In today's competitive job market, having a well-formatted resume isn't just about looking professional—it's about getting your resume past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and catching a recruiter's eye in the few seconds they spend scanning it.
Why Formatting Matters
Recruiters typically spend just 6-7 seconds reviewing a resume before deciding whether to consider a candidate further. A clean, well-organized resume helps them quickly find the information they're looking for, increasing your chances of moving to the next stage.
Additionally, before a human even sees your resume, it often must pass through an ATS, which can reject poorly formatted resumes regardless of your qualifications.
Key Formatting Principles
1. Consistent Hierarchy
Establish a clear visual hierarchy with:
- Section headings that stand out (slightly larger font, bold, or a different color)
- Job titles and companiesthat are easy to spot
- Bullet points that are consistently formatted
WORK EXPERIENCE
Senior Marketing Specialist | ABC Company
January 2020 - Present
• Led digital marketing initiatives that increased conversion rates by 34%
• Managed a team of 4 content creators and developed quarterly content strategies
2. Strategic Use of White Space
Don't cram your resume with text. Use white space to:
- Separate sections clearly
- Make the document more readable
- Guide the reader's eye to important information
3. ATS-Friendly Formatting
To ensure your resume passes ATS filters:
- Use standard section headings (Experience, Education, Skills)
- Avoid tables, text boxes, and columns that can confuse ATS systems
- Use common fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
- Submit in PDF format (unless otherwise specified)
Common Formatting Mistakes to Avoid
- Excessive creativity: While creative layouts might work in design fields, they often fail ATS scans
- Inconsistent formatting: Mixed bullet styles, varying indentations, or inconsistent date formats
- Dense paragraphs: Use bullet points for achievements rather than lengthy text blocks
Quick Formatting Checklist
Before submitting your resume, ask yourself:
- Is my contact information clearly visible at the top?
- Are my section headings consistent and clearly defined?
- Have I used bullet points for easy scanning?
- Is there enough white space to make reading comfortable?
- Does my formatting remain consistent throughout?
- Will my formatting translate well if printed in black and white?
By following these formatting principles, your resume will not only pass ATS requirements but will also make a positive impression on recruiters, giving you a better chance of landing an interview.
Remember, your resume is often your first opportunity to demonstrate your professionalism and attention to detail—make it count!
Using Revamaze to Perfect Your Formatting
Our platform automatically applies these best practices to your resume, ensuring optimal formatting without the guesswork. Try our ATS-friendly templates that have been tested with actual ATS systems used by major employers.
