How Important is the Appearance of Your Resume?

While any application materials you submit can play a role in landing — or not landing — a new position, your resume format may actually be the key to capturing a hiring manager's attention. As with anything, though, there is a fine line between displaying your creativity and providing too many embellishments that distract from the core of an effective resume. Learn how to spruce up the appearance of your resume with class.

The Traditional Resume

It is difficult to predict the level of creativity hiring managers desire, which is why a traditional resume format is still popular practice. When applying for managerial positions or jobs in conservative industries, you can't go wrong with traditional formatting. Focus on readability by using a standard 12-point font such as Arial or Times New Roman. Align your text to the left, and include clear, concise bullets displaying your skills and experience. Spruce up the traditional design with border lines distinguishing between sections to offer a professional look to your document.

The Creative Resume

Professionals seeking employment in creative sectors are expected to show their design skills and creativity. Pay close attention to design elements of your resume format that can be too loud or distracting. Stick with a consistent format and color scheme, and avoid large or clunky graphics that take the hiring manager's attention away from the content of your document. Craft an effective resume yet one that captures attention if you are applying for graphic design, photography or marketing positions. For example, enclose your name and contact information in a striking color that is consistently prominent throughout the page. Encase your application materials in a portfolio with a creatively designed cover page to help demonstrate your knack for the industry. While you can dress up the appearance of your resume, avoid embellishments or designs that stray from the real purpose of the document, which is to sell your experience and skills.

The Sales Resume

While many professionals prefer to let their sales numbers and experience speak for itself, you can boost your job opportunities by submitting a resume format that is directly related to the sales industry. Include graphs or pie charts that document your success within your past positions. Include a professional photo at the top of the document to show the smiling face that could potentially represent the company and serve its clients. Cater to the creativity of the resume format to the industry, too. If you are applying for a sales position in the arts, show that you are in tune with business by adding images or graphics that relate to the products and services you have sold in previous positions.

The level of creativity expected in a resume format depends heavily on the position you are seeking. Research the company, take note of the design elements used in its marketing materials, and craft a resume that complements its style to increase your chances of obtaining the job.

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