Free Microsoft Word Resume Templates

How to Format a Resume in Microsoft Word

To format a resume in Microsoft Word, start with an ATS-friendly template, add your information, and keep formatting consistent. For an easier option, you can use Monster’s Resume Builder to customize your content and layout before downloading a DOCX file.

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  Open a Resume Template in Microsoft Word

  To create a resume from scratch, you can use Microsoft Word’s built-in templates or build one manually. If you prefer additional template options, Monster’s Resume Builder also includes professionally designed resume templates you can edit and download as DOCX files in Word.

  To use a Monster resume template:

  1. Download a Monster resume template in DOCX file format.
  2. Open Microsoft Word.
  3. Select File > Open and choose the downloaded template.
  4. Replace the sample content with your own information while preserving the existing formatting.

  To create a resume directly in Microsoft Word:

  • Select File > New to browse Microsoft’s template library and choose a design.

  

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  Choose From a Variety of Professional Word Resume Templates

  Choose a resume template with a clean, professional layout that’s easy for both hiring managers and ATS to read.

  Follow these best practices when choosing a resume template:

  

  A good resume template should:

  • Use a simple, professional layout with clear section headings

  • Feature a readable font and consistent formatting

  • Leave enough white space to improve readability

  • Prioritize your content over decorative design elements

  • Be easy to edit and save as a DOCX or PDF

  

  A good resume template should not:

  • Use multiple columns, tables, or excessive text boxes

  • Rely on graphics, icons, or photos to convey important information

  • Include elaborate fonts or heavy design elements

  • Prioritize style over organization and readability

  • Make it difficult for ATS software to accurately parse your resume

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  Use Standard Resume Headings

  Most professional Word resume templates, including Monster’s, already include standard resume headings. If you’re creating your resume from scratch, organize it using common section titles, including:

  • Contact Information
  • Summary/Objective
  • Work Experience
  • Skills
  • Education
  • Optional sections, such as Certifications, Languages, Awards, etc.

  

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  Keep Formatting Clean & Consistent

  One of the biggest challenges of building a resume in Microsoft Word is keeping formatting consistent as you add or remove content. Small changes to spacing, alignment, or bullet styles can quickly affect the appearance of your document.

  With Monster’s Resume Builder, you can customize both your content and layout while the formatting automatically stays clean, consistent, and professional, so you can focus on your experience instead of adjusting margins, spacing, and text styles.

  If you’re formatting your resume manually in Word:

  • Choose a professional font such as Calibri, Arial, Georgia, or Times New Roman.
  • Use a 10–12-point font for body text and a 14–16-point font for section headings.
  • Keep spacing, margins, bullet styles, and date formatting consistent.
  • Avoid decorative fonts, graphics, tables, and text boxes that may interfere with ATS parsing.

  

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  Customize Your Resume for Each Job

  Replace all placeholder text in the template with your own information, then tailor your resume for every job you apply to. Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description naturally throughout your professional summary, work experience, and skills section to improve your resume’s relevance in ATS searches.

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  Save Your Resume

  Before submitting your application, proofread your resume for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors.

  Save the file with a professional name, such as FirstName_LastName_Resume (e.g., Sarah_Smith_Resume).

  We generally recommend saving a PDF version to help preserve your formatting. If an employer specifically requests a Microsoft Word document, submit the DOCX version instead.

  If you’re using Microsoft Word for the web, you can:

  • Download a PDF by selecting File > Export > Download as PDF.
  • Download a Word document by selecting File > Create a Copy > Download a Copy.

  If you’re using the desktop version of Microsoft Word, you can:

  • Save a PDF by selecting File > Save As > PDF.
  • Save a Word document by selecting File > Save As > Word Document (DOCX).

  

  Keep in mind that the exact menu options may vary slightly depending on your version of Microsoft Word and operating system.