wordpad resume

Resume templates

Put your best qualities on display with professional, customizable resume and cv templates. no matter your line of work or length of professional history, you'll find resume and cv templates that'll help you get the gig..

Download free resume templates

Land your dream job with free, customizable resume templates. Showcase your potential to recruiters and stand out from other candidates with a professional template. Whether you're applying to corporate positions or creative roles, go with a sleek design or show your creativity with bold colors .

Resumes don't need to look boring—add flair to your professional experience with a creative resume template. There are plenty of resume designs to choose from, like simple resume templates and modern resume templates. Each resume template is fully customizable in Microsoft Word , so you can personalize each design element and add your own text. Using a template also makes it easier to customize your resume for each position you apply to.

Print out as many copies as you'd like or download the template for free to share digitally when applying online. These professional resume templates are perfect for any stage of life or career. Whether you're a high school student, actor, or seeking a career in nursing, you can find any format for any job type.

There are also a variety of free CV (Curriculum Vitae) templates to choose from. A CV is often longer than a resume and contains an in-depth look at your education and professional accomplishments. Like our resume templates, these CV templates are also customizable in Word.

Remember, your next job is only a template away! Once you've customized your resume, explore free cover letter templates to help you land the job.

40 Free Resume Templates for Microsoft Word (& How to Make Your Own)

Published: April 17, 2024

No matter what industry you work in (or your experience level in that industry), a plain, black-and-white resume written in Times New Roman font just doesn't quite cut it anymore.

But just because resumes have gotten more creative doesn't mean you need special design software to make your application stand out — some of the best Word resume templates allow you to develop your personal brand while also communicating your experience and career goals. 

Read on to find the perfect template for your next resume, then learn how to write and create your own resume in Microsoft Word.

Download 12 free, editable resume templates.

Free Resume Template Downloads for Word

1. monogram header resume template.

File Type: .docx

Download this template here .

We'll start with a simple one. This is a HubSpot exclusive resume template that is simple and clean with attractive monogrammed headers to call out each section of the resume. The rest of the design relies on a simple serif font for easy reading, which is a good thing considering that hiring managers only take 7.4 seconds to evaluate a resume. You want your experience section to be easily scannable.

Recommended For: Freelancers

This resume template is best for freelancers. The project section is great for showcasing the skills that would be most applicable for the industry the applicant wants to enter.

12 Free Customizable Resume Templates

Fill out this form to access your free professionally-designed templates, available on:

• Microsoft Word
• Google Docs
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Google Slides

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

2. Maroon Sidebar Resume Template

Pulling your more text-heavy information off to the side in an attractive color-blocked sidebar, this resume lets your experience stand for itself in white space at the top. It's also easily customizable with no difficult-to-manipulate tables or formatting. The sidebars are in movable text boxes that can even be removed if you wish.

Recommended For: College Graduates

This template is best for young professionals starting their careers. This adjustable resume template can give you full customization options for your first resume.

3. Centered Bar Resume Template

This resume takes on a different look than most resumes, centered around a single bar. This makes the resume more visually striking, which could draw attention as hiring managers are evaluating candidates. It also puts emphasis on the objective with your chronological experience supporting it underneath. All of this is in an attractive serif font that is elegant and classy.

This template is great for college graduates to show their most recent accomplishments. The "Objective" section will help you showcase where you are trying to go in your career.

4. Modern Initials Resume

Download this template here

The modern initial resume template organizes your experience, education, and skills in a simple, easy-to-digest layout. You can download it as a .docx file. 

Recommended For: Early-state professionals

I like this resume template for early-stage professionals (3-5 years of experience) because it lets you call attention to the key aspects of your experience and briefly summarize the skills that make you a qualified candidate. 

5. Bold Serif Resume Template

Speaking of serif fonts — this resume puts forward an element of grace and formality with its font choices. It's perfect for individuals who are looking for more organic colors than the ones more typically found in resumes, and the colors are also easily changed in Microsoft Word's theme settings. It also includes a skill-level bar, adding a nice visual touch to the template.

Recommended For: College Students

This template is great for college students to demonstrate their internship experience. The volunteering section gives a rounded viewpoint of your accomplishments if you are just leaving college.

6. Strategist Resume Template

High-level strategy demands a range of skill sets — project management, media, planning, and more. So, strategist resumes need space to hold a lot of information without overwhelming the reader.

This design is clean and pleasing to the eye. It's easy to scan and customize based on your specific experience.

Recommended For: Project Managers

The "Areas of Expertise" section stands out on this template. This gives you a chance to draw a clear connection between your professional experience and what you're capable of.

7. Modern Chronological Resume Template

This resume template is available from Microsoft itself, and it's one of many free templates the company has prepared for those who depend on Microsoft Office tools to create content. Yes, it’s written in Times New Roman — don't freak out.

Designs like this can borrow an old-school typeface and still impress recruiters with a clean layout and subtle use of color. You can also change the font if you wish (and the same goes for every template in our list).

Recommended For: Developers

The "Skills" section is perfect for candidates in the tech industry. A candidate can showcase the languages they are fluent in and show a variety of accomplishments, successfully demonstrating their capabilities as they move into a new industry.

8. Digital Marketing Resume Template

The digital marketing resume below comes from our own collection of resume templates, all of which open directly in MS Word.

Coming with two pages total, this sheet holds a wealth of information and offers the perfect amount of style while maintaining professionalism. Mid-level marketers all the way up to CMOs can find this template valuable.

Recommended For: Mid-Level Marketers

In this resume template, mid-level marketers can effectively showcase a variety of their skills, as well as their portfolio and other media pieces.

9. Black and White Resume Template

The Black and White resume template below suits professionals who prefer using color and shading to add structure to their resume.

The black banner at the top contrasts the applicant's name nicely to help make him/her more memorable to recruiters. The gray banner just below the header is perfect for a summary or career objective — it makes one's goals known but doesn't overpower the experience listed below it.

Recommended For: Graphic Designers

If you're a graphic designer, this is the resume to showcase your art. This template has a monochromatic color scheme, but if you are a designer, you can easily take it to the next level.

10. Modern Design Resume Template

This simple but effective resume template covers everything you want to share in your applications. The basic color choice also helps you stand out. 

Recommended for: College students or interns 

This template lets you outline your objective, skills, and abilities, making it an excellent option for interns and college students who might still need to gain significant working experience but have a skillset they want to call attention to. 

11. Simple Chronological Resume

This no-frills, chronological resume template places section headers on one side and relevant information on the other, giving you ample space to highlight your experience and expertise. 

Recommended for: Working professionals

If references are relevant to the job you’re applying for, you can keep the section in. Otherwise, you can remove it and use the extra space to add more information about your experience. 

12. Urban Development Resume Template

The illustration on the top-left of this template shows who the designers at Hloom had in mind for this resume: civil engineers. But because it's a Word document, that graphic is easy to edit and replace with an image that represents your line of work. Are you an analytics buff? Design a clever bar or line graph icon and place it next to your name in blue (or whatever color you'd like!).

Recommended for: Civil Engineers

If you're a civil engineer who wants to display your accomplishments, this is the template to use. There's a section that lets you list all of your achievements and notable opportunities that made you grow as a civil engineer.

13. Mandy Resume Template

Download this template here . 

This resume template stands out because of its simplicity. Sections are clearly laid out and scannable, and the subtle color choice adds a unique flair. 

Recommended for: Industry professionals

I like this resume template for anyone in a unique industry because you’ll be able to summarize your experience right off the bat, making it easy to display your qualifications.

14. Email Marketing Resume Template

Red color never fails to stick out on a sheet of paper, especially if it's included in small amounts. This resume template for email marketers captures that balance.

In addition to the professional title in the top right-hand corner, this template also stands out with a thin sans-serif font, helping make a lot of text easier for a recruiter to digest and read through.

Recommended for: Email Marketers

If you are an email marketer who wants to highlight successes in your previous campaigns without boring the viewer with the details, this resume template is perfect for displaying bite-sized information.

15. Teaching Resume Template

File type: .docx

This simple resume template lets educators outline their goals as instructors, key teaching skills, and highlight the important experience that makes you the best fit for the role. 

Recommended For: Teachers or educators

I like this template for teachers or educators because the additional sections for communication and leadership summaries let you expand on how you demonstrate the key expected qualities of any effective instructor.

16. Info Pop Resume Template

This one, also from Hloom, gives you exactly what the name suggests: ample space for the info you need, with headers that pop just enough to get your employer's attention.

Although the template fits a ton of text, its soft color palate prevents the document from seeming overwhelming.

Recommended For: Experienced Professionals

This resume gives a lot of information all at once, which is perfect for professionals with more than eight years of experience. The layout makes it easily scannable and easy for a recruiter to read.

17. Strong Resume Template

This resume template features bold sections of color that fill the page. This format is perfect for interns who don't have a lot of professional experience yet. It's also useful for roles where a portfolio or other resource is a priority for hiring managers.

Recommended For: Interns

Make the depth of your interest, knowledge, and creativity more important than how long you've been working with this template. Sections for education, learning more, and describing yourself and your brand make it easy to share what you're about.

18. Dark Resume Template

Ironically, a dark background could be just the thing to ensure your resume doesn't fall into the black hole of resumes piled on the hiring manager's desk.

Using soft, yellow font, the resume template below inverts the usual color scheme of a resume without trying too hard to be creative.

