LEO: Literacy Education Online General Resume Appearance

Because resumes are read quickly, appearance is very important. Resumes should be designed so that layout is inviting and information very easy to locate. To accomplish this, you should invest some time in developing an effective format, use a readable typeface, and select appropriate paper for the sorts of businesses you'll be contacting.

Formatting

• Incorporate horizontal and vertical white space effectively to make your resume open and easy to read. Consistent indentation and effective use of lists help readers process information quickly.

• Use bulleted lists rather than sentences presented in paragraph form to enable readers to comprehend quickly what you've accomplished. Notice how difficult it is to find information in the example below because of its uses of full sentences and paragraph form.

  United Way Voluntary Action Center, St. Cloud, MN I explored printing options, and expense estimates for a fund raising project by making phone calls and personal visits to area print shops and lumber companies. I also wrote a weekly newspaper column for the local newspaper as well as news releases and promotional materials. I organized, promoted, and participated in a fundraising event during the annual community summer festival. I created and presented a two-hour workshop, "Persuasive Writing Strategies for Promotional Materials," to 18 volunteer coordinators.

  The next example is much easier to read -- even though the information is the same -- because of its use of strong verb phrases and list form.

  United Way Voluntary Action Center, St. Cloud, MN Explored printing options, and expense estimates for a fundraising project by making phone calls and personal visits to area print shops and lumber companies. Wrote a weekly newspaper column for the local newspaper. Prepared news releases and promotional materials for the local newspaper. Organized, promoted, and participated in fundraising event during the annual community festival. Created and presented a two-hour workshop, "Persuasive Writing Strategies for Promotional Materials," to 18 volunteer coordinators.

• Use boldface and underlining judiciously to help readers find information they need. Too much of either can lessen readability, as the sample below shows.

  EDUCATION Bachelor of Science, November 1995 St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN Majors in Finance and Economics, 3.4 GPA (on a 4 point scale) North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, 1990-1992 Took courses in business, economics, and general education. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Assistant Manager. A & W Drive-In, Brainerd, MN, 1994-present. Opened and closed restaurant. Supervised up to seven employees. Handled customer complaints. Balanced tills and cash accounts. High School Soccer Coach. Wyoming High School, Cincinnati, OH, 1992. Coached boy's junior varsity and assisted varsity teams. Supervised team members. Arranged transportation, equipment and referees.

• Use side headings rather than centered headings: centered headings interrupt the normal reading line and slow readers down.

Typeface

• Select an easily readable typeface (such as Times or Palatino) no smaller than 10 pts, and avoid script fonts and italics. Prospective employers read a lot of print information; don't make them squint.

• Use the same typeface throughout: multiple fonts will draw the reader's attention to the fonts you've used and away from what you're saying.

Paper

• Use good quality paper -- ideally linen, lade, or parchment and a minimum of 20 lb. weight.

• Select a paper color appropriate for your readers: a bright color may be exactly what you want if you're applying for an advertising position with a progressive firm, but it would offend prospective employers looking for a CPA. Ivory, off-white, beige, and pale gray are safe choices.

• Currently, most companies are divided between preferring one-page and two-page resumes. Carefully select and present your information, keeping your resume as informative and brief as possible.

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