The Dos and Don’ts of Resume Design

Here are some dos and don’ts for resume design to help you create an effective and visually appealing document:

Dos:

Use a Clean and Readable Font: Opt for professional and easy-to-read fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.

Choose a Legible Font Size: Use a font size between 10 and 12 points for the main text, making it easy for recruiters to read.

Prioritize White Space: Ensure adequate white space between sections and text to improve readability and create a clean look.

Use Bulleted Lists: Use bullet points to organize information, making it easier to skim through your achievements and qualifications.

Incorporate Subheadings: Use clear subheadings to categorize different sections of your resume, such as “Work Experience,” “Skills,” and “Education.”

Include Consistent Formatting: Maintain a consistent format throughout your resume, including headings, fonts, and spacing.

Use a Professional Color Palette: If you choose to use color, stick to a professional color palette with subtle accents. Avoid overly bright or distracting colors.

Include Contact Information: Provide updated and accurate contact information, including your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable).

Highlight Achievements: Use bold or italics to emphasize key achievements, skills, or job titles.

Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers and metrics to quantify your accomplishments and showcase your impact.

Don’ts:

Don’t Overcomplicate Design: Avoid overly complex designs, fancy fonts, or excessive graphics that can distract from your content.

Avoid Tiny Fonts or Crowded Text: Don’t use fonts that are too small or cram too much text onto the page, as this can make your resume difficult to read.

Skip Unnecessary Graphics: While a clean and professional design is essential, avoid adding unnecessary graphics, images, or icons that don’t contribute to your qualifications.

Don’t Overuse Capitalization or Bold Text: Reserve capitalization and bold text for section headings, job titles, and key achievements. Overusing them can dilute their impact.

Steer Clear of Unprofessional Email Addresses: Ensure your email address is professional and business-appropriate. Avoid using quirky or unprofessional email addresses.

Don’t Include Irrelevant Information: Focus on including only relevant information. Omit personal details, hobbies, or excessive details from your resume.

Avoid Inconsistent Formatting: Inconsistencies in formatting, such as inconsistent spacing or fonts, can make your resume look unprofessional.

Skip Long Paragraphs: Avoid long paragraphs of text. Instead, use concise bullet points to highlight your qualifications and achievements.

Don’t Use Inconsistent Verb Tenses: Use consistent verb tenses (past or present) within your job descriptions to maintain clarity.

Avoid Using Templates Without Customization: If you use a resume template, customize it to fit your specific qualifications and the job you’re applying for. Don’t submit a generic template.

Remember that your resume’s design should enhance, not overshadow, your qualifications and achievements. A well-organized and visually pleasing resume can make a positive impression on recruiters and increase your chances of landing an interview.