3 Reasons to Make Your Ugly Resume Pretty

by Debra Wheatman on Dec 3, 2010 in Resume Formatting, Resume Writing

Okay, so if you are a guy you may be wondering why you would want a “pretty” resume. If it makes you feel better, you can make your resume handsome instead.  How’s that? Either way, the point is that while content is important, visual aesthetics rank a close second and should never be overlooked.

Having a resume that is average in appearance can mean that you are perceived as average. You will be ranked as someone in the middle of the pack and will be lucky to get hired for a new role in today’s tight economy, even if you have decent skills. Do you want to be seen as average or would you rather be seen as someone who stands out from the crowd as one of the best?

Here are three proven ways to be sure your resume is as beautiful as can be:

1. Be sure to use fonts that are easy on the eye and consistent in terms of style and sizing.  Avoid ultra fancy fonts and steer clear of highly dense block lettering as well. Some of my favorites include Book Antiqua, Tahoma, and Cambria.
2. Use lines, blocks, and even color when appropriate to give your resume a special flair. If you are not an expert at using Microsoft Word, consider hiring a certified professional resume writer to help you improve your style.
3. Check your spacing. Make sure it is uniform throughout your document and remember to leave adequate white space.  If your page looks overly cluttered and you don’t have suitable margins, this can be a real turn-off to the reader.

While you may think that visual appeal is not so critical when it comes to resume writing, think again. As your primary marketing piece, it says a great deal about you when you take the time to present yourself with professionalism and provide a sharp looking document.

This does not mean going overboard with fancy graphics or distracting items.  There is a fine line between appropriately stylistic and cluttered/overdone.  Err on the side of caution, but do be sure that your resume stands out as a top of the line representation of YOU.

Debra Wheatman

CPRW, CPCC and President of Careers Done Write, a premier career services provider focused on developing highly personalized career road maps for senior leaders and executives across all verticals and industries. Visit careersdonewrite.com to learn more.

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