Are you looking for a new job or trying to update your resume? Look no further than Microsoft Word. With its user-friendly interface and various formatting options, Microsoft Word is the perfect tool for creating a professional resume. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making a resume in Microsoft Word, from choosing the right resume headings to adding your personal information and work experience.
Choosing the Right Resume Headings
Before you start creating your resume, it’s important to choose the right resume headings. These headings will help organize your resume and make it easier for potential employers to read. Here are some common resume headings you can use:
- Contact Information
- Objective or Summary
- Education
- Work Experience
- Skills
- Certifications
- Awards and Honors
- References
You can also add additional headings depending on your specific industry or job position. For example, if you are applying for a creative role, you may want to include a “Portfolio” heading to showcase your work.
Contact Information
The first heading on your resume should be “Contact Information”. This section should include your full name, phone number, email address, and mailing address. Make sure to use a professional email address and include a link to your LinkedIn profile if you have one.
Objective or Summary
The next heading on your resume can be either “Objective” or “Summary”. This section should be a brief statement that summarizes your career goals and highlights your key skills and experiences. If you are a recent graduate or changing careers, an objective statement can help explain your career goals and how they align with the job you are applying for. If you have several years of experience in your field, a summary statement can highlight your key achievements and skills.
Education
Under the “Education” heading, list your highest level of education first. This can include your degree, major, and the name of the institution you attended. If you have a high GPA or any relevant coursework, you can also include that information. If you are a recent graduate, you can also include any relevant extracurricular activities or leadership roles.
Work Experience
The “Work Experience” section is where you can showcase your previous job positions and highlight your accomplishments. Start with your most recent job and work your way back. For each job, include the company name, job title, employment dates, and a brief description of your responsibilities and achievements. Use bullet points to make this section easy to read and highlight your most important accomplishments.
Skills
Under the “Skills” heading, you can list any relevant skills that are not already mentioned in your work experience section. This can include technical skills, such as proficiency in Microsoft Office or Adobe Creative Suite, as well as soft skills, such as communication or leadership. Make sure to only include skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for.
Certifications
If you have any relevant certifications, such as a project management certification or a language proficiency certificate, you can include them under the “Certifications” heading. Make sure to include the name of the certification, the issuing organization, and the date you received it.
Awards and Honors
If you have received any awards or honors, such as a scholarship or employee of the month, you can include them under this heading. Make sure to include the name of the award, the organization that awarded it, and the date you received it.
References
The last heading on your resume should be “References”. This section is optional, but if you choose to include it, make sure to list at least three professional references. These can be previous supervisors, colleagues, or professors. Make sure to include their name, job title, company, and contact information.
Formatting Your Resume in Microsoft Word
Now that you have chosen your resume headings, it’s time to start formatting your resume in Microsoft Word. Here are some tips to help you create a professional-looking resume:
- Use a clean and easy-to-read font, such as Arial or Calibri.
- Use bullet points to make your resume easy to scan.
- Use bold and italic formatting to highlight important information.
- Keep your resume to one page if possible.
- Use a consistent formatting style throughout your resume.
Choosing a Template
Microsoft Word offers a variety of resume templates that you can use to create a professional-looking resume. To access these templates, open Microsoft Word and click on “File” > “New”. In the search bar, type “resume” and press enter. You will see a variety of resume templates to choose from. Select the one that best fits your needs and click “Create” to open it in a new document.
Adding Your Personal Information
The first step in creating your resume is to add your personal information. This includes your name, contact information, and any relevant links, such as your LinkedIn profile or personal website. Make sure to use a larger font for your name and bold it to make it stand out.
Adding Your Work Experience
Under the “Work Experience” heading, add your previous job positions starting with the most recent one. For each job, include the company name, job title, employment dates, and a brief description of your responsibilities and achievements. Use bullet points to make this section easy to read and highlight your most important accomplishments.
Adding Your Education
Under the “Education” heading, add your highest level of education first. This can include your degree, major, and the name of the institution you attended. If you have a high GPA or any relevant coursework, you can also include that information. If you are a recent graduate, you can also include any relevant extracurricular activities or leadership roles.
Adding Your Skills and Certifications
Under the “Skills” and “Certifications” headings, add any relevant skills and certifications that are not already mentioned in your work experience section. Make sure to only include skills and certifications that are relevant to the job you are applying for.
Adding Your References
Under the “References” heading, add at least three professional references. Make sure to include their name, job title, company, and contact information. You can also add a note stating that references are available upon request.
Examples of Professional Resumes
To help you get started, here are some examples of professional resumes created in Microsoft Word:
- https://www.livecareer.com/resume/examples/marketing/manager
- https://www.livecareer.com/resume/examples/computers-technology/software-engineer
- https://www.livecareer.com/resume/examples/graphic-designer
- https://www.livecareer.com/resume/examples/sales/sales-representative
Final Thoughts
Creating a professional resume in Microsoft Word is easy and can help you stand out in a competitive job market. By choosing the right resume headings, formatting your resume correctly, and using a professional template, you can create a resume that will impress potential employers. Make sure to proofread your resume before sending it out and tailor it to each job you apply for. With these tips, you can create a resume that will help you land your dream job.