Recommended For: C-Suite Executives

If you have years of experience in an executive position, this design has a bold and unique design that will separate you from the pack. What's more, it has an area where you can list your achievements, relevant skills, and notable opportunities, allowing you to showcase your effectiveness as a leader.

19. Skilled Resume Template

This resume design by Hloom communicates a truly professional tone. The template's muted colors work well with its clean layout.

Recommended For: Professionals in All Industries

Whether you're just starting out in any industry or looking to change careers, this template is suitable to highlight your skills and qualifications to propel you to the next level.

20. Inbound Marketing Resume Template

Here's another resume template dedicated to the digital marketer. This sheet offers all the inbound marketing language you need to express your values as a passionate, brand-loyal professional.

Like a few other templates on this list, it also uses just a dash of vibrant color in the applicant's name at the top (where it matters most).

Recommended For: Communications and Marketing Candidates

This template is great for candidates moving into a communications or marketing role. Aside from its amazing visual appeal, this template creates a sense of connection with the reviewer by adding a personal touch.

21. Smart and Professional Resume Template

This is another sharp template that offers a basic but confident design for any professional. The warm-colored panel on the right-hand side is pre-formatted for a written profile, where you can write a summary of your background or a form letter to each employer.

Just be sure to personalize this messaging to each new recipient so it works for the job you're applying to. This template is available on Freesumes, and is free to users once they share the page to Facebook or Twitter.

Recommended For: Young Professionals

This resume is great for someone starting their career who needs a little guidance on how to best display notable experiences related to the job posting. Also, it's an editable template that can easily be personalized to appeal to the HR rep reading the resume.

22. Face Forward Resume Template

It's not typical to add a picture to your resume. In fact, it's actively discouraged in some industries. But for roles where your image is a selling point, this is a great choice. The photo at the top is small and subtle, but it also makes the simple design stand out.

Recommended For: Models, Actors, and Real Estate Agents

This resume template is especially useful for working professionals with a lot of experience or a range of non-traditional experiences. There's also room to highlight unique skills and qualifications.

23. Spick and Span Resume Template

There isn't a better name for the template below. The Spick and Span resume might be the cleanest-looking sheet on this list.

It uses boldface, all-caps, and gray typeface to structure various headers of the document differently and maximize the hiring manager's reading experience. And all that minimalism makes the professional headshot at the top pop off the page.

Recommended For: Creatives, Designers, and Developers

Resumes that look like this can be the work sample. If you have a background in illustration or design, making your resume stand out will be a great nod to your future employer. Get creative with your resume's design if you want to work in an illustrative industry.

24. Timeline-Style Resume Template

Similar to the Centered Bar resume earlier in the post, Hloom's Timeline template is a super simple but creative way to tell your story.

You can convey your progression through various jobs you've held on one side of the vertical line, and more static elements of your background — such as skills and education — on the other.

Recommended For: Editors and Copywriters

This template has a sleek and clean look that places the focus on the highlights of your experience rather than on the minor details. If you have a background in editing or copywriting, this resume is the perfect way to showcase your skills in a concise and effective narrative — without the fluff.

25. Florist Resume Template

Despite being labeled as a Florist resume, this basic template is easily customizable and suitable for anyone entering the job market. 

Recommended For: New graduates or early-stage professionals 

Even If you have little experience, this resume lets you showcase the unique skills and abilities that set you apart.

26. Content Production Resume Template

This basic resume template is suited for content producers at all career stages. By spreading out the header and "Skills" text horizontally, the resume below fits a lot of crucial information comfortably on one page (of course, it also comes with a second page if you need it).

Recommended For: Content Creators and Videographers

This resume will help content creators showcase their biggest projects and most notable accomplishments. It's great for showing how your scope of work has increased over the years, solidifying your expertise in that field.

27. Fresh Resume Template

This is perhaps the most imaginative of all the Word-based resume templates on this list — with both a skills meter and a comic headshot.

The template was designed by Venkata Naresh and comes with 12 different versions of this design. Have you created a Bitmoji of yourself? Do you think your employer would find it creative? Match the template and add it as your photo.

Recommended For: Creative Artists or Digital Marketers

If you need a resume template that will showcase your artistic skills without being too casual or informal, this is perfect for you. You can also add in notes of your accomplishments, relevant skills, and qualifications for the job.

28. CV Resume Template

The curriculum vitae-style resume below flips the typical two-column resume so the basic applicant information is listed across the right side, rather than the left.

Feel free to change the color of this sidebar in Microsoft Word if dark red isn't your thing — the template can pull off any color you wish.

Recommended For: Graduate Candidates

If you are a graduate student entering the workforce, having a CV-style resume will demonstrate the depth of your knowledge first and showcase how your continued education will contribute to your future work environment.

29. Management Resume Template

File type : .docx

Recommended For: Managers or leaders 

I like this resume template for managers or leaders because the unique format lets you call attention to your key career goals and give a timeline of the experience leading to you being a well-qualified leader.

30. Entry-Level Resume Template

When you're early in your career, a customized resume is key. This template is simple, with a clear structure and spaces to highlight important skills, education, and experience.

The design uses accessible fonts to create a clean and professional look that you can personalize for your brand.

Recommended For: Young Professionals and Career Changes

At this stage in your career, it's essential to add useful data and examples to your resume to show hiring managers what you can bring. The easy-to-read fonts and headers in this template will help you highlight relevant details in your resume.

31. Goldenrod Resume Template

This template, also offered on Freesumes, dares to use yellow as the dominant color — but doesn't sacrifice professionalism in the process.

The document anchors the education section to a thick, bright banner across the bottom, but you can likely change this to a skills section with some simple editing in Microsoft Word.

Recommended For: Architects

This clean-cut design represents a candidate who is all about precision. This template would serve candidates who have experience in architecture or construction.

32. Resume Template With Personal Endorsements

What makes this resume unique is the space for references on the lower left-hand side. Does your field need others to vouch for your experience? This resume gives you room for three solid recommendations.

Recommended For: Brand Marketers or Personal Influencers

If you work in branding or have a large social media following, you can show your ability to create a cohesive message with this resume template. Feel free to change the color scheme to suit your brand.

33. Creative Resume Template

This one was designed by the stationery experts at MOO and is offered for download by Microsoft. Simple but vibrant, this template hugs the text with an artistic header and footer — great for recent graduates who need to fill empty space on the page.

Recommended For: Photographers and Other Creatives

If you are a photographer who does freelance work, this is a great template to showcase your experience. This will give your hiring manager or client an excellent first impression because it showcases your creative ability without sacrificing the important elements — your accomplishments.

34. Modern Resume Template

This resume embraces simplicity with a slight touch of color to make things a bit more interesting. It also nicely sections off Skills and Education notes from the Work History list.

With LiveCareer.com, you can generate a template with your basic information and then download it to add small details.

This resume gives a modern twist on the resume. It's perfect for those looking for a fresher look than the traditional resume.

35. Functional Resume Template

This NovoResume.com template is colorful and includes a place for your headshot which could make you look both interesting and confident to an employer.

Recommended For: Media Professionals

A colorful format like this one might be great for a media or advertising professional who wants to keep their job application visually memorable to prospective employers.

36. Elegant Resume Template

If you're looking for simplicity and efficiency rather than something colorful, consider this Elegant Resume Template from Jofibo.

With Jofibo, you can select this or other similar templates on the website, enter your information, and then download it quickly and easily.

Recommended For: Marketing Candidates

If you are a mid-level marketing candidate, use this fun template to showcase all of your expertise and accomplishments. It's an eye-catching template that displays your creativity and ability to engage.

37. Blue Corporate Resume Template

Because of the color and image, it's pretty memorable. But, for those who prefer a more conservative resume look, this template is fairly simple.

Recommended For: Corporate Candidates

This template is great for accomplished candidates moving into a high-rank position. This layout allows you to fit plenty of accomplishments, and the conservative look organizes the fullness of your career neatly.

38. Concept Resume

This resume is perfect for displaying a clear timeline of your career history. It's ideal for a seasoned professional who may have a lot of experience and wants to display it on one to two pages.

The template also allows you to highlight your competency level in various areas, giving the recruiter an easy way to spot your expertise.

Recommended For: Candidates in the Tech Industry

This resume is great for people in the technical space because it adds a touch of color and feels more compact, which will allow you to get right to the point about your key skills, certifications, and work experiences.

How to Make a Resume in Word

• Open Microsoft Word on your computer.
• Select either Basic Resume or Bold Resume from the template menu.
• Fill in your name and contact information at the top.
• Draft a brief summary of your experience and goals.
• Enter your school and latest education.
• Describe each job you've held using the lines prompted on the template.
• List all relevant skills.
• Describe any relevant accolades and accomplishments.

1. Open Microsoft Word on your computer.

If you have Microsoft Word installed on your computer, open the program and let it load for a moment. There will be a couple of helpful options waiting for you on the first screen, specifically for resume creation.

2. Select either "Basic Resume" or "Bold Resume" from the template menu.

Once you've launched MS Word, a window of templates will appear. Scroll down until you see the template options designed for resumes — there will be at least two of them. Double-click the one that suits your style and personal brand, but don't be too particular about design just yet — you can customize these templates quite a bit.

3. Fill in your name and contact information at the top.

When your resume template opens, you'll see placeholder text for each line of your resume, starting with your first and last name at the top. Delete this header text and enter your name, as well as any contact information by which you want the recruiter to contact you.

