What Does a Good Resume Look Like?

What a Good Resume Looks Like | Tips, How-to, Template & Example | Resume.com

In order to land a job interview, you should create a good resume with an overview of your background and expertise that is also visually appealing. Your resume is a hiring manager’s first impression of you, so it’s important to submit a resume that looks good. Learn how to create a standout resume that’s well-designed and has all the right elements.

Why is it important to create a resume that looks good?

Your resume is a representation of you and your abilities. It not only showcases your experience and skills but it also lets hiring managers see how you present yourself. For example, a clean and organized resume shows the effort you put into the design while also displaying your organizational skills. A well-designed resume with all the right elements can make it easier for hiring managers to determine who you are and what skills you can bring to their company.

What are the best things to include in a good resume?

Here are some tips for what to include in a good resume:

White space

Using white space effectively will help the sections of your resume to stand out. It’ll also make for a cleaner design. Be sure to leave spaces between the sections and text of your resume.

Even margins

Consider one-inch margins at the minimum on all four sides.

Good font

When you select a font for your resume, make sure it’s easy to read. The more legible your font is, the easier hiring managers can understand your resume. You should also use the same font on your cover letter for consistency.

Minimal number of fonts

Stick to two fonts at most in order to create a more cohesive resume. While it’s best to use one font, you can use two so long as they’re complementary. For example, use one serif and one sans serif font. You should also limit their use and use one for the body text and another for the headings.

Minimal text styling

If you decide to bold or italicize any of your fonts, do so sparingly. You should avoid underlining completely.

Clear section headings

Make sure your headings are a little bigger than your body text to avoid confusion. You can also use all caps when styling your resume headings. This will help the hiring manager to scan your resume more easily.

Ideal length

Try to keep your resume down to a single page. This will ensure you’re including only the most relevant information.

Most important sections

Lastly, make sure you’re only including the most important sections on your resume. This includes your contact information, a heading, a summary or objective, your work experience, education, skills and any additional sections such as your certifications or hobbies.

How to create a well-designed resume

Here are the steps to follow when creating a good, well-designed resume:

1. First, select the right fonts

Your font selection can make or break your resume. Find one or two simple fonts that are legible. If you’re using two, make sure they complement one another. Consider Garamond, Gill Sans, Cambria or Lato.

2. Second, consider using color

If you’re applying for a job in the art or design industry, consider using color to add a personal touch to your resume. Make sure to use color carefully and if you’re selecting a paper color, make sure it complements your font color. The text on your resume should remain legible. Refer to the color theory when selecting your resume colors.

3. Third, consider your spacing

Next, you should determine what margin sizes to use. You also need to determine the spacing between sections of text. Make sure to leave white space to help improve legibility and make your resume look cleaner overall.

4. Fourth, create an outline

Before inputting all of your information, create a general outline with all of the headings you plan to use. A resume outline can help you organize your thoughts and will also help you list only the most relevant information.

5. Fifth, include relevant information

Input all of your information to the various sections of your resume. Include your work experience, relevant skills, your contact information and more. Make sure everything you include serves a purpose and is placed under the right heading.

6. Finally, review your resume

Finally, create some distance between you and your resume and analyze how it looks. If your resume looks cluttered, you’ll need to make adjustments. Create more spacing between sections or increase the size of headings if needed. It’s also important to read through your resume to ensure it flows and makes sense.

Resume template

Here is a template for a good resume:

[First and last name]
[Phone number]
[Email]

[Qualifications, resume summary or objective heading]

[Statement with your qualifications, summary or objective.]

[Experience]

[Job title 1]
[Company name]
[Years worked]
[Job duties]

[Job title 2]
[Company name]
[Years worked]
[Job duties]

[Job title 3]
[Company name]
[Years worked]
[Job duties]

[Education]

[Degree and major] [Years attended]
[University name]

[Skills]

[List of hard and soft skills]

[Additional sections such as certifications or hobbies and interests]

Resume example

Here is an example of a good resume:

Jonah Smith
555-555-5555
jonah.smith@email.com

SUMMARY

Highly accomplished and creative designer with years of experience working in different industries. Exceptional team player with strong communication skills and willingness to learn. Highly skilled in client relations and maintaining steady feedback from project inception to completion.

EXPERIENCE

Senior Graphic Designer
Blue Dot Agency
2019 – Present

  • Lead the design and development of company rebranding
  • Lead a team of 10 graphic designers and manage design content calendar
  • Delegate tasks to the design team and provide guidance on all project aspects
  • Meet with clients to ensure all graphic design needs are met
  • Review all design projects before they’re sent to clients for approval
  • Ensure design budget is met

Graphic Designer
He Brews Coffee
2014 – 2018

  • Developed logos for marketing material
  • Created marketing material including brochures, signs, newsletters and advertisements
  • Managed 5 projects at a given time and completed each by their deadline
  • Consulted with the senior graphic designer on a daily basis
  • Recommended graphic design options to senior leadership

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, 2010 – 2014
California Bay University

SKILLS

  • Typography
  • Creativity
  • Communication skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Branding
  • Design software

AWARDS

Best in Show, California Poppy Art Show, 2018

Most Dynamic Design, California Design Institute, 2017

If you need help writing a resume, use our data-backed resume builder.