Build my resume
- Build a better resume in minutes
- Resume examples
- 2,000+ examples that work in 2024
- Resume templates
- Free templates for all levels
- Cover letters
- Cover letter generator
- It's like magic, we promise
- Cover letter examples
- Free downloads in Word & Docs
45 Word Resume Templates (Free) Designed for 2024
- Word Resume Template Choices
- How to Make a Resume in Word
Make the Most with Word Resume Templates
Pick the resume template best for you.
- Word Resume Templates FAQs
If you just turned in your resignation letter and are ready to give yourself the best chance of landing the next job you’re after , you need an attractive, organized resume template . Why? Because the competition just got tougher, and recruiters have leveled up their game to find the best candidate from the pack.
Our 45 resume templates for Word are hot out of the oven for 2024. All you have to do is download them for free, start editing them in Microsoft Word, and be on your way to your dream job.
Trouble customizing your Word resume template ? Working with ready-made templates can be challenging, so if you’re in a time crunch or over the frustration, make a resume with us for a quick and easy time!
Word Resume Template Choices for You
Academic Word Resume Template
Why this resume template works
- Share internship or work experience as well as project experience. Projects can be academic or personal. If you’re feeling stuck on what to include here, try thinking about your hobbies and interests .
- Show off academic achievements and awards in a dedicated section in the left sidebar. Need more room than that? Try using the projects section instead!
College Word Resume Template
Why this resume works
- Companies won’t be able to resist taking a closer look at your application when you apply for their internship opportunities, as you’ll be showcasing that you’re a very well-rounded student with high aspirations!
ATS-Friendly Word Resume Template
- Need more room for work experience? Just delete some of the project experience to make a little space.
Minimalist Word Resume Template
- Clean, thin lines create division for all the necessary parts while maximizing space for you to highlight your best career achievements.
Technical Word Resume Template
- This resume is incredibly easy to follow down the page with its unique but professional design. Don’t be surprised when you start getting calls for interviews!
Acting Word Resume Template
- This template features a section where you can place your acting experience front and center, leaving the sidebar to draw the eye to your talents and attributes.
Student Word Resume Template
- Let both your personality and your background shine in this student Word resume template.
Modern Word Resume Template
- Space for all your work achievements? Check.
- Space for skills and certs? Check check.
- Space for a summary statement that attests to your successful career history? Check check check!
Functional Word Resume Template
- If that’s the boat you’re in, you’ll like what this functional Word resume template can offer you.
Simple Word Resume Template
- Dark lines keep each section separated and marked clearly for an eye-catching and simple design.
- Expound on any important details with a cover letter generator that won’t miss any details from your resume or the job description.
Professional Word Resume Template
- Detailed icons draw the eye in, so recruiters can focus on your professional history and accomplishments.
Basic Word Resume Template
- Clear headers designate each section and leave you room for extras, too, like a career objective and certifications or licenses.
Best Word Resume Template
- This aesthetically pleasing template works well when you want to format your resume in reverse-chronological order.
Harvard Word Resume Template
- There’s space to share your coursework, study abroad experience, leadership and collegiate activities, and even traditional work experience on your Harvard Word resume template.
Easy Word Resume Template
- Recruiters won’t be quick to forget your name with this soft blue contact header that keeps your info neat and tidy.
- Resume templates like this one are good choices for job seekers looking to climb the ladder because it lays your work history out in reverse-chronological order.
High School Word Resume Template
- Think about school projects or extracurricular activities that keep you busy, and use that to populate your projects section. Try to answer how you contributed and left a positive impact.
- And hey, if you do have some traditional work experience, just add that to the projects section instead!
Music Word Resume Template
- Use your experience section to highlight where you shine, whether that be in the orchestra or in the classroom instructing.
- The green sidebar gives us nice pop of color to draw attention to your music honors and awards, where you can put the spotlight on competitions, the location, and the year.
Nursing Word Resume Template
- Small and unique design elements pull the eye in strategically to your objective , skills, and licenses, telling recruiters right away that you’re qualified for the role.
- Licenses and certifications are essential, which is why there are two sections dedicated to this at the bottom of your resume. List your nursing license in the left sidebar and list any other certifications and licenses you hold beneath your experience.
Teacher of the Year Word Resume Template
- A teacher resume can demonstrate your professional ability to teach any age group from kindergarten to high school.
- Bold blue tones emphasize wisdom, confidence, intelligence, and imagination. This type of resume formatting contrasts nicely with strong black empty space. It makes for an eye-catching and appealing resume.