4. Draft a brief summary of your experience and goals.

Use the first line below your name and contact info to describe who you are, what you do, and what you're looking for in your career.

My Recommended Reading:

• How to Write About Your Professional Background

27 of the Best Professional Bio Examples I've Ever Seen [+ Templates]

5. enter your school and latest education..

List any relevant degrees or certificates you received through schooling. You can safely exclude secondary education if you've graduated from an accredited college.

6. Describe each job you've held using the lines prompted on the template.

Your professional experience is frequently the most important section of your resume, so feel free to rank this section above your skills and education, depending on how many jobs you previously held.

• Resume Tips to Get You The Job You Want, Straight from Recruiters

How to Write a Simple, Effective Resume (+20 Examples)

7. list all relevant skills..

If you have experience in certain software, exercises, problem-solving, or management techniques, use them to populate your skills. Your resume's "Skills" section helps reveal what all of your previous jobs or related experiences have in common, based on what they taught you and what you provided them.

My Recommended Reading: 

• 17 Recruiter-Approved Skills for Your Resume That'll Help You Get the Job

8. Describe any relevant accolades and accomplishments.

Finish out your resume with any personal accomplishments or accolades you think a hiring manager in your industry would appreciate. Although this section shouldn't include a Most Improved recognition from little league, for example, it should definitely include your Marketer of the Month award from your last position.

Next, let’s talk about another easy way to create a resume in Word — templates.

Free Resumes Templates

Fill out the form to get your resume templates., how to upload external templates into word, 1. download your template., 2. double-click on your chosen template..

Your new template will open in Microsoft Word and is ready for editing.

You can also try the following series of steps if the instructions above aren't working.

• Download your template.
• Open Microsoft Word.
• Click File and scroll to Open .
• Click on the folder where you downloaded your templates.
• Open your chosen resume template and begin editing.

How to Find Resume Templates in Word

1. open microsoft word., 2. click new on the left sidebar., 3. choose one of the resume template options in word..

These templates are visually appealing and are ready-made to send with your job application.

If you already have Microsoft Word open on your computer, follow the directions below:

• Click File in the top left corner.
• Scroll to New from Template.
• Choose one of Word's resume templates.

Next, let's cover how to format your brand-new resume in Word.

How To Format a Resume in Word

Even the brightest, most beautiful resume template will need some editing to fit your goals and information. We'll go over it piece by piece.

1. Add your resume text.

Sometimes adding resume text to a template is as simple as copy and paste. Other times, this task can be an exercise in frustration.

To make sure this process goes smoothly, remove any text formatting before you paste your resume text. If you're working on a Mac, you can clear formatting with a tool like Text Editor.

2. Set the right margins and font size.

Most resumes have one-inch margins on all sides for easy printing. Most Word documents will automatically have one-inch margins, but it's best to double-check or create them yourself. Here's how to create one-inch margins for your resume:

• Click Layout in the top navigation of your Word document.
• Click Margins .
• Choose the Normal setting, where it states 1" on the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the document.

Lastly, choose an easy-to-read font size. 12 pt. fonts are standard for most resumes. But if you have a particularly long CV, you may want to choose a smaller font size to make your resume easier to scan.

3. Create headers.

You should separate each section (such as education or work experience) with a header.

If you're formatting a basic resume, you can create a header in Word by selecting Styles from the formatting options at the top of your document workspace. If you can’t see this workspace, try clicking Home at the top left.

• Try Header 1 for your first and last name at the top of the page.
• Header 2 is great for the "Education," "Work Experience," and "Skills" sections.
• Use Header 3 for employer names and job titles.
• Then, use normal text to fill in the details of your accomplishments, skills, and educational background.

You can also use this feature to adjust the headers in your template.

4. Create dividers.

If you want to visually divide your resume into different parts, you can create dividers to split up the information and make your resume more scannable.

Here's how to add dividers:

• Go to Insert .
• Click Shapes .
• Select the line icon to draw a line in your Word resume.
• Use the Format Shape menu on the right to adjust the style of your line.

Another shortcut to create dividers is pressing "=", "_", or "*" three times and hitting enter. These shortcuts will create a variety of dividers that can add dimension to your resume.

5. Add bullet points.

The truth is, no hiring manager will read a paragraph of information. So, we recommend using bullet points to list your accomplishments and responsibilities.

You can add bullets using the icons in the formatting window at the top of your document workspace. Check out bullet point styles by clicking the arrow to the right of the bullet points icon. Then, choose the style you like best.

6. Adjust spacing and indentation.

White space on a resume gives your reader visual breathing room. This helps them understand which parts of your resume are most important. To create that white space, use the spacing and indentation tools in Word.

Line spacing options will increase the space between lines in your document. This creates more white space between lines of text.

Use the formatting buttons at the top of your document workspace to add or remove indentation. Keep in mind that you may change more than one section of text if you make indentation changes.

7. Review for formatting consistency.

When you're formatting a resume, it's easy to get so involved in what the text says that you may forget how it looks. Another common pitfall is focusing your energy on how to make everything you want to say fit on a single page.

But you need consistent formatting to create a professional first impression for your resume.

Once you've finished formatting, do a quick scan of your new resume.

• First, check that all your headers, sub-headers, and text sections are the same font and the same size.
• Next, take a look at your bullet point, dash, and other styles. Make sure that sizes and styles are consistent throughout your resume.
• Finally, scan your resume to make sure that the spacing is consistent. Try squinting at your document to see if some sections have more white space or indentation than others.

These kinds of issues are often easier to notice on a physical resume, so scan a printed copy if you can.

How to Save Your Resume

Remember, once you've finished personalizing your resume, you're not ready to submit an application yet.

Let's go through the instructions you'll follow if you're saving a resume you created from a template for the first time:

1. Click File

2. scroll to save as, 3. name and save your new resume..

If you click Save instead of Save As , you'll save your new resume over the template. So, it's a good idea to use Save As if you think you may need to start over with the template. If you don't, you might end up wasting the time it takes to find and download your resume template again.

Once you're done editing your resume in Word, you may also want to save it in PDF format. This helps you make sure that your resume's format will stay the same for everyone who receives it.

Tips for Using Word Resume Templates

1. choose the right template for your industry..

Whether you're in marketing, sales, engineering, or another field, resume expectations will vary. Check out online resumes from other professionals in your field. Then, choose a template that aligns with those examples to find the right format to showcase your skills and experience.

2. Keep your formatting consistent.

Consistency is key when it comes to formatting your resume. Font styles, sizes, bullet points, and colors should be the same throughout the document. Consistent formatting gives your resume a polished and professional look.

• Exploring the Best Resume Formats — The Complete Guide

3. Try advanced formatting features.

Experiment with styles and sections to create a unique resume that stands out. These features offer you more control and consistency as you format your resume.

4. Use headings to organize your resume.

Headings make it easy for employers to scan your resume and find the information they're looking for. Make headers stand out with a distinct font or style.

5. Experiment with advanced layouts and tables.

Try adding columns or text boxes for visually appealing sections or to highlight key details. Test out different layouts to see what gets the best results.

6. Add a visual timeline.

The hiring manager for your dream role may be more interested in your progression than your job titles. Try crafting a visual timeline using SmartArt or shapes to show your career progression. This can also be an interesting way to show your work history or educational background.

7. Personalize the template to reflect your personal brand.

Templates are an amazing starting point, but don't forget to personalize your resume to reflect your personal brand.

Add a distinct color scheme, fonts, or a personal logo to leave a lasting impression on potential employers.

Make the Most of Resume Templates in Word

Resume templates can help you unlock the power of pre-designed layouts to create a gorgeous and professional resume. This makes it easy for you to focus on compelling content for a powerful resume. With one simple download, it's easy to show employers what you're capable of and stand out with every job application.

Editor's Note: This post was originally published in 2018 but was updated in May 2020 for comprehensiveness. This article was written by a human, but our team uses AI in our editorial process. Check out our full disclosure to learn more about how we use AI.

Don't forget to share this post!

Related articles.

The 17 Best Free Resume Builders We've Ever Discovered

Portfolios vs. Resumes — The Complete Guide

40 Interests That Deserve a Place on Your Resume

Making the Most of Electronic Resumes (Pro Tips and Tricks)

How to Write the Perfect Project Manager Resume

How to Write the Perfect Resume for Internships

Maximize Your Impact: 205 Action Verbs to Use on Your Resume

How Far Back Should a Resume Go? Everything You Need to Know

Resume templates to create a killer resume for your job application.

Marketing software that helps you drive revenue, save time and resources, and measure and optimize your investments — all on one easy-to-use platform

20+ Free Word Resume Templates for 2024 [Download Now]

Are you looking to create a new resume but don’t want to go through the painstaking process of creating one from scratch, section by section?

To save a lot of time, you can use a Microsoft Word resume template instead.

Why would you want to do that?

For one, MS-Word comes with a lot of pre-built resume templates that can have you up and running with a fully customized resume in a matter of minutes.

There’s quite a lot of variety as well. So, you can really pick a resume template that both you and the HR manager will love.

Are you a marketer or a designer? Pick a creative resume and show off your imagination!

Applying for a finance position in a bank ? One of the conservative, black & white word resume templates will work for you.

Word comes with a number of free templates, and there are other hand-crafted premium options available online.

