resume format in table form

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CV in Tabular Form – 18 Tabular Resume Format Templates

Crafting a perfect resume means not just correcting the sentences.

A resume should contain error-free words, sentences and also should have a particular structure . A good eye-catching resume easily attracts the employer and increases the job opportunity.

The data which is framed in the tables and the text which is in bold appear more attractive than the simple plain text on the resume.

So it’s better to choose the Tabular resume format template while applying for the job.

Best Tabular Resume Formats:

Adding more quality words in our resume is effective but there is no use if it is not related to the job post applying for and does not attract employers.

To keep away from this problem we are arranged the best 20 templates which are in tabular form. These are well structured and definitely, attract the employers.

College resume template:

download resume template

Graphic designer resume template:

Graphic designer resume template

Classic resume template:

Best CV template:

Tabular CV:

Tabular CV template:

Latex templates:

Perfect resume template:.

Winning resume template:

Table format resume:

Sample Resume:

Graduate resume:

Download resume template

Sites.google:

Professional resume template:.

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How to Create a Resume in Word using Tables

By Dawn / May 1, 2019

Using Tables in your Document

Tables are a convenient way to display data in a columnar format and can also be used for a variety of projects including creating flyers, resumes and company letterhead. Tables in Word are made up of cells and displayed in a grid of horizontal rows and vertical columns.

It’s easy to create a resume in Word using tables by utilizing the Insert Tab , Tables Group on the Ribbon. In addition to creating a table from scratch on the Ribbon, you can also convert existing text to a table or even draw a table. Once created, you can select the cells, rows and columns and then edit them just as you would any other text in a document.

• After you insert a Table in Word, it appears in your document as a set of cells which contain an end of cell marker.
• The table also contains an end of row marker
• You can also resize a table by pointing to the edges and a move handle will appear

Create a Table for a Resume

• Tap ENTER four times so the table will be positioned vertically on the page.
• Click on the Insert Tab > Table Grou p and click the Table Command. (You will see a drop-down menu containing a grid of squares. Hover the mouse over the grid and draw a 2×7 Table and then click with the mouse. (You will see the table being drawn in the page as you hover. Click with the mouse when it’s the way you want it. The table will then be inserted in your document. You table should look like the following):

Entering text in a Table

After you create your table, you are now ready to start working with your table. You can:

• Enter text into the cells. Pressing tab will move you from cell to cell.
• You can merge the cells together to create column headings
• Select the entire table, one or more rows and columns or one or more cells
•  Insert or delete rows at any time by using the Table > Layout contextual tab
• You can format your table by using the Table > Design contextual tab

Setting up the Table for Creating a Resume in Word – Merging Cells

• Select the first line in the table by moving your mouse into the white space and point and click the first line. (The Table Tools Contextual Tab will appear)
• Click the Layout Tab and then click the Merge Cell s command. (The 2 cells will merge into one as shown below:)

Entering Text in a Table

• Click Table Tools > Layout > Alignment Group and click Align Center .

• Tap the Tab   key on your keyboard to move to the first cell in the first row and type Objective : Note: As you enter the text, you can also use your arrow keys to move from cell to cell, use the tab key on your keyboard or just click in a cell.
•   Tap the Tab   key on your keyboard to move to the next cell and type the following: Seeking a Receptionist position where I can utilize my keyboarding, telephone etiquette and Microsoft Word skill s.
• Click with the mouse in the third row and type Qualifications . Tap to move to the next cell.

• Tap the tab key  on your keyboard   three times and type Education then type the rest of the resume as shown below using the techniques explained above to tab between cells and tapping ENTER to generate a new bullet as desired.  Your final resume should look like the following:

Selecting a Table

• When you are clicked in the table, the Table Tools Contextual Tab appears with two tabs, Design and Layout . Click on the Layout tab > Select Grou p.
• Click the Select command and then click Select Tab le.

