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The path to your dream job is forged with an exceptional resume. While the content of your resume is crucial, the design can also play a significant role in whether or not you are invited for an interview.
A visually pleasing and well-written resume can capture the attention of the employer and make it easier for them to read and understand your qualifications and experience.
You don’t have to be a graphic artist to create a resume design that will get you noticed. In fact, it’s important to avoid elaborate borders, images and other distracting embellishments that take the focus away from your accomplishments.
Example of what your resume should look like
Take a look at the resume below or explore our library of 800+ resume examples for professionally designed samples for different job titles, industries and career levels.
Instead of trying to get the attention of a recruiter through visual bells and whistles, focus on utilizing a professional resume template that focuses attention on your skills and qualifications.
Simplicity is key when it comes to modern resume design. Use clean lines, clear fonts and plenty of white space to make your resume easy to read and visually appealing.
To take the guesswork out of designing your resume, we recommend using one of our 40+ resume templates from professional graphic designers.
Select a template that catches your eye and use our Resume Builder to add ready-made content from Certified Professional Resume Writers.
Tips from Certified Professional Resume Writers
Our career advice experts outlined tips for resume design and writing that will help you effectively showcase your skills, experience and qualifications.
Presentation and formatting
#1 Make your header bold and easy to read
In our sample resume, Anna used a larger font to call attention to her name and a double-ruled line to separate her contact information from her resume material.
Each time you create a resume with our Resume Builder, double-check that all of your contact information is accurate, especially if you are using a draft of an old resume.
Old versions of your resume may contain outdated email addresses or phone numbers.
#2 Use a professional font
Choose a font for your resume that is modern and easy to read, such as Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, Courier or Times New Roman.
Avoid using outdated or overly decorative fonts, such as Broadway or Magneto.
One of the primary goals when writing a resume is to make the document easy to read. You accomplish this by using a classic, clean font.
#3 Use color sparingly
While adding color to your resume can make it stand out, it's important to use it sparingly and strategically.
Stick to a maximum of two or three colors, and use them consistently throughout your resume.
#4 Don’t be afraid of whitespace
When deciding on a resume design, opt for one that utilizes a good amount of white space.
In our resume sample above, Anna uses a highly organized resume design that relies heavily on white space.
This allows the reader’s eye to rest and easily seek out the information they need.
#5 Maintain a consistent format
Your resume format is just as important as the resume design, and keeping the formatting uniform will help a recruiter easily find the information they need.
This is particularly important for the work history section of your resume, which should be uniform and easy to scan.
Once you’ve written all of your past work experience and packed each entry full of the keywords and skills you’ve pulled from the job listing, double-check that the resume format is consistent.
Start by making sure each entry has the company name, location and dates of employment listed, all in the same order. Next, check that all of your bullet points are aligned and that all of your margins line up.
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Content and structure
#1 Simplify your contact information
Modern resume writers omit their physical street addresses on their resumes. The advent of email and telephone communication has largely eradicated the need to provide a recruiter with your physical address.
Applicants who are looking to relocate for a job often choose to include their current mailing address, but otherwise, it’s up to you whether or not to include an address.
#2 Include a compelling professional summary
A professional summary sits at the top of your resume beneath your header. Its purpose is to offer a recruiter a quick snapshot of your experience and qualifications.
A well-written professional summary must explain what you’ll bring to the table if you are hired. For example:
"Dynamic and results-oriented marketing professional with over seven years of experience in developing and executing strategic marketing campaigns for global brands. Proven track record of driving revenue growth and increasing brand awareness through innovative digital marketing initiatives, including SEO, SEM and social media. Skilled in market analysis, competitor research and customer segmentation to identify opportunities and drive business impact. Strong analytical abilities combined with excellent communication and project management skills."
Summaries should be short — no longer than three to five sentences — and concise. The idea is to draw the reader in and make them feel compelled to read the rest of your resume.
#3 Tailor your skills section to the job
Always aim to incorporate the skills that are emphasized in the job description. Skills that are typically added to resumes include hard skills (like software or technical expertise) and soft skills (like communication skills or time management skills).
According to a study conducted by Ladders, recruiters spend an average of six seconds reviewing an individual resume. Candidates have just seconds to make an impression and convince a recruiter to delve deeper into their qualifications.
Including a bulleted list of relevant skills at the top of your resume allows recruiters to quickly see that you are a qualified candidate.
Carefully read the job description and list all of the skills, experience and educational requirements it calls for.
Next, add any of the qualifications you have to your resume using the exact language used in the job description.
