So it’s time to write your resume. Don’t panic just yet. Staring at a blank Word doc, wondering if your Microsoft skills are too basic? Should you stick to that tried-and-true plain format, or is it time to go all out with something flashier? Where do you even find these templates? Are they free, effective, and most importantly, not going to make your resume look like it was made in 1998?
We’ve all been there, endlessly scrolling through templates, each one making you more confused than the last. But don’t worry, we’ve done the hard work for you. From classic MS Word to sleek, MS-compatible Rezi templates, we’ve handpicked the best options to help you craft a resume that’ll stand out in any stack.
We’ll cover:
- 50 MS Word resume templates with easy download links.
- Insider advice on putting your resume together.
- Tips for customizing your resume to match the job you’re applying for.
Need a little more help? Try our AI Resume Builder to take the stress out of the process. Or, check out these other guides for more advice:
- How to Update and Improve Your Resume for 2025
- Tips on Using ChatGPT to Write Your Resume
- Changing Careers? Advice & Examples for Making Your New Resume
- How to Showcase Your Work Ethic on Your Resume
Sample Rezi & Microsoft Word Resume Templates
Browse through our collection of Rezi and MS Word templates to find the one that best suits your style and industry. Whether you’re in tech, marketing, or anything in between, we’ve got a design that’s perfect for you. Plus, most resume templates have a matching cover letter, so you can look extra professional and organized by pairing them up.
Let’s start by checking out a range of Rezi resume templates that work seamlessly with MS Word.
Simple resume template
A clean and straightforward design, perfect for highlighting your skills and experience in an easy-to-read format. Ideal for entry-level candidates, students, or anyone in a traditional field seeking a polished resume.
Modern resume template
A sleek, contemporary design that combines subtle design elements with clean lines and a pop of color. Perfect for tech roles, marketing, or any professional wanting a balance of innovation and style.
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Creative resume template
Featuring a unique design with vibrant color accents, this template adds personality while remaining professional. Best suited for creative roles like design, marketing, or the arts.
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Compact resume template
An efficient, well-organized layout that allows you to pack in relevant details without clutter. Ideal for industries like law or finance, especially for professionals with diverse roles.
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Harvard resume template
A sophisticated, traditional layout that communicates professionalism. Perfect for business, law, or academia, catering to mid-to-senior professionals applying for high-level positions.
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Now, let’s dive into the MS Word resume templates.
Bold modern resume template
The bold modern resume template is sleek and eye-catching, perfect for entertainment roles like modeling or acting, though photos aren’t typical for other types of resumes, especially in the US. Its clear layout and guided sections make showcasing skills and achievements a breeze.
Color block resume template
A bold, colorful layout that highlights key details, making it ideal for graphic designers or UI/UX professionals. Its spacious layout allows for an expanded work history section, but remember to use bullet points for clarity, and a single, focused objective or summary.
ATS classic resume template
Simple and structured, this template is optimized for ATS scans. Great for those who want a professional, clean resume that focuses on accomplishments rather than unnecessary details. Use bullet points to outline your achievements and skip personal details like your full address — city and state are enough.
Stylish resume template
A refined design with a modern twist, using clean fonts and a subtle shade of green. Just leave out your full address, “references available upon request,” and focus on achievements rather than general responsibilities in your experience. Also, mix in examples of communication and leadership skills throughout your work experience.
ATS bold resume template
Designed for seasoned professionals, this ATS-friendly template offers clear headings and a straightforward layout, ensuring readability and organization. Just skip the street address and don’t focus too much on your education (when you have relevant experience).
Project management resume template
This project management resume template stands out with a pop of red (or an optional blue or green), adding some personality. If you’re switching careers or don’t have much experience, start with an objective and education. If you’ve got experience, lead with a summary and dive into your work history next — recruiters will appreciate the easy-to-scan layout.