The Arts Word Resume Template
- Usually, we advise against including a photo in your resume template , but we can make the case for one here. It shows personality and individuality, which are, of course, important traits for an artistic, creative job.
- Job titles that will be especially suited to your arts resume include visual artist, musician, photographer, designer, and producer.
Pretty-in-Pink Word Resume Template
- This bold, creative resume template is best suited for those working in roles where a more colorful style would be acceptable or encouraged.
- This will include many jobs in the arts and creative industries, but it’s always best to judge based on the formality of the specific company to which you apply.
Royal Blue Word Resume Template
- The dark blue is particularly good at conveying a sense of knowledge, seriousness, and security, which are appealing qualities for hiring managers seeking an advanced professional like yourself. The light blue adds contrast and is associated with compassion, an essential characteristic of good management.
- We think you could build a killer resume with this royal blue Word resume template for roles as an account manager , team lead, regional manager, operations manager , and executive assistant .
The Trades Word Resume Template
- Remember, this doesn’t mean your resume has to look boring. Keep it interesting with contrasting colors, fonts, and letter sizes. Choosing the perfect resume template is half the battle!
- Your trades resume is ideal if you’re working trades, such as plumbing, welding, carpentry, electrical work, or machinery. Your job keeps life orderly and functional, so it’s important to reflect that in your resume design.
Doctor’s Orders Word Resume Template
- Unique sections allow you to input and highlight residency, licenses, and conferences easily. Use tasteful colors in your resume to demonstrate your personality.
- Your qualifications and skills can speak for themselves, but only great doctors are both brilliant and personable with patients. Show that you are that doctor!
Executive Word Resume Template
- If you’re looking to advance in the corporate world, this resume template allows room to highlight your expertise and success in a professional resume summary .
- Having trouble figuring out where to start? Take a peek at our resume examples for insight into creating a resume that lands you interviews.
Green Technicalities Word Resume Template
- It should be easy to differentiate your hard and soft skills and certifications on your resume, which are incredibly important for technical jobs requiring niche skills.
- While a lot of information can fit on your resume, clean lines and contrasting colors keep it from becoming overwhelming.
Lawyer Up Word Resume Template
- The boxing around the resume title and contrasting fonts provide sophisticated interest.
- Note the use of professional and straightforward fonts but strong visual interest from the choice of bolding.
Modern Limelight Word Resume Template
- Your Modern resume works best if you’re applying to work at a startup. Exciting, bold ideas thrive in these environments, and your lime-colored resume fits the bill.
- Students, don’t be afraid to use the work experience section for projects or even to showcase relevant hobbies and interests that help pitch why you should be hired.
Artist Word Resume Template
Aesthetic Word Resume Template
Tech Word Resume Template
Standard Word Resume Template
Black and White Word Resume Template
Sorority Word Resume Template
Plain Word Resume Template
Pet Word Resume Template
Google Analytics Word Resume Template
Entry-Level Word Resume Template
Education Word Resume Template
Dance Word Resume Template
Chronological Word Resume Template
Business Word Resume Template
Traditional Word Resume Template
Creative Word Resume Template
Elegant Word Resume Template
Remember, if you’re having trouble customizing your resume template , make sure you check out our job-specific resume samples . We also get that working with templates in Word can be tricky, so you can try one of our Google Docs resume templates or our AI resume builder (free) with us instead. How about this one here?
Experienced Medical Assistant Resume
or download as PDF
Related articles
- Google Docs Resume Templates
- Letter of Interest
- How to Make a Resume
- Resume Tips
- Reasons for Leaving a Job
How to Make a Resume in Word ?
The best thing about building a resume in Word is that Microsoft Word comes with many resume templates you can find within the program. If none of these preloaded formats do the trick, you can search for alternate templates on the internet (probably how you found these here).
Between the templates included in Word, the options available online, our free resume templates for Google Docs , or the templates you can use in the best AI resume builder , you should have no trouble finding a design that works for you.
Find free Word resume templates
Accessing resume templates on Microsoft Word is a quick, easy way to structure your document. All you have to do is take the following steps:
- Click “File,” then “New.”
- Type “Resume” into the search box at the top of the window.
- Browse the templates and double-click the one you want.
- Delete the sample text and add your personal information.
Upload your outside templates into Word
While Microsoft Word offers some excellent resume templates within the program, you can find even more options on the internet, including our professional resume examples .
Here’s how to find online templates and upload them into Word:
- Search Google for “resume templates,” or take advantage of our free resume templates .
- Download the resume that fits your needs.
- Open a new Word document.
- Click on “Insert” at the top of the page.
- Select “Object” from the drop-down menu.
