How to Start a Resume: Formatting and Layout Ideas 

Like most business documents, resumes are designed to be read quickly and easily. Professional resume writers may ensure that your resume fits the job market in which you are applying. Yet, if you want to craft a winning resume on your own, then the most optimal approach to building a resume is to concentrate on a professional format. 

You can use three major formats to craft a winning resume: reverse chronological, skill-based or functional, and mixed format. The chronological format emphasizes work experience that you gained during your career, or careers, with the most recent job position at the top.

 Functional resumes focus on your skills and accomplishments rather than actual work experiences. A functional resume fits more for expanding possible career options rather than targeting a concrete job application. A mixed format resumes use elements of functional and chronological formats.

You should take into account several factors before choosing a resume format. First, consider your work history and the work field in which you apply. A chronological resume may be the most optimal pick if you have a solid and consistent work history. A functional resume may be a better option if you have gaps in your work history or are changing careers, and if you want to highlight your skills and achievements, a combination resume may be the way to go. You could even take a look at these Google docs templates to gain insight into what resume templates appear to suit your preferences and the important information you want available to potential employers. 

Chronological Resume Format

Most professional resumes use a reverse chronological format, and the resume begins with your most recent job position and follows your occupations in reverse chronology. This format fits job seekers with a strong and consistent work history.

Functional Resume Format

The functional resume format emphasizes your skills and achievements, and many job postings require precisely the skills and not experience. Once you have landed a resume, you may pass a job quiz to verify your expertise. 

Your work history becomes a secondary factor that backs the essence of the resume. This format is ideal for job seekers who have gaps in their work history or are changing careers.

Mixed Resume Format

If you want to write a resume in a combined format, you should take the most relative achievements in your work history and skills. This format is ideal for job seekers with a strong work history who want to highlight their skills and accomplishments.

ATS-Friendly Resume Format

When applying for jobs online, an applicant tracking system (ATS) will likely scan your resume. These ATS bots are designed to scan resumes and search for matching keywords. Candidates with the correct formatting in their resumes have more chances to succeed in this automated applicant tracking process, land an interview or even land a job. 

You should use a straightforward format to ensure a bot-beating resume that will pass an ATS system. Stick to a standard font like Times New Roman or Arial, and use basic formatting features like bold, italics, and underlining. Avoid using fancy graphics or images, as these may not be compatible with the ATS.

 

 

Resume Layout

When it comes to layout, you should remember several essential factors. First, use line spacing from 1 to 1.15, making the text easier to scan. Second, use bullet points to highlight the relevant information. And finally, keep your font choice professional and easy to read.

Here is an example of a well-formatted resume that will help you get more interviews:

Name: John Doe

Address: 123 Main Street, New York, NY 10001

Phone: 555-555-1212

Email: [email protected]

Summary of Qualifications

  • Five years of experience in customer care service. 
  • Strong communication skills. 
  • Ability to work in variable teams. 
  • Experience in data entry and order processing

Work History

Customer Service Representative, ABC Company, New York, NY

January 2010 – Present

  • Handle customer inquiries and complaints
  • Process orders and returns
  • Update customer accounts
  • Enter data into the company database

Customer Service Representative, XYZ Company, New York, NY

June 2008 – December 2009

  • Answered customer calls and addressed their concerns
  • Processed orders and returns
  • Updated customer accounts
  • Entered data into the company database

Education

High School Diploma, XYZ High School, New York, NY

2008

Skills

  • Customer service
  • Data entry
  • Order processing
  • Microsoft Office

Qualification: 

  • Certified Customer Service Professional (CCSP)

As you can see, this resume is easy to read and provides the essential information that an employer would be looking for. Using a simple layout and format, you can ensure that your resume will be compatible with applicant tracking systems and easy for employers to scan.

When you’re ready to start writing your resume, use a format appropriate for your experience level and the type of job you are applying for. If you’re unsure which format to use, apply to a career advice expert to get professional help. Otherwise, you may look for career resources to consult with a resume template for your career field. Remember that your resume should be easy to read and free of errors. Once you have a draft of your resume, have someone else review it to ensure it is error-free.

You can create a resume that will help you land the job you want with a little effort. Be sure to use a professional format, include relevant information, and proofread your resume before you submit it. With these tips, you can create a winning resume to help you get the job you want.

Final Words 

The beginning of the resume sets its whole tone and if you want to find samples for coparising you should visit top-resume-reviews.com. From the keywords to the font you have chosen. Therefore, the best way to invest in your career and draw a hiring manager’s attention is to ensure that resume writing and formatting are done right. Use the tips and examples above to create a well-optimized resume that will help you land the job you want.