Do you want a winning Word template that’ll have the HR manager glued to your beautiful resume?

Here’s what you need to know:

How to Use Word Resume Templates

10+ free word resume templates, 10+ premium word resume templates, how to make a resume the easy way.

There are two ways you can get your hands on a Word resume template.

You can either go with a pre-customized Word template that comes with the software, or you can use an external template made by designers and career experts for Word specifically.

Let’s start with the resume templates that come with the software.

In-Build Microsoft Word Resume Templates

To access these templates, here’s what you do:

• Open MS word
• Click file from the menu bar on top of the screen
• From there, you can select a number of different formats ( resumes, flyers, cards, cover letters , and more)

In this case, we’re focusing on resume templates , so you can type that in the search bar to see the different kinds of templates available.

As you can see, there’s plenty of choice here and a lot of different design options.

From there on, you find the one you like, and just fill it in to your liking!

Each of the templates come with a brief description as well, based on the theme and what kind of impression you want to leave with that specific template.

Here’s what you’d be getting with the free Pink floral resume :

Present your resume with this easily customizable template. Edit your experience and information with this and know that you’ll be making a statement with the design choice. This template also includes information on how to build an effective resume:

Not sure what to put on your resume? We feel you! Picking the right template is only the first step. Check out our complete guide on how to make a resume and you’ll be an expert in no time!. 

The best things in life are free, right?

Let’s see if the best free Word resume templates also stack up.

Functional Resume (Simple Design)

Who's it for: Any entry-level position

Creator: Microsoft

Where to find it: Microsoft Templates

Want something super simple for free?

Microsoft Word comes with a number of ready-to-go resume templates that are one click away. 

All you have to do is go to Microsoft Templates , where you’ll find a number of different templates for resumes, cover letter, newsletters, and more. 

There, you’ll find a number of good starting resume templates, like this functional resume by Microsoft.

When to Use This Template

Depending on your achievements and background, you’ll want to list your qualifications in a specific order. With this functional resume, you can list your objective, professional achievements , skills, and work history - in that specific order.

You can use this resume if you’re switching jobs to a different career , or as your no experience resume .

With just a bit of color to stand out and clear sections within the layout, you can’t go wrong with this template.

It’s a simple, and effective starting point for most job-seekers .

Though, the design might be all too common and easy to blend in with other candidates applying for the same job.

Modern Chronological Resume

Who's it for: Mid-level job-seekers

Most resume formats you find are going to be in chronological order. 

That is, starting from your most recent job experience, going down to your previous jobs.

You can’t go wrong with this format, and if you want something that’s professional, but also has a bit of flair to it, check out the Modern chronological resume by Microsoft:

The standard way to list your work experience is in chronological order. With this modern resume, you can start with your latest job experience to help the HR manager easily find what they’re looking for.  

This is a very straightforward approach, and it also has a color scheme and a design that can help you stand out from other candidates.

Just because it’s professional, doesn’t mean it has to be boring.

Though, if you want to take a more creative approach with your resume, you could use the...

Infographic Word Resume

Who's it for: Marketers and social media experts

Are you applying for a marketing or a design job where you’ll be creating a lot of web content?

Then you can make your resume a part of your portfolio with the infographic resume.

Use this infographic resume to list your qualifications in a way that’s easy to follow. The icons highlight your skills and the sections follow a clear direction.

This is a good example of custom tailoring your resume to the job.

It goes without saying that the content inside the resume has to be up to par as well. 

But as far as standing out goes, this infographic resume is guaranteed to attract eyes from a stack of resumes.

FREE Resume Template by Fernando Báez

Who's it for: Graphic and web designers

Creator: Fernando Báez

Where to find it: Behance

What could be better than a free resume template that has already been tried and tested?

After using and getting a few jobs with the very same template as a freelance UI/UX designer, Fernando is now giving away his secrets in the form of a free template.

In the resume pack, you’ll find your resume template in .ai format (Adobe Illustrator), all resume fonts used in the design, and a free icon set by Brankic. In it, you can customize the infographics to help represent your specialties , knowledge , language skills , or hobbies .

(Need help with any of those sections? Read our guide on what to put on a resume .)

Whether or not you’re a designer, you can customize the above template to truly represent you and make it uniquely yours.

There’s nothing wrong with using a template - it’s not plagiarism .

It’s inside the resume what matters, which is going to be unique each time ( at least it should be ).

Bold Monogram Resume

Who's it for: Any general-level position

A resume objective is a short 1-2 sentence elevator pitch that provides an overview of your experience , skills , and motivations . 

In it, you explain why you’re the right person for the job.

With this Bold monogram resume, your resume objective is guaranteed to stand out and be one of the first things the HR manager will notice. 

Present your qualifications in a stylish way that’s also professional and guaranteed to stand out. This template includes an editable color scheme, and instructions on how to build an effective resume.

While the focus is definitely on the resume objective , the rest of the resume follows a smooth flow in an order that makes sense.

Need some inspiration on your resume objective? Check out our real-life resume objective examples guide.

Simple and Clean Resume Template 

Who's it for: Creative directors

Creator: ZokiDesign

Where to find it: ZokiDesign

This simple and minimalistic resume template has a clean aesthetic, is easy to format and covers a lot of sections. 

You can show off your work experience as well as your background (resume summary or objective), education , skills , and even your hobbies .

Though you can change the color scheme, the format and the layout makes this resume ideal for creative roles. 

With a clean and modern aesthetic, this resume is a great way to quickly sum up your qualifications and also stand out from other resumes with its design. It has a minimal look to it, and still contain a lot of information while staying under 1 page. If needed, it can also be converted into a cover letter.

In short, the above resume covers just about everything you’ll need in a template and more.

The best part about it, like with most Word templates, is its customizability.

So, if you’re applying to a more conservative job, you can change the colors into a calmer tone - like black and white .

Creative Resume, Designed by MOO

Who's it for: Anyone in a creative role

Created with a neutral color scheme, this creative resume template by MOO was made to show off your creativity.

Yet, it won’t distract the viewers from the actual content within it.

So, depending on the company you’re applying to and your experience, you can draw eyes with this template.

This accessible resume template is for job seekers who want to show off their creative side and stand out from other candidates. It has all the important sections you’ll need and an editable color scheme. 

If you don’t necessarily have a lot of work experience, you can go with a creative template approach to stand out from other candidates and stay memorable.

In that case, you have to make sure your resume objective , skills , and other sections clearly display your motivation for the role.

Fully Editable Creative Resume Template by Omer Korkmaz

Who's it for: Senior graphic, UI/UX Designers

Creator: Omer Korkmaz

If you’re a graphic designer and know you’re way around AI, this fully editable creative resume template by Omer Korkmaz might be for you.

This template has everything you’d need applying for a graphic design role:

• A place for your contact information
• Work experience (with plenty of space)
• Certifications  
• And some extra space for other optional sections

This resume template is fully editable, and ideal for graphic designers . The free download includes a PowerPoint and Adobe Illustrator format, and the Open Sans font - everything you’ll ever need .

Because of the format versions that come with the template, you can really fine-tune the resume to perfection. You can change the design, the color schemes, and any other detail within Adobe Illustrator.

So, if you’re applying for a senior UX/UI designer role, you can really make sure that your resume reflects your qualifications with this creative template.

Minimal Resume - Free by Sovon Halder

Who's it for: Web developers and designers

Creator: Sovon Halder

This minimal resume template has an interesting color scheme and a font system to it that can make you stand out easily.

It stays just under one page, with all the necessary sections intact.

The resume also comes with Adobe Photoshop , Illustrator and PDF formats .

So, formatting shouldn’t be a problem as you can just edit it and quickly send it to an employer .

Minimal design, A4 Size, print ready, and editable. The template focuses primarily on your work experience, and your soft and hard skills. And you can always edit it based on your qualifications. Once you’re done editing, the resume is already print ready, so, all you have to do is customize the resume based on the job you’re applying to.

Despite its minimalistic approach, there’s a lot going on in the resume and you can easily summarize yourself in one page.

There’s plenty of white space as well.

So, in short, it’s easy on the eyes and the readability within the layout is on point as well. Now, what matters is what actually goes within it.

Resume for Recent College Graduate

Who's it for: Recent college graduates

Finally, we’ve covered just about every type of resume scenarios, except this one.

This Word template for recent college graduates prioritizes your objective , education , skills , and ends with experience (which you can include if you have any).

The design and the layout is fairly simple, and most of the resume is already filled in with examples. All you have to do is modify it based on your background - 

This resume was made with college graduates in mind. If you don’t have a lot of work experience, you can use this template to prioritize other sections (e.g. your education, skills, abilities, experience).

It’s simple and straightforward. 

And sometimes, that’s what it takes to get your foot in the door when you’re a recent college grad with not a lot of experience.

Still confused on how to structure your resume when you don’t have a lot of experience?

See our full guide for student and graduate resumes for a detailed guide on what you can include.

Now, the other side of the coin is actually paying for your resume template.

You might be thinking - the reason I’m looking for a job in the first place is to make money, why would I pay for a resume template?

A couple of reasons.

First , most premium resume templates only go up to around $15-20 at most.

And if you do find one that too perfect to pass up on - $15 is a relatively small price to pay for investing in your future.

You can then customize and re-edit your template for any future jobs, too.

After all, if it worked once, it’s probably going to work again, right?

