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Formatting Tips: Creating a Professional and Readable Resume

  • 2 days ago
  • 2 min read

A well-formatted resume not only looks professional but also ensures that hiring managers can quickly find the most relevant information. Here’s how to structure and format your resume for maximum impact.


Choose the Right Resume Format - Keep It Clean and Simple

Avoid cluttered layouts or excessive design elements. Use:

  • Professional Fonts: Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman (size 10-12 for body text)

  • Clear Headings: Bold and slightly larger for easy scanning

  • Consistent Spacing: Maintain equal margins and line spacing for readability


Use Bullet Points for Easy Reading

Hiring managers skim resumes. Use bullet points to present your skills and experience concisely.

Example:  Increased customer retention by 25% through personalized engagement strategies. Led a team of 10 developers, delivering projects 20% ahead of schedule.


Prioritize Key Sections

Arrange your resume sections in a logical order:

  • Contact Information – Name, phone, email, LinkedIn profile

  • Professional Summary – A brief overview of your experience and key skills

  • Work Experience – Job titles, companies, dates, and impact-driven bullet points

  • Skills – Industry-specific hard and soft skills

  • Education & Certifications – Degrees, courses, and relevant certifications


Optimize for ATS Compatibility

Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes. To ensure your resume is ATS-friendly:

  • Use standard section titles (e.g., "Work Experience" instead of "My Career Journey")

  • Avoid images, tables, and graphics that ATS might not read

  • Save in a compatible format (.docx or PDF, unless specified otherwise)


Keep It One to Two Pages Long

Recruiters spend only a few seconds scanning resumes. Keep it concise:

  • Entry-Level Candidates: 1 page

  • Experienced Professionals: 1-2 pages (focus on the last 10-15 years of experience)


Conclusion

A well-structured and visually appealing resume increases your chances of getting noticed. By using a clear format, ATS-friendly keywords, and concise bullet points, you can create a professional and easy-to-read resume that impresses hiring managers.


If you need help finding it, Wright's Resumes and Connections is here to guide you every step of the way. You’ve got this!

 
 
 
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