Remove the Table Borders

• Select the table and click the Table Tools contextual tab > Design tab > Borders > Borders menu button
• Choose No Border from the menu. Your completed resume will look like the following:

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Author Bio:  Dawn Bieser is the Founder, Instructor and Virtual Office Professional with OfficeSkills.org. Dawn has been teaching office skills for over two decades, both in the classroom and on her website,  officeskills.org . She enjoys using her skills in education and technology to help individuals improve their effectiveness and efficiency and gain new skills. You can find more about her on her  About  page.

Tags: create a resume in a table , create a resume in ms word , create cv in word , create resume in Word , create resume using microsoft word , create your resume in ms word , making a resume in Word , resume creation , resume maker

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Free Resume Template

Our free resume templates below are designed to help you prepare a professional resume using Microsoft Word, OpenOffice, or Google Docs. Our Resume Template can be described as "professional", "elegant", "modern", "classic", or "contemporary". It is all those things, but it is also easy to work with . Most importantly, our resume templates don't contain fancy colors or unique formatting styles that might identify your resume as having come from a resume template repository.

We encourage you to read through the resume tips and guidelines for resume writing on Vertex42.com before using any resume template. You should also browse through as many sample resumes as you have time for, especially those related to your field or position. The more resumes you look at, the more ideas you will have for how to craft your own. Even if you only have basic skills with Word, you should be able to recreate almost any professional resume that you find using one of our two templates.

Resume Template (Table Format)

Description : This resume format uses a table in Microsoft Word (without borders) to place the main section headings (Objective, Experience, Education, etc) in a narrow column on the left-hand side of the resume. This is a very popular method for formatting resumes. The table format can let you have more section headings without using up as much space as the outline format.

License : Private Use (not for distribution or resale)

Resume Template (Outline Format)

Description : In this resume template, instead of using tables, you use margins, tabs, and indention to format your resume. Lines under the main section headings are recommended. The outline format is often easier to customize and edit and can be converted to a text-only resume fairly easily.

How to Use our Resume Templates

If something strange happens when you make a change to a format, like everything turning into bullets, immediately press Ctrl+z (undo) to cancel the automated formatting. You might also want to check your AutoCorrection or AutoFormat settings.

I created these templates from scratch using a minimal set of Styles in Microsoft Word. You can modify the Normal style to change the font from Arial to Times New Roman. You can modify the Heading 1 style to change between All Caps, Mixed Case, Small Caps, or to modify the border line. In the Outline Format, the left margins for the Title , Contact Information , and Heading 1 styles are set to -0.25".

How to Choose a Resume Template

Choosing a resume template is NOT the first step in writing your resume. You shouldn't sift through sample resumes to try to find the best looking resume template and then try to make your details, skills, and qualifications fit a specific format.

When choosing a resume template:

• Avoid unique formats and styles . You should generally avoid anything that will make the employer think that you used a template. Our resume templates are designed using a general style to help avoid this problem.
• Beware of hidden file property information . If you submit your file electronically, file property information may be searchable in a database. The two resume templates above don't contain any hidden file property information. We will just trust that after you delete the note at the top of the template, you will still abide by the terms of use.
• Be aware of scannability . Many templates use italics and underlining , both of which can cause problems when a template is scanned and OCR'd.
• The safest advice might be to only use a resume template to get an idea of how to create your own from scratch.

Regardless of what type of resume you choose ( chronological resume , functional resume , curriculum vitae , etc.), your two main options for laying out the content are either the outline or table format. I have seen nice looking resumes that use both formats within the same file, but you have to be careful to remain consistent and clear.

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Resume types, sample resumes, letter templates.

Chronological Resume - Writing Guide With 5 Free Templates

The chronological resume - also known as the “reverse chronological resume” - is the most popular resume format out there.

Particularly advisable for those with rich work history, the chronological resume prioritizes and lists your work experience and achievements from most to least recent.

This article is here to teach you all there is to know about creating a chronological resume.

• What is a Chronological Resume? 

Chronological Resume Structure 

• When to Use a Chronological Resume Format? 
• 4 Free Chronological Resume Templates
• How to Create a Chronological Resume - Step by Step
• 9+ Chronological Resume Examples for All Industries

What is a Chronological Resume?

A chronological resume lists your work experiences and achievements starting from the current or most recent one, and following up with previous jobs below.

