Create a Resume in Google Docs: Extensions

In this extension, you will select a different template for your resume and personalize it by making advanced formatting changes.

You will: change the font, style, color, and size of the text, adjust page margins, and update table properties.

To start, open the "template gallery" in Google Docs.

Select the resume template on screen.

Rename the document with your name, the word "resume," and a short description, like "version 2." In this template, the information in each section is organized in a table with transparent borders.

Change the "line weight" and "border color" so you can see the template layout.

You’ll make them invisible again later.

Update each section of the new resume template with information from your original resume.

Use two separate browser windows.

If any sections of the template are different from your original resume, fill them out or delete them.

In this template, there are sections for "Projects" and "Languages." Include one or two projects you completed for school, clubs, or work that are related to the position or program you’re applying for.

If you speak any additional languages, briefly describe your level of fluency.

Next, try some different ways to format your template.

Change the font.

Choose a font that is easy to read.

Think about the impression you want to make.

Not all fonts are ideal for a resume.

Change the text size to make it easier to read.

Next, format the section headings.

Change the font to match your name.

Change the size, if you like.

Then, update "Heading 1" to match.

This updates all the section headings in your document, so you don’t have to change each one.

Follow the same steps to update the other heading styles in your template.

If your resume is more than one page, make more formatting changes.

To adjust the line spacing, add or remove spaces around the paragraphs to achieve the right look.

You could also: Adjust the table column width, ...or adjust the page margins.

Then, change the text colors of your name and the section headings.

Choose something easy to read.

Finally, make the borders invisible.

Nice work! Now you can tailor your resume for different positions or opportunities.

Now, it’s your turn: Select a new resume template, make the table borders visible, add your information to the new resume, experiment with formatting changes, and remove the table borders.

In this extension, you will revise your existing resume for a specific audience.

This could be for an application to: an academic summer camp, a magnet school, a scholarship, a college or university, a trade school, a certificate program, or a specific job posting.

You can strengthen your chance of being selected by customizing your resume.

This example will show you how to tailor your resume for an academic program where you will: highlight your educational successes, demonstrate how you spend your time outside of the classroom, and emphasize experiences that help decision-makers get to know you better.

To begin, go to Google Drive, and open your resume.

Make a copy, then include your name and the new resume’s purpose.

Next, open a new browser window, and go to the website for the application you are working on.

Or, if you are tailoring your resume for a specific job, go to the posting.

Then, carefully read through the application instructions.

In this example, the university expects resumes to include an "educational background" and "relevant experiences," including: jobs, internships, community service, activities, languages, and research projects.

Return to your new resume, and delete any unnecessary sections.

For example, you may not need to list your skills in a high school academic resume.

You may also need to: change a header to be more specific, add a new section, or move descriptions from one category to another.

Next, organize your resume in the appropriate order for the specific application.

For example, your "education history" is the focus of an academic resume.

Then, include any additional details that are relevant to the program or job you’re applying to.

Proofread your resume and adjust any formatting, if necessary.

Ask a parent, teacher, or friend to provide feedback.

Great job -- you’ve customized your resume for a specific audience! You will follow similar steps each time you apply for a new school program or job.

Now, it’s your turn: Open your resume, make a copy, and rename it, review the application instructions for the school or job you’re interested in, reorganize and rename any sections of your resume, as necessary, and proofread your resume.

In this extension, you’ll create a cover letter using a template in Google Docs.

Use the job posting linked next to this video, or use your own example.

Your resume is only a brief snapshot of everything you’ve accomplished.

To show an employer or administrator you’re the right person for a specific position, include a cover letter.

A "cover letter:" helps you introduce yourself to a potential employer, outlines why you’re applying for the job, tells the employer why you are a good fit, and is your chance to go into more detail about your experience.

To start, open Google Docs.

Navigate to the "template gallery." Scroll down to find the “Letters” section.

A "cover letter" is written in a formal style called a "business letter." Any business letter-style template will work for your cover letter.

This example uses "Spearmint." Give your document a descriptive name that will make it easier for the reader to identify you and the document’s purpose.

