Resume Design 101

Crafting a Resume That Speaks to Your Skills and Fits Your Field.

Imagine you're a recruiter for a trucking company, tasked with hiring both a Digital Media Specialist and a long-haul truck driver. You sit down with two resumes: Hannah Parks, a social media pro with an eye-catching, edgy resume that perfectly showcases her design skills; and Jack Jones, a seasoned truck driver who’s used a similar trendy template to present his qualifications. Hannah’s resume makes sense—she’s in a creative field where design flair is a plus. But Jack’s choice of template feels out of place, making him seem misaligned with the job he's applying for.

This scenario has a couple of key points. First, your resume should reflect not only your skills and experiences but also align with the norms of your industry. Second, while it's tempting to break away from the traditional resume format and try something new, the current job search and ATS systems are deeply entrenched in specific formats. Going against the grain, unless your industry specifically calls for it, can backfire. If you're using a template, stick to one that adheres to professional standards: a clean structure without photos, vague links, or QR codes.

Most people are wary of clicking random links at work, and QR codes require someone to grab their phone—making it less likely your info will be viewed. Keep it simple and accessible. Also, remember there’s no one-size-fits-all resume format. Certain industries—like law, academia, research, and medicine—often require specific formats, such as a CV. Creative roles may also have unique templates. Always check what’s expected in your field.

The resume structure is not the only thing the only aspect that requires careful attention.

Here are other common mistakes to avoid:

Other Mistakes

to Avoid:

• Listing duties instead of results.

• Including irrelevant detail

• Leaning on outdated accomplishments

• Using buzzwords or complex language

While this advice is general, it still applies to most resumes. Focus on clear bullet points, highlight your achievements, and cut out unnecessary details. Lastly, stick to the following formats:

Chronological Resume

A chronological resume lists work history starting with the most recent job and working backward. This layout is ideal for those with a consistent work history in the same field because it shows career progression and simple to follow. Just be aware that any gaps in your recent work history are very easy for a hiring manager to spot when using this format.

Functional Resume

A functional resume focuses on skills and experiences rather than a traditional chronological work history, making it ideal for those with employment gaps or career changes. This format prioritizes showcasing your abilities and aligning them with the job requirements. However, be mindful of keyword stuffing, which is the practice of overloading your resume with terms from the job description or listing every possible skill. Overstuffing your resume with keywords can result in a document cluttered with buzzwords and unnecessary repetition, ultimately detracting from your true skills and accomplishments.

Combination Resume

A combination, or hybrid resume, merges the strengths of both chronological and functional formats. It highlights your skills while also providing a detailed work history, making it ideal for those with a solid employment background who want to emphasize relevant skills.