5 Resume Design No-No's and What to Do Instead

Your resume is your calling card, the first impression you make on potential employers, and the deciding factor as to whether you make it to the interview round. But with so much pressure to stand out, it's easy to fall into the trap of using design techniques that seem impressive but do more harm than good. Here are 5 common resume design pitfalls to avoid, and what to do instead:

Using a template with a bold, distracting design

While a visually striking template may seem like a good way to grab an employer's attention, it can detract from the content of your resume. A busy template can be overwhelming for the reader and make it difficult to focus on the most important information — your qualifications and experience. 

Stick to PosterMyWall’s clean and professional resume templates that highlight your experience and skills, not the design elements. Try using a simple font, such as Arial or Times New Roman, and stick to neutral colors like black, navy, and gray. These neutral colors are considered professional and help to keep the focus on the content.

Filling the entire page with text

Imagine walking into a room filled with clutter and disorganization. You're probably not going to be too keen on sticking around, right? The same goes for your resume. If it's jam-packed with text, it can be overwhelming and difficult for the reader to focus on the most important information. And, let's be real, no one wants to spend their entire lunch break reading a novel-length resume.

So, what's the solution? Break up that wall of text and give your resume some breathing room! Divide your content into shorter paragraphs, use bullet points to organize information, and make sure to include plenty of white space. This will make your resume easier to navigate and create a more visually appealing design.

Using more than two font types

Have you ever been to a website that uses 20 different font types? It's like an assault on the senses! The same goes for your resume. Using too many font types can make it look cluttered and unprofessional. It's important to remember that simplicity is key when it comes to resume design.

So, how do you avoid falling into the font frenzy trap? Stick to two font types at most. Choose one font for your headings and another for the body text. This will create a clean and professional look and also make it easier for the reader to navigate your resume. But what if you're feeling creative and want to add a little flair? That's where font size and style come into play. Use different font sizes and styles to highlight important information and make it stand out. Just make sure the font sizes look cohesive and complement each other at first glance.

Including irrelevant information

Keep your resume focused on the job you're applying for, and leave out any information that doesn't directly relate to the position. This could include your high school education, irrelevant work experience, or personal interests. 

By only including relevant information, you are demonstrating to the employer that you are serious about the position and have a clear understanding of the skills and experience required. This can make a big impact on your chances of being invited to an interview.

The devil’s in the details

Your email address is not the place to be creative or funny. Stick to a professional-sounding email address that includes your name, such as [first name].[last name]@[provider].com. An email address that is professional and straightforward makes it easy for employers to reach you and shows that you are taking your job search seriously.

Be cautious of errors as show a lack of attention to detail and professionalism. Make sure to proofread your resume several times before sending it out, and consider having someone else look it over as well. Employers want to hire individuals who are detail-oriented and take diligent, so it is important to ensure your resume is error-free.

Some parting thoughts

Your resume is not just a document filled with facts and figures, it's a canvas for self-expression. It's an opportunity to showcase your unique skills, experiences, and personality in a way that sets you apart from the crowd. So, why not approach your resume design with a creative and innovative mindset?

Think outside the box and find ways to make your resume stand out. Experiment with different color schemes including a personal statement highlighting your strengths and passions, or add a touch of humor to showcase your personality. Remember, your resume is not only about what you've done, but also about who you are. So, embrace the opportunity to elevate your resume to the next level and showcase your individuality.

28 Feb 2023
SG Expats