With more companies releasing salary information thanks to new pay transparency laws, there’s no time like the present to search for a job. But once you’ve found your dream job, do you know how to write an effective resume?
Luckily, there are many places you can go for resume tips, and that’s why we’ve designed 43 resume templates for Google Docs that you can download and edit for free.
After picking your favorite template for Google, stick around for our guide on a closer peek at how to get the most out of your Google Docs resume templates.
Google Docs Resume Templates to Use
Creative Google Docs Resume Template
Why this resume template works
- This Creative Google Docs resume template is for the artistic among us. Your resume should reflect your portfolio, so pick a template like this one that echoes your sense of style.
- Graphics, tasteful color, and unique header fonts make it one of the most fun resume templates you can pick.
- Consider this resume template if your desired job encourages artistry or individuality, e.g., art teachers, photographers, graphic designers, web developers, and many more.
- Fill in the resume with your information, and check out our resume examples if you’re having trouble with the content of your resume.
Two-Column Google Docs Resume Template
Why this resume works
- Bold resume templates like this one are a great way to make a positive splash in the eyes of recruiters.
- This two column Google Docs resume puts the spotlight on your education, skills, certifications, and awards, a great way to catch the attention—and hold it—of hiring managers thumbing through a stack of applications.
Software Engineer Google Docs Resume Template
Why this resume works
- With this software engineer Google Docs resume, you can highlight your technical skills, achievements, and progressive work experience.
- Put a bow on your job application with a custom cover letter for the best chance at callbacks for interviews.
Academic Google Docs Resume Template
Why this resume works
- As a student, you need creative and diverse experiences to populate your academic Google Docs resume.
- Look no further than this one-page resume that puts the spotlight on your awards, academic projects, and work experience—whether inside or outside your university.
College Application Google Docs Resume Template
Why this resume works
- If you’re just finishing high school, you may be wondering what kind of experience you possibly have to put on a resume for college.
- Don’t sweat it! The fair you volunteered to help run last fall? The debate club you presided over for two years on campus? Or what about your position on the volleyball team? Those will make superb additions to your college application Google Docs resume template.
Nursing Google Docs Resume Template
Why this resume works
- Your accomplished nursing career needs a resume where you can speak to your experience, background, and affiliations.
- With a light lavender sidebar to highlight your education and background, the rest of this nursing Google Docs resume leaves plenty of room to expound on your work history.
Federal Google Docs Resume Template
Why this resume works
- Federal resumes represent a whole other type of ballgame, but we’ve got you covered with all the necessary sections.
- No matter your GS level, your federal Google Docs resume will never look better with this template.
Teacher Google Docs Resume Template
Why this resume works
- Teachers do it all, it seems! From cheerleader sponsorship to reading programs, this doesn’t even cover classroom time.
- This teacher Google Docs resume template gives you a creative flair with enough space to show principals and administrators all the gifts, talents, and certifications you bring to the table.
- And if you should run out of room on your resume, including those extra details about your work with students in the classroom is the key to writing a great cover letter.
Theatre Google Docs Resume Template
Why this resume works
- Whether you’re just starting your career in theatre or have a varied and long history on stage or in front of the camera, this theatre Google Docs resume template will speak to you.
- Every section you need (and more!) is available for you to put to good use. From accents to special skills, you can be sure your resume will stand out and attest to your abilities.
High School Google Docs Resume Template
Why this resume template works
- Every high school student wonders what in the world to put on their resume. Whether your teacher assigned you to write a resume or you’re actively applying for work, this high school Google Docs resume template shows you exactly where to start.
Harvard Google Docs Resume Template
Why this resume template works
- Harvard graduates, rejoice! Here’s a Harvard Google Docs resume template that won’t put you to sleep and will ensure you get all the right stuff included.
- Study abroad experience? Check. Courses? Check. Leadership opportunities and activities? Check check.
Acting Google Docs Resume Template
Why this resume template works
- This acting Google Docs resume has it all. You’ve got plenty of space to include your experience and acting skills as well as extras such as dialects and accents plus awards.
- All that’s left is for you to attach your headshot to the back of this resume!
ATS-Friendly Google Docs Resume Template
Why this resume template works
- What’s better than a resume that passes through the ATS? A resume that passes through the ATS and still looks pleasing to the eye!
- Try our ATS-friendly Google Docs resume if you’re worried that fancy icons or images may get in the way of getting a callback for an interview.
