If you haven’t already, make sure to download the Mediterranean Resume Template.
How to use this guide
You can use this guide in two ways:
- Open your template and follow along, step by step with this tutorial.
- Browse this guide for the help you need, when you need it.
This guide to editing includes:
- Understanding Tables in Word
- Changing the Header
- Changing Resume Content
Bookmark this page so you can come back to it whenever you need it.
Getting Started
You will need the Microsoft Office Word software to properly edit this template. If you do not have Word, you can download, subscribe, or buy the software here.
Note on Microsoft Office Versions and OS
These instructions walk you through editing this document in Microsoft Office 365 for Mac. However, any version of Microsoft Office (2010 and higher) will be compatible.
Microsoft Office for Mac is different from Windows in two ways: not all commands are available for Mac, and the layout of the program is different to mimic common Mac software menus. In Windows, all commands and tools will be located on the ribbon in the program window. On a Mac, some commands are located in the toolbar at the top of the screen, not in the program window.
Note on Microsoft Office Ribbon / Toolbar
One of the flexible, but sometimes frustrating, features of Microsoft Office (especially Word) is that from version to version, or across different operating systems, the toolbar (called: Ribbon) along the top may differ. In fact, users have the ability to change the order and visibility of commands in the toolbar. This means that your commands may not be in the same location as this walkthrough.
If you are having trouble finding a specific command, open Preferences and search for commands that are not visible. It may be hidden or moved into another section of the ribbon.
Please contact Office Otter directly if you are having any problems with the resume displaying correctly in your version of Office.
Understanding Tables in Word
This resume is designed in a table. Tables are a great way to create borders, lines, and columns in a resume.
In order to understand how the changes you make impact your table, we recommend making the table borders visible.
- Place a cursor inside the table, next to the text.
- The Table Design and Layout menus will appear in the Ribbon.
- Click Layout
- Find and click View Gridlines so that it is highlighted
When the View Gridlines option is selected, a grey, dashed line will appear around the entire table and between each cell. This will help you see where your cells and table are more clearly.
Changing the Header
The header in this template is actually just the first cell of the table.
First Cell
The first cell contains two lines of text: Name, then contact information. Keeping the contact information at the top of the resume makes it easy for HR Managers to quickly identify how to get ahold of you.
Edit each line individually to keep the size differences intact. Alternatively, if your name is longer or much shorter, you can resize the name in the header so it fits accordingly.
Changing Resume Content
The body of this resume has three areas of content:
- Professional Experience
- Work History
- Education
Professional Experience
Because this template is a functional resume, all the text in this section will be separated by key functions of your job. These functions are indicated by keywords in ALL CAPS.
Each function title (such as “Project Management”) has its own row in the table. Likewise, the bulleted content below each title has its own row.
Turn on View Gridlines to see where your content is located.
It is recommended to change the job function keywords to match the job for which you are applying. Include at least two job functions and no more than four.
The bulleted items below the job function keywords can be copied from your Master Resume, or typed directly into this template.
You can edit the bulleted list style by highlighting all the text in the list and selecting a different list style in the ribbon.
When you are done editing this section, be sure the save the resume and your work! Saving frequently is best.
Work History
Similar to the previous section, sub-headers in this section have their own row. However, the content below each sub-header is separated into two columns.
The left-hand column text is left-justified (the text lines up on the left). The right-hand column text is right-justified (the text lines up on the right). This allows the text to occur on the same row (level), but show a visual separation.
Because a functional resume focuses on job functions, keep the information in this section brief.
The ALL CAPS part of each entry is your past or current Job Title. The second line is the name of the company or organization you worked for, followed by the dates you were employed for each organization.
In a functional resume, you may wish to not include the dates of employment. However, it is helpful to include dates on your LinkedIn profile so an employer has the option to review your resume in more detail.
Recent graduate or no prior work history? Change the title to Volunteer History and list organizations, social groups, or any relevant work you have done that wasn’t for an employer.
Education
This section includes all education – not just formal education. Formal education, listed first, will include any degrees you’ve received, such as a high school diploma or college degree. If you have a college degree, there is no need to list your high school diploma. If you have a Master’s degree or Ph.D., lead with the highest level degree earned.
Include a GPA only if it is above 3.0 and you are a recent (within the last 2-3 years), graduate.
Following the formal education, list any certifications or professional qualifications you have received. You can also use this section to include any professional licenses you hold that may be important to the job.
Still have questions about how to use this resume? Drop us a line.
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