How to format a resume.

Wondering how to format a resume that gets you an interview? Your resume is your first opportunity to make a good impression. The employer may only spend a few minutes reading it, so make sure it stands out.

The first time through a stack of resumes, many employers spend less than a minute with each one. You can survive the first cut if you learn how to format a resume to look appealing and professional. The content of your resume is essential, of course, but its format can help you earn a second look and an interview.

Why is resume formatting important?

Resume formatting is crucial because it establishes a professional image and makes it easier for employers to review your qualifications. A well-formatted resume creates a positive first impression, organizes information effectively, enhances readability, and captures attention, all of which are vital for employers to review your qualifications.

• Establishes a professional image. Proper resume formatting showcases your professionalism and attention to detail.
• Creates a positive first impression. Well-formatted resumes immediately impress employers and show your commitment to the application.
• Organizes information effectively. Formatting structures your resume logically, making it easy for employers to find relevant details about your skills, experiences, and achievements.
• Enhances readability. Clear formatting techniques such as headings and bullet points improve the readability of your resume, enabling recruiters to quickly grasp the information.
• Captures attention. Effective formatting draws attention to your key strengths and accomplishments, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.
• Saves time. A concise, one- to two-page resume demonstrates respect for the employer’s time and facilitates an efficient review of your qualifications.
• Increases job opportunities. Well-formatted resumes significantly improve your chances of grabbing the reader’s attention and securing valuable job opportunities.

How to format a resume properly.

When it comes to formatting a resume properly, there are a few key elements to consider. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your resume looks polished and professional.

1. Apply appropriate margins. Set your page margins to around one inch on all sides, creating sufficient white space and maintaining a balanced layout.
2. Select a professional and readable font. Choose a font that is easy to read and portrays professionalism. Some popular choices include Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, and Helvetica. Avoid using decorative or overly stylized fonts that can be distracting.
3. Use 10- to 12-point font size. Maintain a consistent font size throughout your resume. A font size of 10 to 12 points is generally considered legible and ensures your content is easily readable.
4. Add section headers. Clearly distinguish different sections of your resume by using section headers. Examples of common headers include Contact Information, Professional Summary, Work Experience, Education, and Skills. Using bold or slightly larger font sizes for headers helps them stand out.

Additional resume formatting best practices.

Proper formatting enhances readability, highlights your key strengths, and creates a professional impression. To ensure your resume stands out, consider incorporating the following formatting tips:

• Use bullet points where appropriate. Bullet points help to organize information and make it easier to read and comprehend. Utilize them to list your achievements, responsibilities, and skills within each section of your resume.
• Keep information concise and clear. Use concise and impactful language to convey your qualifications. Avoid lengthy paragraphs and focus on highlighting the most relevant and impressive aspects of your experience.
• Show consistent formatting. Maintain consistency in formatting throughout your resume. This includes using the same font, font size, and formatting styles for headers, subheadings, and body text. Consistency creates a cohesive and professional look.
• Provide a professional email address. Ensure that the email address listed in your contact information is professional and appropriate for potential employers to reach out to you.
• Proofread carefully. Thoroughly proofread your resume for any spelling, grammar, or formatting errors. Ask someone else to review it as well, as fresh eyes can often catch mistakes you may have missed.
• Tailor your resume to the job. Customize your resume for each specific job application. Highlight relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments that align with the requirements of the position you’re applying for.
• Add a cover letter PDF if requested. If the job application specifically asks for a cover letter, provide it as a separate PDF document. Ensure that the cover letter is well-written, concise, and addresses the specific job requirements.
• Ask for feedback. Seek feedback from trusted friends, mentors, or career advisors. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improving your resume’s formatting and content.

Create your own custom resume PDF.

Your resume doesn’t need to look like everyone else’s. It’s good to stand out from the crowd. But there are certain things a hiring manager will look for immediately, so make sure those items stand out. One way to create a professional-looking resume is to use a pre-formatted PDF template.

To make a standardized resume template your own, use an editing tool that can do these things for you:

1. Add text to enter your experience and education.
2. Add PDF pages if you need additional space.
3. Extract pages to remove what you don’t need.

Numerous templates are available online that provide a place for all your information along with a professional look. When you find a PDF resume template that captures your style and presents your education, experience, and accomplishments in the best light, you can use Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat online services to personalize it.

Take a moment to discover everything you can do with Acrobat to quickly and easily convert, share, and send PDFs.