How to Format a Resume

New graduates and experienced professionals looking for their next jobs need to have resumes that demonstrate their skills. While a list of accomplishments in education and employment is important, you need to format your resume to demonstrate your eye for detail. You can turn your basic resume into a polished document in a few simple steps.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Apply an accent line at the top of each resume page to draw the reader's attention. This line should run below your full name about 1 inch down from the top of the page. Use relatively neutral colors like navy blue and dark green to demonstrate your professionalism.

2. Place a footer at the bottom right-hand side of each page on your resume. The proper format for a resume footer is your last name, a hyphen and the number appropriate for the page. The footer helps readers keep track of unstapled or unbound pages.

3. Set the borders of your resume before you begin writing. The optimal format for most resumes is a 1-inch border along the sides, top and bottom.

4. Write your contact information as the first section of your resume. This information should include your name, address, telephone number and email address.

5. Compile a statement of purpose that can be adjusted with every resume submission. This statement, no longer than one paragraph, should define your long-term professional goals.

6. Lay out your educational experiences in a reverse chronological order. Experienced professionals should utilize undergraduate, graduate and professional programs while entry-level workers can go back to high school. Keep details limited to grade point average and areas of study.

7. List your professional skills before you delve into employment experience. This section should contain skills appropriate for each job you apply for. For example, graphic designers should highlight design programs they have used in the past.

8. Account for past employment for the last 10 years on your resume. Your employment listing should include company name, job title and a brief description of your job responsibilities. Point out past experiences in which you used skills necessary for a potential job.

9. Avoid an excessive reference section while formatting your resume. You should list your top 3 references on the last page and make a note that further references are available upon request.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the entire format of your resume as you change individual sections. Some word-processing programs will apply changes to your informational header or paragraph justification to the rest of your document. A quick glance can help you prevent a bad first impression with potential employers.