💡 Resume Template Dos and Don’ts: 📝 My Top Tips for Standing Out
As someone who has reviewed hundreds of resumes over my career, I’ve seen it all when it comes to resume templates – the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. Your resume is often the first impression a potential employer has of you, so it’s critical to get the template and formatting right. In this post, I’m sharing my top dos and don’ts for choosing a resume template that will help you stand out from the competition and land that dream job. 🌟
✅ Do: Keep It Clean and Simple
When it comes to resume templates, less is definitely more. Opt for a clean, simple design with plenty of white space. This makes your resume easy to read and helps the content stand out. Stick to a classic font like Arial or Calibri in a readable size (10-12 points). Avoid crazy colors, graphics, or overly designed templates that distract from your qualifications.
In my experience, the resumes that catch my eye are the ones with a straightforward, professional design. Fancy formatting might look cool, but it often makes the resume harder to read, especially if an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is parsing it. Play it safe with a tried-and-true template.
🚫 Don’t: Go Overboard With Creativity
I’ve seen some pretty wild resume templates over the years – ones with headshots, colorful graphics, and wacky fonts. While I applaud the creativity, it’s usually not the right approach for a resume. Unless you’re applying for a highly creative role, it’s best to keep the artistry to a minimum.
Remember, a hiring manager typically only spends a few seconds scanning your resume. You want their focus to be on your accomplishments, not your avant-garde template. By all means, inject some personality into your resume content, but avoid going overboard with the design.
✅ Do: Use a Template That Fits Your Industry
While you want to keep the overall design of your resume simple, you should choose a template that fits your industry. A graphic designer, for example, can showcase a bit more creativity compared to an accountant.
Think about the norms and expectations of your industry. A clean, modern template might be perfect for a tech role, while a more traditional template would be better suited for a legal position. You can find a wide variety of templates online (many of them free) that are tailored to specific industries.
🚫 Don’t: Forget to Customize
One of the biggest mistakes I see is job seekers using a generic, uncustomized resume template. No matter how well-designed the template is, a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works.
Your resume should be tailored to the specific role you’re applying for. Use the job description as a guide and tweak your resume to emphasize the skills and experiences that are most relevant. This might mean adjusting your summary, rearranging your work history, or highlighting different accomplishments.
While the overall template can stay the same, the content should be customized for each application. It takes a bit more time, but it’s well worth the effort. A targeted, relevant resume is much more likely to catch a hiring manager’s attention.
✅ Do: Highlight Your Accomplishments
No matter what resume template you choose, make sure it highlights your accomplishments. Many templates have a designated “Achievements” or “Key Projects” section, which is the perfect place to showcase your standout successes.
I like to see specific, quantifiable accomplishments whenever possible. Instead of simply listing your responsibilities, focus on the impact you made. Did you exceed a sales target, streamline a process, or lead a successful project? Use numbers and metrics to give weight to your achievements.
🚫 Don’t: Neglect the Basics
Even the most beautifully designed resume template won’t make up for sloppy basics. Before you submit your resume, triple-check for any typos, grammatical errors, or formatting issues. Make sure your contact information is current and your email address is professional (no “kegstand22@hotmail.com” please).
I’ve had to toss out resumes for simple things like misspellings or missing information. Proofread carefully and consider having a friend or family member give it a second look. A polished, error-free resume shows attention to detail – a valuable skill in any role.
The Bottom Line on Resume Templates
Choosing the right resume template is an important step in your job search journey. By following these dos and don’ts, you’ll be well on your way to a resume that stands out for all the right reasons.
Remember, the goal is to choose a design that is clean, professional, and highlights your most relevant qualifications. With a strong template as your foundation, you can focus on crafting compelling content that showcases the unique value you bring to the table.
Happy job hunting! 💼
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