Does Google Docs Have Resume Templates?

If you’re looking for a free, easy way to start building your resume, Google Docs is a solid place to begin. Many people don’t realize that Google Docs offers a selection of pre-designed resume templates built right into its platform. These templates are simple, effective, and accessible to anyone with a Google account.

In this guide, we’ll show you where to find these templates, how to use them, and whether they fit your career needs. We’ll also review the pros and cons and explain how they compare to other resume-building tools.

Google Docs Offers Built-In Resume Templates

Google Docs comes with several resume templates that you can use and edit for free. They’re stored in the Template Gallery and include layouts for different industries and design preferences. Whether you’re a student, a creative professional, or someone applying to a corporate role, you can find a basic template that fits.

These templates are already formatted, so you don’t need to worry about adjusting margins, spacing, or font hierarchy — you can just fill in your information and customize as needed.

How To Access Resume Templates in Google Docs

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Go to docs.google.com and sign in with your Google account.
2. Click the “Template Gallery” in the upper-right corner of the page.
3. Scroll down to the “Resumes” section.
4. Click on any template to open and begin editing.

Popular options include:

• Swiss
  
• Coral
  
• Spearmint
  
• Serif
  

You can also search for “Google Docs resume templates” directly in your browser to access the gallery.

What you need to use the templates

• A Google account (free to sign up)
• Internet access for initial use (you can enable offline mode later)
• Desktop browser access for the best editing experience — mobile access is limited and harder to format

Overview of the Google Docs Resume Templates

Each of the built-in templates has its own design style. Here’s what you can expect from each:

Swiss

This clean, modern template prioritizes readability and white space. It includes bold section headers and a balanced layout, making it one of the most ATS-friendly options.

Best for: Most job seekers, especially those in professional or corporate roles.

Coral

Coral adds a slight creative flair with muted color in the headers. It maintains a simple structure, but the visual touch makes it more modern.

Best for: Applicants in marketing, communications, or startups who want more personality.

Spearmint

Spearmint uses a one-column layout with basic sectioning. It’s minimalist and easy to scan quickly, which works well for early-career resumes.

Best for: Students and recent grads.

Serif

Serif has a more traditional design with classic fonts and straightforward formatting. It avoids flash in favor of professionalism.

Best for: Applicants in legal, administrative, or government roles.

Pros and Cons of Google Docs Resume Templates

Why Applicant Tracking System-Friendliness Still Matters — Even With Google Docs

Many employers use ATS to scan resumes before a human ever sees them. While Google Docs templates aren’t inherently ATS-proof or ATS-unfriendly, how you customize them makes the difference.

Avoid these formatting pitfalls:

• Using tables or multi-column layouts.
• Inserting images or icons into the text area.
• Utilizing stylized fonts that may not render correctly.

Stick to standard headers like “Work Experience” or “Skills,” and use bullet points rather than paragraphs for job duties. These choices help ensure your resume is machine-readable and doesn’t get rejected before review.

If you’re unsure whether your final resume will pass through an ATS, save it as a PDF and run it through a free ATS checker online. This simple step can catch small formatting issues before they cost you an interview.

Are Google Docs Resume Templates Right for You?

Google Docs templates are ideal for people who need a fast, no-frills solution — but they aren’t for everyone. Here’s when they work best and when you might want to explore other options.

Best Use Cases

• You’re applying for an entry-level or mid-level role.
• You want a clean layout with minimal design.
• You need something editable and shareable on the go.
• You’re creating your first resume and want to follow a standard structure.

When to look elsewhere

• You’re applying for jobs in highly competitive or design-driven fields.
• You seek a custom layout or infographic-style design.
• You need guaranteed ATS optimization and more control over sections.

How To Customize a Google Docs Resume Template

Customizing your resume goes beyond plugging in your name and job titles. Your edits should reflect your experience, strengths, and job posting requirements. Google Docs templates are designed to be flexible enough to support these adjustments, but the effort is up to you.

Here are additional tips to fully personalize your resume:

• Write a compelling summary: Start with a brief paragraph highlighting your top qualifications. This could include your job title, years of experience, industries you’ve worked in, and one or two key strengths. Keep it concise — three to five lines at most.
• Reorder sections if needed: Many templates place education or experience first by default. Depending on your background, you might move your skills or certifications higher up. You can easily cut and paste sections into a different order in Google Docs.
• Use consistent formatting: Pay attention to line spacing, font size, and indentation. If you add a new bullet or section, match it to the format used elsewhere on the page. This ensures your resume looks professional and clean.

Make sure to run a spelling and grammar check before submitting. Google Docs includes a built-in tool, but you can also use browser extensions like Grammarly for extra polish.

Alternatives to Google Docs Resume Templates

If you find the built-in options too limited, there are many other resume tools worth exploring:

• ResumeTemplates.com: Offers downloadable Google Docs resume templates with more variety and better formatting.
• Microsoft Word: Includes a larger selection of templates and more control over design.
• Canva: Great for creative and visual resumes.
• Zety, ResumeGenius, or other resume builders: Offer drag-and-drop interfaces and guided content suggestions.

If you’re looking for something that blends flexibility, polish, and compatibility with ATS systems, tools like ResumeTemplates.com offer a helpful middle ground between Google Docs and full design software.

Final Thoughts

Google Docs resume templates are a quick and accessible starting point for many job seekers. They’re free, functional, and easy to use — especially for students, early-career professionals, or anyone applying to straightforward roles.

However, if you want more customization, visual design, or industry-specific layouts, you may need to explore third-party resources or resume builders. What matters most is the template you choose and how well you tailor it to match your desired job.