Another advantage premium resume templates offer is that they also tend to come with extra features and/or files within.

Let’s take a look at what that might look like:

Clean Resume Template by HalfCircle

Who’s it for: Graphic and web designers

Creator: HalfCircle

Where to find it: CreativeMarket

This clean resume template by HalfCircle comes with a DOCX MS Word file and an Adobe Photoshop File for easy customization.

It also includes three different color schemes , a cover letter , all the fonts used, and it’s also ready-to-print.

The resume includes a clean layout with an easy-to-read font choice. The colors, along with the rest of the resume, are customizable and you can edit everything in even more detail with the Photoshop PSD file. The cover letter section, meanwhile, includes plenty of space for your text and has a contact information section as well.

The best thing about this template is how clearly the sections are separated.

Nothing in it feels too close to each other and it’s just as easy for the HR manager to find or jump to any specific section they’re looking for.

There’s not much else to say about this resume other than that it’s very straightforward and simple - living up to its name clean resume template name.

Professional Resume / CV Template by Classic Design

Who’s it for: Web and graphic designers

Creator: Classic Design

Looking for something more professional?

The professional resume template by Classic Design might be what you’re looking for.

The colors aren’t as vibrant here but the colors and the typography suggest that it’s more for a senior job role in a more traditional working environment.

This professional resume template has a more faded gray color scheme to it, and a font style that’s easy to follow. The template comes with Word, Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator formats, and a cover letter - all of which are easy to customize.

Though the default resume text is suited for a design role, you can easily to your career field and it won’t be out of place due to its design.

The template has all the sections you’d ever need, for both a creative and a more traditional job, and the HR manager will have an easy time following it top to bottom.

Professional Resume Template

Who’s it for: Marketers and bloggers

Creator: Mukhlasur Rahman

Price: $8.47

Want your resume to be personally tailored to your personality and job role?

This professional resume template by Mukhlasur Rahman might be for you then.

The Word template follows a consistent color scheme and layout that’s been specifically designed for designers and bloggers .

This professional and creative resume template has been tailor made for designers and online bloggers. It includes a contact section, social media , education, skills, profile, work experience, and awards. The template also comes with a separate cover letter, a reference page , and a free icon set.

If you’re going to be working closely with social media and other relevant online channels, you might want to include a whole section for it on your resume.

In it, you can include the following sections, depending on how relevant they are to you:

• Personal site or blog
• Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram

If the job requires you to be a social media expert, this might also be the perfect place to mention how you managed to grow your social media channel 0 to 10K.

Resume Template & Cover Letter by Opu;ent Studio

Who’s it for: Any senior role

Creator: Opu;’ent

If you’re applying for a more senior role this Word resume template & cover letter by Opu;ent Studio might be more up your alley.

The template is easy to edit in Adobe InDesign and Microsoft Word, and covers the following sections:

• Biography (though you can edit this for resume summary or objective)
• Work experience
• Technical Skills
• Contact information
• Cover letter

With a clean and unique look to the resume, this template is more suited for professionals and senior-level positions. There is a lot of space for work experience, and you can just as easily transform the biography section into a resume summary.

And if you think the template looks short, don’t worry. Everything you can’t mention in it goes in the cover letter .

Look at the cover letter as a one-page document that briefly summarizes your background.

A good cover letter is a supplement to your resume and can get the HR manager to call you back.

Wondering if you should also include your picture on the resume like in the above template? That may depend on your location.

Check out our guide to see if you should include a picture on your resume or CV .

Clean Resume/CV + Cover letter by Tamzid Hasan

Who’s it for: Web, IT developer

Creator: Tamzid Hasan

If you are indeed looking for a more professional resume, this clean resume/ CV combo by Tamzid Hasan might work great.

Clean one page resume that also comes with a cover letter and a reference template. It follows a professional black and white color scheme and a layout that focuses on work experience. Main features include:

• A4 & US Letter size
• Clean & professional design
• Microsoft Word (Docx) files
• CV/Resume + Cover Letter + References
• 1 & 2 page version
• Paragraph style

Of course, ideally, your resume should fit within one page . But if you have 5+ years of experience, you can break that rule and go with the two page version the template comes with.

If you are indeed going to go over the one page rule, since you’ll have more space in your overall resume, you can also include:

• Hard skills
• Soft skills
• Certifications

One page is ideal, but depending on the job role and your experience, you can also include some extra sections to back up your background.

Modern Resume Template for Microsoft Word by ResumeCoverPro

Who's it for: Any professional and creative role

Creator: ResumeCoverPro

Where to find it: Etsy

Looking for something that’s modern and professional?

Check out the professional resume package by ResumeCoverPro which includes - resume and cover letter templates , an icon pack , free fonts , effective customer support and more.

This template focuses on the main categories: education, profile, skills, work experience, and awards. You can edit each section to customize it but for the most part, it follows a very straightforward layout and color scheme. All you have to do is edit in the blanks and send it in.

This template wasn’t designed with any one specific job role in mind, so, it’s a great general-purpose approach with its design and layout.

As long as you have Word (or Google Docs), you can customize it to make it truly yours.

And if for some reason you need further help, the template comes with additional instructions and even customer support.

Optimized 1-page Edition Resume by TheResumeCoach

Who's it for: PR, Marketers

Creator: TheResumeCoach

This optimized 1-page edition resume is an attempt at perfecting the resume layout with the bare essentials.

For most jobs, regardless of the seniority level or the career field, this template will allow you to get all of your qualifications on paper, in a classic A4 one page format.

This template allows you to highlight your key skills and qualifications, all in one page. No need to worry about going overboard with this as this has been specifically designed for a 1-page approach.

This is a clear attempt at optimizing for the 1-page resume format.

If you’re looking for something that’s professional and you can use for multiple scenarios - the above template might be the way to go.

It’s easy-to-use and will look good for most people.

All you have to do is fill in the blanks and you’ll have a fully customized resume that’s guaranteed to stand out and attract eyes.

Elegant Resume by Horea Nicodin

Who's it for: Pretty much anyone

Creator: Horea Nicodin

Where to find it: Dribble

Everything about this elegant resume template screams fanciness and it’s guaranteed to get a second look from the HR manager - which is your chance to really draw them in.

If your background is half as good as how the resume looks, you’re guaranteed to get a call back (if not for an interview, just for them to compliment your resume).

This template is ideal if you want to leave a lasting impression. It’s functional as well as elegant - definitely the best of both worlds .

Fortunately, it doesn’t actually come with a cursive font, as that would just make the recruiter’s job harder.

Though, the resume template (and the cover letter) do come with any file format you’ll ever need - Word , Photoshop , Illustrator , and InDesign .

This one-page resume template is ideal for those who want to keep their resumes concise, with just the right amount of flair.

2-page Resume/CV Combo by Resume Templates

Who's it for: UX/UI Designers

Creator: ResumeTemplates

If you’re going to be breaking the 1-page resume rule, you better have a good reason for it (i.e. a lot of experience).

And if that’s the case, then you could use the 2-page resume/CV package by ResumeTemplates.

When to Use This Template 

Clean, modern and professional Resume with Letterhead design. Fully customizable, and easy to use and replace the color & text.

This 2-pager Word template also comes with a cover letter, 100% scalable files (Photoshop, Illustrator, Word), and is ready to print.

It follows a reverse-chronological order and even has a references section. 

So, if you’re going to be using this template, make sure you have enough experience to fill it in with.

Modern Resume Template Package by ResumeFoundry

Who's it for: Online marketers

Creator: ResumeFoundry

Last but not least, this is another take on the modern creative resume package by Resume Foundry.

The package follows an all-in-one approach and the feature of being able to customize it based on your experience.

This template comes with just about everything you’ll ever need, regardless of your experience level.This includes a 1-3 page template, a cover letter, references, instructions, and a ready-to-help customer support.

Everything you see on the template is editable, and you also have the freedom to continue over the 2nd page (if needed).

Though, if you’re going to take the one-page approach, you’ll find that it has all the sections you’d need for most jobs. And the design won’t be out of place for just about any career field either.

So, essentially, you’re getting everything you’d need for $15, all that’s left to do is edit them accordingly.

That’s a lot of choice for a Word resume template.

While they might look good on paper, one common issue with building your resume with Word is that it can be super hard to format.

What do we mean by this?

Well, essentially, if you wanted to edit one specific part of your template (e.g. margin, design), there’s a chance that the whole formatting might break and spill over onto the 2nd page.

Sounds familiar? It happens to the best of us.

The reason this happens is because while Word is a powerful software on its own, it will always move your sections to the next page if the formatting isn’t just right.

Details matter to Word, sometimes a bit too much.

Do you want to simplify your resume building process down to its core?

Novorésumé template builder allows you to work and format your resume without having to worry about space, margins and other tiny details.

Everything is formatted based on the layout you choose and you won’t have to worry about your sections seemingly disappearing like in Word.

All this and more - for FREE .

Key Takeaways

So, to recap, here’s everything you need to know about using Microsoft Word resume template:

• You can use preloaded templates in Word by clicking File from the menu bar on top of the screen, then New , and from there, search for a “ resume template ” from the prompted search bar.
• The templates Word comes with are free , and you can also use premium templates, which you can find online.
• Though the premium templates cost money, the difference is noticeable as in most cases, they’ve been designed by career experts and artists all over the world.
• Once you find an ideal template that fits your qualifications , you can simply download it and edit it within Word.
• Though, if you’re looking for a smoother experience, you can simply use a powerful online resume builder for free , to represent your skills and qualifications based on how you want it .