#4 Try not to exceed one page
Include one page on your resume for every 10 years of experience. Try not to go over two pages, even if you have a lot of experience.
That said, a resume that goes past two pages is sometimes the norm for highly experienced job-seekers applying to VP/senior-level roles.
#5 Check for spelling and grammar errors
Even a professional resume design can save your resume from a glaring typo. Read your resume twice. Then read it backward. Next, send it to a trusted friend.
We recommend scanning your resume with our free ATS resume checker to receive instant feedback on opportunities for improvement.
Complete these steps every time you write a resume, as they will change when you customize them to the job post.
Even if you simply decide to input previously edited material into another resume design, you’ll want to proof it again to make sure that all of the information transferred properly and that all of your margins line up.
Key takeaways
- Keep your resume design clean and simple and focus on writing the most engaging document possible.
- Your resume should use a professional font, consistent formatting and plenty of whitespace for easy scanning.
- For quick and easy resume design and writing prompts, check out MyPerfectResume’s resume builder to create a personalized resume.
FAQ
What does a mobile-friendly resume look like?
With more and more employers using mobile devices to review resumes, it’s important to design your resume with mobile in mind. Here are some tips for creating a mobile-friendly resume:
- Use a simple design: Avoid using complex designs, graphics, or fonts that may not display properly on a mobile device. Stick to a simple, easy-to-read format with clear headings and bullet points.
- Use a legible font: Use a legible font that is easy to read on a small screen, such as Arial, Calibri or Verdana. Avoid using small or complex fonts that may be difficult to read.
- Use bullet points: Use bullet points to break up long blocks of text and make your resume easier to scan. Use clear, concise language to describe your skills and experience.
- Save your resume in a compatible format: Make sure it is saved in a compatible format, such as PDF or Word so that it can be easily viewed on a mobile device.
Overall, a mobile-friendly resume should be simple and easy to navigate on a small screen. Use a responsive design that adapts to different screen sizes, and avoid using large files or complex layouts that may not load quickly on mobile devices.
What does a great resume look like?
A great resume should be well-organized, easy to read and visually appealing. Here are some key elements of a great resume:
- Clear and concise summary: A great resume should start with a clear and concise summary statement at the top that highlights your key skills, experience and qualifications.
- Skills and qualifications: Include a section highlighting your key skills and qualifications, such as technical skills, language proficiency or leadership abilities.
- White space and formatting: Use plenty of white space and formatting elements like bullet points, bold text, and headings to make your resume easy to read and visually appealing.
- Tailored to the job: Customize your resume for each job you apply for, highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position.
Overall, a great resume should be well-designed, easy to read and tailored to the job you’re applying for. See our resume About Me examples for tips on incorporating an introductory paragraph into your resume.
What does a resume look like for a first job?
If you’re creating a resume for your first job, you may not have a lot of work experience to showcase. However, there are still several elements you can include to make your resume stand out:
- Start with a strong objective statement: Begin your resume with a clear and concise objective statement that outlines your career goals and highlights your skills and qualifications.
- Keep it simple and easy to read: Use a clean and simple design for your resume, with plenty of white space and a legible font.
- Focus on education and extracurriculars: If you don’t have much work experience, focus on your education and any extracurricular activities or volunteer work that you’ve done.
- Use action-oriented language: Even if you don’t have much work experience, you can still use action-oriented language to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments. Use strong action verbs like “organized,” “volunteered” or “led” to showcase your skills and experience.
Overall, a resume for a first job should focus on your skills and qualifications, highlighting any relevant experience or accomplishments you’ve had. See how to make a resume without experience for additional guidance.
What does an ATS-friendly resume look like?
An ATS-friendly resume is designed to be easily read and parsed by automated systems many employers use to screen resumes. Here are some tips for creating an ATS-friendly resume design:
- Use simple, straightforward formatting: Avoid using complex designs, graphics or fonts that can confuse an ATS. Stick to a simple, easy-to-read format with clear headings and bullet points.
- Use keywords from the job listing: Many ATS systems are programmed to search for specific keywords or phrases from the job listing. Be sure to include relevant keywords throughout your resume to increase your chances of getting past the initial screening.
- Include relevant job titles and skills: Use specific job titles and skills throughout your resume to help the ATS understand your experience and qualifications.
- Use standard section headings: Stick to standard section headings like “work experience,” “education” and “skills” to make it easier for the ATS to parse your resume.
- Avoid using images or tables: Images, tables and other graphics can confuse an ATS and cause it to reject your resume. Stick to simple text and bullet points.
