It is no longer a hidden secret that your resume can either make or mar your chances of getting your dream job or position in any industry of your choosing. For this reason, you must put in the work required to create a compelling resume. When it comes to resume writing, the foundation you lay plays a decisive role in how your resume turns out. You need to ensure you create an effective resume layout.
Over the years, many hiring managers have admitted that they ignore some resumes because they lack the ideal layout or structure. Not all resume layouts are suitable for every job opening or industry. Put simply, there’s a high possibility that you have missed out on many jobs because you submitted a resume with a layout that puts you at a disadvantage. Submitting the ideal resume begins with you understanding how resume layouts work.
Filling your resume with impressive content, as good as it sounds, will count for nothing if you use an ill-suited layout.
Furthermore, it portrays you as unprofessional and unfit for the industry.
Most job seekers struggle with creating a resume layout that works effectively. If you are one of them, you can finally say goodbye to your struggles because you are about to discover the tips for writing a resume using an effective resume layout.
Let’s get started!
The Different Types of Resume Layouts
There’s no better way to begin the process of resume writing than choosing the ideal resume layout.
It is worth noting that there are three types of resume layouts you can use when creating your resume.
They include:
- Reverse Chronological Resume Layout
- Functional Resume Layout
- Combination Resume Layout
Reverse Chronological Resume Layout
This is the resume layout most job seekers opt for when writing their resumes. However, it is best suited for job seekers with many years of experience. You can look at examples like customer service cv examples to understand the process it took to create this resume. The reverse chronological resume layout allows you to emphasize how your years of experience on the job make you the perfect fit for a vacant position.
According to expert opinions, this is not the best resume layout to consider if you want to conceal your employment gaps.
So, which resume layout is perfect for those with employment gaps?
That leads us to the next layout…
Functional Resume Layout
This is the best resume layout to use if you don’t want to place your employment gaps under the spotlight. Here, you get the opportunity to show what you bring to the table by emphasizing how relevant your skills are to the company.
Additionally, if you are creative planning to add a quality resume to your portfolio, you should look no further than this resume layout.
Combination Resume Layout
As the name implies, this resume layout is a mix of both worlds. It combines the outstanding elements of the other layouts. Combination resume layout always features a large section that allows you to summarize your education, experience, and skills in a way that’s presentable to hiring managers.
Everything You Need To Create an Effective Resume Layout
This is where we show you how to get the best out of a resume layout and make your resume hard to ignore.
Below are 6 relevant steps you need to take:
- Use a resume builder
- Don’t make it lengthy
- Use fonts that call for attention
- Introduce bullet points
- Use relevant section headings
- Proofread your resume
Use a resume builder
This is unarguably the best way to work around the issue of using a layout effectively. In other words, if you need help with your resume, you should use a resume builder. Building a resume using a resume builder makes life much easier for every job seeker.
They provide you with tested and proven layouts for free. You can use them to make your professional resume without worrying about making mistakes.
All you have to do is follow the simple steps you will find on the site and you are all set.
No doubt, creating job resumes with resume builders can help you get the job you crave. So, if you want your potential employers to see you as smart and perfect for the job, your surest bet is a resume builder. But if you want to create an effective resume layout without the assistance of a resume builder, you will find these next few steps we are about to share useful.
Read on!
Don’t make it lengthy
Your CV or resume should not exceed 2 pages. As a job seeker, you should be able to show your potential employers your expertise and skills within two pages.
Once your resume exceeds the 2 pages mark, there is a greater chance that you will include details irrelevant to the job you are applying for. This can harm your chances of getting the job. Always keep it short.
Use fonts that call for attention
The last thing you want as a job seeker is to submit a resume with fonts that scream “ignore me”. If you are doing a resume for the first time, this is something you need to pay attention to. On the other hand, if you have been writing resumes, you may not know that your fonts go a long way in determining if your resume gets read or not.
Your fonts should make any hiring manager eager to read your resume. You should use fonts like Arial or Times New Roman; font size of 11-12 pt for your body text; and, 14 – 16 pt for your section titles.
A resume with excellent fonts and impressive content will certainly give you the upper hand in your job hunt.
Introduce bullet points
Bullet points play a vital role in boosting the appearance of your resume. Not only do they make it more attractive, but also they make it easier for your potential employers to navigate through your resume.
For instance, listing your achievements and day-to-day responsibilities using bullet points makes it easier for hiring managers to notice how influential you have been in previous jobs.
The easier it is for them to notice your outstanding qualities, the better your chances of getting the job.
Include important sections
You should include important sections like:
- Career summary
- Resume header
- Education
- Professional experience
- Extra sections
- Skills
Don’t make the mistake of excluding any of them.
Proofread your resume
Sometimes, you may make a few grammatical errors or spelling mistakes when putting your resume together that can throw a spanner into your good works.
This is where proofreading comes into the picture. Proofreading makes your resume a mistake and error-free.
You can do this by reading through your resume multiple times and also using an online proofreader.
Final Words
Nothing beats the joy that comes with knowing that your well-crafted resume got you your dream job. Having said that, writing a job-winning resume that makes you stand out from the crowd (other job seekers) begins with you using a layout effectively.
Thankfully, all the information you need to guide you on how to create an effective resume layout has been mentioned and explained in this post.
Now, it is up to you to put this resume best practice into play.
If you want that job so bad, this is the right time to put down your marker and show your worth to hiring managers. Remember, your job hunting success begins with getting your resume layout right.
Cheers to success in your job hunt!
Also read: 5 Ways A Legal Recruiter Can Enhance Your Job Search
