Google Docs Resume Templates & Tips
You can create a resume in Google Docs in several ways, including using Google’s built-in resume templates, or uploading one of our own. Whichever method you choose, we’re here to help — just follow the guidelines below to get your resume up and running in no time.
How to Create a Resume in Google Docs
You need to first sign up for a Google account, if you haven’t already. Once you’re signed in, go straight to Google Docs.
Click “template gallery” on the top right. You’ll be taken to the Google Docs template page, where you will find resume templates under the “Personal” category.
Click the design you want to work with. The template will open up, ready for filling in. You can also change the name of the document by clicking “Resume” in the title.
When you’re finished writing and editing your resume, you can either share it directly as a Google Doc via the “Share” button at the top right, or download it by going under File > Download. Note that you have several file format options for download, including popular formats such as Microsoft Word (.docx), rtf, pdf and plain text. Use the format that best fits with what the potential employer needs.
How to Upload or Copy a Resume Into Google Docs
You’re not limited to Google’s templates for creating resumes in Google Docs — you can also upload a resume from another source such as Microsoft Word, or create a resume using our Resume Builder, and import it into Google Docs. Just follow these steps to do so:
If you want to load a preexisting resume into Google Docs, go to the Google Docs homepage and click “Blank” under “Start a New Document,” then click File > Open.
On the next screen, choose “Upload.” You’ll then choose your file or drag it into the upload box.
Once you’ve opened your document, you can edit and save it just like if you created the document in Google Docs.
Our Google Docs-ready Resume Templates
For even more layouts you can use to create a resume in Google Docs, check out our selection of over two dozen sample resume templates. Just select a template, fill it out, download it as a Word document, and then upload to Google Docs. For more guidance on filling out a template, start with our resume builder page.
Copying and Pasting a Resume Into Google Docs
Sometimes it’s just easier to copy the content of a preexisting resume into Google Docs and then adjust the layout and fonts. The simplest way to do so is to:
- Copy and paste the entire original resume into Google Docs.
- Highlight the entire text.
- Clear all formatting by going under Format > Clear formatting. You can then reorganize the layout and make font changes as needed.
Modern Writer Google Docs Resume Template
Pros
- Elegant fonts.
- Streamlined layout.
- Color fonts for work history and education entries.
Cons
- Doesn’t leave much space to provide more detailed information.
- Section headings don’t stand out much.
Serif Google Docs Resume Template
Pros
- Two-column layout provides room to feature skills, awards and other credentials.
- Color fonts easily differentiate each section.
Cons
- Design lacks lines and borders, which can make the resume look sloppy if you have a lot of text.
- Header doesn’t stand out.
Spearmint Google Docs Resume Template
Pros
- Bold green fonts give the resume a unified “look.”
- A simple border line at the top adds a bit of flair.
Cons
- The spacing of the layout leaves less room to expand on your skills and work history.
Swiss Google Docs Resume Template
Pros
- Strong borders easily differentiate each section.
- Color font for the applicant’s job title and contact information stands out.
Cons
- The design leaves a lot of white space in the left column, which can result in an “unbalanced” look.
- The narrow right column can make your content look a bit “squeezed in.”
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5 Tips for Your Google Docs Resume
Create different versions of your resume.
It’s not just a good idea to create different versions of your resume to target different job opportunities: It’s essential. In Google Docs, it’s easy to create copies of your resume and customize each one for different jobs. Just go under File > Make a Copy, give the copy of your document a new name, and you’re ready to go.
Give your layout a once (or twice)-over.
Whether you’re opening a template in Google Docs, uploading or cutting and pasting a resume from another file format, or downloading your document, always inspect the layout and fonts. Sometimes font sizes inadvertently change, or the spacing between sections gets thrown off a bit. Always compare your Google Docs document with the original template to make sure everything matches up.
Walk back your mistakes.
If you make changes to your resume that mess with the layout or you decide that you need to rewrite a section, it’s easy to walk back what you’ve done. Click File > Version History > See Version History. This allows you to go back to earlier versions of your document and pick up your editing from there.
Get a second opinion.
Another advantage of shared Google Docs is the ability for others to read and comment on your work (and it’s always a good thing to have a second pair of eyes for review). Just share the link to the doc with a trusted reviewer, and they can make suggestions using Google Docs’ “Comment” feature.
Don’t overshare.
When sharing your resume link with potential employers, you’ll want to avoid the uncomfortable scenario of hiring managers from different companies looking at your resume at the same time. (Trust us, they’ll notice.) To avoid this, create separate copies of your resume to be shared with different employers.
