{"id":13312,"date":"2016-01-27T15:12:50","date_gmt":"2016-01-27T15:12:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/keblog.demoapp.xyz\/?p=13312"},"modified":"2022-10-19T04:56:15","modified_gmt":"2022-10-19T04:56:15","slug":"the-top-graphic-design-principles-for-a-classic-resume","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/the-top-graphic-design-principles-for-a-classic-resume","title":{"rendered":"The Top 3 Graphic Design Principles for a Classic Resume"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Before stepping up for a job interview, you need to pass the initial trial most jobseekers face \u2013 building your r\u00e9sum\u00e9. In a saturated job market, applying your personal brand to everything, including your r\u00e9sum\u00e9, is a necessity to make you stand out. Companies gather numerous applicants every day. In his article on ERE Media Header, thought leader <a href=\"http:\/\/www.eremedia.com\/ere\/why-you-cant-get-a-job-recruiting-explained-by-the-numbers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dr. John Sullivan<\/a> approximates an average of 250 r\u00e9sum\u00e9s received per job opening. With all those applications, it only takes at least 200 seconds, according to Dr. Sullivan, for an employer to make a lasting impression of you. This is why your r\u00e9sum\u00e9 needs to show your qualifications immediately set you apart from the rest.<\/p>\n<p>Although you have to craft a well-written r\u00e9sum\u00e9 showcasing your strengths, skills, and background to get called up for an interview, the first thing that will catch people\u2019s attention when they receive or open your r\u00e9sum\u00e9 is its layout and design. You can get creative with your CV like how <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kalibrr.com\/advice\/2015\/11\/16-creative-resume-ideas-from-graphic-designers-all-over-the-world\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">these graphic designers<\/a> did with theirs. But if you\u2019re not sure where to start when it comes to the visual aspect of a r\u00e9sum\u00e9, it\u2019s good to go with a classic look: a straightforward, no-frills design that still gets the message across. Get noticed in the market with a simple but attractive r\u00e9sum\u00e9 that appeals and compels its viewer to read on.<\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_26 counter-hierarchy\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">TOPICS<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><label for=\"item\" aria-label=\"Table of Content\"><i class=\"ez-toc-glyphicon ez-toc-icon-toggle\"><\/i><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"item\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/the-top-graphic-design-principles-for-a-classic-resume\/#1_Use_Appropriate_Fonts\" title=\"1. Use Appropriate Fonts\">1. Use Appropriate Fonts<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/the-top-graphic-design-principles-for-a-classic-resume\/#2_Apply_Proper_Spacing\" title=\"2. Apply Proper Spacing\">2. Apply Proper Spacing<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/the-top-graphic-design-principles-for-a-classic-resume\/#3_Fix_Your_Indentations\" title=\"3. Fix Your Indentations\">3. Fix Your Indentations<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/the-top-graphic-design-principles-for-a-classic-resume\/#Bonus_Tip_Smoothen_Out_the_Edges\" title=\"Bonus Tip: Smoothen Out the Edges\">Bonus Tip: Smoothen Out the Edges<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/the-top-graphic-design-principles-for-a-classic-resume\/#Hows_your_resume_looking_now_Subscribe_to_our_weekly_newsletter_and_get_Kalibrr_Career_Advice_straight_from_your_inbox_Or_follow_us_on_Facebook_Twitter_and_Instagram_or_join_Kalibrrs_Viber_public_chat_for_more_career_advice\" title=\"How&#8217;s your resume looking now?\u00a0Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get Kalibrr Career Advice straight from your inbox! Or\u00a0follow us on\u00a0Facebook,\u00a0Twitter, and\u00a0Instagram, or join\u00a0Kalibrr\u2019s Viber public chat\u00a0for\u00a0more career advice.\">How&#8217;s your resume looking now?\u00a0Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get Kalibrr Career Advice straight from your inbox! Or\u00a0follow us on\u00a0Facebook,\u00a0Twitter, and\u00a0Instagram, or join\u00a0Kalibrr\u2019s Viber public chat\u00a0for\u00a0more career advice.<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Use_Appropriate_Fonts\"><\/span><b>1. Use Appropriate Fonts<\/b><b><\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-13313\" src=\"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/1_Use_Appropriate_Fonts.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"886\" height=\"590\" srcset=\"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/1_Use_Appropriate_Fonts.png 886w, https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/1_Use_Appropriate_Fonts-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/1_Use_Appropriate_Fonts-768x511.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 886px) 100vw, 886px\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kalibrr.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/1_Use_Appropriate_Fonts.png\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><br \/>\n<\/a>According to a study by US-based career consultation company, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theladders.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TheLadders<\/a>, recruiters spend nearly <a href=\"http:\/\/cdn.theladders.net\/static\/images\/basicSite\/pdfs\/TheLadders-EyeTracking-StudyC2.