How to Properly Design Your Resume: A Step-by-Step Guide

Your resume is often the first impression a potential employer will have of you, so it’s crucial to make it stand out. A well-designed resume not only highlights your skills and experiences but also demonstrates your professionalism and attention to detail. Here’s how to properly design your resume.

Start with a Clean Layout

Choose a Simple Format A clean, simple format is key to making your resume easy to read. Use a standard font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, and keep the font size between 10 and 12 points. Avoid using multiple fonts or excessive formatting that can make your resume look cluttered.

Use Clear Headings Organize your resume with clear headings for each section, such as Contact Information, Summary, Experience, Education, Skills, and Certifications. This helps employers quickly find the information they’re looking for.

Keep It to One Page If possible, keep your resume to one page, especially if you’re early in your career. This forces you to include only the most relevant information and makes it easier for recruiters to review quickly.

Craft a Strong Summary

Write a Compelling Summary Statement Start your resume with a brief summary statement that highlights your key qualifications and career goals. This should be a few sentences that capture who you are as a professional and what you bring to the table.

Tailor It to the Job Customize your summary for each job application. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the specific position you’re applying for. This shows employers that you’re a good fit for their needs.

Highlight Your Experience

List Jobs in Reverse Chronological Order Start with your most recent job and work backward. For each position, include your job title, the company name, location, and dates of employment. Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements.

Focus on Achievements Instead of just listing duties, focus on what you accomplished in each role. Use action verbs and quantify your achievements with numbers where possible. For example, “Increased sales by 20% in six months” is more impactful than “Responsible for sales.”

Use Keywords Incorporate keywords from the job description into your resume. Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes, and using the right keywords can help ensure your resume gets noticed.

Showcase Your Education

Include Relevant Education List your educational background, starting with the most recent degree. Include the name of the institution, degree obtained, and graduation date. If you’re a recent graduate, you can also include relevant coursework, projects, or honors.

Add Certifications and Training Include any relevant certifications, training, or professional development courses. This can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your commitment to your field.

Highlight Your Skills

List Relevant Skills Create a skills section to highlight your most relevant skills. These can be technical skills, such as proficiency in specific software, or soft skills, like communication and leadership. Make sure the skills you list are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Prioritize Top Skills Place your most important skills at the top of the list. This ensures that the most critical information is seen first.

Proofread and Edit

Check for Errors Carefully proofread your resume to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. Even a small mistake can make a negative impression on potential employers.

Get Feedback Ask a friend, family member, or career counselor to review your resume. A fresh set of eyes can catch mistakes you might have missed and provide valuable feedback on content and layout.