how to make a resume line on microsoft word

How to add horizontal lines to your resume in Word

When creating your resume, it’s not just about getting the text right.

Design features such as horizontal lines help to divide the page into clear sections and provide a better reading experience for recruiters.

In this guide, we’re going to show you step-by-step how to add horizontal lines to your resume in Word.

This will help you to make a good impression on recruiters and win job interviews.

Resume templates

How to add horizontal lines to resume in Microsoft Word

how to add horizontal line in word resume

Here’s how to add a horizontal line to any pat of your resume using Microsoft Word :

Put your cursor where you want the line to go
In the ‘Home’ tab click on the ‘Borders’ button
Select ‘Horizontal line’ from the drop-down menu
Your line will appear on the page
Double-click the line to edit the width, color, and alignment as you please
Click ‘OK’ when you’re finished to apply the changes

AutoFormat option

If you have the AutoFormat feature on, you can insert a line simply by typing three or more hyphens (—) and then pressing ‘Enter’ on your keyboard.

This should create a solid line that extends across the page.

How to add horizontal lines to resume in Google Docs

If you prefer to use Google Docs to create your resume, you can still add a horizontal line easily.

Adding a horizontal line in Google Docs is even more straightforward, here’s how to do it:

Place your cursor wherever you’d like the line to appear
Click ‘Insert’ from the top toolbar
Select ‘Horizontal line’ from the drop-down menu and your line will appear on the page

Why add horizontal lines to your resume?

Adding horizontal lines to your resume is a simple but effective way to divide your content into clear sections. That makes your resume more easy to read, as it allows readers to quickly scan through the document and identify the information they are looking for.

This is perfect for busy recruiters who see hundreds of resumes every day, and improves your chances of them reading your CV in full and selecting you for interview.

Do you have to add horizontal lines to your resume?

You don’t have to include horizontal lines on your resume and depending on the format and style, you might choose other elements to help break up your information.

However, when following the basic format and structure for your resume, these lines can be a quick and effective way to organize your content.

If you don’t want to add horizontal lines, you could try putting plenty of white space between each section and adding bold headings to them. This will achieve the same effect of breaking the page and making it easy for others to navigate.

More formatting tips for your resume

Here are a few more simple tips to make your resume look professional and easy to read, increasing your chances of landing interviews.

Use a simple font: Select a clear and easy-to-read font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri in size 11 or 12 to make reading easy.
Emphasize headings: Use big bold text for headings to clearly divide the page for recruiters.
Keep it concise: Limit your resume to one or two pages and to ensure hiring managers will read it in full.
Include white space: Use sufficient margins, spacing, and padding to ensure that your resume is visually balanced and not cramped.
Highlight important information : Use bold or italicized text to draw attention to key accomplishments, skills, or experiences.
Use a consistent format: Ensure that your formatting, including headings, bullet points , and spacing, is consistent throughout your resume, to ensure a professional appearance.
Proofread and edit: Check for typos, grammatical errors, and formatting inconsistencies to ensure that your resume is polished and professional.
Use a clear structure: Organize your information in a clear hierarchy with the most important information at the top to ensure it gets noticed quickly.

How to Create a Resume in Microsoft Word (Step-by-Step Guide)

If this is your first time creating a resume in Microsoft Word, the process may seem overwhelming. Luckily, this article is here to help! In this step-by-step guide, we will cover how to create an effective resume from start to finish using Microsoft Word.

How Do I Make a Resume in Microsoft Word?

There are two primary methods for making a resume in Microsoft Word:

‍ From Scratch: This gives you the ultimate creative control. However, it also requires you to familiarize yourself with all of Microsoft Word’s tools and layout options. Building a resume from scratch can be more time-consuming but also more customizable.
‍ From a Template: Microsoft Word offers several pre-made resume templates. By using these, all the formatting and layout creation is handled for you. You simply have to fill in your own information.

To use a template, go to File > New and then select a template from the Resume and Cover Letter section.

how to make a resume line on microsoft word

How Should I Format My Resume in Microsoft Word?

The format you choose will depend on your experience level!

There are 3 basic resume formats to choose between:

‍ Reverse-Chronological: Details your most recent job and works backwards from there. This format focuses heavily on work experience. ‍
Functional: Focuses on skills and education rather than work experience. This is a good option for recent graduates or applicants with minimal work experience. ‍
Hybrid/Combination: Combines elements of both the Reverse-Chronological and the Functional. This is a good option for applicants with gaps in their employment history.

