Mastering Google Docs Resume Templates [w/ 10+ Essential Tips]

Creating a resume is not easy. There are many common difficulties job applicants face when creating a resume such as not having enough work experience to put on the resume, using the incorrect resume format, having a large number of jobs in a short amount of time, making a resume for a career change, having big career gaps, or even being overqualified or underqualified. 

Another popular approach to creating resumes is to utilize the free resume templates using Google Docs.

The above examples show that creating a good resume depends on your current job-seeking situation. It’s about turning negative events into positive stories. There are many resume builders and templates you can find online. For example, Cake has plenty of resume templates for applicants in different industries. 

Why should you use Google resume templates? Anyone with a Google account can easily access Google Docs resume templates.  Using templates allows you to save time, increase the accuracy of resume format, and build an aesthetically-pleasing resume.  

The Swiss Google Docs resume template offers distinctive borders that help readers easily differentiate resume sections. Additionally, the color font for the job title and contact information stand out from the rest of the information, making the job applicant’s identity unique. 

💡 3 tips for using this Google Docs resume template:

1. Increase more space on the right column 

As mentioned in the above section, this Google Docs resume format is ideal, but it may not be aesthetically pleasing. 

2. Make use of the borders

Swiss is a simple resume template from Google Docs, which means that you can easily use the borders to strengthen different resume sections. 

3. Add your own photo or logo

Although having a photo or logo is not mandatory, it would be an effective tool to communicate an image of yourself to the recruiters.

Serif is the most popular Google Docs resume template due to its typography. In Google Docs resume builder, there are multiple typographies offered in their database. Serif template is easy to read and can be applied in large contexts. 

💡 3 tips for using this Google Docs resume template:

1. Add borders

You can easily add a resume outline in Google Docs using borders. Borders allow you to distinguish between sections of the resume. Additionally, you can strengthen different resume sections. 

2. Increase header font size

As the current font size for each resume section is too small, it will not be easy for the recruiters or hiring managers to read through the resume. Worry not, Serif is an editable Google Docs resume template, and you can easily increase header font size. 

3. Add a resume objectives/summary section

Serif Google Doc resume template does not offer a specific resume summary section. Having a resume summary section can allow you to flaunt your qualifications and career experiences.

Coral exerts a casual style as a Google Docs resume template. It has a playful theme with warm orange headers. Additionally, there is extra space on the top right corner, where you can insert a professional resume photo. Coral is the best resume template from Google Docs for startup or casual jobs.

💡 3 tips for using this Google Docs resume template:

1. Add lively characters to the resume 

As Coral is a plain template, recruiters or hiring managers may find your resume boring. You can add lively characters by adding the borders and adding more colors in the texts. 

2. Change Google Docs resume format

Although changing the format may change the resume style of Coral, it can give you additional space to add different resume sections. 

3. Add a professional picture

Adding a resume picture can provide an overview of you. Even though some people may argue that pictures increase discrimination, but it is ultimately a good approach to show yourself to the recruiters. 

In contrast with the casual style of Coral, Spearmint is a stylish counterpart. If you take a close look at Spearmint docs resume template, you’ll notice that it places the skills section and experience section at the beginning of the resume. The Spearmint template has a resume format that emphasizes your professional skills and strengths.

💡 3 tips for using this Google Docs resume template:

1. Make it a functional resume

If you are an experienced worker, you can consider adapting Spearmint as a functional resume template from Google Docs for free. A functional resume focuses on your professional skills and allows you to show your resume strengths. 

2. Only include relevant experiences

As the spacing on Spearmint is very limited, only include relevant work experience that is fitting to the job description. 

3. Include borders 

Include borders on your resume, so your resume sections can be distinguished by the recruiters. 

Modern Writer shows a different character compared to the previous Google Docs resume templates. It has a mix of different fonts and colors, and therefore it can quickly catch the recruiters’ attention. Modern Writer is the best resume template from Google Docs if you are applying for jobs in tech or design. 

💡 3 tips for using this Google Docs resume template:

1. Customize the template to your own needs.

With the modern design from Modern Writer, you can easily customize the resume sections to your own needs. For instance, instead of the awards section, you can change it to the projects section. 

2. Use consistent fonts

Although Modern Writer is advantageous for its mixed fonts on the resume, it can easily confuse the readers if the fonts don’t create a good contrast. Fortunately, Modern Writer is an editable Google Docs resume template. You can modify the style easily. 

3. Tone down the colors for other professions 

Although Modern Writer is a favorable design for tech and design jobs, it can be customized to other industries as well. Adjust the color palette to cooler colors in the resume maker of Google Docs to give an earnest impression to the recruiters. 

1. Make sure you have a Google account

The very first step of creating a resume using Google Docs is to sign up for an account on Google. 

2. Go to Google Docs, create a new blank document

Once you’re in your Google account, go to Google Docs, and click on “Blank” to open a new Google document. 

3. Click “File”, “New”, then “From template”

Go to “File” → “New” → “From template” to select a google document resume from Google’s existing database. 

4. Choose the Google Docs resume template of your choice

Once you’re in the database, select a resume example from Google Docs that you desire. You can see that Google Docs offer a variety of templates you can choose from.

5. Type in all your information in the provided sections

Once you’re on the Google Docs resume, begin editing the resume using the guided sections from Google Docs. 

6. Download the file as Word or PDF

Once you have completed the resume on Google Docs resume builder, go to “File” → “Download” → “PDF Document (.pdf)” to save the document as a PDF file. 

7. Share the document with recruiters

If the hiring company requests a link to access your Google Docs resume, you can easily share the link using the “Share with others” setting. Click on “Anyone with the link can view” and “Copy link”.