Functional Google Docs Resume Template
Why this resume template works
- People are always asking us, how do you format a resume? Most of the time, we tell ’em that a reverse-chronological order is the way to go.
- But what if you’re short on job experience? Consider this functional Google Docs resume template that emphasizes your skills in action over traditional work history.
Professional Google Docs Resume Template
Why this resume template works
- You’ll appreciate the no-nonsense approach of this Professional Google Docs resume template if you’re applying to a more formal position, like one in business, law, journalism, or banking.
- Just because you’re in a more formal field doesn’t mean you have to be plain or boring. This template incorporates tasteful color choices, minimalistic graphics, and complimentary fonts to be timeless without looking old-fashioned.
- The blue elements convey a sense of loyalty, stability, and confidence while the icons make it more fun while drawing attention to each section.
Simple Google Docs Resume Template
Why this resume template works
- Sometimes, you just can’t beat an uncomplicated, straightforward resume. This Simple Google Docs resume template delivers all the essentials with clean lines and contrast.
- If the company you’re applying to is more old school, or if you’re unsure about how they might feel about self-expression on your resume, then keep it safe with this template that will tick all the essential boxes without risking offending a hiring manager.
- This resume template also includes a place for your interests, which can help if you’ve got passions related to the job and the company’s values and culture.
- However, if your hobbies aren’t relevant, delete this section or use it for something else.
Bold Google Docs Resume Template
Why this resume template works
- This Bold Google Docs resume template delivers on its name. Thick lettering for the section headers draws the hiring manager’s eye, and this improves the readability of this resume.
- If there’s a lot of competition applying to the job of your dreams, use this template to stand apart and convey confidence, balance, and growth to hiring managers.
- This particular resume template uses Google Drawings, so you’ll just need to double-click on the main text to start editing.
Classy Google Docs Resume Template
Why this resume template works
- There’s nothing wrong with the standard resume form. This Classy Google Docs resume template delivers on traditional resume expectations without being too cookie-cutter.
- The tasteful color choice and contrasting font colors create an eye-pleasing resume that encourages recruiters to read it thoughtfully!
- We recommend this resume format if you’re applying for a job in a traditional career field where customs and conventions may be more appealing to hiring managers.
Modern Google Docs Resume Template
Why this resume template works
- A modern resume is a breath of fresh air for recruiters, so use this modern Google Docs resume template if you’re applying for a company that values fresh, new ideas over tradition.
- Having trouble deciding if this is the right template for you?
- Have a look at the job listing to see how the company positions itself. Does it tend to follow the status quo or challenge it? If the latter, this resume template is for you.
- Once you’ve made your own copy, double-click inside the main text to edit because this template uses Google Drawings.
Elegant Google Docs Resume Template
Why this resume template works
- Wondering if this Elegant Google Docs resume template is best for you? Use this template if you’re trying to convey a luxurious feel that maintains stately professionalism.
- This is especially well-suited for individuals in high-end photography, design, fashion, interior design, luxury real estate, or similar professions.
- Your resume is part of your portfolio, so use your design to convince hiring managers that you’re an essential team member!
- Dignified colors like black and tan demonstrate your sophisticated eye, and the addition of a logo reminds employers that you’re a pro.
Minimalist Google Docs Resume Template
Why this resume template works
- Use this Minimalist Google resume template to get right to the point for a competitive job application.
- Bonus: this template isn’t job-specific. You can use it for a wide variety of applications!
- Remember that white space is an essential element of any stellar resume, so don’t fill every bit of space available.
- This resume template will help you get key information across without distracting hiring managers. It also gives you plenty of room to write your resume summary or career objective, which is helpful if you’re in a senior or entry-level role, respectively.
Technical Google Docs Resume Template
Why this resume template works
- This Technical Google Docs resume template is ideal for emphasizing metrics and hard skills.
- With this resume template, you can leverage a ranking system to evaluate your own hard and soft skills, like CRM, ORACLE, and Communication. Of course, be sure to write in the skills relevant to your background and desired role.
- We recommend this template if you work in marketing, customer service, software development, graphics, copywriting, or any other technical field.
Student Google Docs Resume Template
Why this resume template works
- This Student Google Docs resume template helps entry-level applicants with limited or no work history.
- This template provides room to input volunteer experiences and projects that can provide employers insight into your work ethic and skills.
- Limited experience also comes with less certifications, so consider replacing the certifications/licenses section with “Relevant Coursework” to highlight relevant classes.
