Résumé Help: Improving the Readability of Your Résumé
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It is common sense that if someone can’t easily read your résumé, your résumé is not benefitting you. You may have adequate white space and a properly-sized font. That is important. It is also important to structure and format your résumé so that it facilitates a quick read. View the sample résumé below. I have highlighted particular issues and presented a solution in the comment bubble. Let’s cover the main issues of this résumé sample in regard to formatting. (We will discuss the content of this résumé sample in a different blog post.)
Font Selection
Select a font that is easy to read based on the font type and size. A few good choices are Calibri 11pt, Verdana 1opt, and Garamond 12pt. Choose one font type for your entire document. In some cases, someone may choose a different font type for all category headings or the name at the top. Never use more than two font types in the entire document.
Consistency of Style
Style elements, such as bold, italics, all capitalization, and small capitalization are excellent ways to call attention to key pieces of data. Create a pattern of styles for your résumé. This is an example of a pattern.
This creates a uniform and organized look. It makes it very easy for the reader to quickly identify particular elements of data.
Creating Blocks of Data
Use spacing to create group data into blocks. For example between every major category (Profile, Professional Experience, and Education) insert a space of 11 points. Between each job description,
create a space of 8 points. Use minimal (3 or 4 points) of space between a job title and the description. It is also alright to have no space to define that block of data. Also, using graphics, such lines or shading around a category heading helps to define that block of data by major category.
A clean format is the first step. Get past the formatting hurdle and readers can absorb your content. For more information on this subject, please read these blog entries. Always feel free to contact me with your résumé questions. If you are concerned about your résumé, I would be happy to provide a free critique.
Résumé Help: Order on the Résumé!
Common Résumé Mistakes That You Must Avoid
If you would like a résumé critique, please contact Debra Wheatman at debra@careersdonewrite.com or visit us at http://careersdonewrite.com.