Type your contact information at the top of the document, following the order of the template.

Then, add today’s date.

The next section is for the "hiring manager’s contact information." Address your letter following the job posting instructions.

If a contact or hiring manager is not mentioned, search the internet to find the correct name.

Open a new tab in your browser, and go to "google.com." Type the name of contact, company, and their address.

If you can’t find the name of the person in charge of hiring, address your letter to "Hiring Manager." Next, add a formal greeting using the contact’s name or the title hiring manager.

Next, write the body of the letter.

Explain why you’re a good fit for this job.

Include: the position you’re applying for, why you’re interested in the role, how your skills and experience fit the position, and how you will follow up.

For the body of your letter, use “block style” formatting, which means you leave a space between paragraphs rather than indenting at the beginning of each paragraph.

Write two or three short paragraphs.

Keep the tone of your message polite, but also interesting and engaging.

In the first paragraph, mention the job you’re applying for and how you found the posting.

Next, consider which skills to include.

Match your cover letter to the job description of the specific role you’re applying for.

Then, explain how those skills will help you perform the job.

Finally, thank the hiring manager for considering you for the job, and explain your hopes for the next steps.

To finish, use the formal closing “Sincerely.” Then leave a blank space, followed by your typed full name.

Or, if you’re submitting a printed copy, leave three blank lines between the closing and your name, so there is room for your written signature in ink.

After you complete your cover letter, ask someone to proofread it.

Hiring managers may not consider you for a position if your cover letter contains any mistakes.

When you are finished, save your resume as a "PDF" file.

This is a standard file type that can be opened on any type of computer.

Now, it’s your turn: Research the employer and hiring manager for a job posting, determine which of your skills to highlight, write your letter, proofread your letter, and save it as a PDF.

In this extension, you will use Gmail to request a "letter of recommendation." Sometimes called a "reference letter," this is a document written by someone who has knowledge of your unique characteristics, capabilities, and qualities.

Letters of recommendation may be necessary when applying to school programs, such as: an academic summer camp, a magnet school, a college or university, a trade school, or a certificate program.

These organizations request and value recommendation letters because they: Share information about you beyond grades and test scores, provide personal opinions about your character, highlight your strengths, interests, and role in the school community, and illustrate the direction you may take in the future.

When asking for recommendations, first consider timing.

Begin the process at least one month before your earliest application deadline.

The recommendations will be stronger if people are not rushed to complete them.

Now, think about who to ask.

Read your applications carefully.

Some organizations will request a reference from a teacher of a particular subject.

Or, they might want a letter from your guidance counselor.

You might ask someone with expertise in the field you wish to pursue.

For instance, if you’re applying to a language program, ask your Spanish teacher.

Consider someone who knows you both inside and outside the classroom and who has interacted with you recently.

Maybe a teacher taught you social studies and directed you in the school musical.

Or perhaps you interacted with your science teacher at your community center over summer breaks.

Other adults -- such as an employer, a coach, a camp counselor, or a religious leader -- also can make great references.

When you have decided who to ask, open your Gmail account and compose an email.

Type the email address in the “To” field.” For the subject, write “Letter of recommendation.” Use a formal greeting.

Then, ask them to write you a letter of recommendation.

Include where you are applying and information to help them write a strong letter.

Your email should let them know what you’d like them to focus on.

For example, describe: Projects that you are proud of, something you learned in class that was meaningful to you, a list of your accomplishments, a list of relevant extracurricular activities, and your plans for the future.

If necessary, discuss any concerns.

Perhaps you had low grades after moving to a new town.

Explain why you had difficulty, and discuss how you have improved since then.

Also include the deadline and any other instructions for completing the letter.

Close and sign your message in a polite and friendly manner.

Finally, once you’ve been accepted and decided on your next academic steps, be sure to write or email thank-you notes.

Let them know where you will be studying and how much you appreciate their support.

Nice work! You will follow the same steps each time you need to request a letter of recommendation.

Now, it’s your turn: Begin at least one month prior to the deadline, decide who to ask, email your request with key details and information, and send thank-you notes.

