Your resume is often your first introduction to a potential employer, and first impressions matter! It's not just about the content of your resume; the way it's formatted can significantly impact how your qualifications are perceived. In this blog post, we will delve into the essential elements of resume formatting with a particular focus on font size, margins, and text formatting.
Short and sweet! Keep your document to two pages or less.
Depending on the job description and your work experience, your resume should be one to two pages long. However, once you cross that 10-year mark you're allowed more pages as you have had a substantial career. That doesn't mean going overboard. Remember, your resume is supposed to be a concise document.
This is not your thesis. Use bullet points, not paragraphs.
When you use paragraphs on your resume, the hiring manager/reviewer will not invest the time to read through the text-dense material. Set yourself up for success with bullet points that draw the hiring manager into the document. If there is a point that is so impressive it requires a paragraph, then include salient details in a cover letter.
Some of us wear glasses. Keep Your font size between 10 and 12 pt.
You need to consider the reader when preparing a resume. Ensure they can quickly scan and understand what you can bring to the role. This is very difficult if the font is so tiny the reviewer needs a magnifying glass. Or if the font is so large you can read the document from across the room. In both of these cases, nothing is standing out as it should. Here are some basic guidelines:
Header: Your name and contact information should be prominently displayed at the top of your resume. Use a slightly larger font, around 14-16 points, to make your name stand out.
Headings: Section headings (e.g., "Work Experience," "Education," "Skills") should be bold and use a font size between 12 and 14 points.
Body Text: For the content of your resume, stick to a font size of 10 to 12 points. This size strikes the perfect balance between readability and information density.
Consistency: Whatever font size you choose, be consistent throughout your resume to maintain a clean and polished appearance.
Know your limits. Margins no less than 0.5
Margins that are too small (less than half an inch) make your document seem very cluttered and hard to read. Conversely, if your margins are bigger than one inch, it can lead the reviewer to believe you don't have much to include in your document so you're trying to take up space.
This is not an art piece. Use bold, italics and underlining wisely.
This type of formatting is useful in differentiating sections of your resume and drawing the attention of the reviewer to particular information. However, they are to be used sparingly... "Too much of anything is the beginning of a mess"
Bold: Use bold text to highlight section headings, job titles, or significant achievements.
Italics: Italics can be used to showcase book titles, and certifications, or to add emphasis to specific words or phrases. Again, use italics moderately to maintain readability.
Underlining: Avoid underlining text in your resume, as it can create confusion since underlined text is often associated with hyperlinks.
Consistency in Formatting: Whichever text formatting choices you make, consistency is key. A consistent format throughout your resume helps create a professional and cohesive document.
Final Thoughts
Your resume is a reflection of your professionalism and attention to detail. By paying close attention to formatting, you can significantly enhance the visual appeal and readability of your resume. Remember to keep it simple, organized, and tailored to the specific job you're applying for.
Feeling overwhelmed? Don't worry. We're here to help. Check out our resume crafting services to have your document professionally crafted by a Career Architect. We look forward to helping you along your career journey!😉
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