Keep These Four Organizational Tips in Mind

In the age of keywords and hiring software, the design of your professional resume might seem unimportant. When your application makes it through the system and in front of a person, however, the layout becomes a crucial factor in the job search. A well-organized resume helps the employer find key information and qualifications at a glance, increasing your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.

Put the Most Important Information First

The natural tendency of English readers is to read from the top down and from left to right. Use this pattern to your advantage by placing the most important information at the top and left positions on the page to increase visibility. The top section of your professional resume is valuable real estate; make the most of it by replacing the objective statement with a professional summary of bullet points that highlights your key qualifications. As you move down the page, put the important information first in each line. Place keywords at the beginning of each sentence or list item. Use the same strategy within each entry. For example, if your past employers are more impressive than the job titles, use them to start each work history entry.

Break Up Long Paragraphs

Employers often spend a small amount of time reading through each professional resume during a round of hiring. To make the most of this time, break up blocks of text into smaller chunks that are easier to scan. Instead of writing full sentences to describe a past job, use a list format and place one duty or accomplishment on each line. Err on the side of shorter lines, particularly when providing practical information about companies and educational institutions. Use multiple lines, separate lists into several columns or shift date ranges to the right side of the page.

Use Indents Strategically

Indented text automatically sets up an information hierarchy that directs readers through each entry. Indents also distribute white space, giving the eye a break from a sold block of left-aligned text. Give your professional resume an instant organizational upgrade by dividing each entry into pieces and indenting them by order of importance. In the professional experience section, you might leave the heading "Work History" at the left of the page, indent each job title and indent the list of job duties even further. This process creates a clear visual separation between jobs, so it's easy for employers to tell where each entry starts and ends.

Choose the Right Format

When organizing a professional resume, many job seekers default to a chronological format. For new grads or career changers, this format might not be the best fit. If your work experience — or lack thereof — isn't impressive, consider reorganizing the resume sections to highlight your best qualifications. A new grad might start with education followed by skills, project experience and work history. If you're changing industries, consider starting with relevant experience and volunteer work; then, place your unrelated jobs into a section titled "Additional Experience." Within each section, highlight the transferable skills that make you an asset in the new industry.

A short organizational overhaul can transform a professional resume into a scannable, easy-to-read document. In the process, you can make the employer's job easier and boost your chances of a successful job search.

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