In this extension, you’ll use Google Sites to build a professional website where you can host your resume, link to a creative portfolio, and tell a potential employer more about your personality and abilities.

In the main lesson, you created a resume describing your work experience and educational background.

Another way you can showcase yourself, your skills, or your extracurricular activities is with a website.

Building your own website also demonstrates that you have digital skills that may be useful in this and any future job.

To start, open a new tab in your browser and go to Google Drive.

Create a new website in Google Sites.

Choose a name for your website that includes your name and the word “portfolio” or “resume.” Pick a title for the page.

Return to Google Drive and open your resume.

Then, make a copy of it, ...and rename it.

To safeguard your personal information online, remove your address, phone number, and other personal details, such as the location of your high school.

Every detail you put online can be found by anyone, including people you don’t know.

Be careful about what you share.

Then, add the resume to your website’s homepage.

You may need to adjust the size of the field so that your entire resume is visible.

Next, insert a textbox below your resume to tell potential employers something about yourself.

Type a short paragraph about your plans for the future, including colleges, trade schools, or career fields you’re pursuing.

You also might include past experiences that have prepared you for future jobs and other volunteer work, extracurricular activities, or personal details.

Be brief, and keep the tone and content professional.

Add more pages to your site with other details and accomplishments, such as: your photos, writing samples, a creative portfolio, or an award.

As you’re working on your website, think carefully before sharing personal details.

Now, return to the homepage to make changes to your color scheme, font, or overall design.

First, update the default theme.

Click on the different options to see how your homepage changes format.

Modify the colors to suit your professional image.

Then, update the font.

To make your website stand out more, add a background image to the banner behind the site’s title.

And adjust the background behind your resume.

Then, preview your website to see how it will look once it’s published.

Check for spelling mistakes and areas that are difficult to read.

Test links to make sure they work properly.

If possible, ask a friend to look over your website to check for errors.

Then, enlist a trusted adult, like a parent or counselor, to check your site to make sure the information isn’t inappropriate or too personal to share on the internet.

Once you’ve received feedback on your website, return to "edit mode" to make changes.

When you’re happy with your website, publish it on the internet, so other people -- including a possible employer -- can view it.

Choose a web address for your site.

Include your name and “portfolio” or “resume.” Adjust the share and search settings to choose who can view and access your site.

Congratulations! Your website is ready to share.

Now, it’s your turn: Create a new website in Google Sites, add your resume, a brief paragraph about yourself, and examples from your portfolio, change the theme, font, and color, remove details that are too personal or unsafe for the internet, and publish your website and adjust the share settings.

In this extension, you will share your resume with a partner to get feedback about how you can make your resume even better.

You will also review your partner’s resume.

Find your partner.

If you’re not working in a classroom, ask a friend or parent for feedback.

“Share” your resume by adding your partner’s email address.

Select the permission you want to use: "Editor" means the person you share it with can make changes directly to your document, "Commenter" allows them to make comments, but not change the document, and "Viewer" lets them see your document only.

Give your partner permission to "comment." Add a note for your partner.

They will receive an email inviting them to collaborate on the document.

Once your partner has shared their resume with you, open it from your shared files in Google Drive.

As you read, add comments about how your partner can improve their resume.

Highlight text in the document.

Then, insert a comment.

Remember to look for: spelling and grammar errors, concise language, and strong action verbs and effective descriptions.

If anything else stands out or you have a question about some of the information, leave a comment.

When you have finished reviewing your partner’s resume, read the comments your partner left for you.

If your partner has not finished reading your resume, that’s OK.

You can work in your document at the same time.

Perhaps your partner suggested additional formatting changes to help your resume look more professional.

Make sure any colors in your resume are professional, subtle, and used sparingly.

Continue making changes and resolve comments.

Make formatting changes, if necessary, so that the text fits on one page and is well-spaced.

When you are done making changes, read through your resume again.

Nice work! You’ve gotten feedback from a partner to create a polished resume.

Now, it’s your turn: Share your resume with your partner, proofread your partner’s resume, and make suggestions, read the feedback your partner gave you and make changes, and proofread your resume again.