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Simple Google Docs CV Template [Free with Complete Guide]
In this article, we'll cover:
Most of the time when we plan to create a CV, the biggest struggle is not knowing how to start, which style we should follow, and knowing what things to include in a CV. It is a very common issue for many people because not everybody has the aesthetic sense to create an attractive CV themselves.
To tackle this, one of the ways people do is utilize CV builders like Cake or other resources such as using the free Google Docs CV templates. These free CV templates help people create CV fast and hassle-free.
How to Make a CV Using Google Docs CV Templates
Google Docs is a very famous platform that most of us use to create a document because of its efficiency and simplicity. There are some features we do not use very often but will be very efficient when we need to create a CV. Here are the steps to gain access to your Google Docs free CV templates.
1. Ensure you are signed in to your Google account.
2. Type docs.new on your address bar to create a new document.
3. Click “File” → “New” → “From template” to access Google Docs’ CV templates.
4. You will find 5 Google Docs CV template selections in the Template Gallery in the “Resumes” section.
5. Select one Google CV template that you prefer. Then, you will be able to start editing the content of the CV according to your information.
After knowing where to find the free Google Docs CV templates, you should take a look at these 5 templates below provided by Google Drive. Each of them has its own unique characteristic, so you can pick one template out that suits you best.
Swiss - Google Docs CV Template
The Swiss template is a very simple and clean Google drive CV template. It makes good use of black lines in categorizing each section so that the CV layout looks tidier. If you like things that are minimalistic, or if you are applying for a formal job, this can be a good option for you!
Pros:
- Clean black lines that separate each section.
- A minimalistic style that creates a better view.
- It is free to use!
Cons:
- Cannot fit in too much information if aiming to only have a one-page resume as it destroys the balance.
Serif - Google Docs CV Template
The Serif template is specially designed to have a two-column layout, which helps you fit more text in your CV if you are planning to put in a lot of information. It is a template that makes optimal use of the space in the Google Docs CV.
Pros:
- Double-columned layout to fit in more information.
- Experience and skill sections are aligned together for a better view when employers are doing a comparison.
- Highlighted subtitle keywords that make the sections clearer.
Cons:
- There might be a chance of having not enough space when you have too much information to include
Coral - Google Docs CV Template
The Coral template has a bright coral color for every subtitle. It contains different kinds of fonts for every line to make reading easier. You can also alter the fonts and other elements in it to your liking.
Pros:
- Your name is shown larger than other elements to draw attention.
- Good use of white spaces in keeping things clean and tidy.
- A single-column layout that allows the reading to go in one direction.
Cons:
- The skills section is all in one format, which makes things unclear.
Keep these tips in mind when using this Google Docs CV template:
- Using bullet points can better define the information that you want to tell.
- You should make good use of its font styling.
- If you want to show your own personal style, you can change the color from coral to another color that speaks “you” more.
Spearmint - Google Docs CV Template
The Spearmint Google Docs CV template has a refreshing touch of mint green that can be changed into any color that you prefer to have a brand new look. If you’d like a touch of color in your CV, this can be a good pick as it needs no more color editing.
Pros:
- Color choices can help attract the reader’s attention among other CVs.
- It is simple and easy to navigate.
- Has a formal and professional look.
Cons:
- Too many empty spaces can look like you have nothing to show.
Tips when using this template:
- The name and occupation are located at the very top and you should make good use of them.
- Always keep a good balance of the layout between content and empty spaces even though there is a template provided.
- Relating to the tip above, do not overcrowd your CV with unnecessary information.
Modern Writer - Google Docs CV Template
The Modern Writer template puts its skills before any other sections. This is to show your skill at the very top that stands out from your experience. It can be a good Google Drive CV template choice for career changers.
Pros:
- Unique font style that has a typewriter-style, which suits all writers out there.
- Important things are located at the very top to better catch attention.
- Highlighted subtitles add boldness to the content.
Cons:
- The font style suits only writers but not other jobs as it might be distracting and hard to read.
Tips for Creating a CV in Google Docs
The main reason for using these Google Drive CV templates is because they are very efficient, easy to use, fast and free. However, using Google Drive CV templates to create your CV can have its own pros and cons.
Pros:
- Google Docs has a feature of saving your work automatically every time you make changes. It ensures that your CV does not disappear after any mistaken closing without saving.
- It has fewer features than Microsoft Word, which makes it much simpler to use and navigate.
Cons:
- The free Google Docs CV templates are very basic. Therefore some sections such as hobbies and interests that you might want to include need to be inserted by yourself.
- Limited features also restrict the changes that you can do to the template given.
If you still choose to utilize a free CV template from Google Docs to create your CV, take note of these few important tips:
- Include only necessary information for specific jobs that you are applying for.
- You can make big changes to a template instead of following it completely because the template might not be a perfect match for what you need.
- Keep in mind that there are differences between Google Docs and Microsoft Word. If you are planning to make complicated designs and layouts, you should download your Google Drive CV template and make changes in Microsoft Word instead of working it online.
🔑 Key Takeaways
To sum up, each free template CV docs have their specialty with different styles. You could give these Google Drive CV templates a try if you are in a rush or are a beginner at creating a CV as it provides the basic information like titles and subtitles and columns for you to fill in the details.
However, you should also be aware of some of the minor cons that each template has and be flexible in making customized changes to it to suit you better.
With Cake, you can easily create a CV online, free download your CV's PDF formats, and utilize ATS-compliant templates to create a CV. Land your dream job, create your CV online (free download) now!
--- Originally written by Ryan Goh ---
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