For this exact reason, the chronological resume is the perfect choice for job-seekers who have plenty of experience and achievements to list on their resume .  

What’s most important, studies point to the chronological resume being a favorite among recruiters, too.

Why? Well, because you are applying for a job, so work experience in your resume will be the first thing a recruiter looks out for.

But worry not, you can structure your resume in a chronological format even as a recent graduate too. Or, you can opt for other popular formats fitter to your profile.

But first, let’s go through the basics. 

The chronological resume follows a straightforward structure. The only thing to keep in mind is that your current or most recent experience - be it professional or educational - comes first.

The second most recent will follow, and so on.

Here are the main and most popular sections for the chronological resume structure:

• Contact information
• Professional title and resume summary/objective
• Work experience and achievements
• Education section
• Your top soft/hard skills
• Include optional sections (languages, certificates, volunteer experience, etc)

If you’re a recent college graduate and want to build your resume in the chronological structure format, you still can.

All you have to do is rearrange the order of your resume sections so that the education resume section comes first.

Here, too, make sure that your education entries are listed from the most to least recent, and you’re good to go!

If reading this is already looking too complicated and time-consuming, try out the Novorésumé online resume builder . Novorésumé provides 8+ free resume templates that follow the chronological resume structure. 

When to Use a Chronological Resume Format

The three main types of resume formats are the chronological, functional/skills-based one, and a combination resume format of the two. What you choose to use will depend on the type of job you are applying for and your experience level.

In the majority of cases, the obvious choice is the chronological resume. It is common, it highlights just the right sections, and job recruiters prefer it over the other formats.

Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean you should just cross the other options off your list, especially if your work experience doesn’t amount to much.

Consider these other two formats, taking into account their advantages and disadvantages as well: 

Functional Resume

• Perfect for students or recent graduates, as it highlights your skills. 
• Offers creative space for a varied portfolio 
• Difficult to pass through the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) that most companies use to scan through countless resumes they receive daily. 
• It conceals your experiences, however minor they might be. 

Combination Resume

• A great choice for job-seekers with a diverse skill-set, because it highlights both skills and experiences. 
• It can mask gaps in your employment history since you can also list your skills, so it’s the second-best option for those who lack work experience. 
• It is a really good fit only for highly specialized professionals who have a very diverse skill-set. Say, for example, that you’re applying for a role that requires expertise in 3-4 different fields, and you want to show all that in your resume - then, the combination resume really is the one for you.
• It is hard to organize. As a professional with a diverse skill-set, it might be a challenge to decide which part of your expertise to prioritize in the combination resume format.

4 Chronological Resume Templates 

Below, you will find 5 chronological resume templates out of many free resume templates. Dig right in to find the best match for you. 

#1. Creative Chronological Resume Template 

#2: Modern Chronological Resume Template 

#3: Professional Chronological Resume Template

#4: Functional Chronological Resume Template

How to Create a Chronological Resume

Now that we mentioned the traditional structure, let’s go through each section one by one to create the perfect chronological resume. 

#1: Start With a Contact Information Section 

Depending on the template you have chosen for your chronological resume, there is a possibility that your name will be directly followed by your professional title right at the top.

How do you fill up your professional title in chronological resume format? Easy. If you’re not looking to change career paths your professional title should be your current title. However, if you’re changing career paths, then choosing the combination resume mentioned above might be a better option for you.

Regarding the rest of the contact information section on your chronological resume, it should be current and lacking any typos. The mandatory elements of the information section include: 

• First and last name
• Phone number
• Email address
• LinkedIn URL (optional)

#2: Add a Resume Summary or Resume Objective

  Second in the chronological resume comes your ‘profile’ as a candidate, which is expressed through a resume summary or a resume objective .

Wondering what the difference is?

Well, the summary is a short (2-3 sentences) overview of your career so far and it is used in 90% of resumes - especially by those with two or more years of work experience. A summary is a perfect fit for the chronological resume.

On the contrary, a resume objective represents your aspirational career goal and highlights your skills, making it perfect for entry-level professionals with little work experience, or job-seekers looking to completely switch career paths. 

