Ultimate Resume Tips for Acing Every Job Application

A resume is a document that summarizes your professional experience and education. It’s often the first impression a potential employer has of you, which is why it's important to make sure it's well-written, visually polished, and easy to read.

The rules for resume writing are always changing. So, what should a resume look like today? Whether you’ve written hundreds before or are applying for your very first job application, we’ve got you covered.

Our Top 10 Formatting Tips for a Resume

We’ve rounded up our top tips for writing and designing your most impressive resume yet. We’ll even tell you how BeFunky’s wide range of professional resume templates, available in the Graphic Designer, can help you get the job done quickly and easily!

1. Use a Resume Template

A well-designed resume is easy to read and will catch the eye of hiring managers. While you can create your own from scratch, using a resume template ensures your layout looks clean and professional from the start.

Our Graphic Designer is home to a wide selection of resume templates, including professional resume templates and more creative resume templates for those in design-forward industries. You’ll find them in the Template Library – simply search “Resume” to explore your options.

Swap out the photo (if you’re including one), edit the text, and adjust the color palette to match your personal style. These free resume templates are professionally designed by our team, making it easy to create a standout resume without starting from scratch.

2. Be Consistent With Your Formatting

When designing your resume, consistency is key – especially when it comes to formatting and layout. First impressions are lasting impressions, so make sure your resume looks polished and professional.

Use consistent spacing between lines of text, with clear separation between each section. Use bold or italics sparingly; these should be reserved for titles only (like “Professional Summary”) unless otherwise specified in the job posting guidelines.

You’ll also want to use bullet points instead of long paragraphs when listing your work experience and achievements. This makes it easier for hiring managers to scan your resume quickly, which is crucial during the job application review process.

Finally, make sure your resume isn't too long or too short. A good rule of thumb is one page, although two pages are acceptable if you have more extensive experience.

3. Don't Forget Your Contact Details

It's important to include your contact details so employers and recruiters can easily reach out when they’re interested.

Ideally, include your:

• Phone number
• Email address
• Postal address
• Portfolio link (if applicable)
• LinkedIn profile

Make sure all information is current and error-free. Even the best professional resume won’t help if hiring managers can’t contact you.

4. Use Professional and Complementary Fonts

The typeface you choose can make or break your resume design. To ensure readability, use 1–2 fonts that are:

• Consistent throughout the document
• Easy on the eyes
• Complementary to your overall design

When in doubt, pair a Sans Serif font for headings with a Serif font for body text. If you’re using a creative resume template, be careful not to overdo decorative fonts – clarity should always come first.

5. Include Details Relevant to the Job

Including relevant details is one of the best ways to strengthen your resume. It shows hiring managers that you’ve carefully read the job application and understand what they’re looking for.

Highlight skills, experience, and education that directly relate to the position. Tailoring your resume increases your chances of landing your dream job.

6. Mention Awards or Accomplishments

Along with your skills and education, include awards or accomplishments that demonstrate your qualifications.

Focus on achievements that reinforce your expertise. Certifications, honors, or industry recognition can all elevate your resume and help it stand out among other resume examples in your field.

7. Include a Well-Written Summary

A well-written summary can make your credentials stand out among other applicants and spark a recruiter's interest.

The first piece of advice is to make it brief and to the point. A summary should be no longer than 3 or 4 sentences and the first line should be a form of action (i.e., "delivered…", "managed…", etc.). If possible, aim to include keywords from your resume that are most relevant to the position you're applying for.

You should also write in third person. In other words, write as if someone else is writing about you.

8. Keep in Mind the 30-Second Rule for Resumes

Did you know that hiring managers often spend 30 seconds or less scanning a resume before deciding whether to continue reading?

That means your professional summary, formatting, and key achievements need to communicate value quickly. Use clear headings, bullet points, and measurable results to ensure your resume is easy to scan at a glance. Passing the 30-second rule is a crucial step toward landing your dream job.

9. Back Up Your Success With Quantifiable Data

When describing your skills and experience, back them up with measurable results whenever possible.

For example:

• I made X sales in my first month on the job”
• “I saved my company $Y annually by implementing a new process”
• “My team achieved Z% increase in productivity under my leadership”

Numbers make your professional resume more compelling and credible.

10. Include a Link to Your LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn is the professional network of choice, so including a link to your profile adds another layer of credibility.

Make sure your LinkedIn profile is updated and consistent with your resume. This reinforces your professional brand across platforms.

Land Your Dream Job With Professional Resume Templates

Writing a resume can feel overwhelming, but using the right online resume builder makes the process much easier. With our free resume templates, you can create a well-written and professionally designed document that shows off your skills and experience in an eye-catching way.

Ready to build your best resume yet? Head to the Graphic Designer and start creating a resume that helps you land your dream job!

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