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">80% of their time<\/a> on the following parts of a r\u00e9sum\u00e9:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li><b>Name<\/b><\/li>\n<li>Education<\/li>\n<li>Current title\/company with start and end dates<\/li>\n<li>Previous title\/company with start and end dates<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These key credentials give recruiters a brief introduction to you, so these need to be the most noticeable on your r\u00e9sum\u00e9. To craft a readable CV that draws interest to this information, use a legible font. Cover all the aspects of the font you use, including size, style, and combination. As a rule of thumb, you can have both <a href=\"http:\/\/www.slidegenius.com\/blog\/the-perfect-font-combo-for-powerpoint-presentation-designs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">serif and sans serif fonts<\/a> to differentiate between headers and body text. Just make sure to stick to two font types to avoid distracting and confusing your recruiter\u2019s gaze. Your goal is to bring your qualifications to the fore, not overshadow it with design excess. Serif fonts like Times New Roman and Garamond work best for the body of each section.<\/p>\n<p>They help guide the eyes, making it easier to read long descriptions. Sans serifs like Helvetica and Futura are better used as headers because of their clean, streamlined look. These command immediate attention, and work best for making text stand out. Once you\u2019ve settled on your choices, use the right font size to maximize readability. For descriptions and bulleted lists, it\u2019s alright to retain the default font size, which is 11 or 12. Your headings and name are the things that will point to your content, so set a slightly larger font size without taking up too much space. Set your headlines apart with 14-16 points and format them to either bold or underline.<\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Apply_Proper_Spacing\"><\/span><b>2. Apply Proper Spacing<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-13315\" src=\"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/2_Apply_Proper_Spracing.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"886\" height=\"590\" srcset=\"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/2_Apply_Proper_Spracing.png 886w, https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/2_Apply_Proper_Spracing-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/2_Apply_Proper_Spracing-768x511.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 886px) 100vw, 886px\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kalibrr.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/2_Apply_Proper_Spracing.png\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><br \/>\n<\/a>Recruiters may tend to skim through your r\u00e9sum\u00e9 due to the sheer number of applicants. Don\u2019t make it difficult for them to read by saturating the page with too much information. The human brain can only take so much information at once. An overload of it will actually deter people from absorbing new data. The graphic design principle of white space, otherwise known as <a href=\"http:\/\/www.slidegenius.com\/blog\/slidegenius-news\/consider-the-eyes-white-space-in-great-presentation-design\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">negative space<\/a>, removes visible elements that could crowd your page. This lets employers focus on the meat of your application. But how do you apply negative space in a r\u00e9sum\u00e9? Since the bulk of your r\u00e9sum\u00e9 will probably be text, avoid cramming too much of it in each part. Leave out images if they won\u2019t show off your qualifications.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019re given a very limited time to market yourself on a r\u00e9sum\u00e9, so put in only what counts. Instead of filling up your CV with buffer credentials, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kalibrr.com\/advice\/2015\/12\/the-sure-fire-formula-to-make-work-history-shine-in-your-cv\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">filter your content<\/a> to the most relevant qualifications needed for the job you\u2019re applying for, whether it\u2019s about how you successfully managed projects in the past, to how well you\u2019ve trained sales teams before. To know if your content is already compact, see how long your application would be with standard spacing sizes. Your entire <a href=\"http:\/\/work.chron.com\/resume-format-correct-spacing-25339.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">r\u00e9sum\u00e9 should be single-spaced<\/a>, but with one or two spaces between each new section as suggested by Kristin Swan of Chron.com. You can also <a href=\"http:\/\/blog.pluralsight.com\/writing-it-resumes-lines-and-borders\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">add borders<\/a> if you want to define each section further, and make the divisions clearer. \u00a0 If your r\u00e9sum\u00e9 ends up three pages long \u2013 or more \u2013 you may need to consider tweaking its content again. Recruiters won\u2019t read through all of that information, so keep it to one page.<\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Fix_Your_Indentations\"><\/span><b>3. Fix Your Indentations<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-13317\" src=\"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/3_Fix_Your_Indentations.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"886\" height=\"590\" srcset=\"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/3_Fix_Your_Indentations.png 886w, https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/3_Fix_Your_Indentations-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/3_Fix_Your_Indentations-768x511.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 886px) 100vw, 886px\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kalibrr.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/3_Fix_Your_Indentations.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><br \/>\n<\/a>As with its line spacing, a classic r\u00e9sum\u00e9 adheres to standard margin sizes. A one-inch margin around your page shouldn\u2019t take up too much space, but shouldn\u2019t be too crowded either. Don\u2019t let your page overflow with words on the sides, but don\u2019t make your margins too wide. After applying the right margin size, take a step back from your final output. Examining it from a distance lets you spot inconsistencies in your layout. Among these seemingly minor but important formatting details are your indents. In her <a href=\"http:\/\/www.lifeclever.com\/give-your-resume-a-face-lift\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">comprehensive tips on r\u00e9sum\u00e9 design<\/a>, designer <a href=\"http:\/\/www.lifeclever.com\/about\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chanpory Rith<\/a> explains that while text indentation gives a sense of hierarchy that creates an easy transition from your headings and body text, too much of it can ruin your text harmony.