- This template also allows you to add hobbies/interests on your resume, but make sure they’re relevant.
- Replace icons with ones from Google’s library of special characters (or create your own!).
Basic Google Docs Resume Template
Why this resume template works
- Not feeling like your potential new boss would appreciate a kaleidoscope of color and pizzazz? Try this Basic Google Docs resume template to keep it professional.
- Bold black lines differentiate sections while still allowing white space, which makes this an eye-grabbing resume template that’s unlikely to offend any hiring manager.
- Although you might want to get rid of sections to make more room for experience, don’t delete important things like the skills section of your resume.
- By including very specific, relevant hard skills, you can increase the likelihood that you match keywords with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and get an interview.
Best Google Docs Resume Template
Why this resume template works
- Your Best Google Doc resume template strikes the best of both worlds: black-and-white elegance with some color to make it pop.
- Because of its classic design, this resume template is great for most any role, but if you have more than three jobs you want to highlight, adjust your spacing to add room.
- If you’re just starting out, don’t neglect your resume’s objective section. This section is to help anyone with less than two years of work experience to share their skills and abilities quickly.
- Remember to check out our resume examples if you’re having trouble coming up with your content.
College Google Docs Resume Template
Why this resume template works
- This College Google Docs resume template proves that your resume can be both professional-looking and engaging.
- Adding color can help you stand out from the crowd and show personality; however, if you’re applying for a job at a traditional company, consider using muted colors.
- The most critical aspect of any resume template is readability.
- That’s why this resume template includes bold section headers to differentiate sections.
Blue Bubble Google Docs Resume Template
Why this resume template works
- You can use this Blue Bubble Google Docs resume template to convey your credentials without going over the top.
- This template includes all the essential sections, but it’s up to you to decide if your resume’s objective and certifications sections are necessary. Read the job description to get a feel for the company’s requirements and values.
- Keep in mind that “easy” doesn’t mean boring. Though this template isn’t “extra,” it still highlights your stylistic side with professional blue highlights and section headers.
Timeline Google Docs Resume Template
Why this resume template works
- Got lots of experience at different jobs, or have you been charged with staying on top of a lot of different projects at your work? If so, this Timeline Google Docs resume template is for you.
- Busy professionals will likely find this professional, organized template appealing. Giving a hiring manager an overview of your career without overwhelming them.
Artist Google Docs Resume Template
Aesthetic Google Docs Resume Template
Tech Google Docs Resume Template
Standard Google Docs Resume Template
Black and White Google Docs Resume Template
Traditional Google Docs Resume Template
Sorority Google Docs Resume Template
Plain Google Docs Resume Template
Pet Google Docs Resume Template
Google Analytics Google Docs Resume Template
Entry-Level Google Docs Resume Template
Education Google Docs Resume Template
Dance Google Docs Resume Template
Chronological Google Docs Resume Template
Business Google Docs Resume Template
If you’re having trouble customizing these resume templates, try looking at job-specific resume examples to get an idea of what to include (or leave out). We know working with a template is challenging, so if you need an easier process, click on the resume below to access your free resume builder and download.
Coffee Shop Worker Resume
Need a resume template that’s easy and quick to edit?
How Do You Make Your Resume in Google Docs?
Making a resume in Google Docs is easier than you think. You just need to know how to access pre-existing templates or upload your own!
If you want to use one of Google’s official Google Docs templates, there are two options to access them:
Once you’re on the templates page, make sure you’re looking at the templates in the “Resumes” section. If you’re using a business account with Google, select the “General” tab at the top to be able to view templates.
Now you need to choose a resume template from these five options:
- Swiss
- Serif
- Coral
- Spearmint
- Modern Writer
After you’ve chosen, don’t forget to save it! Make sure you title the resume with something like “First name—Last Name—Position—2023“. This makes it easy for you (and the hiring manager) to see your resume!
Now that you’ve chosen and saved your template, it’s time to customize it to fit your content. Here are some options for customization:
- Change the heading font/color
- Alter the spacing
- Rearrange the columns
- Adjust font size and type
When you have finished your resume, simply select the large blue “Share” button at the top right of the document. Before you input your employer’s email, change the permissions to “Anyone with the link” and “Viewer.” That way, no one can accidentally edit your document.
Upload your outside templates into Google Drive
If Google Docs templates aren’t exactly what you’re looking for, you may want to upload your own resume templates through Google Drive. This option is quick and easy if you don’t love any of Google’s templates.
