💡 📝 Resume Formatting Dos and Don’ts: Tips from My Personal Experience 💼
As someone who has been on both sides of the hiring table – as a job seeker and a hiring manager – I’ve seen my fair share of resumes. Some impressed me right away with their polished formatting and clear content, while others made me shake my head in disbelief. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t when it comes to crafting a winning resume. In this post, I’m excited to share some of my top resume formatting dos and don’ts to help you create a standout document that will catch any hiring manager’s eye.
✅ Do: Keep It Clean and Simple 🧼
One of the most important things I’ve learned is that a clean, simple resume format is always best. Avoid using flashy colors, graphics, or unusual fonts that distract from the content. Stick with a classic font like Arial or Calibri in a readable size (10-12 points). Use consistent formatting throughout, with clear headings and bullet points to break up text. A hiring manager should be able to quickly scan your resume and pick out the key information.
In my own job searches, I found that a straightforward, black-and-white resume with a bit of subtle color to highlight headings worked well. The focus was on the content, not the design. Simplicity makes you look professional and organized.
🚫 Don’t: Get Too Creative with the Format 🎨
While it may be tempting to create an eye-catching infographic resume or use a trendy template, I would advise against getting too creative with your format, unless you’re applying for a highly creative role. When I was hiring for more traditional positions, I preferred resumes that stuck to standard formatting conventions. Unusual formats can be harder to read, and may not play well with applicant tracking systems (ATS) that many companies use.
I remember receiving a resume that was designed to look like a movie poster, complete with the job seeker’s photo. While clever, it just didn’t fit the tone of the role or company. When in doubt, err on the side of being conservative with your formatting. You want your qualifications to stand out, not your wacky design.
✅ Do: Tailor Your Format to the Job 🎯
Different industries and positions may call for different resume formats. A chronological resume that lists your work history in reverse order is the most common, but there are cases where a functional or combination format can be effective. For example, when I was applying for my first marketing job after working in education, a combination resume allowed me to highlight my relevant skills first, and then my work history.
Think about the job you’re applying for and choose the format that best showcases your fit. Look at examples of resumes in your field to see what the norms are. Don’t be afraid to tweak your basic template to better align with the position.
🚫 Don’t: Go Overboard with Length 📜
I know it’s tough to cram your whole work history onto one page, but resist the urge to create a resume that goes on for pages and pages. When I was hiring, I rarely looked past the first page, unless the candidate had a very compelling reason for a longer document, like an extensive list of publications or a long career history. For most early and mid-career professionals, a crisp one- to two-page resume is perfect.
Be judicious in what you include. Cut out irrelevant jobs from long ago, and don’t feel like you need to include every single duty for each position. Focus on highlights, key accomplishments, and the skills and experiences that best match the job you want.
✅ Do: Use White Space Wisely ⬜
Don’t be tempted to shrink your margins and font size to microscopic levels to cram in more content. White space is your friend! It makes your resume easier on the eyes and helps guide the reader through your document.
I like to see resumes with a one-inch margin all around, and a bit of space between sections. Bullet points and short paragraphs also help create visual breathing room. Remember, you want your resume to invite a closer read, not overwhelm the recipient at first glance.
🚫 Don’t: Forget the Finishing Touches ✨
Before you hit send on your resume, make sure you’ve polished it to perfection. I’m always shocked at how many resumes I see with typos, inconsistent punctuation, or straight up formatting errors. It may seem nitpicky, but those little details matter, and show that you’re serious about putting your best foot forward.
Proofread your resume multiple times, and don’t just rely on spell check to catch errors. Ask a friend or family member to give it a second look. Make sure your formatting is consistent throughout, with the same font, size, and style for headings and body text. Look at the little things, like making sure your bullet points all match.
Putting It All Together 🙌
Your resume is often the first impression you make on a potential employer, so it’s worth taking the time to get the formatting just right. A clean, tailored document that’s easy to read and error-free will help you stand out in a sea of sloppy, generic resumes.
By following these dos and don’ts, you’ll be well on your way to creating a polished resume that showcases your skills and experience in the best possible light. Remember, the goal is to make it easy for the hiring manager to see your fit and potential – strong formatting is the first step to getting your foot in the door.
So go forth and format with confidence! With a standout resume in hand, you’re one step closer to landing your dream job. Trust me, a little attention to detail goes a long way in making your resume shine. 📎✨
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