How to Create a Resume in Microsoft Word

Know what more information is needed. A resume template is a useful tool if you’re unsure of how to format your resume, or aren’t confident using the formatting tools in Word or another word processing program. If you want to create your own resume format and not use templates, start by planning what to write on your resume and how to organize it. A curriculum vitae should include the following items:

• Education and qualifications.
• Volunteer work and experience.
• Skills and qualities.
• You need to include detailed contact information and confirm that you will provide additional documents if requested.

Consider making your resume chronologically. There are different types of resumes: chronological resumes, functional resumes, hybrid resumes, and cross-sectional resumes (CVs). A chronological resume that specifically lists your work experience from most recent to first: includes job title, dates of employment, and job responsibilities. This type of resume helps to show your progress over time. ^[4]

• Most chronological resumes cover only 5-10 years of work.
• You may want to add previous positions because you think the experience is a good fit for the position you’re looking for.
• This is the resume format that is popular with the majority of employers in the US.

Beware of a functional resume. A functional resume will list your job skills first, then the positions you’ve held. It may seem useful if you want to highlight your skills and cover gaps in your work history, but students or recent graduates should not use this format. ^[5] This type of resume is only suitable for those who want to transition from their current job to another profession.

Try a hybrid resume. The third option is a hybrid resume, also known as a skills-based resume. This format highlights skills at their best, while combining them with real work experience. This type of resume is more useful if your skills are more related to the position you’re applying for than your work experience. However, some employers are not familiar with this format and prefer chronological resumes.

• A hybrid resume might list key skills at the top before mentioning experience.
• This type of resume is suitable for those who are planning to enter the labor market without much experience, or are trying to change careers. ^[6]

Consider writing a résumé. A résumé is basically the same as a resume, only with a different spelling convention. A cross-sectional résumé is a comprehensive listing of your most recent up to previous jobs. Unlike a chronological or functional resume that is 1 or 2 pages long, in a horizontal resume you only need to write down your work experience.

• Resumes are often used to apply for jobs in Europe, apply to colleges and universities around the world.
• A cross-sectional resume is considered a living document that records all of your work and accomplishments, often progressing and evolving over time rather than a regular resume. ^[7]

Complete contact information. Once you’ve chosen your resume style, you can start writing. The first step is to provide complete contact information at the top of the first page of your resume. Contact information includes name, address, phone number, email address.

• If your resume is longer than one page, don’t forget to include your name in the header of each page.
• The email address must be appropriate to apply for the job. Use your real name or initials where possible.
• Don’t use informal email addresses, such as “sly-dude,” “foxymama,” or “smokinhot.”

Consider writing more goals. After the contact information section, you have an additional line of goals to affirm your career goals. Employers have mixed opinions about goal statements, so consider carefully whether to include them in your resume. If you decide to add a goal, keep it short and focused on the position you’re applying for.

• For example, you might write the goal as “Want to contribute to the design of new word processing software.”
• Alternatively, you can add the position you want, such as “A position in the healthcare and research department.”
• Few people write goals on a resume these days, you can add information to a job application. ^[8]

Outline your education and qualifications. The order of entries can vary but usually starts with education and qualifications. In this section you only need to list your academic qualifications. List the universities or vocational schools you attended in reverse chronological order. Don’t forget to include your graduation date.

• You can add one or two bullet points about specialized information if you find it suitable for the position you are applying for.
• This category usually comes after work experience unless you’ve just graduated from college. In this case, the education category will be at the top.
• If you have won a certificate of merit or an award during your studies and training, remember to put it on your resume.

Describe your work experience in detail. List the positions you’ve held in reverse chronological order, with start and end dates (months and years). In your chronological resume, you should include the previous date. In the functional resume, you should list the title first. Select the key duties and responsibilities of each position, achievements and skills developed while working there.

• Use bullet points to make your presentation clear, easy to read or can skim important passages related to the position you are applying for. ^[9]
• You can add a volunteer position if it is related to the job you applied for or helps you gain experience. ^[10]

Added special skill item. You’ll notice that most skills are listed under education and experience, but it’s still a good idea to create a separate skills section. This is an opportunity to highlight skills and knowledge relevant to the position, but don’t apply it to resumes for other positions.

• You can name the heading “Other related skills” or simply “Skills”.
• Skills include: proficiency in foreign languages, special understanding of computer software and programs, any special skills not mentioned. ^[11]
• Careful to avoid repetition. You don’t need to repeat over and over that you have “great communication skills”.

Be careful when providing reference information. Generally, you should only add references and contact information if required. Usually letters of recommendation will be sent in a few days. If you don’t ask for references in your resume, simply write “additional references if required” at the bottom of your resume. ^[12]