What To Make Resume On
So, you've got a blank slate and you're wondering, "What should I use to actually make my resume?" It's a good question. And honestly, it's one people don't spend enough time thinking about. What you choose matters because it affects how your resume looks, whether it’s easy to edit, and sometimes even how people perceive you.
A lot of people default to whatever they already know, and that’s usually Microsoft Word. And look, Word is fine. It's reliable, it's familiar, and hiring managers aren't going to raise an eyebrow at it. You can easily format your sections, drop in some bullet points, and adjust margins. It’s the safe choice, no doubt. But is it always the best choice? Not necessarily.
Why Templates Can Be A Problem
I know it's tempting. You Google "resume templates, " find something that looks slick, download it, and think you're good to go. But here’s the thing about most templates, they box you in. You spend more time figuring out how to tweak a pre-made layout than actually writing what matters. Plus, some of those fancy designs don’t even format right when you save them as a PDF. Hiring managers hate getting a resume where the text suddenly shifts out of place.
If you’re set on using a template, grab one from a trusted source. Some websites specialize in resumes and know what recruiters want to see. But even then, make sure you’re not sacrificing readability or compatibility for looks. At the end of the day, content trumps design every single time.
Google Docs vs Word
Alright, let’s talk about the two heavyweights in resume building: Microsoft Word and Google Docs. If you already have Word, great, use it. You’ve got all the formatting options you need. But for folks who don’t want to pay for Word or just feel like working in the cloud, Google Docs does the job perfectly fine.
What I love about Docs is how simple it is to share and edit. Need someone to give your resume a second look? They can drop comments directly into the file without needing to download anything. Plus, Docs lets you save as a PDF easily, which is pretty much a must. Never send a Word file unless explicitly asked, PDFs preserve your formatting.
One downside? Google Docs isn’t as customizable as Word when it comes to layout tweaks. If you’re super picky about spacing and margins, Word might win.
The Online Resume Builders
Now, let’s talk about the flashy online resume tools like Canva, Zety, or Novoresume. They’re easy to use, look modern, and sometimes have features that guide you through writing. But, and this is a big but, some of them force you into their formatting or make you pay to download your own resume. I can’t tell you how frustrating it is to spend hours making something only to find out you need a $15 subscription to download it as a PDF.
These tools are great for people who don’t need much customization and want something visually appealing. Just do your homework. Make sure whatever builder you use keeps your resume professional and doesn’t throw in design elements that distract from the content.
Old School Or New School?
There are always going to be people who insist on keeping things classic, and honestly, I respect it. A simple Word doc with clean lines and readable fonts still does the trick. But if you’re applying for a creative job or just want to stand out a bit more, Canva or similar programs can help your resume pop without going overboard.
At the end of the day, it’s less about the tool and more about how you use it. Whether you pick Word, Docs, or an online builder, what matters is clear sections, easy-to-read formatting, and no distractions. If your resume shows off your skills and gets the job done, you’re on the right track.
Now, go make that resume. Use whatever works best for you, but make it something you’re proud of.