How do you choose the best font, layout, and design for your resume? (2024)

There are two main types of fonts serif (with lines) and sans-serif (without lines). If I am working on a text-heavy resume that is 10 pt font, I want to make it as clean as possible, so I choose a sans-serif font like Calibri. If I am working on a resume for a new grad or someone who has only had one job in their career history, I will choose a serif font like Cambria. I prefer modern fonts like Calibri, Cambria, Garamond, and Helvetica that give an updated, clean look without looking outdated. I don't recommend outdated fonts like Arial or Times New Roman.

Personally, I lean into Calibri and stay away from Times New Roman at all costs. It's too outdated and makes you look like a dinasour in the job market.

Don't innovate too much. focus should be on your experience not on innovating with new designs -unless you are going for a very creative role, then don't do a standard CV and choose another format!

Keep it simple! Remember, it's about the content not the design. It's about showcasing your Expertise. It's about your Actions, Results and Impact for each of your relevant roles.It's about aligning your expertise with the target opportunity.It's about showing the Hiring Manager that you are the solution to their business problem. Keep it simple. Keep it relevant.

You want your experience to be clear and concise. Focus on readability.Ask “how easy is it to understand the experience I have listed and why it’s valuable?” since that is what you’re showcasing.Readability should be understandableTo someone without your expertise. That’s the key.

Here is an example: Rahul, a seasoned IT professional specializing in cybersecurity, was strategic in crafting his resume. For an innovative tech startup, he opted for a contemporary design infused with subtle code motifs, mirroring his technical acumen. When vying for a senior position at a traditional bank, he leaned into a classic, streamlined layout to convey utmost professionalism. Meanwhile, for a position at a gaming software house, he integrated playful, game-inspired graphics, aligning with the company's vibrant culture. This methodical design customization not only echoed his keen understanding of diverse corporate cultures but also positioned him as a top contender, resulting in several interview invitations.

I understand the appeal for using colourful and creative resume, but ATS might mess with it. Even when you are in a creative role & you are applying through some online system, you will always have a option for linking your portfolio. Try using that!

Multi-Device Compatibility: Check if your resume maintains its layout and clarity on various devices, including tablets, smartphones.ATS Optimization: With many companies relying on Applicant Tracking Systems, ensure your resume contains relevant keywords and is formatted for successful ATS scans.Uniform Styling: Scrutinize bullet points, headings, and date formats for consistent styling throughout.Active Language: Emphasize your roles and achievements using dynamic, active verbs for a stronger impact.Accurate Contact Details: Double-check all personal information, especially phone numbers and email addresses, for accuracy.Quantify Achievements: Highlight your accomplishments with specific figures or percentages where possible.

Here is a great way I give to test your resume,Copy whole thing and paste it any simple doc or word. If you see disrupted sentences and something not displaying in the right order. WORK ON IT! Because that's how Bots will scan your resumes.

This seems like a no-brainer, but it's amazing how people let years go by without updating their resumes. Don't do this! Think of it as a living document that should be updated every six months. Your future self will thank you.

Your resume is not a static document, it should be reviewed and updated on a regular basis, but at a minimum at least twice/year. This allows you to highlight projects you've worked on or led, deliverables you've developed, new skills you've learned, training you've taken, any career advancements or transitions that have taken place, etc.In addition, if your resume doesn't include it already, you need to include quantifiable results for each of the roles you've held (ex: delivered X resulting in an increase of $Y over Z time period).

Use a prompt like this in ChatGPT:Here is a job description [job description]; please pick out the top ten keywords I should focus on in my CV/Resume.Then go back and edit your CV/Resume (and Cover Letter) to include those keywords in a natural way. This will mean that both automated systems and human readers will pick up on those keywords.For cadence of editing, set up a monthly 'Review CV/Resume' calendar reminder -- you don't have to edit the whole thing each time, but you should at least be adding notes about your current work achievements. Then when you do come to revise it thoroughly when you want to change roles, you'll have options to choose from.

Contact a few recruitment agencies, and ask them if you can send through your CV/Resume for their review.Create two versions of your CV/Resume and send them through to the first recruiter. Once you get feedback, pick the best of the two, and create a new design or layout based on the input. Send these two to the next recruiter and ask for feedback.Integrate all the feedback into your final version.

Just keep it simple. I'm practically begging you.You don't need fancy fonts or weird layouts or some crazy design. If you're a creative, save it for your portfolio.You can search 'simple CV template' on Google and plenty will come up. And yes, you can go onto two pages.If you need help in structuring it:- Name and contact details- Summary (optional)- Experience (chronologically)- Skills (feel free to weave this into Experience)- Education (no dates)You don't need hobbies/interests and you don't need references.

If you're struggling to get your foot in the door based on your CV, try thinking outside the box a little.1. Are there more progressive, forward-thinking companies that you'd like to work for that have moved away from manual CV screening? Try applying for companies that have a more meritocratic hiring process.2. Are you able to leverage your networks to get a foot-in-the-door without needing a CV?3. If you do need to apply with a CV, have you considered what information you're including that could be used to discriminate against you? Unfortunately, this is likely to play a bigger role in you getting screened out than the font and layout. For example, have you accidentally revealed your age based on when you went to university?

To some degree, the font and layout "may" vary based on the type of role you're pursuing.That said, here are some general guidelines that apply to almost all resumes:1) Start with contact information at the top (name, email, phone, LI profile, etc.)2) Next a summary section that highlights your strengths.3) Then your professional experience.4) Last is your education.5) Most companies use an ATS, so use non-Serif fonts (ex: Arial ) and stay away from Serif fonts (ex: Times New Roman).6 Don't use multiple colors.7) Don't use multiple fonts.8) Don't use too many different font sizes.9) Don't use different styles for each section of the resume.A well-organized resume lets the ATS scan and read your information correctly.