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.gcflearnfree.org\/word2013\/11\/print\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Modify the indents<\/a> on your r\u00e9sum\u00e9 for a cleaner layout. Ideally, only the body text should be indented, from at least half an inch from the heading. To do this, make use of the indent markers found on your document\u2019s ruler. Avoid formatting the entire section you\u2019re working on by selecting only the text you want to indent. You can also indent your content using the <b>Increase\/Decrease\u00a0<\/b>Indent commands found on your <b>Home<\/b> tab. This already moves the text to the half inch space you need. Having structured text shows that you are conscientious and meticulous about your work, unless it was intentionally formatted otherwise. For a symmetrical and visually satisfying CV, check your text alignment.<\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bonus_Tip_Smoothen_Out_the_Edges\"><\/span><b>Bonus Tip: Smoothen Out the Edges<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-13319\" src=\"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/4_Smoothen_Out_Edges.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"886\" height=\"590\" srcset=\"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/4_Smoothen_Out_Edges.png 886w, https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/4_Smoothen_Out_Edges-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/4_Smoothen_Out_Edges-768x511.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 886px) 100vw, 886px\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kalibrr.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/4_Smoothen_Out_Edges.png\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><br \/>\n<\/a>Your r\u00e9sum\u00e9 is the first thing a recruiter receives to gauge your ability to be a good employee. It already says a lot about you, and how you format it gives the recruiter some insight on your personality. As a quick review:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Use the appropriate fonts to appear professional and formal. You\u2019re allowed to use different typefaces for headings and body text \u2013 serif for details, sans serif for headline \u2013 but stick to one font for each.<\/li>\n<li>Apply the spacing needed to balance between letting your r\u00e9sum\u00e9 reader\u2019s eyes rest, and listing down all your necessary credentials.<\/li>\n<li>Similarly, format your margins and indents to create a neat classic layout. Maintain the one-inch margin around your content, and a half inch indent for body text under each major section.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Let substance and form work together to win recruiters over. Make a good first impression with your r\u00e9sum\u00e9 and move up to the next stage of your job application journey with a classic layout.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hows_your_resume_looking_now_Subscribe_to_our_weekly_newsletter_and_get_Kalibrr_Career_Advice_straight_from_your_inbox_Or_follow_us_on_Facebook_Twitter_and_Instagram_or_join_Kalibrrs_Viber_public_chat_for_more_career_advice\"><\/span><em><strong>How&#8217;s your resume looking now?\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/confirmsubscription.com\/h\/i\/77238488FF110D6D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Subscribe<\/a><\/strong> to our weekly newsletter and get Kalibrr Career Advice straight from your inbox! Or\u00a0follow us on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Kalibrr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/kalibrr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Twitter<\/a>, and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/instagram.com\/kalibrr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Instagram<\/a>, or join\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/chats.viber.com\/careeradvice\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kalibrr\u2019s Viber public chat<\/a>\u00a0for\u00a0more career advice.<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"entry-content\">\n<p class=\"p1\"><strong><em><span class=\"s1\">Rick Enrico<\/span> is the CEO and Founder of SlideGenius, Inc., a global presentation design agency. He regularly publishes expert presentation tips on the <span class=\"s1\">SlideGenius blog<\/span>. He currently oversees an experienced team of designers, software developers, and marketing professionals that specialize in creating custom corporate presentations and cloud publishing applications. Connect with him on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/rickenrico\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"s1\">LinkedIn<\/span><\/a> and <span class=\"s1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/rickenrico\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Twitter<\/a><\/span>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Before stepping up for a job interview, you need to pass the initial trial most jobseekers face \u2013 building your r\u00e9sum\u00e9. In a saturated job market, applying your personal brand to everything, including your r\u00e9sum\u00e9, is a necessity to make you stand out. Companies gather numerous applicants every day. In his article on ERE Media [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":13322,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[18],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13312"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13312"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13312\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13322"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13312"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13312"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13312"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}