Professional resume template
This straightforward template is perfect for legal professionals, with a focus on experience and qualifications. Its clear, no-nonsense layout makes it easy for hiring managers to spot key details. Remember to use bullet points for your accomplishments.
Playful resume template
This playful resume template is colorful and fun, perfect for roles in entertainment like modeling or acting, especially with the space for a photo. Describe your achievements and skills under each job and make sure the content backs up the creativity.
Basic professional resume template
The basic professional resume template has a simple, no-fuss design that focuses on your core qualifications. Perfect for professionals who value clarity and directness in their resume.
Elegant resume template
A polished template that blends creativity with professionalism, ideal for individuals in design or the arts. Make sure your achievements stand out too — keep them specific to the role you’re applying for.
ATS resume template
Optimized for both ATS and recruiters, this template works well for office managers or those with limited experience, with space to highlight relevant coursework, extracurriculars, or volunteer work.
Simple classic resume template
This minimalist design is perfect for new graduates or those entering the workforce. To make it easier to scan, add some spacing and bullet points under your experience.
Basic management resume template
With an organized layout and ATS-friendly design, this template helps you showcase your skills and experience efficiently, especially for those starting out. Skip the “references available upon request” line and tailor your resume for the specific role.
Classic resume template
Designed with food service professionals in mind, this versatile template also works across other industries. It provides ample space to showcase key achievements in a clean layout.
CV resume template
This CV template follows the US resume style (check out CV vs. Resume: The Difference Explained if you’re curious). The color and font are fun but it’s a bit text-heavy, so it’s best to trim it down to key details and use bullet points to keep things clear.
Black and white resume template
A minimalist design ideal for those seeking a clean and professional layout. Perfect for entry-level candidates or anyone wanting to showcase their qualifications without distractions.
ATS black resume template
A sleek, professional design with a focus on ATS optimization. This template effectively showcases your achievements, regardless of industry. Make sure to use bullet points for your work achievements, similar to the education section.
Simple clean resume template
A modern, streamlined design that highlights your key skills and experience. It’s easy to read and works well across various industries.
Bold resume template
This bold, colorful resume helps you stand out while keeping things professional — it’s perfect for any industry (just leave out the photo). Add your key achievements under your work history and include a resume summary or objective right below your contact info.
Purple resume template
A vibrant, creative template that maintains a professional feel (just maybe get rid of the stars). Ideal for education or the arts, this design highlights your background and unique approach. Instead of describing the skills separately, weave them into your work experience for more impact.
Standard resume template
With a visually engaging design, this template is great for marketing or content-related fields. Bullet points would help make your achievements easy to scan and digest.
Creative colors resume template
For professionals across industries, this dynamic template offers a creative layout to help you stand out while staying polished and professional.
Polished resume template
The bright red on this resume catches the eye, but make sure your content keeps their attention. It includes space for your initials above your contact info for a personal touch. Since space is limited, keep your resume concise, focusing on relevant experience, education, and skills.
Modern structured resume template
This resume layout works well if you have one standout experience and other roles with transferable skills. It’s clean, organized, and easy for hiring managers to skim, focusing on your key qualifications. This layout is perfect for finance professionals who want to keep things traditional but still stand out.
White minimalist resume template
With a sleek, minimalist design, this template is ideal for anyone who wants a modern look that emphasizes their qualifications and achievements without distractions. Just remember, photos are best saved for modeling or acting jobs.
Bold traditional resume template
A simple yet striking design that focuses on your experience and achievements. Ideal for experienced professionals who want a no-frills, ATS-optimized layout. If you have plenty of experience, swap the objective for a summary to show off your top achievements and enthusiasm for the role.
Basic resume template
This clean, simple design emphasizes your key accomplishments and experience. The blue font subtly highlights job titles and degrees, perfect for those with diverse, relevant experience and education
Extended resume template
A versatile ATS-optimized design that offers ample space to showcase your experience, skills, and achievements. Ideal for candidates with extensive experience or multiple roles. To improve readability, use bullet points to organize the skills and awards sections.
