Google Docs CV template: UK files and export steps

From Word file to Google Docs, step by step

The steps in Google Drive on a computer, then what to check before you send the file. The upload goes to your own Google account, not to this site.

These examples are at the top of the page.

Upload the original DOCX

Download the original DOCX from the chosen template page and save it somewhere you can identify. In Google Drive, use New, then File upload, and select that DOCX. When the upload finishes, open the file with Google Docs. Depending on your settings, Docs may edit the Office file directly or offer to save it as a Google Docs file.

Create a working copy before changing content. Give it a clear name containing your name and target role. Keep the untouched DOCX as a fallback if conversion changes spacing or if an employer later asks for the original file type.

Prefer another structure? Every Word template is listed with its full preview. All are DOCX files you can try in Docs; conversion may reflow them. If you want to avoid an upload, use our editor, which works in your browser without uploading.

• Download from the relevant template page.
• Upload the DOCX to your own Drive.
• Open with Google Docs and create a named working copy.
• Do not edit the only copy of the original.

Replace the example with your evidence

Work section by section. Replace the name and contact details first, then profile, employment, education and skills. The sample wording only shows the shape; write original content based on your own history. Delete instructions, unused sections and fictional example details before applying.

Tailor the copy against the vacancy. Move the strongest relevant evidence upwards and use truthful terms from the person specification. Keep heading styles, bullets and date formatting consistent instead of formatting each line manually. If pasted text brings unwanted styling, use the editor’s paste-without-formatting option and reapply the document style.

• Confirm every date, qualification and result.
• Replace all example.com addresses and sample links.
• Remove empty headings rather than leaving placeholders.
• Check that confidential or referee details are included only when appropriate.

Check the layout after converting

Conversion between DOCX and Google Docs can change fonts, line spacing, tab stops and page breaks. Review the document at 100% zoom and in print layout. Look especially at the end of each page, long job titles, right-aligned dates and bullets that wrap onto a second line.

Fix layout by editing content and consistent spacing before reducing font size or margins. If the original typeface is unavailable, choose a clear replacement and use it throughout. The CV file checklist covers the wider formatting decisions.

Download and check the application file

When the CV is ready, use File, Download and choose the format requested by the vacancy, commonly Microsoft Word (.docx) or PDF. Google Docs creates a new downloaded file; it does not prove the exported layout is unchanged.

Open that downloaded file outside Google Docs and inspect every page. Confirm the page count, headings, bullets, links, dates and contact details. Search for leftover sample names and placeholder text. Use a professional filename and attach this checked export to the application. If you make another edit in Docs, export and inspect again because the previous file is now out of date.

• Follow the employer’s stated format.
• Open the exact downloaded file you intend to send.
• Check that links work and text remains readable.
• Keep the Google Docs working copy for later tailoring.