#3: Fill in Your Work Experience 

This is, without a doubt, the section that weighs the most when it comes to the chronological resume, so it’s vital that you get it right.

Your work experience section is there to show the recruiter what you can bring to the table through your past accomplishments and responsibilities and what the company would be gaining were they to hire you.   

Feeling pressured? Don’t. There are many practices to help your work experience section stand out in the eyes of the recruiter.

If you are looking for more tips and tricks to help you take your resume to the next level, head over to our beginner’s guide on how to write a resume . 

Here are the key points you should keep in mind when it comes to the work section:

• This is the most important so we’ll be repeating it as many times as it takes: your current or latest job position should be placed on top. Then come the previous ones, all the way to your earliest job position. 
• For each entry, list your job title and position, the company and its location, as well as the dates when you were employed. 
• List your achievements and responsibilities, with a higher focus on quantifiable achievements, whenever you can. 
• Use bullet points instead of just text to express what you have achieved and what you were responsible for in every job entry. 
• Tailor the resume to the position you are applying for. For example, if you’ve had too many jobs in the past and some of them don’t relate to the field you are now applying for, then they are just taking space. Feel free to omit them.

Here’s a close-up of a work experience section in the chronological resume:   

#4: Add an Education Section

Generally, the education section comes right after work experience. 

If, however, you have just graduated college and want to create a chronological resume to start applying for jobs, the education section can replace the experience section that you’d be lacking. 

Either way, the education section should be brief but jam-packed with information that can communicate your values and skills to the recruiter.

Here’s what the education section consists of: 

• Program Name: E.g. “MA in Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies” 
• University Name: E.g. “University of Greenwich”
• Period Attended: E.g. “08/1214 - 05/2018”
• (Optional) GPA: E.g. “3.9 GPA”
• (Optional) Honors: E.g. “ Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude”
• (Optional) Academic Achievements: E.g. Papers you might have published, or awards received.  
• (Optional) Minor: E.g. “Minor in Political Science”  

#5: Spice Up Your Chronological Resume With Your Skills

Needless to say, the reverse-chronological order doesn’t really apply in the skills section. 

What you can do, however, is begin by listing your hard skills and then your soft skills. 

Unsure of what this means? 

• Hard skills are measurable abilities. These can range from programming in Python language to knowing how to use Photoshop and InDesign.
• Soft skills are personal skills. They vary from attitude to flexibility, motivation and teamwork. 

Listing your skills has its own peculiarities, so don’t pay this section less attention than the ones above it, especially if you’re a recent college student. Pay attention to skills specifically required at the job ad and if you have them, make sure to include them. 

Here’s an example of how your skills section can look like:  

#6: Include Any of These Optional Sections

Last but not least, come these optional sections.  

Having them in your resume can earn you extra points and even separate you from the competitors, but only if they don’t make your resume longer than it should be (1-2 pages maximum) and if they are relevant to the job position.

Some of those sections include (but are not limited to):

• Languages : If you speak two or more languages, don’t fail to put that in your resume. To list them, simply categorize your proficiency level into native, fluent, proficient, intermediate, or basic . 
• Hobbies & Interests : They can help humanize you and show a part of your personality that work and education can’t. If
• Volunteering Experience : Studies show that volunteering experience actually raises your chances of getting hired . 
• Certification & Awards : If you have awards that make you stand out in your field or certifications from experts that are relevant to the position you are applying for, don’t hesitate to show them off!

Not sure how adding volunteering experience works? Check our article on how to list volunteer experience on your resume .  

10 Chronological Resume Examples for All Industries

Now let us walk you through a few practical examples of what the chronological resume looks like depending on the industry. 

#1. Business Chronological Resume

In the world of business, accomplishments matter. This is why in this business chronological resume , the work experience section is jam-packed with measurable information on what the employee achieved in his previous professional experiences. 

#2. Computer Science Chronological Resume

Computer science jobs are heavily based on hard skills - in addition to your previous work experiences, that is. So, make sure to include your hard skills on your computer science resume to impress recruiters. 

#3. Architect Chronological Resume 

As you can see from the example above, the sections that follow your work experience and education can be placed according to your profile. If, for example, you’ve worked on some side projects that you feel do your resume more justice than your skills, feel free to prioritize those projects.