Discover More Resume Templates

• Google Docs Resume Templates
• Chronological Resume Templates
• Combination Resume Templates
• Creative Resume Templates
• One Page Resume Templates
• 2 Page Resume Templates
• High School Resume Templates

Suggested reading:

• How to Write a Resume & Land That Job [99+ Real-Life Examples]
• CV vs. Resume - What are the Differences & Definitions [+ Examples]
• 40+ Real-Life Resume Objective Examples [+How-to Guide]

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

• 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.

How to Create a Resume in Microsoft Word (Step-by-Step Guide)

If this is your first time creating a resume in Microsoft Word, the process may seem overwhelming. Luckily, this article is here to help! In this step-by-step guide, we will cover how to create an effective resume from start to finish using Microsoft Word.

How Do I Make a Resume in Microsoft Word?

There are two primary methods for making a resume in Microsoft Word:

• ‍ From Scratch: This gives you the ultimate creative control. However, it also requires you to familiarize yourself with all of Microsoft Word’s tools and layout options. Building a resume from scratch can be more time-consuming but also more customizable.
• ‍ From a Template: Microsoft Word offers several pre-made resume templates. By using these, all the formatting and layout creation is handled for you. You simply have to fill in your own information.

To use a template, go to File > New and then select a template from the Resume and Cover Letter section.

How Should I Format My Resume in Microsoft Word?

The format you choose will depend on your experience level!

There are 3 basic resume formats to choose between:

• ‍ Reverse-Chronological: Details your most recent job and works backwards from there. This format focuses heavily on work experience. ‍
• Functional: Focuses on skills and education rather than work experience. This is a good option for recent graduates or applicants with minimal work experience. ‍
• Hybrid/Combination: Combines elements of both the Reverse-Chronological and the Functional. This is a good option for applicants with gaps in their employment history.

Choosing the best format for your needs is key. For more help on this subject, check out our guide on How to Choose the Correct Resume Format in 2024 !

Beautiful resume templates to land your dream job

Make a Resume in Microsoft Word in 7 Easy Steps

First, let’s make sure you can navigate the Microsoft Word ribbon!

The ribbon is the toolbar found at the top of the screen.

It should look something like this:

The main parts of the ribbon you should familiarize yourself with on the Home tab are Font , Paragraph , and Styles .

These are how you will edit the appearance of your text and headers.

You should also familiarize yourself with the Layout tab .

This tab is where you will adjust your margins and add columns!

Once you have taken your time to figure out where all of your tools are, it’s time to begin building your resume!

Important Note: These steps detail how to create a resume in Microsoft Word from scratch. By using one of the program’s pre-made templates, you can bypass many of these steps and simply fill in the pre-made format.

Step 1: Create Your Layout

Let’s begin by visiting the Layout tab .

Here, you can set your margin size and decide if you want to use columns.

Here is a breakdown of these two elements:

‍ We recommend using 1-inch margins on all sides.

This will give you enough white space to keep your resume looking neat without sacrificing too much space.

It will also ensure your formatting looks good on printed versions of your resume. ‍

Columns and Sidebars:

‍ From the columns tab, you will find five options:

• The One , Two , and Three options are how you will create separate columns.
• The Left and Right options are how you will create sidebars! Sidebars are useful because they leave more room for the main text and sections.

From the Home tab , you can edit the following elements of your layout:

‍ Alignment:

‍ Choose between left, center, or right alignment.

We recommend using the left alignment.

Whichever you choose, it is a good idea to keep your alignment consistent across the board. ‍

Line Spacing:

‍ We recommend using 1.15 – 1.5 line spacing for the body text.

For section titles and headers, use 1.5 – 2.0 spacing to help them stand out from the rest of the text. ‍

‍ Use a simple and highly legible font. Try to use only 1-2 fonts throughout your resume.

We recommend the following seven fonts:

• Times New Roman

Step 2: Make Your Title Header

Your title header should contain the following information:

• Your Job Title
• Contact Information
• Professional Social Media Links

Use an H1 header to write your name at the very top.

Use the Normal style to write the rest of your information (see “How Do I Add Different Sections of the Resume on Microsoft Word” below for more information on header styles).

It should come out looking similar to this:

Copywriter Email: [email protected] Phone: (123) 456-7890 Website: Janesmith.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janesmith

Check out some of our free resume examples to see alternative ways of formatting your title header!

Step 3: Write an Objective or Summary

Following your title header will be your resume objective or summary.

This will be a short statement between 1-5 sentences detailing your desired job title, experience, and career goals.

You will want to write this statement in the Normal style .

However, you may want to use a slightly larger font than the rest of the text in other sections.

This will help your objective or summary statement to stand out.

Here is an example of how this might look with the title header example from before:

Resume Objective: I am a copywriter with over 5 years of experience. working with corporate clients. I am seeking the position of Head Copywriter at your company, bringing with me over 10 major corporate clients.

Step 4: Create Your Base Format

By creating a base format, you can save the document as a separate file to return to and fill in again and again.

This will help you to tailor your resume to fit specific jobs!

The idea of the base format is to provide outlined sections with the correct spacing and number of bullet points.

You are essentially creating a skeleton for your resume that you can edit and adjust over time.

By doing so, you ensure you have already allocated the proper amount of space on the resume for each section.

For example, this is what your base Work Experience section may look like:

Work Experience

Job Title 1 , Company Name Date – Date · Descriptive Sentence · Descriptive Sentence · Descriptive Sentence Job Title 2 , Company Name Date – Date · Descriptive Sentence · Descriptive Sentence · Descriptive Sentence ‍ Job Title 3 , Company Name Date – Date · Descriptive Sentence · Descriptive Sentence · Descriptive Sentence

As you gain more work experience, you can return to this base format and make changes as need be.

Because you have already outlined the section, you won’t have to worry about reformatting the entire resume to make a few simple changes.

Step 5: Determine Your Section Organization

Once you have built the base format of your resume, it’s time to determine if your sections are in the optimal location.

For instance, if you are creating a Reverse-Chronological style resume you will want your Work Experience section to come first.

Comparatively, if you are creating a Functional style resume you may want your Skills or Education section to come first.

The order and organization of your sections will impact the impression your resume makes on hiring managers.

Step 6: Fill in the Information

Now that you have created the base format of your resume and chosen the optimal organization, it’s time to fill in your information!

When filling in your information, be mindful of the following 3 factors:

• ‍ Be Concise: Always use simple sentences that clearly describe your strengths and accomplishments. Avoid complex sentences or overly complicated vocabulary and jargon. ‍
• Use Bullet-Points: In each section, use bullet points to separate each thought or idea. This will make your resume more visually appealing and easier to read. ‍
• Choose Compelling Language: Try to avoid repeating the same words or phrases over and over. Mix it up, use keywords, and find the best action verbs to make your resume sound even better!

Not sure how to make your language more compelling on your resume? Take a look at our list of 350+ Action Verbs to Make Your Resume More Effective in 2024 .

Step 7: Double-Check Your Sections

Once you have completed steps 1-6, look back over your resume and make sure you have included all of the key sections.

You should also take some time to consider what additional sections you could include.

Here are the key sections every resume should have:

• A title header with your name and contact information
• An objective or summary statement
• Work experience

As we have covered, the order of these sections will vary depending on the format you have chosen.

However, each of these sections should always be included in your resume.

There are also some additional sections to consider adding.

Here is a quick list of extra sections that can add some extra flair to your resume:

• Awards and achievements
• Certifications
• Unpaid experiences, such as volunteer work or internships
• Relevant hobbies

How Do I Add Different Sections to a Resume on Microsoft Word?

The way to create different sections on your resume comes in two parts:

• Use an H2 header to create the section titles (Work Experience, Education, Skills, etc.)
• Use the Normal style to create the body of text below the H2 header

Here is a breakdown of how to use the H1, H2, H3, and Normal styles within your resume:

Select the Styles window from the Home tab .

From here, you will have options to create headers.

Your heading options are as follows:

• ‍ Heading 1: Use this heading as your largest title. This is what you will use to write your name at the top of the page. Use a bolded font between 16 to 20 pt in size. Use 1.5 to 2.0 line spacing to help the title heading stand out. ‍
• Heading 2: Use this heading to create your section titles. Use a bolded font size between 14 to 16 pt. in size. Make sure these headings are smaller than your title heading. Use 1.5 to 2.0 line spacing to help these headings stand out from the rest of the text. ‍
• Heading 3: Use this heading to create your job titles. Your job titles should be only slightly bigger than the rest of the text. Use a bolded font between 12 to 14 pt. in size. Use between 1.15 to 1.5 line spacing. ‍
• Normal: Use the Normal style to create the body text underneath the heading. Use a regular font between 11 – 12 pt. in size. Use between 1.15 to 1.5 line spacing.

What are the Pros and Cons of Using Microsoft Word to Craft Your Resume?

Microsoft Word is a handy tool to have, especially if your computer comes with the program pre-installed.

