Resume Workshop: Simplicity

In my Resume Workshop posts, I've taken you through length, content, keywords and more. Today's blog is about keeping the resume clean and simple.

1. Clean. White space. If you're reading this blog, you should be seeking a professional position in a manufacturing firm. Therefore, you are not likely a graphic designer. Leave the graphics out. No pictures, no colored bars. Love the white space.


2. Clear. Simple font. Use a common business font, and avoid any type of script or "fancy" fonts. Choosing a straight, non-serifed font (like Arial or Tahoma) can be an advantage because you can use a smaller font size and still have your resume legible. Avoid the old typewriter style look (using Courier New); you don't want the reader's first impression to be that your resume is "old". Also avoid excess (or any) use of bold, italics and/or underline formating.


3. Concise. Use bullets. Avoid lengthy narrative descriptions and opt for the use of bullets whenever possible. Be sure to use the same style of bullets (and, again, keep the choice of bullet small and simple) and style of writing (full sentences, phrases, keywords, etc.).