In this article, you can find what’s expected from an architect’s resume in more detail.

#4. Nurse Chronological Resume  

Action verbs can really make an active professional like that of a nurse shine. So when you list your achievements under your experience, use strong verbs that can paint a picture of who you are and what you can do.

#5. Pharmacist Chronological Resume 

With plenty of attributes up their sleeve, the chronological format is the perfect choice for a pharmacist’s resume . 

#6. Project Manager Chronological Resume 

Project manager resumes have good chances to show industry expertise - given they hold the manager title - and highlight successful projects. Feel free to do both in your chronological resume, as shown above. 

#7. Web Developer Chronological Resume

As you can see in the example, the candidate has chosen to place his courses and training above his education. When you have followed courses or have been trained in the exact field of work where you’re applying, it makes sense to rank the field-specific courses and training higher than your university education. 

This article has more information on how to perfect your Web Developer Resume .

#8. Teacher Chronological Resume 

This is another “special” example of a chronological resume. Right after the experience section, the candidate has listed their volunteering experience. Not normally the case, it makes sense here because the volunteering experience has been as a tutor - which is pretty much the same thing as a teacher in the teacher resume . 

In cases when your volunteering experience is directly connected to the job you are applying for, feel free to list it under professional experience as well. 

#9. Bar Manager Chronological Resume 

For more info on how to update your own bar manager chronological resume for 2024, this is the article for you. 

#10. Human Resources Chronological Resume

The example says it all: the chronological resume does wonders showing the peak of your work experience first, and then going back to your professional history and skills. This article on the HR chronological resume has more tips on how to perfect it.

Discover More Resume Templates

• Combination Resume Templates
• Creative Resume Templates
• Functional Resume Templates
• Minimalistic Resume Templates
• High School Resume Templates
• One Page Resume Templates
• 2 Page Resume Templates
• Google Docs Resume Templates
• Word Resume Templates

Key Takeaways 

And that’s a wrap! 

Let’s do a quick recap of the main points covered in this article: 

• The chronological resume - or reverse chronological - is a top choice among candidates with years of professional experience and a favorite among recruiters.
• The chronological resume focuses on your work experience, starting your current or most recent one, and following up with the rest - from most to least recent.
• Recent college graduates that want to use this format can - simply replace the work section with the education section, following the same reverse-chronological order.
• Save time and energy building the reverse chronological resume from scratch by using online resume builders , such as the one Novorésumé offers.   

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How To : Write a resume in the table format

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how write a resume in the table format. A table formatted resume is one of the most effective formats. It highlights metrics in a particular field that potential employers are looking for in a presentable quick overview. At the top of the table, provide your name, contact information and location. In the table, list your skill, experience, role and products from each of your previous jobs and experiences. This video will benefit those viewers who are searching for a job and would like to learn which resume format is the best for attracting employers to hire them.

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From your article i came to now how write a resume but one small doubt I am fresher i don't have any experience and what to write in this place, Pls give some suggestion, Can i put my HOD as a Reference?

This is a really effective approach on resume data. Personally I prefer an infographic data output, since it's more appealing . But Ibelieve this is simply a usefull and effective way to organize your resumé or CV data. Thank youvery much for your sharing, Ryan.

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Use a template to create a resume

If you need help creating a resume or cover letter, start with one of the dozens of professionally-designed resume and cover letter templates that are available in Word.

Go to File > New .

In the search box, type Resume or Cover Letter.

Double-click the template you want to use.

Replace the placeholder text with your own information.

On the File menu, select New from Template .

Create and use your own template in Office for Mac

Making a resume like this while you're online is quick and easy.

Note:  This template comes with a cover letter, so you'll have everything in one document.

Choose one of our resume templates , and open it in Word for the web to make it yours.

As you work on the resume, you'll probably want to rename it.

The template uses a table to line everything up. If you need to add more lines for job experience or education, add rows to the table by going up to Layout under Table Tools and clicking Insert Below (or Insert Above) .

For tips on writing your resume, check out Six steps to developing a great resume .