Here are 3 pros and 3 cons to using Microsoft Word to create your resume:

• ‍ Total Creative Control: When creating a resume on Microsoft Word directly from your computer, you have total control over the design and format. ‍
• More ATS Friendly: Applicant Tracking Systems are designed to read .doc files, the file format used by Microsoft Word. ‍
• Can be Edited by Recruiters: If you are using a recruitment agency, a Microsoft Word file can be easy to edit by recruiters before sending it off to employers.
• ‍ The Microsoft Word Learning Curve: If you are unfamiliar with Microsoft Word, there can be a pretty steep learning curve that can cause you frustration. ‍
• Time Consuming: Building a resume from scratch can be highly beneficial, but also highly time-consuming. This can become problematic if you need to create a resume quickly. ‍
• Temperamental Templates: Microsoft Word offers tons of free resume templates. On the surface, this is super useful. However, these templates can be tricky to use. One wrong move can mess up the formatting in a big way and be an even bigger headache to try and fix.

Why Should I Use an Online Resume Template or Resume Builder?

By using a resume template from an online provider, such as Easy Resume, you are more likely to find a template that fits your exact needs.

Plus, online resume templates and resume builders often have more design elements that are easier to use compared to Microsoft Word.

Are you interested in using our online templates or resume builder? Check out our beautifully designed resume templates to build your optimal resume!

Final Takeaways

Microsoft Word offers a lot of capabilities to help you build your ideal resume.

Here are five key takeaways for creating a resume on the program:

• Create a base skeleton for your resume that you can use again and again for different jobs.
• Use different heading styles to help your resume title and section titles to stand out.
• Use the column tool under the Layout tab to create sidebars. Sidebars are great for smaller sections, such as certifications or awards!
• Always use concise and compelling language.
• Consider using a template to build your resume faster.

At Easy Resume, we have designed our resume templates and online resume builder to fit your needs. No matter your level of experience or skill at making resumes, we have the tools to help.

Don’t forget to check out our expansive collection of FREE resume guides and examples while you’re here!

Browse more resume templates that fit your role

Ed is a co-founder of Easy Resume. His background in scaling teams at tech startups over the last decade has given him extensive experience and knowledge around how to hire top talent and build successful teams. He enjoys mentoring, coaching, and helping others reach their career goals. When he's not writing about career-related advice, he's playing with his dog, Lilo, or going on long hikes in upstate New York.

Get inspired with more resume examples

More advice that will accelerate your career path, 15+ key healthcare skills to list on your resume in 2024 (with examples).

Healthcare is a massive and important industry that contains all sorts of professionals. To land a job in healthcare, you must understand what relevant skills employers are searching for. In this guide, we will cover key healthcare skills to include on your resume and why doing so is so important.

15+ IT Skills to List on Your Resume in 2024 (With Examples)

IT is a massively growing industry with tons of potential for professional growth. It’s no wonder why so many applicants are flocking to these jobs! In this guide, we will cover what IT skills are and offer you examples of some of the top skills to include on your resume.

50+ Key Technical Skills to List on Your Resume in 2024 (With Examples)

Including technical skills on a resume is an absolute necessity. These types of skills show employers your quantifiable qualifications. In this guide, we will cover exactly what a technical skill is and some of the best examples to include on a resume.

20+ Key Computer Skills to List on Your Resume in 2024 (With Examples)

With the world becoming more digitally focused, having strong computer skills is more important than ever. In this guide, we will cover what computer skills are and which ones are best to include on your resume.

Read our how-to guides on making your resume perfect

How to write a resume header.

Your resume header is the very first thing an employer will see. Not only does it need to contain the correct information, but it needs to stand out as well! In this guide, we will teach you how to write the ideal header for your resume.

How to Write Your Resume in Reverse-Chronological Order

When setting out to write the perfect resume, choosing a format is an important decision. Reverse-chronological resumes are the standard format, so knowing how to craft one is key! This guide will teach you how to write the best reverse chronological resumes.

How to List Contact Information on Your Resume in 2024

Learn how to format contact information on your resume and what information to share with the hiring manager.

How to Write a Two-Page Resume (with Examples & Tips)

Don't know whether you should write a one-page or two-page resume? Find out when it is appropriate to write a two-page resume and learn how to write it correctly.

Professional resume templates to help land your next dream job.

Facebook • Twitter • Linkedin • Pinterest • Crunchbase

• Search Search Please fill out this field.
• Career Planning
• Finding a Job

Free Resume Templates for Microsoft Word

Why Use a Resume Template?

Free microsoft word resume templates, how to access microsoft resume templates, tips for using a resume template, more microsoft resume templates, frequently asked questions (faqs).

Pichsakul Promrungsee / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Do you need to write or update your resume? A resume template can help you create a document that will impress every employer, whether you're writing your first resume or revising your current one . Microsoft Word has resume templates available for users. All you have to do is find one you like, click on it, and start writing.

Here's information on how to use a resume template, how to find the best templates to use, and tips for using a template to write your own resume.

Key Takeaways

• Microsoft Word resume templates are available for download via your computer or their online templates resource. 
• Many templates are free, but some premium versions are available only to Microsoft 365 subscribers.
• Carefully customize your resume by matching your qualifications to the job description.

A template can serve as a useful guide when creating or revising your resume. A template provides the basic structure for a resume. All you have to do is simply edit the document to include your personal information.

By using a template, you get a sense of what information to include in your resume and how to arrange it. You also get a sense of what information you do not need to include.

Using a template can reduce the amount of time you have to spend formatting your document, which allows you to focus on adding content and polishing up your resume so it's perfect.

Download a free resume template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) to use to write your resume. 

The Balance

There are two ways to access Microsoft resume templates: on your computer or online through Microsoft’s templates page. 

To access these resume templates from your computer:

• Open Microsoft Word and go to File > New .
• Type resume into the search box.
• Click on a resume template that you want to use.
• Click Create to open the resume template in MS Word.

To access Microsoft resume templates online:

• Visit Microsoft's templates page .
• Click Resumes and Cover Letters .
• Choose a resume from the list. Many templates are free, although some will require a Microsoft 365 subscription for access.
• Click Download to save the resume template to your computer or click Open in Browser to open the template in Microsoft Word Online.

Once you have downloaded or opened a resume template file, type over the text in the document to create your own, personalized resume:

Keep It Simple

When picking out a template to use, choose a simple template that's easy to edit and format. Fancy formatting and fonts may get lost when you upload or email your resume document. A basic resume is also easier for the hiring manager to read.

Be Concise 

Your resume doesn't need to include everything you ever did. If you have a lengthy employment history, you don't need to include it all. Employers typically don't expect to see more than 10-15 years of work experience on a resume.

Try to keep the resume no longer than one page , if possible, especially if you are applying for an entry-level job. However, more experienced candidates might make a longer resume.

Make the Document Unique to You and the Job

Be sure to change all of the information in the template so that the finished document is specific to you and your skills. It should include:

• Contact Information
• Employment History
• Skills and Qualifications

Add a Profile and Headline

You may also want to include a profile and a headline, though these sections are options.

Also, make sure to tailor the document to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying to be a teacher, include any work or volunteer experiences that involve teaching others or leading a group of people. Include keywords from the job application in your document, as well. This is another way to connect your resume to a specific job.

Choose a File Format

The employer may request your resume in a specific file format. Typical options are Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) or a PDF file.

Give It a Unique File Name

Save your resume with your name as the file name. This way, employers will know to whom it belongs. For example, save it as firstname.lastname.doc or lastnameresume.doc.

Check the Details

When you're typing or copying and pasting over the content of a template, be sure that you have replaced all the information in it with your contact information, experience, and education. Double-check to make sure that everything on the final version of the resume is about you.

Along with checking the details, take the time to carefully proofread your resume before you click upload or send. A polished resume will impress an employer.

More free Microsoft resume templates are available as a download for Microsoft Word users to use to create their resumes. Microsoft also has templates for cover letters, curriculum vitae, and more career-related correspondence.

Microsoft Word resume options include:

• Basic resumes
• Job-specific resumes (marketing, tech, etc.)
• Career-specific resumes (college student, recent grad, internal transfer, etc.),
• Resumes labeled by format (chronological resume, functional resume, etc.).

Are Microsoft Word resume templates free?

Microsoft offers some resume templates online for free. Other templates require a Microsoft 365 subscription. 

Is it OK to use a Microsoft Word template for a resume?

A resume template can be a useful tool. Use a template to guide your writing and to ensure that your formatting is consistent and professional. However, your finished resume should be entirely your own. Take care to customize your resume for each job application. 

CareerOneStop. " Want Your Resume To Be Read by Employers ?" 

Microsoft Office. " Resumes and Cover Letters ." 

Download free, pre-built templates

You can download free, pre-built document templates with useful and creative themes from Office when you click File > New in your Office app.

Templates can include calendars , business cards , letters , cards , brochures , newsletters , resumes , cover letters ,  presentations , social media and much more. You can use any template you download as-is, or you can customize it to meet your needs.

When you select a template you'll be presented with a dialog box that shows you a larger view of the template. To download and use it, click the Create button and a new file will be created for you, using that template, all ready for you to customize with your information.

If you're looking to print on Avery labels you may find this article helpful: Print on Avery Labels with Microsoft Word.

Tip:  Looking for a large collection of great templates for Microsoft Office? Check out https://create.microsoft.com !

Need more help?

Want more options.

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Microsoft 365 subscription benefits

Microsoft 365 training

Microsoft security

Accessibility center

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.

Ask the Microsoft Community

Microsoft Tech Community

Windows Insiders

Microsoft 365 Insiders

Was this information helpful?

