Resume Formatting Guide: What Recruiters Want to See
Master the art of resume formatting with this comprehensive guide to what recruiters and ATS systems look for.
Proper resume formatting is crucial for making a strong first impression. A well-formatted resume is not only visually appealing but also ATS-friendly and easy for recruiters to scan quickly.
Essential Formatting Elements
1. Contact Information
Place your contact information at the top of your resume. Include:
- Full name (larger, bold font)
- Phone number
- Email address
- LinkedIn profile URL
- Location (city, state)
2. Professional Summary
A 2-3 sentence summary that highlights your key qualifications and career goals. Keep it concise and tailored to the job you're applying for.
3. Work Experience
List your work experience in reverse chronological order (most recent first). For each position, include:
- Job title
- Company name
- Location
- Employment dates
- 3-5 bullet points describing your achievements
4. Education
Include your highest level of education first. List:
- Degree and major
- University name
- Graduation year
- GPA (if above 3.5 and recent graduate)
5. Skills Section
Create a dedicated skills section that highlights your technical and soft skills relevant to the job.
Formatting Best Practices
- Font: Use professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in 10-12pt size
- Margins: Keep margins between 0.5-1 inch
- Length: Aim for 1-2 pages (2 pages acceptable for experienced professionals)
- Consistency: Use consistent formatting throughout (dates, bullet points, spacing)
- White Space: Ensure adequate white space for readability
- File Format: Save as PDF for best compatibility
What to Avoid
- Overly creative designs that confuse ATS systems
- Inconsistent formatting
- Dense blocks of text
- Unprofessional email addresses
- Including photos (in most industries)
- Using multiple fonts or excessive colors
Conclusion
Proper resume formatting is essential for both ATS compatibility and human readability. By following these guidelines, you can create a professional, effective resume that stands out to recruiters and passes through applicant tracking systems.
