Is the resume template appropriate for the industry and role to which you’re applying?

Tailor your resume template to the specific industry or role you are applying for. Different industries have different expectations regarding resume styles and formats. For example, if you’re applying for most jobs in the US, you don’t need to include a picture of yourself on the resume. Do your research or use our resume builder to help you generate an industry-appropriate resume template.

Is the template streamlined and easy to read?

Select or design a resume template that is easy to read. Avoid cluttered layouts, excessively design-y fonts, or distracting graphics. While you do want to get the hiring manager’s attention, the goal is to present your information in a clear and professional manner, not clutter a page with script fonts or tons of graphics and logos.

Remember: your resume content is King

We can’t reinforce this enough: the design should enhance, not overshadow, the content of your resume. The template is really a vehicle to communicate all your awesome qualifications, achievements, work experience, and education, without making the document look crowded. Find a template that really makes what’s on it stand out.

Can you customize your resume template?

The ideal template is easy to customize to suit your personal style, preferences and tweaks for each job to which you are applying. Depending on the job, you may want to adjust fonts, colors, section headings, or text. 

Keep your resume template accessible

When formatting and designing your template, remember that it needs to be compatible with automated systems, so always print to pdf to check how your resume looks in pdf format. Also make sure that the color scheme and fonts are easy to read for people who may be visually impaired or colorblind.

Balance your white space - it really does make a difference!

A good resume template strikes a balance between white space and content. Sufficient white space improves readability and provides a clean, professional appearance. Think of the last time you went to a website that had too many colors, graphics and text – did you click off? You don’t want the same to be said for someone looking at your resume! (If your resume has a background color and doesn’t have much of the actual color white, don’t worry – when we say white space, we mean lots of spacing around the margins and between sections. Don’t cram your resume too full of content!)

Add keywords to your resume to get past ATS systems

Choose a template that gives you the space to include the most important resume sections, such as your contact information and work experience. The best resume templates allow for easy inclusion of keywords relevant to the job you’re applying for. Keywords are important for passing through applicant tracking systems (ATS) used by many employers before the resume is ever reviewed by human eyes.

Keep your template consistent

If you’re wondering what your resume should look like, the most important thing is to ensure your resume template maintains a consistent format and style throughout. Consistency in formatting helps create a cohesive and polished look.

Is your resume printer friendly?

If you anticipate printing your resume, choose a template that is printer-friendly and won’t lose formatting or readability when printed. That’s why it is always best to test in pdf before final selection of a template.

Ultimately, the reason you use a resume template is to enhance the way that you present yourself to potential employers. Oftentimes, your resume is your first impression, so you want to make sure it is a good one.