Google Docs is amazing. It's free, collaborative, and simple. I use it for grocery lists, random ideas, and meeting notes. But for 90% of job seekers, using it for your resume is a mistake.
Why? Because Word Processors are not Layout Engines.
We've all been there: You move an image 1 millimeter to the left, and suddenly your entire document explodes. Your 1-page resume becomes 1.5 pages. The bullets misalign. It's a nightmare.
The "Margin Hell" is Real
When you use Google Docs (or Microsoft Word), you spend more time fighting the formatting than writing the content.
- Alignment Issues: Trying to get dates to align perfectly on the right side usually involves hitting the spacebar 50 times (please don't do this, ATS hates it).
- Page Breaks: Managing page breaks so you don't cut a sentence in half requires constant tweaking of font sizes.
- Exporting Errors: What looks good on your screen often looks different on the recruiter's screen if they don't have the same fonts installed.
Dedicated Builders: A Better Way
Dedicated resume builders like CVByAI solve these problems by separating content from design.
You type your experience in simple fields. The engine handles the layout. Want to change the template? One click. Want to change the color scheme? One click. No broken margins. No exploded text.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Google Docs | CVByAI |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Free (Starter) |
| Time to Build | 2-3 Hours | 15 Minutes |
| Formatting | Manual (Painful) | Automatic (Instant) |
| ATS Compliance | Variable (Risk of user error) | Guaranteed |
| AI Writing Help | No | Yes |
When Should You Stick with Google Docs?
To be fair, Google Docs has its place.
- For Academia: If you are writing a 10-page CV with just plain text and citations (Curriculum Vitae in the academic sense), Google Docs is fine.
- For Extreme Customization: If you are a designer who wants to break all the rules (though we recommend Adobe InDesign for that).
Conclusion
If you value your time and sanity, stop fighting with margin rulers.
A dedicated builder doesn't just make your resume look better; it makes the process enjoyable. You focus on selling your skills. We focus on making it look professional.