- Find the file for the resume template in the box that appears. It’s most likely under “Downloads.”
- Click on the file for the resume template.
- Click “Insert” at the bottom-right corner of the box.
*Note: This process will upload your template, but it may be distorted, requiring you to spend some time manipulating boxes, lines, and font, which is why we recommend uploading your resumes with our free resume tool .
When it comes to creating a fantastic resume on Word, downloading the right template is only half the battle. From there, you need to do what it takes to fill the template with the right information.
There are two keys to making the most of your Word resume template: taking advantage of Word’s available features and practicing patience as you tweak and perfect the document.
Use Word’s available features
There’s a reason Word is so popular. It comes fully loaded with useful features, many of which will be a major help as you work on your next resume. Here are six features you should consider taking advantage of if you want your document to look its best:
- Word’s editor tool will check your resume for spelling and grammar. Don’t let recruiters doubt your professionalism.
- The Track Changes feature puts a red line through deleted text rather than eliminating it. Play around with the wording on your resume to weigh your options until you get it just right.
- Word’s Resume Assistant feature is specially designed for creating a new resume. Use this feature to see how others in your field have described their work experience, giving you the inspiration to overcome pesky writer’s block.
- Word’s line spacing feature lets you tighten up text, so there’s less blank space between lines. Say more on a single page.
- The margins adjustor on Word lets you cover more of the page with text. When you’re struggling to squeeze in important information, this extra space can prove vital.
- Word lets you convert your final resume to a PDF. This makes it easy to save your resume as a file you can send digitally.
Set aside ample time to build your Word resume
A resume on Word isn’t something you can polish off in five minutes even if you’ve uploaded a template. You need the document to come out looking fantastic, and that requires meticulous attention to detail.
While you work on your Word resume, consider the following:
- How to customize your filler text
- How to set the font size and color
- Which line spacing to use
- How to make an inflexible layout work for the information you need to include
- How to format your resume for ATS scanners
If all this sounds like too much of a hassle, just use our quick resume builder . By typing in your details and letting our tool take care of the rest, you’ll take the guesswork and stress out of the resume creation process.
There are countless resume templates in Word, and it’s up to you to find the option that best suits your industry and personality. No matter which template you choose, the most important thing is to represent yourself well. When it comes to writing resumes , content wins over style every time.
While a resume outline and template will give your document the basic structure it needs, save yourself time and frustration by opting for an easy resume maker experience instead.
Whether you want to upload and check a resume with our AI-powered tips or start from scratch, our tools are convenient and effective. If you’ve got your information handy, then a stylish, professional resume is just a few clicks away.
The best way to start is to choose a Word resume template for a professional outline. Word has prebuilt templates, or you can download and upload one you find online. Once your template is set, you can customize the font, colors, spacing, and columns to fit your needs. Some best practices when creating a resume in Word include keeping it on a single page, using a 12-14 point Arial or Times New Roman font for readability, and using single or 1.5 point spacing.
Try a reverse-chronological format . It tends to work best for most careers. Leading with your most recent experiences shows career growth and helps emphasize how you can help with current industry needs. For example, someone applying for a senior management role may want to show how they’ve climbed the ladder from assistant or project management roles. Alternatively, recent grads with limited experience or applicants for highly technical roles may also benefit from functional or hybrid formats that list relevant skills and accomplishments before employment history.
Word has many prebuilt resume templates you can access. To do so, click “File” then “New” and type “resume” in the search box that appears at the top right-hand corner. Then, simply choose the one that fits your needs and personality. To access a resume template for Word that you downloaded online, go to “Insert” then “Object” and choose the file from the box that appears.
To save and email the resume you created in Word, go to “File” then “Save As.” Once the box pops up, enter a file name that shows exactly what position you’re applying to, such as “First Name–Last Name–Position–2024.” Then, under the “File Format” dropdown, you should select PDF since it’s the most widely accepted file type for resumes. Lastly, you would compose your email, click attach files, and add the PDF you just saved.
Want our top 5 most popular Word Templates right to your inbox?
Download my Elegant Word Resume Template .
Download my Creative Word Resume Template .
Download my Black and White Word Resume Template .
Download my Standard Word Resume Template .
Download my Tech Word Resume Template .
Download my Aesthetic Word Resume Template .
Download my Artist Word Resume Template .
Download my Education Word Resume Template .
Download my Dance Word Resume Template .
Download my Entry-Level Word Resume Template .
Download my Business Word Resume Template .
Download my Pet Word Resume Template .
Download my Google Analytics Word Resume Template .
Download my Chronological Word Resume Template .
