors
6. Download as PDF
7. Build your resume with our ATS CV Maker

About the Author

Ash is a resume expert and career strategist who helps job seekers create professional resumes. With years of experience in resume writing and ATS optimization, Ash has helped thousands of candidates land interviews. Ash's work has been featured in leading career publications and is trusted by job seekers worldwide.

Build Your ATS-Friendly Resume