You’ll read lots of tips about your resume’s content, but I thought we should also look at how to make the most of your resume’s visual appeal. Remember, HR people and hirers might see hundreds of resumes for every job so if yours is eye-catching, you at least stand a good chance of it being read. Here’s how to make a visually impressive resume.
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1. Make It Easier to Read with White Space
Learn a little bit about white space because it will serve you well for other digital and physical creations you make. It is also known as negative space, and it relates to how much the eye doesn’t have to look at. Notice how these articles are not cramped and how they are easy to read. It is because there is a lot of white space within these articles and you should ensure there is white space in your resume.
2. Use a Template You Find Online
Why do all the work when you can find a template online and paste your information onto it? Online templates are good because you didn’t create them, which means you are not emotionally attached to them, which further means you can spot their flaws. You can spend a lot of time looking at hundreds of templates before picking the one for you.
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3. Only Include a Picture of Yourself
This idea may seem abhorrent to some people, but the fact is that adding a photograph of yourself can save you a lot of time and effort if you happen to be reasonably good looking. If you are not so photogenic, then let them interview you first and win them over with your personality. Otherwise, include a photo of yourself and let them see what you look like. People think they can judge a person by looks, so let them judge you. Do not include pictures of other things unless they are pictures of you getting awards or with famous/influential people.
4. Do Not Pick a Fancy Font
If you want to create an impressive resume, then do not try to be original. The truth is that original resumes are not that important unless you are applying for a resume writing job. A fancy font will probably make your resume harder to read. It may look aesthetically pleasing, but it will not help your future employer get a better view of you as a person and potential employee.
5. Your Headlines Will Score Points
The headings you put in your resume may help you to get certain jobs. If you are applying for a nurse’s job, then the usual “Work Experience,” “Qualifications,” “About Me,” etc., will work just fine, but if you are applying for a more creative role, then you can add headers that draw attention to your finer points.
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6. Do Try to Avoid Arial and Times New Roman
The articles that tell you to pick Arial and/or Times New Roman are probably working along the same lines of tip number 4, in that you shouldn’t use a fancy font, but that is no reason to go with the most standard fonts out there. You can use a slightly sexier font, just so long as it is a commonly used one (i.e. one you can find on Microsoft Word) because fancier and/or more original fonts may not show up on your future employer’s computer systems.
7. Go Larger than Just One Page
Most resumes are going to be delivered online, so what is the point in sticking to one page? Some articles will tell you it is because people won’t flip through them, but people will! You can have a big sexy page for your work history, another for your life goals, another for your interests and personal information. Stop trying to cramp your entire career onto one page because it looks terrible.
You don’t need to aim for a viral resume nor do you need great design skills. Catchy headlines, white space and an attractive font are half the battle. Win that and then work on killer content.
Have you given thought to the aesthetic appeal of your resume?
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