Download my Sorority Word Resume Template .
Download my Plain Word Resume Template .
Download my Traditional Word Resume Template .
Download my ATS-Friendly Resume Template .
Download my College Word Resume Template .
Download my Minimalist Word Resume Template .
Download my Technical Word Resume Template .
Download my Academic Word Resume Template .
Download my Acting Word Resume Template .
Download my Student Word Resume Template .
Download my Modern Word Resume Template .
Download my Functional Word Resume Template .
Download my Simple Word Resume Template .
Download my Professional Word Resume Template .
Download my Basic Word Resume Template .
Download my Best Word Resume Template .
Download my Harvard Word Resume Template .
Download my Easy Word Resume Template .
Download my High School Word Resume Template .
Download my Music Word Resume Template .
Download my Nursing Word Resume Template .
Download my Arts Word Resume Template .
Download my Pretty-in-Pink Word Resume Template .
Download my Royal Blue Word Resume Template .
Download my Trades Word Resume Template .
Download my Doctor’s Orders Word Resume Template .
Download my Executive Word Resume Template .
Download my Green Technicalities Word Resume Template .
Download my Modern Limelight Word Resume Template .
Download my Experienced Medical Assistant Resume Template .
Or download as PDF .
Download my Lawyer Up Resume Template .
Take me to my Teacher of the Year Word Resume Template .
- Resume Templates
- Resume Examples
- Free Resume Builder
- How to Write a Resume
- Resume Format
- Resume Packs
- Cover Letter Templates
- Cover Letter Examples
- Free Cover Letter Generator
- How To Write a Cover Letter
- CV Templates
- CV Examples
- Free CV Maker
- Resume Help
- Cover Letter Help
- Job Interview
- Career Advice
Free Resume Templates
Download in Word, Google Docs, PDF
Today is a great day to level up your resume. Free resume templates in every style, format, and design you can imagine.
Discover 180+ Resume Templates
Professional Resume Templates
Professional resume templates for job seekers with ample work experience. Showcase your skills and qualifications. Browse our best free resume templates to give your resume the glow-up it deserves.
- Sleek, functional layout
- “Sells” you as a strong candidate
- Suitable for all job titles
Modern Resume Templates
Modern resume templates for Microsoft Word provide stylish, crisp, fresh design elements that will help you grab a recruiter’s attention in just six seconds. The right resume template for candidates in the tech and startup industry.
- Chronological resume templates
- Made for readability and skimming
- Instant, free download
Simple and Basic Resume Templates
Uncluttered editable resume template with minimal styling. Choose a time-tested basic resume design to avoid any faux pas with employers or applicant screening software.
- Editable and printable resume design
- Easy customization in Word
- Suitable for all resume formats
Creative Resume Templates
Don’t want a bland, blank resume template? These creative resume templates offer a perfectly balanced mix of personality, professionalism, and playfulness to make a strong first impression.
- Free editable resume templates
- Unique personal branding
- Creative layout and formatting
Free CV Templates
Professional CV templates, perfectly suited for academic and federal jobs in the US and any type of job application in Europe. An impactful selection of the best CV templates with proper layout and formatting.
- Full CV layout and formatting
- User-friendly design
- Instant download CV templates
ATS-Friendly Resume Templates
Clean and compelling resume design that sits well with applicant tracking software and hiring managers alike. Optimized fonts, clear formatting syntax, and optimal layout for readability.
- Compatible with popular ATSs
- One-column layout
- Suitable for all experience levels
Resume Templates With Photo
Put a face behind the name to make a memorable first impression. Resume templates with photos to land a dream job in acting, modeling, or creative professions.
- Editable headshot space
- Optimized section layout
- Brandable styles
How to Choose The Best Resume Template?
Not sure which resume design works for your profession? Go with a professional resume template if you’re an experienced worker applying via email. Or download a basic resume template if the company uses an ATS — this way, your resume won’t get filtered out.
Gunning up for a job in a creative industry or a hip startup? Try out one of the modern resume templates or a creative resume design to give your job application a unique, brandable flair. Resume templates with photos also work great!
Or better yet, test-drive several free resume templates to see which one gets you the most positive responses!
Resume Templates for Different File Formats
Get a free editable resume template in your preferred format — Microsoft Word (.doc), PDF, or Google Docs.
Free Word Resume Templates
The best resume templates for Microsoft Word. Our most downloaded and top-rated designs in .doc and .docx format are the ones you have seen on this page until here, so make sure to scroll back to the top if MS Word format is what you are looking for.
Google Docs Resume Templates
Discover attention-grabbing resume templates for Google Docs. Download and edit your new resume design in the cloud, then share it with others with one click.
