Resume Format and Style Tips
Your resume should leave a positive first impression. Follow the style tips below and make sure that your resume gets you noticed.
- One page is often sufficient for undergraduates. Remember, this is meant to be a summary of your qualifications; however, don’t shortchange descriptions of your experience and skills in order to squeeze everything on one page.
- 10 point font is a standard minimum size (perhaps only for bullet point info); 11 or 12 is much easier to read.
- Arial and Times New Roman are typical font choices; Verdana also is easy for employers to convert to pdf.
- 1 inch page margins are generally the standard for resumes.
- Follow any employer guidelines for electronic resumes for best transmission, printing, and database storage (check online for employer preferences and/or restrictions, if any).
- Write in short phrases unless your resume is brief and you need to extend your copy.
- Use the active voice and action verbs; avoid the use of “I” (and other pronouns) and excessive use of italics, underline, or bold.
- Dates often look better placed in the text or right-justified, NOT at the left margin with the heading titles.
- Utilize clear heading titles, plus adequate page and text margins for a quick read and attractive appearance.
- Be consistent in how you organize, format categories, and use indention, caps, and/or underlining.
- Use 8.5" x 11" resume paper in plain white, off-white, or neutral colors for your resume and cover letter.
- Do not use odd-sized paper, folders, or binders, because they are awkward for the recipient to handle and to photocopy.
- Avoid abbreviations except in addresses; don’t “left-justify” every line; indent text tab 1" to 2" right of heading tab.
- Check your e-mail address (and phone greeting/message) for inappropriate humor or sexual references, etc.
- Be careful what you post on Facebook, Myspace, and other social networking sites - employers do browse them!
- Check for correct spelling and punctuation! Don’t rely on spell check – have someone proofread your final copy.
