Following a standard format simplifies the resume process.
Employers often spend less than 30-seconds looking at your resume on the first pass. At this point, the employer is deciding whether to keep the resume in the “look again” pile or to put the resume in the “discard” pile. In order to pass the initial screening, you should ensure that your resume format is simple and visually appealing, and that an employer can quickly and easily read and process the information.
The commonly included sections of a resume are:
- Contact Information
- Career/Job Objective Statement
- Summary of Qualifications
- Work Experience/Accomplishments
- Education/Training
There may be times when it is appropriate to include additional sections or use other headings, such as “Technical Skills Summary” or “Awards.”
Keep your resume formatting professional and simple:
- Length: 1-2 pages (ensure your name is on each page of the resume)
- Alignment: Left-aligned, except for headings
- White space is important: ensure that you have a clear margin (recommend one inch all around)
- Choose a simple font: Times New Roman, Cambria, Arial
- Use bold, italics and underlines sparingly
- Font Size: 10-12 point
- Proofread and spell check
Remember, your resume will “introduce” you to a potential employer. Use your job posting review to help you target and build each section. Be sure that your resume, which is your main marketing document, makes an excellent first impression! Misspellings, inconsistent use of font and type size, and misaligned margins can all indicate a lack of attention to detail.
Get more help with CareerOneStop’s Resume Guide.
Also view these sample resumes: