Part Three – Format – Does it Matter?
So far we have discussed getting started on your new resume and guidelines for its length. Today we thought we would give a framework for formatting your resume.
(1) Does Format Matter? And Why?
In a nutshell, yes, format
matters! Think of your resume as
an extension of your self, providing your readers with their first image of
you. Don’t underestimate the
importance of making a good visual impression. While a poor format will most likely not cause a resume to
be rejected, a good one will help showcase the reasons (such as your experience
and accomplishments) why you are a good candidate for the position. An online
template can be a useful tool in crafting your format, but it’s important to
try to make your resume feel somewhat unique and personal. And by all means make the format (fonts, bullets, spacing, etc.) consistent throughout your resume.
We have seen many examples in which people have mixed different fonts
and styles. This lack of
consistency can expose extensive editing of a resume over time. It also gives the impression that a
candidate does not pay attention to details.
(2) Is There a Specific Format I Need to Use?
We don’t believe that you
need to follow a specific template to craft a good resume. Formatting in a way that you like will
show some individuality and help the reader learn more about you. Take care to ensure that your message
comes through clearly. Here are a
few ideas on organization:
• Summary – We have found
that it’s often effective to place a small summary at the top of a resume – try
to use this to catch the reader’s attention and make them want to read more!
• Start with your strengths
– Is it your past work experiences, your accomplishments, or your education
that make you a strong candidate?
Showcase your most important qualities and start off strong by listing your
relevant skills and achievements first. You may need to change this order and
tailor your resume to emphasize different strengths for various positions.
• We have noticed that
bulleted lists work well for most sections in technical resumes. They are easy to read and help to
highlight a person’s main skills and accomplishments. Of course, this is just a suggestion.
• Hobby/Interest Section – Some
people find that including some outside interests can help them connect with
resume readers. If you would like
to include this, you can add it towards the end of your resume. But only mention things you are truly
passionate about here. Who knows?
You may find you have something in common with the hiring manager and this
“extra” information on your resume may spark a connection!
(3) A Few Things to Remember
In general, we recommend
that you choose an organized, legible, and consistent format. Be mindful of your readers, and do your
best to make it easy and pleasant for them to read your resume. Is the font large enough for someone to
comfortably read it? If not, make
sure you reformat it. Does it look
good when read on a smart phone or on a tablet? Make sure that it does!
Do your best to submit an
easy-to-follow resume that shows your individuality, illustrates your
qualifications for the position, and helps you make a great first impression.
