Resume Design: The Do’s and Don’ts

Making a resume can be distressing to many, but it doesn’t have to be that way. There are numerous resume examples available to help you achieve ultimate success. With the amount of technology and resources at your disposal, it’s essential to work smarter, not harder.

I’ve had dozens of interviews, some successful, some not. But every time I pay a lot of attention to my resume. Except for the first time 🙂 It was a fiasco! But later I identified the basic rules that must be followed. 

In this article I will provide resume design do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when creating the perfect resume. 

What tool do you need?

There are several tools that you can use to create a resume. Here are a few options:

1. Word Processors: Word processors like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and LibreOffice Writer all have built-in resume templates that you can use to create a professional-looking resume.
   • Recommended Google Docs with easy sharing way.
2. Online Resume Builders: There are many online resume builders available that offer pre-designed templates, customizations, and additional features to help you create a resume quickly and easily. Examples include Zety, Resume.com, and Canva.
3. Paid Resume Writing Services: If you would like assistance in creating a resume, there are several resume writing services available that offer professional resume writing, editing, and formatting services for a fee.
4. Design Apps: There are also several design apps available that you can use to create a resume on the go. Examples include Canva, Figma.
   • Canva tool has many free prepared resume examples.

Ultimately, the best tool for creating a resume will depend on your personal preferences, skills, and needs. I suggest exploring each option to determine which tool best suits your needs.

The Do’s 

When you begin designing your resume, seek out reputable resume builder like Jobseeker. Not only will this simplify your resume creation process, but you will also feel more confident knowing you are using an example with proven success. 

Choose your fonts wisely. It is recommended to use font sizes between 11 and 13, nothing smaller and nothing larger. You don’t want it to be so small the hiring manager can’t decipher what you’ve written, but you also don’t want your font size to be over the top, either.  

As you are arranging the different sections of your resume, it is crucial to keep everything symmetrical and balanced. Divide your content into columns with equal margins and spacing. Consistency is key when designing your resume. 

Do not be afraid of white space in your resume design. Quality over quantity is absolutely imperative, and it’s important to remember that sometimes, less is more. Using less bullets with significant impact, and leftover white space, will take you much farther than a resume with empty words. 

Make sure you are creating a visual emphasis on the contact portion of your resume. Using icons, color and leaving white space will draw the attention of the hiring manager within the six seconds they averagely spend looking at a resume. It also shows you dedicated your time to create a clean, polished, noteworthy resume.

The Don’ts

As you are designing your resume, it is vital not to make your resume longer than it needs to be. Your resume should be skimmable, including all of the necessary information for the position you are applying for, and nothing more. 

Do not use the same resume design for each position you are applying for. Each industry and job has different requirements, and it is essential to adapt to each individual role. 

Never submit your resume as anything other than a PDF. If your resume is not submitted in PDF format, you run the risk of there being severe formatting issues when it is opened by different hiring managers. Using a PDF ensures a safe, reliable format and not removing you from consideration by having a wonky resume. 

When you are seeking out a reputable resume example, do not go for the most complex version you can find. Having a consistent color scheme throughout the entirety of your resume, and designing it following the current industry norms will help you stand out from the other applicants. 

Key Takeaways

Remember, take the proper time to design a clean, powerful, and effective resume. Designing easy-to-read, bold headers, having a clean outline, equal margins, and overall consistency will deliver a direct impact to the hiring manager. Creating a resume doesn’t have to be overly complicated as long as you are intentional with your resume design.