A resume with formatting problems will quickly put an end to your employment quest.
So, we asked resume expert Virginia Franco to walk you through the process of formatting a resume.
Here is her entire process for formatting, editing, and proofreading a resume before sending it out!
How to Format a Resume:
1. Contact Information
Typically, names, phone numbers, and emails are included. LinkedIn may also be incorporated. Ensure the accuracy of all the information you provide. Are all of the hyperlinks functional and pointing in the right directions? The proper capitalization of the letters? Etc.
2. Commas
Adopt a comma strategy that is consistent. This means that in a list, such as “bananas, apples, and oranges,” you must decide whether to maintain or remove the final comma (bananas, apples, and oranges). Both approaches are accepted as valid; make sure you stick with the one you favor.
3. Text Spacing
Ensure that your text spacing is uniform. This is a crucial component of resume formatting. Despite the fact that it could seem insignificant, it can divert the recruiting manager’s attention. Decide whether there will be one or two spaces after each period. Additionally, be sure to space your paragraphs and bullet points equally.
I advise using just one space rather than two after each period. It reads more efficiently on a computer and is regarded as more modern.
4. Fonts
Make an effort to select only one typeface and stick with it throughout the entire document. If you insist, you can give the headlines a different font. Still, that’s it. Don’t format your resume any further than this.
Use a sans-serif typeface like Arial or Calibri in a size between 10 and 12. When you send in your CV, more and more recruiters and hiring managers will read it on a computer, therefore these fonts are made to look great there.
Use a little higher font size for the headings of the resume sections, such as “Experience” and “Education” (13-14). Verify your consistency throughout the entire document. Avoid using size 13 in one section of your resume and size 14 in another. It will attract attention, but not in the way you intend.
5. Capitalization
Make care to capitalize words consistently throughout your writing. I advise capitalizing department names (IT, Finance, Legal, etc.) because it will draw the reader’s attention to the terms.
6. Margins
Make sure the margins on the right and left sides of your resume are the same sizes. Next, confirm that the top and bottom are identical. I advise using a margin all the way around of half an inch to an inch.
Although margins may appear insignificant, they are important when structuring your resume because a bad layout or difficult-to-read resume may cost you job interviews. When understanding how to format a CV, specifics are important.
7. Alignment
Make sure that the alignment of your tabs, bullets, and lines is consistent across the document while setting it up or proofreading it. If you’re not careful, strange things might happen, especially if you’re using MS Word, you might have different alignments in different areas. This also occurs with spacing (mentioned earlier)
To fit more information on the page and make it easier to read online, align any bullet points to the left rather than indenting them.
8. Consistency
Is the style you’ve chosen to use (e.g., underlines, italics, caps, bolding) to highlight your employment dates, job titles, and companies consistent?
Each job you mention should adhere to the same format. Or each educational subject you mention, etc. Choose one format or layout, then stay with it.
9. Periods
Does each sentence end with a period? Make sure you were consistent by paying special attention to the bulleted lists as well (period or no period is fine, just decide and do it that way 100 percent ). Because it encourages the reader to continue reading, I like to not use periods after each bullet point. Reading becomes “smoother” as a result. But consider both perspectives and select the one you want.
10. Page Numbering
Does the page number on your two-page resume appear? It ought to. You want to make sure the hiring manager or recruiter knows the proper order to view your resume in case they print it and the pages get mixed. Additionally, you want them to be aware if a page is missing (use “page 1/2”, “page 2/2,” etc.).
As a side note, a one-page resume ought to be plenty for the majority of job seekers. Keep it to one page if you have less than 7 to 10 years of relevant professional experience.
Here is a detailed guidance on what to include on a resume if you’re having problems deciding what to keep and what to cut.
11. Check Your Facts
Lying on your resume may come back to haunt you in the interview, and it almost certainly will. Verify that your information are accurate. If they ask why you indicated you were an expert and you are unable to explain your expert-level skills adequately, something as easy as answering “Expert in Excel” could cost you the job.
Therefore, when it comes time to respond to questions in your interview, don’t include any assertions or facts that you can’t support or discuss in a comfortable manner.
12. Show It To Somebody Else
I advise having a second pair of eyes to look over and edit your resume one last time after you’ve finished steps 1 through 11.
I would advise using a different font if you insist on editing your own resume. This may seem strange, but it makes it easier for your eyes to spot errors. Alternatively, read from top to bottom. Both of those methods are efficient for checking your own resume for errors as you update and format it.
You will have the best chance of avoiding typos and errors by doing that and according to the formatting suggestions above, which will help you land more interviews in the competitive job market of today.
Leave a comment below if you have a query concerning resume formatting!
