Résumé Help: No Margin for Error

Resume Help
Written By Debra Wheatman

Today we are looking at margins and white space.  Although a page margin of .25” is safe for most printers, it is difficult to read a dense document that is printed that close to the edges.  I would recommend keeping a .7” or .8” margin.  The lowest ever to go is .55” for readability and to ensure compatibility with all printers.   Another issue is symmetry.  If a document has a margin to the left of .75” and a margin to the right of .25” it will look off center.  I would keep the printing placed evenly on the page for aesthetic reasons.  Most résumés are read online initially.  However, when candidates enter the interview stage, résumés are printed.  A document that is appealing in a printed format is important.

While we are discussing margins, let’s also review the spacing on this example.  Spacing should be consistent. Between jobs, 6 points is the smallest that I would recommend.  Between categories, we need even more white space.  I suggest at least 8 points between categories.

The “Justify” margins tool will create a clean look on both right and left sides.  If you have never tried this, follow this tip. Go to the “Paragraph” area on your “Formatting” toolbar in MS Word.  Select the icon that represents, “Justify.” (See below.) Instructions will vary depending on your version of MS Word or the application that you use.  

Thank you for visiting the blog today.  White space may seem like a minor detail. Remember that résumés are a test of many things, including your professionalism and attention to detail. For more information, please take a look at these previous blog entries:

Asking Questions to Uncover Accomplishments

Résumé Help:  Experience Section Format

Résumé Help:  Position Overview Polish

If you would like a résumé critique, please contact Debra Wheatman at debra@careersdonewrite.com or visit us at http://careersdonewrite.com. The Résumé Help blog appears weekly on Mondays.

Debra Wheatman