How To Edit a Resume Template in Word

Microsoft Word is one of the most popular tools for creating and editing resumes, and it makes sense. It’s accessible, customizable, and compatible with nearly every applicant tracking system (ATS). Whether starting from scratch or downloading a free resume template from a site like ResumeTemplates.com, knowing how to edit a Word resume effectively can make or break your chances of landing an interview.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to open, customize, and format a resume template in Word and avoid common mistakes that can ruin your layout.

Choosing the Right Resume Template in Word

Where to find resume templates

Before you edit anything, you need the right file. There are three main ways to find a Word-compatible resume template:

• Built-in Word templates: Open Word, go to File > New, and search for “Resume.” These are simple, preloaded options.
• Third-party sources: Sites like ResumeTemplates.com offer a variety of professionally designed, downloadable templates in .docx format.
• Online resume builders with Word export: Some resume tools let you build online and then download in Word format for offline editing.

What makes a template easy to edit

A great resume template in Word should:

• Be compatible with your version of Word
• Avoid overly complex visuals that can break easily
• Use text boxes and tables minimally (unless you’re comfortable editing them)
• Follow ATS-friendly formatting guidelines

Have clearly labeled sections like Professional Experience, Education, and Skills

How To Open and Start Editing Your Resume Template

Step 1: Download and save the file

Once you’ve selected your template:

1. Download the .doc or .docx file.
2. Save it in a dedicated resume folder so you can keep track of different versions.
3. Always rename it to something descriptive like Resume_John_Smith_Marketing.docx to stay organized.

Step 2: Open the file in Microsoft Word

You can open it by:

• Double-clicking the file from File Explorer
• Opening Word first and selecting the file from File > Open

Make sure you’re not in “Read-Only” or “Protected View.” If so, click “Enable Editing” at the top of the screen.

Step 3: Save a working copy

Never edit the original directly. Use File > Save As to create a working copy. This ensures you always have a clean backup if formatting gets off track.

Customizing Your Resume Section by Section

Editing the header

The header typically includes your name, phone number, email, and possibly a link to your LinkedIn or personal portfolio.

Writing a resume summary or objective

This is a brief paragraph (two to four lines) summarizing your experience or goals.

Use this space to:

• Highlight a key achievement or skill set
• Tailor it to the role you’re applying for
• Avoid buzzwords — use specific, job-relevant language

Include internships or school projects

Updating work experience

Replace all placeholder text with your actual job history, including:

• Job title
• Company name and location
• Dates of employment
• Bullet points that show accomplishments (not just duties)

Editing the education section

Include:

• Degree type (e.g., B.A., B.S.)
• School name
• Graduation date
• Any honors or relevant coursework

Updating skills and certifications

For technical skills, tools, and certifications that align with the job posting, use a bulleted or comma-separated list.

Avoid listing skills like “team player” or “strong communication” unless directly mentioned in the job description.

Formatting Tips for a Professional Look

Fonts, margins, and spacing

Use professional, legible fonts:

• Good choices: Calibri, Arial, Georgia, Times New Roman
• Font size: 10 to 12 pt for body text, 14 to 16 pt for section headers

Margins:

• Use 1” margins, or shrink to 0.5 to 0.75” if you need to save space

Line spacing:

• Use 1.0 or 1.15 for a cleaner look

Aligning text and using bullet points

Use Word’s “Paragraph” and “Alignment” tools, not the spacebar or tab key. This keeps formatting consistent across devices.

For bullet points:

• Go to Home > Paragraph > Bullets
  
• Use round or square bullets — avoid checkmarks or arrows

Editing text boxes and tables

Many resume templates use tables or text boxes to structure content. If these shift or break:

• Use Table Tools to resize or align
• Use “Layout > Align” to evenly space sections
• To remove a table border, go to

Common Mistakes and How To Fix Them

Formatting shifts when you type

Use “Show/Hide ¶” to see invisible formatting marks. This helps you understand why lines might jump or indent weirdly.

Avoid hitting Enter multiple times — adjust spacing using the “Line Spacing” tool instead.

Strange characters or fonts on other devices

Stick to system fonts like Arial or Calibri. Before sending your resume to anyone else, save it as a PDF.

To save as PDF:

• File > Save As > PDF
• Or File > Export > Create PDF/XPS Document

Accidentally deleting a design element

Hit Ctrl+Z (or Command+Z on Mac) to undo the last change.

If a text box or icon disappears:

• Use Insert > Text Box or Insert > Icon to replace it
• You can also re-download the template and copy/paste the section back in

Saving and Sending Your Resume

Best file format

For online applications and email:

• Save as PDF to preserve layout
• Only send a Word file (.docx) if the job posting requests it

Best file name

Use a clear, professional file name:

• Jordan_Miller_Resume.pdf
• Avoid vague or outdated names like Resume_2022.doc

Where To Get More Resume Templates for Word

There’s no need to reinvent the wheel. Sites like ResumeTemplates.com offer dozens of editable Word templates across industries and job levels.

Popular categories include:

• Minimalist Word resume templates
• ATS-friendly layouts
• Templates for students, executives, and career changers

Many are free to download and designed with clean, modern formatting that won’t break when you make changes.

Final Resume Editing Checklist

Before you hit send, double-check:

• All placeholders are removed
• Fonts and spacing are consistent
• Work history uses action verbs and measurable results
• File saved as PDF
• File name is professional
• Resume tailored to the job description
• No grammar or spelling errors (use Word’s review tools or Grammarly)

Editing a resume in Word doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right template and some formatting know-how, you can present your experience clearly and professionally. If you’re just starting or want to refresh your layout, browse free, editable Word resume templates here.

Whether you’re aiming for your first internship or your next leadership role, a polished Word resume can help you stand out for all the right reasons.