A simple resume format in Word is one column with standard headings (Summary, Experience, Education, Skills), 0.7–1 inch margins, a 10–12 pt font such as Calibri or Arial, and bullet points instead of tables. Download our two free editable .docx templates below, replace the bracketed text, and save the final file as PDF unless the employer asks for Word.
Word is still the most common way people make a resume, and most employers can open a .docx file. The problem is that many Word templates use text boxes, tables and columns that look good on screen but scramble when an applicant tracking system (ATS) reads them.
Free resume templates in Word format
| Template | Best for | Download |
|---|---|---|
| Simple chronological resume | Anyone with work experience | resume-template-word-simple.docx |
| No-experience resume | Students, freshers, first job | resume-template-word-no-experience.docx |
Both templates are one column, use real Word bullet lists, and keep contact details in the body of the page rather than in the header, so ATS software can read every line. All text is placeholder text in [brackets].
What is the best resume format in Word?
| Format | Use it when | Order of sections |
|---|---|---|
| Chronological | You have steady experience in one field | Summary, Experience, Education, Skills |
| Skills-based (functional) | You are changing careers or have gaps | Summary, Key skills with examples, Experience, Education |
| Fresher / student | You have little or no work history | Objective, Education, Projects, Experience, Skills |
For most people the chronological format is the safest choice. Recruiters expect it, and ATS systems parse it best.
How to set up a resume in Word step by step
Which Word features break an ATS-friendly resume?
| Word feature | Problem | Use instead |
|---|---|---|
| Text boxes and shapes | Text inside them is often skipped | Normal paragraphs |
| Tables and multi-column layouts | Columns get read left-to-right across rows | One column with tab stops |
| Header and footer | Contact details there may be ignored | Put contact details in the page body |
| Icons and skill bars | Unreadable, and "Excel 80%" means nothing | Plain text skills with proof |
| Unusual fonts | Replaced on another computer | Calibri, Arial, Garamond |
Read more about how screening software reads files in what is an ATS resume.
Simple resume format example to copy
Simple resume in Word (fictional)
[Your Name] — Customer Service Representative
[City] · [phone] · [email] · [LinkedIn]
SUMMARY: Customer service representative with 3 years in retail banking support. Resolved 60–80 calls a day with a 92% satisfaction score in [year].
EXPERIENCE: Customer Service Representative — [Company], [City] — 2023–Present
• Answered account and card questions by phone and chat, about 70 contacts a day.
• Trained 4 new hires on the ticketing system.
EDUCATION: [Degree] — [University], [Year]
SKILLS: Zendesk, Microsoft Excel, complaint handling · LANGUAGES: English (fluent), [language] (native)
Should you send your resume as Word or PDF?
Send PDF by default: the layout stays exactly as you designed it on any device. Send .docx only when the job ad or the recruiter asks for Word, which some agencies do because they edit resumes before passing them to clients.
Word or a resume builder?
Word gives you full control and costs nothing if you already have it. A resume builder saves the formatting work and keeps layouts ATS-safe. In the ArcPixel resume builder you can build and preview your resume for free; downloading the PDF is paid, and ArcPixel does not export to Word. For a side-by-side comparison, see resume builder vs Word.
- Where can I find a simple resume format in Word for free?
- Download the two templates on this page. Microsoft also publishes free resume templates in Microsoft Create, but check that the one you pick is a single column without text boxes.
- Is a Word resume ATS-friendly?
- Yes, if it is one column, uses real text, standard headings and no text boxes, tables or headers for key details.
- What font size should a resume be in Word?
- 10.5–12 pt for body text and 16–22 pt for your name. Keep margins between 0.7 and 1 inch.
- How do I make a one-page resume in Word?
- Cut older or unrelated jobs, keep 3–5 bullets per role, and reduce margins to no less than 0.7 inch rather than shrinking the font below 10 pt.
- Can I edit these templates in Google Docs?
- Yes. Upload the .docx to Google Drive and open it with Google Docs; the one-column layout converts cleanly.
For more designs, see our best resume templates. New to job hunting? Start with the resume format for freshers.