The Job Front: Modernize your résumé design

Content is undeniably the most important component of résumés. If you can write strong content that is rich with keywords and well targeted to the jobs you’re pursuing, you’ll do well in your search.
Another critical component of powerful résumés is the visual design, since so much of a job search is now conducted online. Design elements we would never have considered just a few years ago are now well accepted and give your résumé a distinctive and memorable appearance.
Here are four guiding principles to help you design a winning résumé:
Capture attention in a flash. Consider tables, charts and graphs to display measurable achievements; company and product logos if they’re well-recognized and aligned with your objective; and images, photographs and illustrations that demonstrate your capabilities.
Follow the practices of good page design. Include a few focal points that draw readers’ eyes to your name, headline or graphic element. Balance your résumé on the page and screen with equal margins and line spacing throughout. Use white space to enhance readability. Always remember that the top third of the page is prime real estate and use it wisely.
Match design elements to the industry and profession. Résumés for budget analysts should be relatively conservative in appearance, yet a chart of cost savings is a great addition. Leaders should consider tables, arrows or other images to show upward performance of your organizations. People in more creative fields – PR, communications, graphics – can add more design enhancements that align with your job. For all others, consider your audience and select elements that will resonate with them.
Embrace color. When used appropriately and not overdone, color can add a real kick to your résumé. Try anything from subtle light tints to an entire palette of diverse shades and deep hues. You can use color for your name, headline and headings, boxes, graphics, symbols and other elements to make it pop.
Integrate the right design elements into your résumé, and you will stand above the crowd.

Wendy Enelow is co-author of “Modernize Your Résumé: Get Noticed ... Get Hired” and “Expert Résumés for Military-to-Civilian Transitions.”