- Save your resume in a compatible format: Most ATS systems can read resumes in a simple, text-based format like .doc or .pdf. Avoid using complex formats or templates that may not be compatible with the system.
You can increase your chances of getting past the initial screening and landing an interview by using relevant keywords, clear section headings and a simple format.
How long should your resume be?
The ideal length for a resume is typically one to two pages, depending on your experience level and industry norms.
For most professionals, condensing your key qualifications and experiences into a concise, one-page resume is crucial to keep the reader engaged and highlight your most relevant skills.
If you have extensive experience, you may extend it to a second page but always prioritize quality over quantity. If you create a two-page resume, ensure the entire second page is filled.
How should you handle employment gaps on your resume?
Hiring managers are generally understanding of gaps in employment, especially if they are explained honestly and accompanied by relevant experiences or skills gained during that time. Here are some effective ways to manage them:
- Be honest: Always be truthful about any gaps in your employment history. Fabricating information can be easily discovered and may harm your credibility.
- Provide a brief explanation: Offer a concise and honest explanation for the gap, if possible. Mention reasons such as personal health issues, family responsibilities, further education or career exploration. Keep it simple and professional.
- Consider functional or combination formats: If your chronological work history accentuates the gaps, consider using a functional resume or combination resume format. These formats allow you to focus on your skills, accomplishments and qualifications, rather than the timeline of your employment history.
- Focus on results: Regardless of the gap, prioritize showcasing your achievements and results in previous roles. Highlighting your contributions and successes can overshadow any concerns about employment gaps.
Focus on presenting yourself as a qualified and motivated candidate, and address any concerns about employment gaps proactively and professionally. See how to explain employment gaps on a resume for additional guidance from career advice experts.
Should you include personal interests or hobbies on a resume?
Including personal interests or hobbies on a resume is a matter of personal preference and depends on the specific circumstances.
If they are directly relevant to the job you’re applying for or demonstrate skills that are applicable to the role, it may be beneficial to include them. For example, if you’re applying for a graphic design position and you enjoy photography as a hobby, it could showcase your creativity and visual skills.
Consider the norms and expectations within your industry. In some fields, such as creative industries or roles that require strong interpersonal skills, including personal interests or hobbies may be more common and even encouraged. However, in more traditional or conservative industries, it may be less common or necessary.
What's the best way to showcase freelance and contract work on a resume?
Showcasing freelance and contract work on a resume requires a strategic approach to highlight your experiences and accomplishments effectively. Here are some best practices:
- Create a separate section: Dedicate a distinct section of your resume specifically for freelance or contract work. You can title this section “Freelance Experience” or “Contract Projects” to differentiate it from your full-time employment history clearly.
- Provide clear details: For each position, provide clear and concise details, including the client or company name, your role or title, the duration of the engagement and a brief description of your quantifiable accomplishments and responsibilities.
- Include testimonials or recommendations: If you received positive feedback or testimonials from clients or employers during your freelance or contract work, consider including them on your resume.
- Showcase diversity of projects: If you’ve worked on a variety of projects across different industries or sectors, highlight this diversity to demonstrate your adaptability and versatility as a freelancer or contractor.
- Update regularly: Keep your freelance and contract work section up-to-date with your most recent projects and experiences. As you complete new projects or gain additional experience, update your resume accordingly to reflect your evolving skills and expertise.
By following these strategies, you can effectively showcase your freelance and contract work on your resume and position yourself as a skilled and experienced professional in your field.
How often should I update my resume?
It’s a good idea to update your resume regularly, even if you’re not actively job searching. Set aside time at least once a year to review and update your resume. Use this opportunity to add any new skills, experiences, accomplishments or certifications you’ve gained over the past year.
If you’re actively job searching or considering a career change, update your resume before you start applying for positions. Tailor it to each specific job opportunity to highlight your most relevant skills and experiences.
Whenever you experience a significant change in your career path, such as switching industries, roles or job functions, update your resume to reflect these changes. Make sure your resume accurately represents your current career trajectory and goals.
In addition to these specific occasions, it’s a good habit to review your resume periodically for any outdated information, formatting issues or typos. Keeping your resume up-to-date ensures that you’re always prepared for new opportunities that may arise.
How we reviewed this article
Since 2013, we have helped more than 15 million job seekers. We want to make your career journey accessible and manageable through our services and Career Center’s how-to guides and tips. In our commitment to bring you a transparent process, we present our Editorial Process.
Sources
- Harvard Business Review. Article. How to Write a Resume That Stands Out
- Grammarly. Article. First, Second, and Third Person in Writing
- Ladders. Study. Eye-Tracking Study
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