Classic leadership resume template
A clean, spacious layout that focuses on your leadership experience and qualifications. Perfect for advancing in your career or making a strong first impression in any industry. The built-in tips also simplify creating your resume.
Simple bold resume template
A straightforward design with bold headings that help your achievements stand out. Perfect for professionals who want to make an impact without clutter. Break up the text with bullet points to make your resume more skimmable.
Modern chronological resume template
This template highlights your career progression with a reverse-chronological layout. It showcases recent accomplishments and career growth in a structured manner.
Bold impact resume template
With clear sections and bold headers, this template is designed to grab attention while keeping your achievements front and center. Great for making a strong first impression in any industry.
Polished professional resume template
A minimalist template with a focus on your key skills and accomplishments. It’s perfect for professionals who prefer a simple yet polished approach to their resume.
Classic creative resume template
This basic template is suitable for a wide range of industries. Its clean sections and ample white space keep the focus on the important details.
Photo resume template
Perfect for industries like modeling or acting, this template includes space for a professional photo while keeping the focus on your skills and achievements.
Modern bold resume template
With bold headers and clean sections, this template grabs attention while staying professional. Just move your contact info higher up for better flow.
Modern photo resume template
A sleek design that showcases your qualifications and includes space for a photo. The photo is necessary for entertainment roles, but it’s best to remove it for other jobs.
Chronological resume template
A traditional layout that highlights your work experience in reverse order, making it ideal for professionals with a clear career path looking to highlight their growth and progression.
ATS career resume template
This ATS-optimized template strikes a balance between creative and professional, making it ideal for industries that require both structure and innovation.
Geometric resume template
A contemporary design with bold, geometric shapes that adds a modern touch while keeping the content organized and professional.
Industry manager resume template
Tailored for professionals in leadership roles, this template is flexible enough to suit various industries, offering space to highlight leadership experience, certifications, and achievements.
ATS basic resume template
An ATS-friendly, minimalist design that ensures clarity and simplicity, making it ideal for entry-level and experienced professionals across any industry.
Elegant florist resume template
Designed with a clean and elegant layout, this template has elements of style and functionality. It’s perfect for candidates who want to showcase their artistic flair and attention to detail.
Stylish modern resume template
A sleek, modern template that combines professionalism with a touch of personality, making it perfect for job seekers across any industry who want a dynamic, engaging resume.
Impact yellow resume template
This template lives up to its name by delivering a strong, memorable design that emphasizes your key accomplishments. Its organized layout works for both entry-level and experienced professionals, whether you prefer concise details or more in-depth descriptions.
For even more options, take a look at our collection of 15+ ATS-Friendly Resume Templates.
How to Create a Resume on MS Word
In short: choose a clean, professional resume template that aligns with your industry and style. Keep formatting simple by using reverse chronological order and clear fonts like Arial or Calibri. Input your contact details at the top, followed by a summary or objective, experience, education, and skills. Focus on achievements by quantifying results with numbers and action verbs. Tailor your resume to the job description by incorporating relevant keywords and customizing sections to highlight qualifications that match the role.
1. Choose a Microsoft Word resume template
Pick a MS Word resume template that sets the right tone for your resume, that will make it look polished and professional.
What this means for you:
- Open Word and browse the template gallery by searching “resume” in the search bar. You can find a list of the templates at Microsoft Create.
- Pick a template that suits your industry and style but keep it simple — avoid over-complicated designs.
2. Format your resume in Word
A well-structured resume makes it easier for hiring managers and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan your information. Use a professional layout that keeps everything clear and consistent.
What this means for you:
- List your most recent job first in reverse chronological order. If you’re light on experience, move your “Education” section above “Experience.”
- Opt for simple fonts like Arial or Calibri (10–12 pt for body, 14–16 pt for headings).
- Stick to a one-page resume with single spacing and one-inch margins.