Free Resume in PDF
Use our free tool to make a resume online in PDF format. Write your resume faster with contextual tips and instantly generate a PDF copy for free. No account is required.
Check our free resume builder
Resume Templates By Professions
Get done with writing faster by downloading a pre-filled resume template for your position. Take advantage of the pointers and sample texts created by a professional team of resume writers.
Our remarkable set of role-based resume templates includes the optimal visual layout paired with text snippets you can use to model your own resume.
How to Use Your Free Editable Resume Template
- Select a design you fancy and download a free copy to your computer.
- Open the template in Microsoft Word or Google Docs to personalize.
- Fill in the blanks using your personal details. Refer to relevant resume examples for ideas and tips.
- Review and edit your resume. Include strong verbs and adjectives to add persuasion.
- Save and name your document: Resume – First name and Surname.
- Create a PDF resume version to send via email. PDFs help avoid formatting issues.
How To Write A Resume
A resume template is the best cure for the blank page syndrome. You’re halfway done — all that’s left is to fill in the blanks in the resume template and hit save.
Select The Right Resume Format
The 3 most popular resume formats are chronological, functional, and combination resumes.
- Chronological resume organizes the information like LinkedIn does – from the latest position to the first one, with education, interests, and additional info listed later. It’s the most popular resume format, preferred for recruiters. Go for it unless you’re entry-level or changing careers.
- Functional resume keeps the focus on your skills and experience, rather than employment history. It’s the go-to choice for candidates with employment gaps and those without much hands-on work experience.
- Combination resume takes the best of both worlds and allows you to spice up your “dry” employment history with some juicy details about your skill set and achievements. Startups and edgier companies may prefer this.
Create a Compelling Summary
A resume summary is a two-sentence statement highlighting your key qualifications, skills, and value proposition for the role. It sits in the header area, right after your name and contact details. Think of it as a teaser to a movie — you should put your most marketable skills upfront to immediately capture the hiring manager’s attention and get them interested in reading the full copy.
Add Work History
List your employers in reverse chronological order. Each entry should include the employment date, job title, company name, key responsibilities, and achievements listed in bullet format . Include 3 to 5 bullet points for each position. Don’t get long-winded — your resume must fit into one page.
Include Marketable Resume Skills
With skills-based hiring on the rise, you must demonstrate specific competencies rather than just tenure and educational credentials. Showcase your best hard and soft skills in a featured sidebar section, plus your resume summary and work experience entries.
Check the following posts for ideas:
- Business acumen skills for resume
- Critical thinking skills for a resume
- Conceptual skills for a resume
- Leadership skills for a resume
- Organizational skills for a resume
- Technical skills for a resume
- Childcare skills for resume
- Nursing skills for a resume
- Transferable skills for a resume
- Retail skills for a resume
List Education
Unless you are a recent graduate, don’t dwell on this section too much. Simply list all your degrees (highest to lowest), the name of your educational institution, and your graduation date. But if you’re still in college, you can also add your GPA , dean’s list , or research .
Learn more from our ultimate guide to writing, styling, and formatting a resume .
FAQs about Resume Templates
Your popular Qs about our free resume templates answered.
How can I format my resume for free?
Download a free pre-formatted resume template from Freesumes.com in your preferred format (Word or Google Docs). Open a copy in the word processing software and edit the blank sections with personal details. Click save, and you’ll have a professionally formatted resume in no time.
Is there a truly free resume builder?
Yes, Freesumes resume builder is 100% free to use. No account registration is required. Using our free generator, you can make a resume in PDF using one of the six free templates and contextual writing prompts created by expert writers.
What is the most popular resume template?
The most popular resume templates are chronological resume templates. You can find several dozen popular, professional resume templates on Freesumes in Word and Google Doc formats. Our templates have been downloaded over 4 million times!
How to get a free resume template?
Head to freesumes.com and check our collection of 180+ fabulously free resume templates in different styles and formats. Select a design you like and click the download button to get an instant free copy in .docx format without any account registration.
Do employers not like resume templates?
Employers don’t mind resume templates as long as they are professionally made and properly formatted. A sloppy or too vivid design, however, will make you look amateurish. Choose a simple, well-structured resume template in neutral colors, and you’ll always get a positive impression from a prospective employer.
Is it better to make your own resume or use a template?
This totally depends on you. If you have an eye for design and know information architecture best practices, you can make a stellar resume on your own. Otherwise, you can save heaps of time by using a premade professional resume template to avoid any mishaps with layout or font selection.
IMAGES
VIDEO