Choosing the best format for your needs is key. For more help on this subject, check out our guide on How to Choose the Correct Resume Format in 2024 !

Beautiful resume templates to land your dream job

Make a Resume in Microsoft Word in 7 Easy Steps

First, let’s make sure you can navigate the Microsoft Word ribbon!

The ribbon is the toolbar found at the top of the screen.

It should look something like this:

The main parts of the ribbon you should familiarize yourself with on the Home tab are Font , Paragraph , and Styles .

These are how you will edit the appearance of your text and headers.

You should also familiarize yourself with the Layout tab .

This tab is where you will adjust your margins and add columns!

Once you have taken your time to figure out where all of your tools are, it’s time to begin building your resume!

Important Note: These steps detail how to create a resume in Microsoft Word from scratch. By using one of the program’s pre-made templates, you can bypass many of these steps and simply fill in the pre-made format.

Step 1: Create Your Layout

Let’s begin by visiting the Layout tab .

Here, you can set your margin size and decide if you want to use columns.

Here is a breakdown of these two elements:

‍ We recommend using 1-inch margins on all sides.

This will give you enough white space to keep your resume looking neat without sacrificing too much space.

It will also ensure your formatting looks good on printed versions of your resume. ‍

Columns and Sidebars:

‍ From the columns tab, you will find five options:

The One , Two , and Three options are how you will create separate columns.
The Left and Right options are how you will create sidebars! Sidebars are useful because they leave more room for the main text and sections.

From the Home tab , you can edit the following elements of your layout:

‍ Alignment:

‍ Choose between left, center, or right alignment.

We recommend using the left alignment.

Whichever you choose, it is a good idea to keep your alignment consistent across the board. ‍

Line Spacing:

‍ We recommend using 1.15 – 1.5 line spacing for the body text.

For section titles and headers, use 1.5 – 2.0 spacing to help them stand out from the rest of the text. ‍

‍ Use a simple and highly legible font. Try to use only 1-2 fonts throughout your resume.

We recommend the following seven fonts:

Times New Roman

Step 2: Make Your Title Header

Your title header should contain the following information:

Your Job Title
Contact Information
Professional Social Media Links

Use an H1 header to write your name at the very top.

Use the Normal style to write the rest of your information (see “How Do I Add Different Sections of the Resume on Microsoft Word” below for more information on header styles).

It should come out looking similar to this:

Copywriter Email: [email protected] Phone: (123) 456-7890 Website: Janesmith.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janesmith

Check out some of our free resume examples to see alternative ways of formatting your title header!

Step 3: Write an Objective or Summary

Following your title header will be your resume objective or summary.

This will be a short statement between 1-5 sentences detailing your desired job title, experience, and career goals.

You will want to write this statement in the Normal style .

However, you may want to use a slightly larger font than the rest of the text in other sections.

This will help your objective or summary statement to stand out.

Here is an example of how this might look with the title header example from before:

Resume Objective: I am a copywriter with over 5 years of experience. working with corporate clients. I am seeking the position of Head Copywriter at your company, bringing with me over 10 major corporate clients.

Step 4: Create Your Base Format

By creating a base format, you can save the document as a separate file to return to and fill in again and again.

This will help you to tailor your resume to fit specific jobs!

The idea of the base format is to provide outlined sections with the correct spacing and number of bullet points.

You are essentially creating a skeleton for your resume that you can edit and adjust over time.

By doing so, you ensure you have already allocated the proper amount of space on the resume for each section.

For example, this is what your base Work Experience section may look like:

Work Experience

Job Title 1 , Company Name Date – Date · Descriptive Sentence · Descriptive Sentence · Descriptive Sentence Job Title 2 , Company Name Date – Date · Descriptive Sentence · Descriptive Sentence · Descriptive Sentence ‍ Job Title 3 , Company Name Date – Date · Descriptive Sentence · Descriptive Sentence · Descriptive Sentence

As you gain more work experience, you can return to this base format and make changes as need be.

Because you have already outlined the section, you won’t have to worry about reformatting the entire resume to make a few simple changes.

Step 5: Determine Your Section Organization

Once you have built the base format of your resume, it’s time to determine if your sections are in the optimal location.