When you're finished, print it out or share it online. You can do this with the resume still open in Word for the web. No need to save it first (that's already done for you).

To print it, press Ctrl+P, and wait for the Print dialog box.

Note:  If you don't see a Print dialog box, click the link for opening a PDF version of your resume. From there, use the PDF program's Print command.

To share it online, send a link:

Near the top of the screen, click Share .

Under Share , click Get a Link .

Under Choose an option , click View only .

Click Create Link .

Click on the web address to select it, and then copy and paste it into an email, message, or post.

Tip:  If you have a blog or website, you can embed a view of your resume there.

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Best Resume Format for 2024 [Pros vs Cons]

• December 4, 2023
• In Resumes & Cover Letters

Functional, chronological, or combination – which resume format is the right one for you? Your resume format should highlight the most important aspects of your resume and help you open doors to new career opportunities. With that in mind, let’s look at some of the crucial guidelines you should adhere to when choosing your resume format.

Table of Contents: 

• What Resume Format Do Employers Prefer?
• How to Choose a Resume Format that Supports Your Career Goals?
• What Are the Main Types of Resume Formats?

Chronological Resume Format

Functional resume format.

• Combination Resume Format
• What Are the Best Practices for Formatting Your Resume?

Make effective font choices

Formatting your margins and spacing, choose an appropriate resume length, highlight your objective statement.

• Apply effective graphic elements

What resume format do employers prefer?

Recruiters and employers have one simple question in mind – “Does this applicant match our requirements?” Unfortunately, the time they’re willing to spend finding that out has become vanishingly small.

How to choose the best resume format that supports your career goals?

There are many ways to organize the information on your resume, and no two resume formats will be the same. So, keep this in mind as you go through these guidelines. The resume format you choose should catch the reader’s attention and clarify that you are the perfect match for the position. It should highlight your achievements and deemphasize any aspects you don’t want the employer to focus on. When choosing your resume format, consider the employer’s needs, your experience, and qualifications for the job.

You should first decide whether you will use a chronological, functional, or combination format. Each of these has its benefits depending on your career level and background. Essentially, there is no single correct way to format a resume. For example, if you are switching careers, you may want to use a different format than someone who has gaps in employment. Mainly, the resume format you choose should reflect your personality and support your career goals. Here’s how to find the organizational approach that will help you achieve just that.

What are the main types of resume formats?

Generally regarded as the most popular layout, this resume format lists your work history in reverse chronological order. The latest position is listed at the top, and jobs are listed backward until the very earliest. It also includes a summary or an objective and your education and credentials. This resume format is straightforward and easy to navigate for hiring managers. It highlights the progression of your career and puts the most timely and relevant experience at the top. Also, it is suitable for most positions and often required for teaching, government jobs, and similar.

• Highlights the progression of responsibility throughout the career.
• Preferred by recruiters, especially for executive and managerial positions.
• Proves that you are experienced and qualified to take on the job.
• Highlights well-known and impressive employers who will add weight to your credentials.
• Perfect for demonstrating a stable work history.
• Not suitable if you have gaps in employment, are changing careers, or have various experiences in many fields. In this case, you should consider either a functional or combination resume format.

The functional resume format is often referred to as skill-based, as it primarily highlights your skills. Rather than organizing information chronologically, the functional format emphasizes key skills listed in categorized sections. In turn, this style highlights your unique qualifications and expertise. Work experience is often omitted or downplayed. First, you list your best skills and then expand on them in a few concise sentences. Qualifications and accomplishments are also highlighted in this format. Work history, on the other hand, is only mentioned briefly at the bottom of the resume.

• Perfect if you have gaps between jobs.
• Suitable for those returning to a career after a prolonged time off for personal reasons.
• Takes attention away from the limited experience of recent graduates and instead emphasizes valuable skills.
• Suitable if applying for jobs in a new area due to moving or spouse relocation.
• Deemphasizes upward career mobility and long-term experience.
• Not suitable if you lack transferable or relevant skills.

