If you haven’t already, make sure to download the Natural 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 two parts: the first cell, and the background object.
First Cell
The first cell contains text (name and contact information) of two different sizes. Edit each individually to keep the size difference.
In order to create the white block appearance behind the text, the cell has a background color of white.
The background color of the cell can be changed by selecting Table Design and then the Shading icon.
If you want the cell to be clear, with no white box, simply select Shading, then No Color.
The first cell also has a border around the cell. The style of this cell border can be changed or removed.
Make sure your cursor is inside the cell for which you wish to change the border. Under Table Design, select the drop-down option next to Borders. This will provide you with some quick-change options. If you want more options (especially color, border thickness, or style) select Borders and Shading…
Background Object
The subtle, off-white, banner along the top of this resume template is an object. The object, in this case, is a rectangle shape.
To edit this shape, select it by clicking outside the table boundaries. You will know the shape is selected because it will have an outline and boxes on each corner and side. The little boxes can be used for changing the dimensions of the shape.
Select the Shape Format section in the ribbon. This will show you commands for altering the style, position, and dimension of the shape.
To change the color of the shape, use the Shape Fill command.
The shape is defaulted to display behind the table. The shape can be arranged to display in front of the text, in front of the table, or in front or behind other objects by using the Arrange command.
Changing Resume Content
This resume has four areas of content:
- Professional Experience
- Work History
- Education
- Contact Information
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.
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
This section is part of a row with four columns. The purpose of splitting up columns in this way is to allow for the design aspect of the dividing lines. These lines are cell borders.
All the content in this section, as well as Education, is in one cell. There is no need to add another row for more content.
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. The final line indicates 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.
Contact Information
The contact information section takes place all on one row, in six columns.
Columns can be adjusted as necessary to accommodate a longer email address or website URL.
Icons can be changed by replacing the image. To change the icon color:
- Select the icon you wish to change.
- Click the Picture Format tab in the ribbon.
- Click the drop-down arrow next to the Color command.
- Select one of the pre-formatted options, or More variations at the bottom of the list.
LinkedIn Profile
Including a LinkedIn profile link can be a helpful way to showcase your entire work history, recommendations from colleagues, and other things you are interested in that you don’t include on your resume.
Make sure to update your LinkedIn profile prior to including it on your resume. Ensure that your resume and your profile match. Create a custom URL for your LinkedIn profile so it is short and easy to type.
Personal Website
If you don’t have a LinkedIn account or prefer not to use it on your resume, you can include a personal website instead. This is a great option if you have a portfolio you want to showcase.
Still have questions about how to use this resume? Drop us a line.
Our resume templates will always be free. Help others benefit from this free content with a simple cup of coffee.