From here, you can jump to step three in the above section.
A word of warning, though: outside templates often don’t translate well into Google Docs, so you’ll likely need to adjust things until it looks just right. To spare you frustration, you can also upload your resume into our free resume builder tool to avoid the hassle altogether.
Leverage a Google Docs Resume Template
It’s possible to build a professional and effective resume for free through your Google account. The following guide should help you master making and customizing your next Google Docs resume template.
Take advantage of Google’s built-in features
Google Docs is a powerful tool that offers many useful features, some of which can also help with resumes. Try some of these features to upgrade your resume writing process:
Be patient when working with your Google Docs resume template
Whenever you’re dealing with a template, it’s important to practice patience. Formatting your resume properly is essential, and you want to make sure your content is error-free, so take the time to thoroughly edit each section.
Start by deleting any filler text or the Lorem ipsum text that Google enters. Then choose appropriate fonts, colors, spacing, and font sizes. Just know, these templates can have inflexible layouts, so make sure your edits are appearing properly.
When you’re formatting your resume, don’t forget to keep the ATS in mind. The ATS (also known as an applicant tracking system) scans your resume to see if you fit the job requirements.
As with any computer, the ATS isn’t perfect, which means your resume needs to be formatted a certain way so it’s readable.
An ATS-friendly resume meets certain standards as explained below:
- Body font type: Georgia, Cambria, Tahoma, Times New Roman, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Calibri, Garamond
- Header font size: 14–16
- Body font size: 11–12
- Margins: one-half to one-inch
It might seem like there’s little room for customization with the ATS, but we promise, you can do a lot with a little! You’ll see there’s a lot more you can do than you think.
Choose the Resume Template Right for You
Google Docs can help you craft a fantastic resume, but it takes a bit of practice getting it right. So doing your research is well worth it!
What to Consider when picking a Google Docs resume template
- The amount of space available for work experience
- Whether you need a “projects” section
- The ability to add optional sections
- Like for certifications, licenses, or hobbies
- If the colors are appropriate for your desired job
- If there’s a section for a resume objective/career summary
- Objectives are for entry-level candidates
- Summaries are for candidates with 10+ years of experience
Our advice: make sure you choose a template that matches the job to which you’re applying.
Not loving Google Docs? Try using some other free resume templates or go a different route and use a resume template for Microsoft Word.
Or, if templates aren’t your thing, upload a pre-existing resume or build fast with our free online resume builder. You’ve got loads of options to make a resume that gets you the job of your dreams!
To start, you’ll want to find the right template. Google Docs has several under the “From a template” section when you go to create a new doc, or you can find and download templates online that would be accessed in Google Docs by going to File > Open > Upload > Select a File From Your Device. Once the template is set, you can adjust fonts, colors, sizing, spacing, and columns to your liking. Some best practices are keeping the resume to one page, using 12-14 point fonts, and limiting the use of bright colors to headings or important sections.
Reverse-chronological formatting usually works best. It lists experiences in order of recency, which helps showcase career growth and how your skills align with current industry needs. For example, it could help you emphasize essential skills in today’s virtual business environment, like running Zoom meetings or managing remote employees. In some cases, those with less experience or applying to highly technical roles may benefit from functional or hybrid resumes that list skills and relevant accomplishments before employment history.
To find a basic template from Google Docs, navigate to the Google Drive homepage, go to New > Google Docs > From a Template, and scroll down to Resumes, where you’ll see a few options. You can also upload an external template by starting with a blank Google Doc, going to File > Open > Upload > Select a File From Your Device, and opening the template you downloaded. Some external templates can have formatting errors, so prepare to adjust fonts, spacing, and margins until they look right.
The most professional way to email your Google Docs resume will be to send it in PDF format. First, save it under a file name that’ll help the hiring manager know what position you’re applying for, such as “First Name–Last Name–Position–2024.” Then, to download it as a PDF, go to File > Download > PDF Document. To email it, you’d compose your email—in Gmail, Yahoo, or whoever your email provider is—click on attach files, and choose the PDF file you downloaded.
Listing the exact job title at the top and some key skills exactly as they’re written in the job description will help the ATS detect relevant keywords. Also, ensure your Google Docs resume is formatted correctly using basic fonts like Arial, Helvetica, or Times New Roman and the standard round bullet points to help the ATS easily scan your document. Lastly, avoid using strange characters, such as check marks or arrows from the Google Docs “Special Characters” section, that might not register appropriately.
