Imagine yourself as the reader of your document. The resume should be clear and coherent. Its main purpose is to show your suitability for the future position.
A professional resume is a serious application for interview invitations. Our tips will help you figure out how to style your resume so that it grabs the attention of recruiters.
Choosing a resume format
Before filling out your resume, find out what format the company needs. This refers to the way your resume is presented:
- Electronic. The text is typed on a computer using an editor program (Word, Google Docs, etc.).
- Paper. The document is printed on the printer, placed in a folder or envelope.
- Video summary. A short video (no more than 5 minutes), supplementing the electronic or paper format.
How to properly format an electronic resume
Focus on simplicity. No fancy fonts, decorations, infographics needed. A creative resume is drawn up by applicants for a creative profession. They do this at the request of the employer.
Select a text editor
Many people print their resume in Word, but it is more convenient to work in Google Docs. It contains templates for resumes and cover letters. You will quickly and easily compose a document, save it to a virtual disk and convert it to the desired file format.
What should I write on my resume? Read our article “How to write a resume”. Don’t confuse composition and layout. The first relates to what you write. The second concerns how you present information.
Text and photo
Choose the font Times New Roman, Arial, size 12-14. Make headlines, subheadings. Highlight important points, but don’t go overboard with italics and borders. The resume should not be “dazzling”.
Insert a photo at the beginning of the document, on the left. Choose a crisp, small image. Your face should be clearly visible on it. Pay attention to background, details, clothing style. You can smile in the photo, the main thing is not to look cheeky and sloppy.
Editing
Ready? Reread what you have written and remove unnecessary things. 1-2 pages – document length limit. Want to see how to style your resume? Here’s a nice sample resume.
Assess the coherence of the text: each phrase should logically transition into the next. Briefly explain the reasons for choosing this position or taking a break.
Check the document for spelling, style and punctuation. For safety reasons, use programs like Spelling or Speller from Yandex.
How to record a video summary
The video is not a repetition of a regular resume. You will be filming a short, engaging self-presentation.
How to properly format a video for a resume? Select a recording program in advance – for example, Movavi. Prepare a short text describing your usefulness to the company. Pronunciation of the text at the pace of normal speech should not take more than 5 minutes. Sight-reading is impossible – you need to learn the words, pronounce them easily and naturally, looking at the camera.
Dress in a business style, take care of your hair and a neutral background on which you will shoot video. Take a test recording, show it to someone who can give good advice. Everything is fine? Then it’s time to send your files to the employer
How to format files before sending
Once you have completed your resume, convert the .doc or .docx file to .pdf. This is done using conversion software. Make sure the document opens and looks like your layout.
Name the document so that the HR manager can easily find it in the database. For example, “Resume_Marketologist_Alice_Johnson”.
Archive multiple files (for example, a text document and a video) into one folder. Don’t forget your cover letter.
Pay attention to your e-mail address. It should only contain the first and last name. Frivolous nicknames are not welcome. The same applies to login on Skype and other services through which you communicate with the employer.