How to Set Up a Resume in Microsoft Word

For PC Users
1. Open Microsoft Word by double-clicking the icon on your computer's desktop or applications menu.
2. Open the 'File' tab in the top left and select 'New.' For Word 2007, this will be under the 'Office' button. Click on the 'Sample Templates' or 'Installed Templates' option.
3. Browse through the resume template options and select the one you prefer. In Word 2010, be sure the 'Document' option is selected when you choose your resume template.
For Mac Users
4. Open Microsoft Word by double-clicking the icon on your computer's desktop or applications window.
5. Open the file menu and click 'New from Template' or 'Project Gallery.'
6. Find and select 'Resumes' in the window that opens. Browse through the resume template options, choose the one you wish to use and click 'Choose' or 'Open.'
Create Resume
7. Fill in your information, starting at the top of the page with your name, address, telephone number and email address. The order and content of what follows depends on your job history and what type of resume you are creating, but the standard resume, as set up by Microsoft Word, will include the following sections.
8. Type your personalized goals and focuses in the 'Objectives' section. As the example in the template shows, this is typically one sentence. The 'Education' section normally follows and should include all of your educational information. List items in reverse chronological order and include the degree title, institution name, location and date of graduation.
9. Fill in the 'Experience' section with your personal data. Again, this should be listed in reverse chronological order and should include the employer name, your position or title, location, dates of employment and details about your responsibilities and duties.
10. Fill out any other sections you wish to include, such as 'Special Skills' (such as computer proficiencies and other languages spoken), 'Professional Memberships' and other sections related to your specific field. The second page of a resume is typically reserved for references. In this section you should list three to six (or more) references and include names, titles, business names, phone numbers and email addresses. These listings can be alphabetical or in order of relevance. When you finish filling in your resume template, click 'Save' in the file menu.