White Space on Your Resume

Dear Deb:

I keep hearing about having enough white space on my resume.  Is there a metrics that I should follow regarding margins, font size, and space between lines?

Appreciate the help,

Shawn

Dear Shawn:

Yes, white space is important for all types of written materials, including ads in a magazine, webpages, outdoor advertising, and documents.   This includes your resume.  When done well, your resume can lead to an increase in pay of tens of thousands, compounded over your entire career. With that in mind, you’ll want everything to be perfect.   Here are a few guidelines for white space.

Margins:   No smaller than .5” at the top and bottom and I prefer .8” on the left and right.

Font: This varies by font type, but for most 10 or 11 points is a good size. 

Spacing between resume sections:  Space equal to the font size is ideal. If you have the luxury of space, adding more space between sections can aid readability.  If you are unsure, print your résumé when it is completed and see how you think it looks. You might also give it to a friend or colleague to gauge readability.

Wishing you all the best!

Deb