While Microsoft Word and PDF resumes are still popular, Google Docs resumes are quickly taking over. They are easy to edit and customize, so you can tailor the resume to your needs. Plus, you can store them on your Google Drive and access them from anywhere as long as you are connected to the internet.
Our Google Docs templates are designed to meet the expectations of potential employers. They are suitable for all job-seekers, from high school students and professionals to managers and career changers.
Why use Google Docs templates?
- Save time and effort. Our Google Docs resume templates are created with the best resume-writing practices in mind. You don't need to puzzle over what font to use or what section to put higher - experience or education. Download the template, insert your information, and apply for your dream job with confidence.
- Benefit from recruitment expertise. At ResumePerk, we understand how recruiters read resumes and what they pay attention to first. Our templates have an effective format, fonts, and structure to draw the hiring manager's attention.
- ATS-friendly resume formats. 98% of Fortune 500 companies use an applicant tracking system of some kind. Our Google Docs templates are ATS-friendly. Your resume won't get lost in the "resume black hole" and will hit the hiring manager's table.
- Suitable for every profession. Our resume template gallery features templates for every industry and career level. Whether you need a Harvard resume template, high school resume, mid-career professional resume, or resume for career change, you will find the attention-grabbing template here.
How do you customize your Google Docs resume template to land more interviews?
Customize your template carefully
Although Google Docs templates are completely customizable, we don't recommend changing fonts, structure, and section headers. Why? Our resume templates are expertly designed with the best resume practices in mind. Each element works well to impress human recruiters and pass through ATS systems. By changing the layout or fonts or adding graphics, you risk making your resume less effective.
To keep your resume ATS-friendly, we advise you not to change its structure, overall layout, section headers, and fonts. Insert the details about your work history, skills, and achievements, and customize it slightly so that it reflects your brand.
Here are some tips to keep your resume ATS-compliant:
- Format your job duties and achievements in bullet points, not paragraphs.
- Use a popular font, such as Calibri, Arial, or Helvetica to keep your Google Docs resume template readable. The best font size is 10-12 pt for text and 14-18 pt for headings.
- Use traditional section headings, such as Education, Work Experience, Certifications, Projects, etc.
- Don't insert graphics, tables, or images, as they might not be recognized by the ATS system.
- Use simple English in your resume to keep it understandable for non-technical recruiters. Spell out any acronyms and abbreviations.
Tailor it to the job description
63% of employers prefer receiving tailored resumes and cover letters. Be sure to customize your Google Docs resume template to the specific vacancy. Thus, you will show the hiring manager that you understand the needs of their company and have the right skills to thrive in the role. Moreover, it will show your genuine interest in the position.
To effectively tailor your resume, read the job description carefully to understand the company's expectations. Highlight keywords that appear frequently in the job posting, and use them naturally in all sections of your resume. Mirroring resume language also helps you pass the applicant tracking systems and get a higher score.
You don't need to rewrite your Google Docs resume for every job. Usually, adjusting your resume summary, skills section, and your most recent job is enough to make the cut.
Our free resume templates are ATS-friendly and open on every device. You can confidently customize them for your target job.
Include accomplishments
Employers value achievements in resumes. Accomplishments show that you are oriented on the result and eager to exceed expectations at work. Moreover, they prove your professional competencies and can boost your interview chances.
When customizing your simple resume template, make sure to include at least one accomplishment per role. If you increased sales, generated leads, saved costs for the company, optimized processes, or contributed innovative ideas, make these achievements shine on your resume. Here is a good example of a resume accomplishment:
- Streamlined filing and document management systems, saving the company $4,000 annually in labor costs.
Craft a powerful summary
Most Google Docs templates feature a resume summary. This section works as an elevator pitch, summarizing for the employer what you can bring to the table if hired. Write 2-3 sentences mentioning your key areas of expertise, credentials, and achievements. Keep it relevant to the job description so that your strengths resonate with what the company looks for.
If you're changing careers or industries, you can use the summary to explain how your past skills and experience can be of advantage for a new job.
Keep it to 1-2 pages
Most of our Google Docs resume templates are one page. Yet, if you have multiple years of experience, your resume might extend to the second page, and it is perfectly acceptable. The rule of thumb is to keep your resume to one page if you have under 7 years of experience. If you are an experienced professional or changed jobs frequently, use the second page.
Keep your resume in Google Docs concise and easy to read. Hiring managers are busy and won't read a multi-page application. Shorten your job descriptions, cut off the skills you no longer use and jobs you had at the beginning of your career to keep it concise and focused.
Attach a cover letter
60% of employers expect a cover letter from you along with a resume. In your letter, make sure to explain your motivation for joining the company and relevant competencies. Highlight your 2-3 most relevant projects and accomplishments.
We will be adding Google Docs templates for cover letters soon. Now, you can use your Google Docs resume template to format your cover letter. Simply remove the resume text except for the header and type your letter there.
Want personalized help with customizing your resume template? Partner with our resume writer. Our writer will turn your work history, skills, and achievements into a powerful career story and insert it into the template of your choice. Send us your old resume, target job, and answer a few questions to get started.
Choosing the Right Resume Template For Your Job Type
To choose an ideal Google Docs resume template, you need to consider the industry, career level, and the type of job you're pursuing. Here are our general recommendations to pick a suitable template:
- Consider your industry norms. For jobs in finance, banking, academia, and construction hiring managers expect traditional black-and-white resumes. Pick one of our minimalist templates with an old-fashioned structure to showcase your relevant skills and cultural fit. If you have a job in marketing or publishing in mind, opt for a creative and bold Google Doc template.
- Think about your personal brand. Use color psychology to make a strong visual impression on a recruiter. For example, red symbolizes passion and leadership while navy means responsibility and integrity. By harnessing color psychology, you can stand out from the competition.
- Templates for different career levels. Simple and plain Google Docs resume templates work well for entry-level candidates and students. Senior professionals and managers can use bolder, more detailed templates to make space for their major projects, achievements, and skills.