How to Create a Stunning Resume with Google Slides

Want a great resume? You need one to get that dream interview. Forget boring old Word. Google Slides can help you make something that really pops. I'll show you how to make a resume on Google Slides. Plus, I'll share resume writing tips and career advice. Get ready to create a resume that gets noticed!

Why Google Slides?

Why use Google Slides instead of Word? Here's the deal:

• Looks Awesome: Slides is all about visuals. Add graphics, icons, and cool layouts. Make your resume modern and eye-catching.
• Total Control: Move things around exactly where you want. No more fighting with templates.
• Teamwork Made Easy: Share your resume and get feedback. Career coaches and friends can help in real-time.
• Anywhere Access: It's in the cloud. Work on your resume from your computer, tablet, or phone.
• Free! No need to spend money. Google Slides is free for everyone.

Step-by-Step: Resume on Google Slides

Step 1: Plan It Out

Don't just jump into Slides. Think about what to include. This makes your resume way better. Here's what to consider:

• The Job: What job are you after? Change your resume to fit that job. Read the job description. What skills are they looking for?
• Pick a Format: How do you want to show your work history? There are a few common ways. Chronological? Functional? A mix of both?
• What to Include: What sections will you have? Here are some must-haves:
  • Your Contact Info
  • A quick Summary (maybe)
  • Your Work History
  • Your Education
  • Your Skills
• Show What You Did: Don't just list what you did. Show what you achieved. Numbers are your friend.

Step 2: Set Up Slides

1. Open Slides: Go to slides.google.com. Start a new, blank presentation.
2. Size It Right: Slides are widescreen by default. Make it look like a normal piece of paper. Go to File > Page Setup. Choose "Custom" and make it 8.5 inches wide and 11 inches tall.
3. Clear the Deck: Delete those title boxes. You want a blank page.
4. Use a Grid: Turn on the grid (View > Guides > Show Grid). This helps you line things up perfectly.

Step 3: Design Time!

This is where Slides shines. Make your resume look amazing. Here are some resume writing tips:

• Pick Colors: Choose colors that look professional. Don't use anything too bright. Two or three colors are plenty.
• Give It Space: Don't cram everything in. Use white space to make it easy to read.
• Choose Fonts Wisely: Use fonts that are clean and easy to read. Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman are good choices. Use different sizes to make things stand out.
• Add Some Flair: Use icons, lines, or shapes to break up the text. But don't overdo it! Keep it consistent.
• Make Sections: Use text boxes to create sections. Make the titles bigger or a different color.

Step 4: Add Your Info

Time to fill in the blanks! Here's what to put in each section:

Contact Information

Put your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn (if you have one) at the top.

Summary/Objective (Optional)

A summary is a quick look at your skills. An objective is what you want to do. If you have lots of experience, use a summary.

Work Experience

List your jobs in order, starting with the most recent. For each job, include:

• Your Job Title
• The Company Name
• When You Worked There
• What You Did (Responsibilities and Achievements)

Resume Writing Tips for this section:

• Use action words to describe what you did. Words like "Managed," "Developed," and "Implemented" are great.
• Use numbers to show what you achieved. For example, "Increased sales by 20%" or "Reduced costs by 15%."
• Change the descriptions to fit each job you apply for.

Education

List your schools, starting with the most recent. Include:

• The Degree You Got
• What You Studied
• The School Name
• When You Graduated (or Will Graduate)
• Your GPA (If it's good, like over 3.5)

Skills

Make a list of your skills. Break them into categories. For example, "Technical Skills," "Soft Skills," and "Language Skills." List both hard skills (like programming) and soft skills (like teamwork).

Step 5: Polish It Up

Check your resume carefully. Make sure it's perfect.

• Check for Mistakes: Read it carefully. Look for typos, grammar errors, and punctuation mistakes. Ask someone else to read it too.
• Keep It Consistent: Use the same fonts and spacing throughout.
• Line It Up: Make sure everything is aligned. Use the grid in Slides to help.
• Get Feedback: Ask career coaches or friends for their opinion.

Step 6: Download It

Ready to send it out? Download it as a PDF. This makes sure it looks the same on everyone's computer.

1. Go to File > Download.
2. Choose "PDF document (.pdf)".

More Resume Tips

Here are some more resume writing tips to help you get that interview:

• Change It Up: Adjust your resume for each job.
• Use Keywords: Find the keywords in the job description and put them in your resume.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Show what you achieved, not just what you did.
• Keep It Short: One page is best, especially if you don't have a ton of experience.
• Use Action Words: Start each bullet point with a strong action word.
• Proofread! Mistakes are a big turnoff.

Career Advice: It's a Journey

Your resume is important, but it's not the only thing. Here's some career advice to help you on your way:

• Network: Talk to people! Go to events, connect on LinkedIn, and ask your friends for help.
• Practice Interviews: Practice answering common interview questions.
• Follow Up: Send a thank-you note after you apply or interview.
• Keep Going: Job searching can be hard. Don't give up! Keep improving your resume and applying for jobs.
• Stay Positive: Believe in yourself!

In Conclusion

Google Slides can help you create a resume that looks great. Follow these steps, use these resume writing tips, and take this career advice. You'll be on your way to landing your dream job! Good luck with your job search!