Navigating Google Docs for Effective Formatting and Branding

Do you use Google Docs or MS Word for your resume? I'm seeing more and more Google Docs these days.

I always create resumes in MS Word for its features, but I wanted to share some tips about using Google Docs.

🚫 Having zero formatting.
✔️ It really helps readers - and especially people who are reading 50+ resumes a day, to have some sections that are clearly delineated.
➡️ Go to 'Insert' + 'Horizontal Line' to cleanly separate sections.

🚫 Using a template without ensuring it works for you.
✔️ I don't like templates, but that's easy to say since I'm providing this service. If you must use a template, make sure the sections fit your particular needs, and that the words aren't cut off (I see this all the time.)

🚫 Not using a header.
✔️ We all learned that ATS doesn't 'read' MS Word headers, we moved the header out of the 'header' area, but now it seems like we've abandoned the idea all-together. Headers (without putting it in that specific section) are the best way to immediately brand yourself with your name, degree(s), certification(s), your own personal title that shares what you do and your strengths, and your contact info. Please, you've got to have a header.
➡️ After creating your header, go to 'Format,' 'Paragraph Styles,' 'Borders and Shading' to add a line underneath.

I prefer the functionality of Word even though it's a beast to work with sometimes.

Do you use Word or Google docs? Or another program?