How to avoid 6 deadly sins of resume design
Dec 09 2016
When it comes to resume editing, any slight mistake could cost you a fortune. This is not something you want. To avoid this, you need to learn what to include and what to leave out in your professional resume. In this article, we will be taking you through common mistakes.
And enjoy reading about how to avoid 6 deadly sins of resume design:
- Resume paper
From the word go, your resume paper to be up to standards. Take your time to get a paper with a smooth finish. You can opt for slightly heavier papers, but at least the paper should not be as stiff as a cardboard. Consider going for a paper with some slight cream touch; this will make your resume more appealing to most people as used to the too obvious pure snow white papers. Avoid pink looking papers or strawberry scented papers. They will do you no good.
- Font Type
When it comes to font, you need to walk slowly in these muddy waters. By default, most text editors will feature the Time News Romans. However, this can be a deathbed as its letter spacing, and word spacing is usually clumsy or wretched. Instead of this, go for a different typeface. Humanist Dans, Matthew Carter’s Georgia or Geometric Sans are good to go by. To get the cream out of it, save your resume as a PDF, it will look quite good on any display.
- Font Size
If there is anything to go by, a good resume should have a well-lit font. The tiny type fonts are a must avoid. To prevent this, go for fonts that’s are above 9 points. Remember that most people in the panel are advanced in age. However, you shouldn’t overdo it. A standard font of 12 or 14 will do well.
- Decorations
It’s good to have that pimp aspect on your resume; however, this should not be overdone. Hearts, floral borders or rainbow colors will do you more harm. Instead, ensure you add some character setting. This is easily achievable. Consider things like setting your name slightly larger or in a different feel as compared to other interfaces. If you use color in your resume design, it should be used sparingly.
- Paper size
When it comes to paper size, your resume needs not to be absurd or weird. Go for the standard sized papers. A standard paper should be around 8.5 by 11 inches. Anything else will be overboard. Your resume needs to fit well at least in your binder file. Small resumes should be avoided. The golden tip here is use the standard paper in your geographical location, Period!
- Formatting
While trying to outsmart others, designers may opt to format resumes in a landscape format. Avoid this at all costs. Stick to the portrait format. Most people who conduct interviews have had a chance to interact with so many resumes. Most of them are usually in portrait format. Getting a resume in landscape format may suggest that you are careless to even observe simple aspects. If you want to be outstanding, do a good cover letter instead.
We have been looking at How to avoid 6 deadly sins of resume design. We hope that this article will go a long way in helping you make an outstanding resume. Good Luck!
