The Science Behind Your Résumé

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to your résumé.  The trick is to be sure the most impactful parts of your résumé are viewed and absorbed by the recruiter or hiring manager.  Other than mind control, (which is not an option) how can you direct the reader’s eyes to particular places on the résumé?   How can you get them to retain key points?   The answer is proper construction.  I’ll share a few trade secrets used by the best professional résumé writers.  These methods can work for you too.

The Science behind the Methodology

Over the years there have been studies of eye movements and readability of documents. Some of it is subjective (based on reported perceptions by research subjects).  Lately, the science is getting interesting.  Picture this: The subject wears infrared eye tracker “glasses” to capture when and where the eyes gaze on a computer screen.  Scientists can analyze the sequence of one’s eye gaze and where the eyes spend more time.  The results are illustrated on a heat map. The researchers then interview the subjects to test retention of the data and image shown.   That research has demonstrated that a well-formatted résumé draws the reader’s eye to strategic places.

White Space

The first goal is achieving the right amount of white space.  White space also gives the eyes a rest so the reader is not overwhelmed.  When something is cluttered, it is difficult to process all of the information on the page.  The second benefit of white space is that it creates a buffer between categories.  Instantly, the mind understands that this set of data is related and takes a break before absorbing the next set of data.   

Navigational Aides

You’d be surprised how many résumés don’t have a sense of direction. For years decorators have used lighting and design elements to pull the eyes in certain directions.  Use design elements to navigate the reader of your résumé.  For example all caps, bold, 14-point font with shading means category heading.  All bold and caps in 11-point font means company name. Be consistent; don't go overboard with design elements and font changes to create a smooth journey through your résumé.

Primary Message

If you are moving, you pack every item you own.  However, if your home is on fire, what are you going to grab?  For most, that will be your children, pet, phone, wallet, and car keys.  Suddenly, the urgency of the moment clarifies what is important.  Do the same on your résumé.  What are those five items you must share on your résumé?  Make sure these items are in your profile, in the top line of a core competencies section, or bolded in body copy language.  This data should be bold and prominent, and always on the top third of the first page.

Don’t you love when science is so applicable and sensible?   Although these methods are based on science, they are very simple and easy to adopt.  You want the reader to comfortably and easily find the data of interest to him and data that supports your candidacy.   There is more than meets the eye; follow these methods and the reader will receive your complete message.  If you would like additional help creating a winning résumé, please contact me.  I love to transform résumés and help people achieve their dreams.