The Dos and Don’ts of Resume Formatting for a Professional Job

Your resume is the key that unlocks the doors to interviews, and its format plays a pivotal role in ensuring that recruiters and potential employers can access the information they need, swiftly and effortlessly. With countless templates and conflicting advice available, it can be daunting to decide on the best formatting practices. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the dos and don’ts of professional resume formatting.

Dos of Resume Formatting

Resume formatting, when done right, can significantly enhance the readability and impact of your document.

Keep It Consistent

Consistency is the hallmark of a well-formatted resume. Whether it’s your font choice, bullet points, or headings, maintaining a uniform look shows attention to detail.

• Fonts: Stick to one or two professional-looking fonts, like Calibri or Times New Roman, throughout the document.
• Headings: Ensure your headings are consistent in size, font weight, and capitalization.
• Bullet Points: Use the same bullet point style and indentation throughout.

Opt for Clear Sections

Clear sections ensure your resume is easy to scan. Employers often skim through resumes, so having distinguishable sections helps them find the information they need quickly.

• Header: Begin with your name, contact information, and a link to your LinkedIn or professional portfolio if relevant.
• Professional Summary: A brief 3-4 sentence summary of your professional achievements and skills.
• Experience: List your roles in reverse chronological order, highlighting key achievements.

Use White Space Judiciously

White space, or the empty space on your resume, plays a crucial role in readability. It gives your document a clean look and ensures that it’s not overwhelming.

• Margins: Stick to standard 1-inch margins.
• Spacing: Use consistent spacing between sections and job listings.

Don’ts of Resume Formatting

Avoiding common pitfalls can make your resume stand out for the right reasons.

Avoid Overly Complex Designs

While creative roles might benefit from a unique resume design, most professional jobs require clarity over creativity.

• Graphics and Icons: Avoid using unnecessary graphics, images, or icons that don’t add value.
• Colors: Stick to neutral colors, using brighter colors sparingly if at all.

Don’t Use Long Paragraphs

Resumes are typically scanned rather than read in detail. Large blocks of text can be off-putting.

• Bullet Points: Break down roles and achievements using bullet points.
• Conciseness: Aim for clarity and conciseness, removing any fluff or redundant information.

Resist the Urge to Use Jargon

While industry-specific terms can sometimes be necessary, avoid overloading your resume with jargon that might not be understood by HR personnel or recruiters.

• Clear Language: Describe your achievements in terms that can be understood across industries.
• Quantifiable Achievements: Instead of vague jargon, use quantifiable results to demonstrate your impact.

Additional Dos and Don’ts to Consider

Diving deeper into the nuances of resume formatting can unearth more subtle points which, while might seem trivial, can have a considerable impact on the document’s effectiveness.

Emphasize Important Details

Your resume’s key details, like job titles, companies, or years of experience, should stand out.

• Bold & Italics: Bold your job titles or companies you’ve worked for, making them easily distinguishable. Italics can be used for secondary information, such as the location of the company or the duration of your employment.
• Quantify Achievements: Instead of saying “led a team,” mention “led a team of 15 professionals,” giving a clearer picture of your capabilities.

Stick to a Logical Flow

The sequence of sections in your resume can guide the reader’s journey.

• Prioritize Information: For someone with extensive professional experience, the ‘Experience’ section might come before ‘Education.’ Conversely, a recent graduate might prioritize academic accomplishments.
• Tailored Sections: Depending on the job you’re applying for, you might include sections like ‘Publications,’ ‘Certifications,’ or ‘Technical Skills.’

Don’t Use Passive Language

The language in your resume should showcase you as an active participant in your achievements.

• Active Voice: Instead of “was responsible for managing a team,” opt for “managed a team of X members.”
• Concrete Examples: Support your claims with specific examples. Instead of “good communication skills,” you could mention “presented quarterly reports to C-suite executives.”

Avoid Personal Pronouns

Your resume is a professional document and should be devoid of personal pronouns.

• Omit ‘I’ or ‘My’: Sentences should be succinct and to the point. “I led a team” should be “Led a team.”
• Focus on Achievements: The spotlight should be on what you achieved, not on you as an individual.

Conclusion

Crafting the perfect resume is a balance between showcasing your achievements and presenting them in a readable, professional format. Each element, from the verbs you choose to the layout and design, plays a crucial role in creating a holistic picture of your professional journey.

Once your content is meticulously crafted, ensure it’s complemented with a design that mirrors its professionalism. To transform your achievements into a compelling narrative with the perfect design, check out our range of expertly-crafted templates.