Thank you for your feedback.

Resume Worded

Score my resume, level up your career, improve your resume and linkedin profile, designed by top recruiters, our ai-powered platform instantly gives you tailored feedback on your resume and linkedin profile. land 5x more interviews, opportunities and job offers..

Your personal resume & LinkedIn coach

Join over 1 million experienced professionals, graduates and students who have used resume worded's toolkit to get ahead in their careers..

• Instant Resume Review Get expert feedback on your resume, instantly -->
• Resume Samples Write your resume in half the time with double the impact -->
• Resume Targeting Write your resume in half the time with double the impact -->
• LinkedIn Optimization Increase your profile's visibility and get more opportunities -->

Get expert feedback on your resume, instantly

Score my resume scores your resume on key criteria recruiters and hiring managers look for. upload your resume and in just 30 seconds, you'll get actionable steps to revamp your resume and land more interviews., examples from top resumes, successful job applicants have already spent hours crafting the perfect resume lines that got them interviews at top-tier companies. find a line similar to your own experience, tweak it and use it in your resume..

Target your resume to a job, instantly

Our free ai-powered platform analyzes the job description and identifies important keywords and skills missing from your resume. learn how to tailor your resume to a specific job and land more interviews..

Get found by the right people on LinkedIn

Instantly get tailored feedback on how to optimize your linkedin profile, for free. generate 5x more jobs, leads and opportunities., trusted by over 1 million jobseekers around the world.

I spent 6 months obsessively worrying about my resume. When I finally decided to update it and found Resume Worded, I had it done in a short period of time. The key for me was having guidance at a macro level (clarity, repetition, active vs passive) and then breaking it down line by line.

- Megan Zaharon

Best investment I’ve made in a long time. My resume has never received so much positive feedback since using your service. I'll be sure to refer your program to friends and family. Thank you!

- Lupe Cazares

Featured on

See more Press and Testimonials

Turn your resume into an interview magnet, write and improve your resume, struggling to write your resume don't worry. we have over 250+ sample bullet points from top resumes across all industries and skills. use our templates and sample lines to quickly write an effective resume from scratch. with score my resume, you can improve your resume one upload at a time. unlike any other tool, you get specific feedback on your resume's content, including on each bullet point., proven to land top jobs, resume worded has helped hundreds of people land jobs at top companies like pwc, google, amazon and credit suisse. our ai-powered technologies have been designed by real hiring managers and provides actionable feedback on your linkedin profile and resume., optimize your job search funnel, let's say you apply to or get contacted by a recruiter for 50 job openings. out of those, your resume might get you 5 interviews, and out of those, you may end up getting one job offer. resume worded optimizes this job search funnel. with linkedin review, you'll get contacted by more recruiters for more jobs on linkedin, thus widening the top part of the funnel. with our resume tools, you'll then be able to ensure you are maximizing the conversion of those jobs to interviews., universities, bootcamps and educational institutions, our ai-powered career platform is proven to improve student outcomes and dramatically improve your efficiency. offer career coaching services, such as resume reviews, targeting, and linkedin reviews, at scale and drive operational efficiencies. want to learn more or request a demo get in touch below., accelerate your career, the only complete resume and linkedin toolkit. start getting more opportunities and interviews today., create a free account in 30 seconds, get actionable steps to revamp your resume and land more interviews using our free ai-powered tool.,    access samples from top resumes, get inspired by real resume samples that helped people get into top companies.,    optimize your linkedin profile, get tailored feedback on how to generate 5x more jobs, leads and opportunities..

• Have an account? Sign in

E-mail Please enter a valid email address This email address hasn't been signed up yet, or it has already been signed up with Facebook or Google login.

Password Show Your password needs to be between 6 and 50 characters long, and must contain at least 1 letter and 1 number. It looks like your password is incorrect.

Remember me

Forgot your password?

Sign up to get access to Resume Worded's Career Coaching platform in less than 2 minutes

Name Please enter your name correctly

E-mail Remember to use a real email address that you have access to. You will need to confirm your email address before you get access to our features, so please enter it correctly. Please enter a valid email address, or another email address to sign up. We unfortunately can't accept that email domain right now. This email address has already been taken, or you've already signed up via Google or Facebook login. We currently are experiencing a very high server load so Email signup is currently disabled for the next 24 hours. Please sign up with Google or Facebook to continue! We apologize for the inconvenience!

Password Show Your password needs to be between 6 and 50 characters long, and must contain at least 1 letter and 1 number.

Receive resume templates, real resume samples, and updates monthly via email

By continuing, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Lost your password? Please enter the email address you used when you signed up. We'll send you a link to create a new password.

E-mail This email address either hasn't been signed up yet, or you signed up with Facebook or Google. This email address doesn't look valid.

Back to log-in

How-To Geek

Microsoft is killing wordpad, so get used to these alternatives now.

It's time to move on, and there are some great options.

Quick Links

Say goodbye to wordpad, windows notepad, microsoft onenote, word processors.

After around 30 years of WordPad, Windows has decided it's time to stick it in the recycle bin. But don't fret—depending on what you use WordPad for, there are many alternatives you can rely on to execute the same tasks. Let's look into some of these in more detail.

Windows will no longer update WordPad, and it will be removed from all editions of Windows 11 from version 24H2 and Windows Server 2025. Even though its regular users might miss its simplicity, user-friendly interface, fast performance, basic formatting options, and cross-Windows compatibility, all these benefits can be found in other documenting programs.

If you're looking to replicate the simplicity of WordPad, NotePad is the answer. Best known for its plain text (".txt") documents , NotePad can be beneficial when you don't need a rich text editor.

I personally use NotePad as an in-between when I want to remove all formatting from some text (for example, if I've copied it from a website) before pasting the text into Microsoft Word for further formatting. Programmers also like to use NotePad as a scratch book for basic coding—you can save your NotePad as encoding, including ANSI, UTF-8, and UTF-16.

What's more, from NotePad version 11.2307.22.0 onward, your work is automatically saved as you go—simply close the window when you're done, and when you reopen it, you can carry on from where you left off. Its Windows Explorer-type tabs also come in handy if you're working on multiple projects at the same time.

All in all, if you're not interested in formatting your text, and you just want somewhere to take some notes or experiment with some coding, NotePad is the obvious choice.

Why NotePad Is a Good Alternative to WordPad

• It's just as simple to use.
• It's free and comes ready-installed on new Windows PCs.
• It's great for note-taking and brainstorming.

Why NotePad Isn't a Good Alternative to WordPad

• It doesn't facilitate basic text formatting.
• You can't add images or other graphics.

You can also opt for NotePad++ , a free and open-source Windows text and source code editor. If you're looking for more advanced functionality and features, including code folding and programming in different languages, NotePad++ is the better option for you.

Another benefit of WordPad is its basic note-taking capacity. Microsoft's OneNote app could plug that gap, as it is specifically designed for note taking.

The OneNote desktop app is installed as part of the Microsoft 365 package, but it can also be downloaded as a standalone app on any PC, Mac, or mobile device. You can also access OneNote for free on the Office website with a Microsoft account. Whichever way you use OneNote, you can reliably access and share your notes through the cloud, which makes it a viable substitute if you like to use WordPad for note-taking.

What's more, if you want to venture beyond simple note-taking, you can add images, sketch freehand (great if you're using a tablet), format your text, and save your notes as a PDF. But the beauty of OneNote is that you don't have to do any of these. If you want to use it as a simple and basic notepad that saves your work automatically, you can simply create a new page to start a new note.

Why OneNote Is a Good Alternative to WordPad

• Even though there are more complex features, you can still use it like you used WordPad for note-taking.
• You can access OneNote for free with a Microsoft account.
• It's great for note-taking and brainstorming, and you can share your notes with others.
• It lets you format text and lay out your notes in a way that works for you.

Why OneNote Isn't a Good Alternative to WordPad

• It's not as stripped-back as WordPad, so you have to take some time to navigate its interface.
• It's not a word-processing app for text editing and document production.

Word processors like Microsoft Word and Google Docs are great for word processing documents (".doc") and rich text format documents (".rtf") .

Along with the basic formatting offered by WordPad, such as bold, font size, and color, word processors also offer much more advanced formatting options, mail merging capacity, the ability to track changes, and many other useful tools.

You might think that these useful features come at a cost, but both Word and Docs are free to access and use online once you have signed up and created accounts. What's more, because these free programs are online, they're safely stored in their respective cloud systems and save your work automatically as you go.

In essence, you can view word processors as a modern-day upgrade of WordPad, because you can do all the things you would have done on WordPad—and more. Indeed, in its support update post , Microsoft specifically recommends using Microsoft Word for ".doc" and ".rtf" documents moving forward.

Why Word Processors Are a Good Alternative to WordPad

• They are great for formatting text and adding more advanced features, such as tables of contents and page breaks.
• You can access high-powered word processors online free of charge.
• Word processors are great for collaboration.
• They have proofreading and spellchecking features that can be very helpful.

Why Word Processors Aren't a Good Alternative to WordPad

• Because word processors have many more tools for you to use, their ribbons and tabs are much more complex and take some getting used to when transitioning from WordPad.

So, despite the inconvenience that the death of WordPad might cause, there are good alternatives available for you to use. As well as those mentioned in this article, there are other great writing apps , note-taking apps , and text-editing apps for you to consider.