HR-approved resume design tips for you to shine in the job market

The design of your resume matters just as much as the information that goes on it. A potential employer creates their first impression about you with how your resume looks, before they even read what’s on it. As humans, we tend to associate good design with high quality. That is why the packaging of your resume must be just as good as the info on it.

When you apply for a job online, there will be hundreds of other candidates with identical skillsets applying for the same position. What sets you apart from these other candidates? It is your resume. A well-designed resume that highlights your unique value proposition will take you to new heights on your career.

Why should you think a lot about resume design?

A visually appealing resume will help you grab attention in the job market, opening up more opportunities for you. A well-written resume is not just a magnet for attention, it is a professional tool that exhibits your professionalism, attention to detail, and organization. A good resume tells employers that you work hard to put in the extra effort for your job applications. With a well-designed resume, you will have better chances of landing a job interview.

What are the five key principles of resume design?

Let’s say that you want to create an eye-catching resume. Then, you should keep in mind these five fundamental principles of resume design:

1. Go for simple design choices

The simplest resume design choices are often the most effective. In most industries, simple and minimalist resumes are the norm. You can see exaggerated resume designs in the creative industry. However, in almost every other industry, a simple color scheme, easy-to-read formatting, and simple design elements are considered best.

2. Use enough white space

White space improves the readability of your resume. Leaving empty text around text and images will make your resume appear less crammed with information. It also improves the visual appeal of the document and makes important information stand out.

3. Employ text formatting to highlight important info

You can use bold or italicized text to highlight important information on your resume. These include names, job titles, critical skills, and professional achievements. If you feel that drawing the employer’s attention to a particular piece of information on your resume will improve your chances, highlight that text using bold or italicized letters.

4. Use bullet points to list information

Does your resume have a lot of long paragraphs? Break them down into shorter content with the use of bullet points. Bulleted lists can help you highlight your work experience, skills, and achievements related to the job title. Use a formula to write the bullet points for better results.

5. Make your resume easy to scan

Hiring managers only spend a few seconds scanning a resume. If you want your resume to be successful in the job market, your resume design must be easily scannable. All the previously discussed tips will help you improve the scannable nature of your resume.