Build a Resume

Free Google Docs Resume Templates Guide + Tips

Making a resume on Google Docs is free and easy! On this page, you’ll find a step-by-step guide on how to write a resume on Google Docs, as well as a collection of Google Docs-friendly free resume templates.

Use This Template
Google Doc Resumes
  • Featured In:
  • Company-logos

Table of Contents

Here are more resources that can help you

Premium Google Docs Resume Templates

Our collection of premium templates can be easily used on Google Docs with little to no editing!

Go into our Resume Builder, answer a few questions about your work experience, choose a template, and fill in your information. You don’t need to spend time formatting your resume with our templates; the builder takes care of that!

When you’re done fine-tuning your content, download your resume as a Word document or PDF and upload it to Google Docs in a snap.

Free Google Docs Resume Templates

We also have a large library of free downloadable templates for use in Google Docs!

You can also press the download button on your preferred template to add it as a saved file on your computer.

  1. Open Google Drive and click the “New+” button.
  2. Choose the “File Upload” option.
  3. Pick your downloaded template.
  4. Once it completely uploads, click the pop-up bubble with its name.
  5. It will immediately open on a Google Doc window as a DOCX.
  6. Click “File” and then “Save as a Google Doc” for easier editing. There you go!

Why Use Google Docs to Build Your Resume?

Google Docs is a web-based word processor that allows you to create, save, store and share your documents all in one place. It has many features that make it ideal for resume writing. Its instant-save feature, editing history archive, and easy shareability make Google Docs an excellent tool to write a resume. However, as with anything, Google Docs has its pros and cons.

Pros

  • It saves all your documents and allows you to access your resumes online and offline. With its instant-save feature, you don’t lose any part of your document if your computer or Internet connection crashes.
  • Google automatically indexes your resume to be included in its search results, allowing potential employers to find your information.
  • Documents are easy to share via email without the worry of security threats.
  • You can access your resume from any device that is connected to your Google account. As long as you log in to your Google account, you can share your resume from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

Cons

  • Google Docs has a very limited collection of resume templates from which to choose.
  • Their free templates lack essential sections and don’t take resume formats into account.
  • Google Docs tend to jumble up the formatting of resume templates that weren’t made by Google, making it harder to format some downloaded templates.
  • There’s some lack of privacy when sharing your document with others. If multiple people have access to your document, they can all view it at the same time, and can see who else has seen it and when.

How to Create a Resume in Google Docs

Follow this handy step-by-step guide to write a resume using Google Docs, whether you’re using a Google-made template or one of our downloadable templates.

1. Create a Gmail account if you don’t already have one so you can access Google Drive and Google Docs.
1. Create a Gmail account
2. Upload your template to Google Drive first. You won’t be able to upload a template directly in Google Docs. On Google Drive, click New > File Upload. Once your file uploads, click the pop-up bubble with your uploaded template. Once it opens, click File > and Save as a Google Doc for easier editing. If you want to use one of Google Docs’ resume templates, open Google Docs directly, click “Template Gallery” in the top-right corner, and choose your favorite template. Then replace the filler text with your personal information.
2. Upload your template to Google Drive first.
3. Format your new Google Doc resume. Transferring files to Google Docs can make some templates shift. Go over your template and adjust the margins and line spacing, which are the elements that tend to get altered the most. When copying-pasting text, make sure you choose “Paste without formatting” so the font and size match the text in the document.
3. Format your new Google Doc resume.
4. Add links to your work and portfolio. With a Google Doc, it’s easy to include hyperlinks that will direct hiring managers to your portfolio or examples of your work quickly and efficiently. The best way is to include the phrase “My Portfolio” below your contact information and add a hyperlink to the text so everything looks clean.
4. Add links to your work and portfolio.
5. Change the color and font of your resume. Whether you’re using one of Google Docs templates or a downloaded template, differentiate yourself by using your favorite colors and fonts. Remember to keep the color combinations professional and the fonts readable.
5. Change the color and font of your resume.
6. Make a copy of your resume for each person you send it to. This way you prevent the awkwardness of having multiple potential employers seeing your resume at the same time. You can do this by clicking “File” and then “Make a copy”. We always recommend you tailor your resume to each job application. With each resume you should at least change certain keywords and skills as well as edit your professional summary to reflect the requirements of that particular job.
6. Make a copy of your resume for each person you send it to.
7. Send your resume as a “View Only” document. You can do this by clicking Share, including the email of the person you’re sharing with, and change their status from “Editor” to “Viewer”. This protects you from the person altering your resume or personal information.
7. Send your resume as a “View Only” document.

8. Pair it with a cover letter. Give your resume a hand by complementing it with a cover letter that includes any important information and achievements you couldn't fit into your resume.

How Our Resume Builder Stands Up to Google Docs

Hloom’s Resume Builder is the best tool to write a resume. It has all the benefits and more of a web-based word processor and file storage system.

Compared to Google Docs, our builder offers a wider collection of better-designed resume templates. Our builder also lets you access your resumes online and offline. It includes a built-in spell-checker, and instantly saves your text as you write.

