How to Design a Resume That Can’t Be Ignored

Craft a Stunning Resume

Job-seekers today face more competition than ever before. You may have experienced the arduous and often frustrating task of searching for job openings, distributing resumes and competing with other applicants in the hopes of finding a new job. The style, flow, and general professional feel of your resume will be the first impression you provide to your prospective employer. A well written and professionally styled resume can mean the difference between scoring an interview and never receiving a call back.

The information your resume includes and the order in which you provide it is of utmost importance. Use bullet points and line breaks to separate sections and enhance its visual appearance. Many word processors have example layouts that can be quite useful. Professionals recommend the following time-tested layout:

1. Header- Place at the top your home address, phone number, and email. Your full name should be below that on its own line, and can be larger than the rest of the text. This draws the reader's eyes to your name and it will subconsciously give your name a high level of importance.
2. Summary- 3-4 sentences in which you describe yourself in the best light possible.
3. Experience-In reverse chronological order, list specific dates, employers, your positions held, and a brief explanation of your responsibilities.
4. Education/Certifications- List education completed, from highest to lowest level.
5. Supplemental Skills- Include all technical skills and proficiencies you maintain.

Do your best to fit all of this pertinent information on only one page. Potential employers who read your resume will likely have limited time and many applicants to consider. Too much information can be overwhelming and time-consuming. Your resume should focus on what makes you unique and best qualified for a specific position. In this way you will capture their initial attention, and you can use the interview to introduce more information about yourself that is not captured on your one page resume.

Color and selection of fonts are equally as important as the content of your resume. Avoid using multiple colors, as this may distract the reader. Black font will portray the most professional appearance. Consider bolding keywords that you wish to emphasize: company titles, college names, or valuable certifications. If you follow these simple guidelines when writing your resume, it will help it stand out among the rest and increase your chances of landing a new job!