For instance, if you are creating a Reverse-Chronological style resume you will want your Work Experience section to come first.

Comparatively, if you are creating a Functional style resume you may want your Skills or Education section to come first.

The order and organization of your sections will impact the impression your resume makes on hiring managers.

Step 6: Fill in the Information

Now that you have created the base format of your resume and chosen the optimal organization, it’s time to fill in your information!

When filling in your information, be mindful of the following 3 factors:

‍ Be Concise: Always use simple sentences that clearly describe your strengths and accomplishments. Avoid complex sentences or overly complicated vocabulary and jargon. ‍
Use Bullet-Points: In each section, use bullet points to separate each thought or idea. This will make your resume more visually appealing and easier to read. ‍
Choose Compelling Language: Try to avoid repeating the same words or phrases over and over. Mix it up, use keywords, and find the best action verbs to make your resume sound even better!

Not sure how to make your language more compelling on your resume? Take a look at our list of 350+ Action Verbs to Make Your Resume More Effective in 2024 .

Step 7: Double-Check Your Sections

Once you have completed steps 1-6, look back over your resume and make sure you have included all of the key sections.

You should also take some time to consider what additional sections you could include.

Here are the key sections every resume should have:

A title header with your name and contact information
An objective or summary statement
Work experience

As we have covered, the order of these sections will vary depending on the format you have chosen.

However, each of these sections should always be included in your resume.

There are also some additional sections to consider adding.

Here is a quick list of extra sections that can add some extra flair to your resume:

Awards and achievements
Certifications
Unpaid experiences, such as volunteer work or internships
Relevant hobbies

How Do I Add Different Sections to a Resume on Microsoft Word?

The way to create different sections on your resume comes in two parts:

Use an H2 header to create the section titles (Work Experience, Education, Skills, etc.)
Use the Normal style to create the body of text below the H2 header

Here is a breakdown of how to use the H1, H2, H3, and Normal styles within your resume:

Select the Styles window from the Home tab .

From here, you will have options to create headers.

Your heading options are as follows:

‍ Heading 1: Use this heading as your largest title. This is what you will use to write your name at the top of the page. Use a bolded font between 16 to 20 pt in size. Use 1.5 to 2.0 line spacing to help the title heading stand out. ‍
Heading 2: Use this heading to create your section titles. Use a bolded font size between 14 to 16 pt. in size. Make sure these headings are smaller than your title heading. Use 1.5 to 2.0 line spacing to help these headings stand out from the rest of the text. ‍
Heading 3: Use this heading to create your job titles. Your job titles should be only slightly bigger than the rest of the text. Use a bolded font between 12 to 14 pt. in size. Use between 1.15 to 1.5 line spacing. ‍
Normal: Use the Normal style to create the body text underneath the heading. Use a regular font between 11 – 12 pt. in size. Use between 1.15 to 1.5 line spacing.

What are the Pros and Cons of Using Microsoft Word to Craft Your Resume?

Microsoft Word is a handy tool to have, especially if your computer comes with the program pre-installed.

Here are 3 pros and 3 cons to using Microsoft Word to create your resume:

‍ Total Creative Control: When creating a resume on Microsoft Word directly from your computer, you have total control over the design and format. ‍
More ATS Friendly: Applicant Tracking Systems are designed to read .doc files, the file format used by Microsoft Word. ‍
Can be Edited by Recruiters: If you are using a recruitment agency, a Microsoft Word file can be easy to edit by recruiters before sending it off to employers.
‍ The Microsoft Word Learning Curve: If you are unfamiliar with Microsoft Word, there can be a pretty steep learning curve that can cause you frustration. ‍
Time Consuming: Building a resume from scratch can be highly beneficial, but also highly time-consuming. This can become problematic if you need to create a resume quickly. ‍
Temperamental Templates: Microsoft Word offers tons of free resume templates. On the surface, this is super useful. However, these templates can be tricky to use. One wrong move can mess up the formatting in a big way and be an even bigger headache to try and fix.

Why Should I Use an Online Resume Template or Resume Builder?

By using a resume template from an online provider, such as Easy Resume, you are more likely to find a template that fits your exact needs.

Plus, online resume templates and resume builders often have more design elements that are easier to use compared to Microsoft Word.

Are you interested in using our online templates or resume builder? Check out our beautifully designed resume templates to build your optimal resume!

