Free Resume Format Advice From Experts

With a well-prepared resume, you'll have the means to capture the attention of your future employer. To accomplish this task, implement a few of these resume format tips from experts. These tips range from leaving the proper amount of white space to selecting the best font.

White Space

Try to leave a one-inch margin when writing your resume. Small margins come with the risk of lost content if the recruiter prints out your resume. Smaller margins also give a resume a cluttered and messy appearance. A large margin makes your resume easier to skim or read thoroughly.

Call Attention to Yourself

Resume format tips include selecting a clear resume title to stand out amid a multitude of other job seekers. Center the title below your contact information. Choose a resume title that makes the recruiter's job easier because of its descriptive elements. For instance, if you're applying for an IT job, then create a title like "IT Managing Director and Microsoft Certified" or "Head of IT Department, Accounting and Sales" underneath your name.

Typeface Matters

A resume's font contributes to its format and appearance, which is a recruiter's first impression of you. The Times New Roman font might make your resume look too much like everyone else's, so consider picking a different one like Georgia or Tahoma. Each font can give your resume a professional and pleasant appearance. To save paper and keep your resume on one or two pages, select Arial Narrow. You should help decrease the recruiter's eye fatigue by using a font size that's large enough to read easily. Do not write any information in a font size smaller than 10.

Gain Notice With Consistency

Resume format tips include maintaining your font selection and size throughout your resume. If your resume is long enough to take up more than one page, then use a similar heading on each page. This provides consistency. It can also act as a safety measure in case the recruiter mixes up the pages of your resume with another candidate's submission. Be consistent with your section spacing and use of italics, bullets and bold text. For instance, if you italicize or bold one section header, then do so for all of them.

Break Out Your Organizational Skills

Because the ultimate goal is for a company's hiring department to contact you for an interview, position your name, email address and telephone number on the top section of your resume. Accomplishments should come next. This list is your selling point, so be sure to describe your work experience in a way that shows your qualifications for this new job. Next, add your education and specialized training. This includes your degrees and certifications. If you're close to earning a degree, list your completion month and year to show your dedication to education.

Resume format tips from experts include making sure that your resume is free of grammar and spelling errors. Consider asking a friend or colleague to edit it for you. Keep your descriptions clear and concise. Many employers expect you to customize your resume to fit the job you desire, so review your resume before submitting it to each new employer.

Your resume is your personal marketing tool. The right one can help you get the job you want. During the resume development process, take advantage of a few expert resume format tips to advertise yourself in an appealing way. Be judicious with the appearance of your text, and embrace organization and consistency.

As you begin developing your resume, you're likely to find helpful advice on LiveCareer.