It is important to choose a resume format that will play down your weaknesses and showcase your strengths and you can use reverse chronological, functional, or hybrid. For example, if you are returning to work after a sabbatical, then you might not want to emphasize this. Go ahead and take a look at some of our samples. Now think about the design…colors are just not appropriate on any resume so keep your resume black and white, or you can also use shades of grey in text boxes and to play emphasis. Most companies will make photocopies of your resume which they will pass around the office for various personnel.
Now that you have decided on the structure, format and basic content of your resume, the next step is to choose a professional resume design that will catch the hiring-manager, decision maker or recruiter’s interest and intrigue them enough to call you in for an interview. This is your stepping stone, your foot in the door and your time to set yourself apart from other candidates. There are no rigid formulas to a well-designed resume, but keep in mind the following guidelines:
- Keep your resume simple and avoid using graphics and visual distractions
- Make it easy for the reader to scan through your resume by emphasizing important phrases and avoiding font sizes that are too small, too fancy or just hard to read
- Be consistent throughout your resume and most importantly, stay focused