One of the features that makes us stand out is our intuitive suggested text, which you can use to write your resume sections. We make sure you’re using the appropriate lingo so you sound professional and knowledgeable about your role and industry.

We also have the most user-friendly resume-formatting tools. You’ll never go back to trying to figure out the right margins and making sure everything fits on one page. Our builder makes designing a resume a breeze!

Check out how our builder compares to Google Docs.

  • Google Docs
  • Hloom Resume Builder
  • Online and offline access to your documents
  • tick image
  • tick image
  • Saves your content as you type so you don't lose any information if you close the webpage
  • tick image
  • tick image
  • Large selection of templates
  • cross image
  • tick image
  • Spell-checks your text
  • tick image
  • tick image
  • Suggests text content specific to your job to populate your resume sections
  • cross image
  • tick image
  • Automatically formats your resume so your information fits perfectly on one page
  • cross image
  • tick image
  • Google Docs
  • Online and offline access to your documents
  • tick image
  • Saves your content as you type so you don't lose any information if you close the webpage
  • tick image
  • Large selection of templates
  • cross image
  • Spell-checks your text
  • tick image
  • Suggests text content specific to your job to populate your resume sections
  • cross image
  • Automatically formats your resume so your information fits perfectly on one page
  • cross image
  • Hloom Resume Builder
  • Online and offline access to your documents
  • tick image
  • Saves your content as you type so you don't lose any information if you close the webpage
  • tick image
  • Large selection of templates
  • tick image
  • Spell-checks your text
  • tick image
  • Suggests text content specific to your job to populate your resume sections
  • tick image
  • Automatically formats your resume so your information fits perfectly on one page
  • tick image
RefinedBuild a Resume Now
StandoutBuild a Resume Now
OriginalBuild a Resume Now
AcclaimedBuild a Resume Now
AccentuateBuild a Resume Now
InsightfulBuild a Resume Now
WhitespaceBuild a Resume Now
Knowledgeable Build a Resume Now
Remarkable Build a Resume Now
BoldBuild a Resume Now
EmphasizedBuild a Resume Now
Centered Build a Resume Now
PacificBuild a Resume Now
ArtisticBuild a Resume Now
Refined

This distinctive two-column resume template identifies your name and professional experience in a bold color and clean presentation.

Standout

This distinctive two-column resume template identifies your name and professional experience in a bold color and clean presentation.

Original

A clever design that breaks each of your professional accomplishments into distinct sections while following a format that will pass applicant tracking systems.

Acclaimed

The elegant initials, simple header and strategic use of bullet points in this template help keep your professional accomplishments well-organized.

Accentuate

The bold use of a colorblocked heading paired with an elegant resume layout helps your name and contact information stand out.

Insightful

This structured design combines a two-column approach with bullet points to highlight your key accomplishments and professional history.

Whitespace

A traditional template uses a crisp combination of dark text and thin borders to radiate professionalism. Your name sits prominently above your professional history.

Knowledgeable

This template’s design features plenty of whitespace neatly divided by gray bars to make the information on your resume easy to read for employers.

Remarkable

This two-column resume conveys a very clear breakdown of its sections that allows a hiring manager to quickly scan your resume.

Bold

The subtle color accents in this template add visual pizzazz in a classy way, a great option for most traditional industries.

Emphasized

This resume’s modern design and bold use of color make it pop. Its uniqueness is well-suited to those seeking jobs in creative industries.

Centered

Everything about this template is assertive from the boxy layout to its all-caps heading text that gives the impression that you’re all about business.

Pacific

The understated contact information at the top puts attention front and center on your professional summary, skills, work experience and education sections.

Artistic

The subtle use of red alongside black gives this template a bold feel while still featuring plenty of white space to make it easy to read.

Build a Resume

FAQ

Does Google have a resume builder?

No. Google doesn’t exactly have a resume builder. However, Google Docs does offer some free resume templates. As an alternative, you can try Hloom’s Resume Builder, which actually guides you step by step in the creation of your resume. More than a place where you can pick a template, our builder takes your years of experience into account to suggest the ideal template. It asks for your contact information, your previous job experiences, skills and education, and automatically formats your resume on one page.

How do I get more templates for Google Docs?

Although Google Docs only offers five resume templates, you can find other templates on pages like this one. Our collection of free downloadable templates and premium templates are all compatible with Google Docs. If you’re looking for more templates, you can check out our 400+ resume templates.

Is my information safe in Google Docs?

Yes. You can be sure all your information is safe when using Google Docs. When you create a Google Doc, this document is stored in a secured data center. Only people with Google accounts can access Google Docs. The only way someone can view your documents is if you share it with them directly or share the doc via link, meaning anyone with the link can access it. This latter option makes it less secure since the person you sent the link to can forward it to other people, giving them access to your Google Doc.

Related Topics

How to Create a Resume in Word

Free Resume Templates

Free OpenOffice Resume Templates

Rate Our Templates

popup image
popup-image
popup-image