Microsoft Word is one of the most popular word processors on the market, and as such many people use it to type of documents, including resumes. It has many options for professional fonts, font styles, type sizes, text alignment, and extra styling. However, choosing between the many options Word offers can be difficult. With so much to pick from, how do you decide how to format your resume?
The solution is simple: if you can’t format your resume on your own, there are templates available for download. A Word template has the formatting already in place, with blank spaces for you to input your actual information. The text is already centered or aligned to the left or right. It is already in bold typeface or put in italics where appropriate. So, all you need to do is type in your information where indicated. The template does the rest for you.
Of course, not all templates are created equal. Some have flowery fonts, large typeface, or graphics that can actually make your resume unprofessional, so choose a template with care. You want one that has the right sections (Objective, Education, and Experience, to name a few) and looks business-like.
One of the best places to look for the professional templates is on Microsoft’s website (http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/CT101043371033.aspx). They offer downloadable templates for basic resumes. They offer preview pictures of each resume format, so you can choose the one that best suits you. Try to look for one that doesn’t use colors or graphics. Also, choose one that fits the type of resume you need. There are functional resume templates available along with the standard chronological ones. You may also want to check the source of the template. Some are marked as “Community-Submitted Templates,” meaning that a Microsoft user uploaded it to the website. These templates can be legitimate, but check them first. Since they weren’t made by a Microsoft professional, they may not be the best.
Microsoft also offers Job-specific and situation-specific resume templates, so there is plenty to look at on this website. You’ll definitely find a template that’s perfect for you.