Final Takeaways

Microsoft Word offers a lot of capabilities to help you build your ideal resume.

Here are five key takeaways for creating a resume on the program:

Create a base skeleton for your resume that you can use again and again for different jobs.
Use different heading styles to help your resume title and section titles to stand out.
Use the column tool under the Layout tab to create sidebars. Sidebars are great for smaller sections, such as certifications or awards!
Always use concise and compelling language.
Consider using a template to build your resume faster.

At Easy Resume, we have designed our resume templates and online resume builder to fit your needs. No matter your level of experience or skill at making resumes, we have the tools to help.

Don’t forget to check out our expansive collection of FREE resume guides and examples while you’re here!

Browse more resume templates that fit your role

Ed is a co-founder of Easy Resume. His background in scaling teams at tech startups over the last decade has given him extensive experience and knowledge around how to hire top talent and build successful teams. He enjoys mentoring, coaching, and helping others reach their career goals. When he's not writing about career-related advice, he's playing with his dog, Lilo, or going on long hikes in upstate New York.

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How to Add Horizontal Line in Word for Resume: A Step-by-Step Guide

Adding a horizontal line in Word for your resume can elevate its appearance, making it more organized and professional. This simple task can be accomplished in a few easy steps using Microsoft Word’s built-in features. You can insert a horizontal line to separate sections in your resume, helping readers to easily navigate through your information. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a sleek, polished resume in no time.

How to Add Horizontal Line in Word for Resume

In this section, we will guide you through the process of adding a horizontal line to your resume in Microsoft Word. These steps will help you insert a line that can divide sections such as contact information, work experience, education, and skills, making your resume visually appealing and easy to read.

Step 1: Open Your Resume Document

Open your resume document in Microsoft Word.

Ensure that your resume is open and ready for editing before you begin inserting horizontal lines.

Step 2: Place the Cursor

Position the cursor where you want to insert the horizontal line.

Decide where in your resume you need the line, such as between different sections, and click to place the cursor there.

Step 3: Go to the Ribbon

Navigate to the "Home" tab in the Ribbon.

The Ribbon is the toolbar at the top of Word, and the "Home" tab should be selected to access basic formatting tools.

Step 4: Use the Borders Tool

In the "Paragraph" group, click the "Borders" button.

The "Borders" button looks like a small square divided into four. Click it to see border options.

Step 5: Select Horizontal Line

From the drop-down menu, choose "Horizontal Line."

Scroll through the options in the drop-down menu and click "Horizontal Line" to insert it into your document.

Once you complete these steps, a horizontal line will appear in your resume at the location of your cursor. This line will help divide and organize the content, making it easier for someone to read and digest.

Tips for How to Add Horizontal Line in Word for Resume

Use horizontal lines sparingly to avoid cluttering your resume.
Make sure the line is aligned correctly to maintain a clean look.
Experiment with line styles in the "Borders and Shading" menu to match your resume’s design.
Check the resume in print preview to ensure the line appears as expected.
Consider using lines to separate major sections like contact info, experience, and education.

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Add Horizontal Line in Word for Resume

How do i remove a horizontal line in word.

Click on the line and press the "Delete" key.

Can I change the style of the horizontal line?

Yes, right-click the line and select "Borders and Shading" to customize it.

What if the line isn’t appearing where I want it?

Make sure your cursor is in the correct position before inserting the line.

Can I add multiple lines to my resume?

Yes, but use them sparingly to maintain a clean and professional look.

Is there a shortcut to insert a horizontal line?

Typing three hyphens and pressing "Enter" will create a basic horizontal line.

Open your resume document.
Place the cursor where you want the line.
Go to the Ribbon.
Use the Borders Tool.
Select Horizontal Line.

Adding a horizontal line to your resume can significantly enhance its readability and professional appearance. By following these simple steps, you can insert lines that separate different sections, helping potential employers navigate through your information more efficiently. Remember to use horizontal lines judiciously to avoid a cluttered look. Practice these techniques to master inserting horizontal lines and take your resume to the next level.

For more tips on creating a standout resume, consider exploring other formatting options in Microsoft Word, such as bullet points, different font styles, and spacing adjustments. These small adjustments can have a significant impact on how your resume is perceived. So go ahead, open your resume document, and give it that polished, professional touch with a horizontal line!

Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.

He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.

Read his full bio here .