3. Input your details
Your resume should be easy to navigate, with essential details placed where hiring managers expect to find them. A well-organized structure makes all the difference.
What this means for you:
- Place your contact details in a resume header: full name, location, phone, email, and LinkedIn.
- Include clearly defined sections for your resume summary or objective, work experience, education, and skills.
- Use bullet points strategically to break up information and spotlight your wins.
4. Focus on your achievements
Employers want to see the impact you’ve made, not just the duties you performed. Strong, results-driven descriptions will set you apart.
What this means for you:
- Use numbers and percentages to highlight your accomplishments. For example, “boosted sales by 30%” or “managed 50+ clients.”
- Start each bullet point with a strong action verb like “led,” “optimized,” or “implemented,” and focus on results (cost savings, time efficiency).
5. Tailor your resume to the job description
Customizing your resume to the job descriptions shows you’ve put in the effort and aligns your skills with the employer’s needs.
What this means for you:
- Scan the job description for key skills, qualifications, and phrases, then naturally incorporate those keywords into your resume.
- Focus on experience, achievements, and skills that directly relate to the role, and adjust your summary to reflect the job’s specific requirements.
If you’re unsure which keywords to use, AI Keyword Targeting can analyze the job description and generate a list of relevant keywords for you.
Summary
Here’s a recap of how to build your resume on MS Word:
- Choose a resume template that suits your industry and job level (e.g., modern templates for tech roles, creative templates for arts or design).
- Ensure your resume is ATS-friendly by using simple structures, bullet points, and avoiding unnecessary details like full addresses.
- Opt for clean, professional templates with legible fonts like Arial or Calibri, and a layout that emphasizes key accomplishments.
- Organize work experience in reverse chronological order to highlight recent achievements and career growth.
- Quantify results and use action verbs to show impact, particularly in your work experience section.
- Customize your resume for each job description, emphasizing relevant skills and experience.
- Organize your resume into sections such as Contact Info, Summary or Objective, Experience, Education, and Skills.
- Don’t clutter your resume; keep it concise with bullet points and only include relevant details.
- Include a photo in your resume only if you’re applying for roles in industries like modeling or acting.
FAQ
Which template is best for a resume in MS Word?
When choosing a resume template in MS Word, keep it simple and professional. Choose one that’s easy to read, with clear headings and well-organized sections. Templates with minimal graphics usually highlight your experience better than overly flashy ones.
Are there any free resume templates in Word?
MS Word offers plenty of free resume templates — all the above templates are free and accessible to everyone, even without a subscription. Just open Word, search for “resume” in the template section, and you’ll find several customizable options, ready to fill in and adjust to your style.
How far back should a resume go?
For most industries, your resume should cover the last 10–15 years of work experience. You don’t need to include jobs from decades ago unless they’re really relevant. If you’re just starting out in your career, focus on relevant internships, volunteer work, and experience.
For more on this, check out How Far Back (How Many Years) Should a Resume Go?
What font should a resume be?
Go with a professional, easy-to-read font like Arial or Calibri. Stick to 10–12 pt, and make sure it’s legible when printed or read on a screen.
Do companies prefer Word or PDF resumes?
PDF resumes are generally preferred because the formatting stays intact across different devices and software. However, some companies still request Word docs for compatibility with older ATS. If the job posting doesn’t specify, go with PDF — it’s usually the safest choice.
What should not be on your resume?
Avoid adding irrelevant personal info like your age, marital status, photo, or social security number. Also, steer clear of clichés like “hardworking” or “team player” — they’re overused and don’t add much value. And proofread your resume before sending it anywhere to make sure it’s error-free.
Is a one-page or two-page resume better?
A one-page resume is best to keep things concise and to the point. But if you have 10+ years of relevant experience, a two-page resume is fine to show off your achievements. Just make sure your resume isn’t spilling onto the second page with just a few lines — if that’s the case, trim it down to fit on one page.
