Even though your resume and cover letter’s content may generate an interview, if the formatting is horrible, the content may not get read. Use formatting techniques to create an eye-catching resume is vital to land a job interview.
Resume Design Tips to Create an Epic Presentation
1. Incorporate Borders to Draw Positive Attention
Borders are an excellent method to create a resume and cover letter to stand out above the rest. Use a solid, double, or triple line to go around your entire document. Another idea is to use a dashed (- – -) border or something a bit fancier.
Don’t use a childish or immature border (i.e., palm trees, pieces of cake, film strip) or one that does not suit the job you are applying for. If you apply for a teaching job, you can get a bit more creative while still keeping it professional. Teachers are supposed to be creative.
2. Use Shading to Emphasize Certain Areas
Like borders, you can utilize background shading to draw attention to specific areas, including the summary of qualifications or professional profile section. Another place to shade would be a testimonial or quote use include in either document.
Make certain the shading is light enough to see through and will print off correctly. If you are using colored shading for your testimonial, ensure that it doesn’t clash with any other colors used in the document and still looks appropriate. Don’t overuse shading, though, as this will take away from the initial intended effect.
Review our resume and cover letter samples to see what we mean.
3. Integrate a Little Color
Use this tip with caution. If you are going to use color, use it sparingly and incorporate an appropriate color, for example, dark blue or dark green. Use color for borders, shading, your name, or your professional title/ the title of the job you are applying for.
If you are submitting your resume for a more creative type position, such as art teacher or graphic designer, you can play with color and layout more than in other professions.
4. Bold Impressive Achievement Facts
If you have been able to state an exact dollar amount or percentage, as mentioned above, bold that portion of your bullet point in both your resume and cover letter.
For example, your job achievement should look something like this: “Helped increase students’ overall test scores by 15% by providing them with extra, one-on-one tutoring”. By bolding these impressive facts, the reader’s eye will automatically be drawn to those bullet points, thus keeping them interested in you.
5. Resume and Cover Letter Consistency
If you decide to use a border in one document, you must use it in the other. The same goes for any matters about formatting – layout, design, color, font style, font size, etc. Make sure that all job application documents have the same overall layout. There needs to be uniformity within all your job search documents.
Consistency will help ensure your documents will stay together and attract the employer’s eye. Using proper formatting will demonstrate your keen eye for detail and the ability to remain consistent.
There are many resume writing tips available to help you to create your own resume. If you don’t have time connect with me, Candace, via email or call toll-free at 1 877 738-8052.
