• Design
  • Layout

Layout

A resume isn't a novel or a work of art. Recruiters, hiring managers, and interviewers will be reading it in a rush and want information quickly.

A good resume layout acknowledges these facts and gives the reader what they want.

Keep it Simple

When choosing a layout for your resume, it's important to keep it simple. A simple and clean layout is generally easier to read and understand than a complex and cluttered layout.

Choosing a complex or unqiue layout means information will be somewhere other than where the recruiter expects it to be, which will frustrate them and slow them down.

Stick to one column and put the most important stuff at the top. Two column layouts can be ok, but have a higher risk of being less clear.

Optimize for Scanning

Most employers will only spend a few seconds scanning your resume before deciding whether to read it more closely. A layout that is optimized for scanning will help to draw the employer's attention to the most important information and make it easier for them to find what they are looking for.

To optimize your resume for scanning, use clear and concise headings and subheadings to organize the content, and use bullet points to highlight key accomplishments and skills.

Use Whitespace and Margins Effectively

Whitespace and margins can help to make your resume more readable and visually appealing. Use whitespace to separate different sections and subsections, and use margins to create a consistent and balanced layout.

Avoid cramming too much information onto one page, as this can make it difficult to read and may cause important information to be overlooked. Instead, use whitespace and margins to create a clean and inviting layout that is easy to read and navigate.

Last updated on December 13, 2022