Resume Layout

While we all know that the format and the type of resume you pick to use is very important in creating a resume, but did you also know that they layout you use for your resume is just as important also.

Resume Layout Types

There are a number of types of layouts but, you should keep in mind that a resume layout also includes your use of white space and graphical elements.

All layouts should have equal margins that are between 1 in to 1.25 inches on all 4 sides.

You should make sure that if you are going to use any small graphical elements such as arrows you keep them in moderation.

Resume Layout: Columns

The first layout we are going to talk about is the traditional, one-column resume layout. This is the most common layout and chances are you resume looks like this one. Your objective or skills summary, job history and education are listed one after another down the page and all the lines have a left indentation.

A more creative resume layout is the two column resume layout. This layout consists of your headings such as experience, Education and skills over on the far left column and then the corresponding points over on the right column. If you are looking for a clean look to a very short resume you should try using a left-aligned resume layout.

 

This layout has all of your headings and bullets aligned to the left and under each other. Finally the centered resume layout can be hard to read. Everything is centered from your heading to your bullet points. However if you use the right format and layout features you can have an appealing resume.

Other things to keep in mind about your layout are to make sure you use the appropriate spacing between your sections. Two or three line spaces are usually the norm; anything else could make your resume look bare. Also make sure use the same type of headings in all the sections of your resume. For example if you use bold letter and all caps to write out “SKILLS” make sure the rest of your headings match that.

Resume Layout: Fonts

Another good idea to keep in mind about your resume layout is the fonts. Do not try to change your fonts through out your resume. Do not use one font for your heading and another font for your bullet points. Keep the type of font you use simple and eye pleasing.

With all the selections of fonts that are out there today, you might want to use one that looks a little fancier than say the generic Times New Roman. Unless you are in the creative and artistic field, do not try to fancy your resume layout up with a funky font. As far as resumes go, the more conservative, the better.

Your resume needs to be perfect from top to bottom and having the right layout can really make a difference. If the layout is hard for you to read, than chances are it is going too hard for the employer to read to.

Resume Layout Goal

Your whole goal when creating a resume is to make your layout out as eye pleasing as possible.