The aesthetics of your resume create the very first impression of you. Before the employer has even read a word, the presentation has already made an impact. Previously (top 5 resume mistakes you need to avoid), I highlighted that it takes an average of six seconds for an employer to read your resume and decide on your suitability for a position. Therefore, it’s not just your skills and experience that determine your suitability for a job. Your presentation skills are equally just as important. In a study by The Creative Group, over 70% of employers prefer standard resumes compared to custom-designed. Consequently, a standard resume format will be in your best interests to ensure your message isn’t lost on the employer. The following are the top 5 aesthetics of a good resume, to ensure it is presentable and visually appealing.
1. Negative Spacing
Negative spacing or ‘white space’ refers to space on your resume. This could be the sides of the pages, in-between headings, paragraphs, and lines of text. Negative spacing is extremely important to create an aesthetically pleasing resume. It is also important because it allows you to direct the focus of the employer to your most important skills and talents. Use too much and your resume will start looking empty, add too little and it will look cluttered. Research shows that leaving white space between different sections can increase readability and comprehension by up to 20%. By using a standard format and making the most of the white space, you can help save time for the employer and create visual interest.
2. Bullet Points
Bullet points are a great way to structure a resume and outline skills, responsibilities, etc. Not only do they help direct the employer’s attention to important details, but they also look aesthetically pleasing. The only way to effectively use them is to have something to show for them. Don’t use bullet points to highlight generic information or you’ll come across as someone with not much to offer. Instead, use bullet points to highlight information that is relatable to the job. Also, keep them short by using 1 – 2 lines for each bullet.
3. Using the Right Font
Ensuring you get the font type right is a key part of the overall presentation. Fonts that are difficult to read cause an employer to skim over a resume and take less interest. Investigations into readability, professionalism, and employer preference have been conducted on the aesthetic factors of font types. Some of the most positive and popular font types for resumes include; Calibri, Times New Roman, Arial, Cambria, Garamond, Georgia, and more recently Helvetica.
4. The Length of a Resume
Previous thinking was that the resume shouldn’t be any longer than one page. Thankfully this is no longer the case. Focusing on the number of pages places all your emphasis in the wrong place. The resume should be as long as it needs to be to fill in all the relevant information, within reason. For example, if you’re a fresh graduate, then your resume may only need to be 1 – 2 pages in length. Alternatively, if you have 10 – 20 years of experience, then your resume may need to be 5+ pages in length. However, sending an employer a 10-page resume with wall to wall text won’t make the best impression. As long as you have conveyed your information in a presentable manner and it is concise then you’re on the right track.
5. Formatting of Contact Details
Contact details should be at the top of the resume. This enables the employer to easily access information on how to contact you. Ensure this information is up to date and accurate. Provide multiple ways for an employer to contact you so that they can select a medium they are most comfortable with. Your name should be at the very top and stand out. Including a link to your Linkedin profile or portfolio is a great way for the employer to learn more about you. Additionally, if you’ve relocated to a different country, adding your citizenship, VISA, or work status can also be beneficial to the employer.
If you enjoyed reading The Top 5 Aesthetics of a Good Resume. Please visit The Career Quest to learn more in regards to career advice and coaching.