As the name implies, the combined resume format blends the chronological and functional style. While not as popular as the first two, this format might be suitable if neither of the other two formats fits your needs. Essentially, the hybrid format combines the best parts of the chronological and functional format to create one that is customizable and effective. Typically, a hybrid resume format will put the critical skills and achievements at the top, followed by a chronologically ordered career history. This format is flexible, and you can customize it to highlight your best strengths.

• Highlights both strong work history and key abilities along with accomplishments.
• Perfect if you’re switching careers and have a work history that demonstrates your qualifications.
• Longer than the chronological and functional format.
• Lengthiness is sometimes seen as unfavorable by recruiters.
• Can appear repetitive if the same skills and responsibilities appear in every position.

Things to keep in mind when choosing a resume format

Firstly, choose the format that’s correct for you. Secondly, add your content to build a compelling document. Thirdly, once it’s complete, follow the submission instructions specified.

• Think about the extent of your experience. This will help you to choose the resume format that is right for you.
• Think about your audience. Your resume may go through an applicant tracking system (ATS) initially. That means the chronological format is most easily read without errors. To make sure you include the right content, look at this best-practice advice .
• Don’t use gimmicks. Use a design that looks professional, not garish. Pick your fonts, colors, and any graphic elements to look classy. A template produced by a professional designer is a great starting point. Choose from classic, modern, or elegant styling. We have a large selection of templates for you.
• Do you include a headshot? This is a matter of personal choice. Sometimes a headshot is specifically asked for, in which case definitely add one. Our templates include variations to let you make the choice that is right for you. If you want more information on how to choose the right template, check out this article .

What are the best practices for formatting your resume?

  To keep your resume format from being overwhelming, avoid using more than two fonts per page. In general, you can use one font for headings and one for body text. To further improve the look of your resume, use the same font and size for every heading and the same font and size for all body text. Here, you can make an exception for your name, which can be larger than other headings. For body text, stick to a font size that falls between 10.5 and 12, and make sure you’re using a legible, professional font. Some of the best resume fonts are Helvetica, Calibri, Arial Narrow, and Georgia.

Related: 10 Best Fonts for a Resume in 2023

  White space is the key to improving the overall look and readability of your resume format. So, make sure to add sufficient line space and leave white space between the sections of your resume. To do this:

• Use the Format – Paragraph – Spacing command in MS Word or a similar word processor.
• When setting your margins, balance them so that there isn’t excessive space at the top or bottom of the page.
• At the same time, leave enough margins that no text will get cut when printing the resume.

The standard margin size for professional documents is one inch on all sides.

Related:  Why is White Space on a Resume Important?

  In most cases, your resume should not be longer than one page. However, there are a few exceptions to this guideline. If you have ten or more years of experience relevant to the position you’re applying for, you may need more than one page to present it effectively. Similarly, if you’re applying for a management or executive-level position, you can include more relevant information. But in general, you should try and stick to one page only.

An objective statement is typically situated at the top of your resume under your name. In a sentence or two, it should summarize your career goals within the company. Although a professional summary sometimes replaces this, both are crucial elements of a good resume. In your objective statement, focus on what you want to achieve as part of the company rather than your overall career goals. To highlight this section, place it close to the top of your resume and use a clear heading to draw attention to it straight away.

Related:  Resume Objective for 2024: Writing Tips & Examples

Apply effective graphic elements 

Using bold or italicized text can help you draw the reader’s attention to specific elements of your resume, like sections or headings. Apart from that, they help make the resume easy to navigate and scan through. When listing your experience, skills, or education, use bullet points to communicate the details effectively. In general, you should use bullet points for any three or more pieces of information. If you have less than three ideas to share, simply list them without bullets or in a sentence. Finally, make sure to divide paragraphs longer than seven lines into two, starting each with a relevant category title.

Related:  How to Write Effective Resume Bullet Points (+ Examples)

If you have a choice, submit your resume in PDF format. That’s because it will look the same on any machine or operating system. Also, it’s harder for a recruiter, HR person, or hiring manager to modify your resume before forwarding it.

The guidelines above will help you determine which resume format is suitable for you and your career goals. From there, you can personalize your resume format to reflect your personality and represent you as the ideal candidate during your job search.

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