Build a resume is one of the most important steps when it comes to job hunting. But, knowing how to format your resume so that it stands out from the thousands of other applicants vying for the same position can be tricky. In a competitive job market, it’s important to stand out from the crowd. Crafting a resume that speaks to your unique skills and experiences is key to showing employers why you are the right person for the job. Here are a few tips on how to format your resume in order to make sure you’re putting your best foot forward.

Layout & Organization

When formatting your resume, you want it to be as organized and easy to read as possible. A simple, professional layout is key. Your resume should include sections such as contact information, education, work experience, and skills. You also want to make sure there is enough white space between each section so that everything looks clean and organized.  Additionally, you may want to consider adding a summary or objective statement at the top of your resume that quickly explains who you are and what you bring to the table (no more than four sentences). This will give potential employers an immediate sense of why they should take time to read through your resume in full. 

Fonts & Colors

When deciding which font and font size to use for your resume, keep it simple! Stick with fonts like Times New Roman or Arial - these are easily readable by any computer system and won’t cause any confusion or distraction when employers are looking over your document. Try not to go below 10pt font size unless absolutely necessary - this could make reading difficult for older employers or those with visual impairments. Also avoid using too many colors - stick with 1-2 so that nothing looks too overwhelming or distracting from the content itself.

Keywords & Action Verbs 

When writing up each section of your resume, pay attention not just to what you say but also how you say it. Incorporate keywords related to the job description into each section so that employers can quickly recognize that you have the necessary qualifications for the job; don’t forget about action verbs too! These will help emphasize achievements while also making your content more interesting and engaging for readers.

Making Your Resume Shine

Customizing resumes isn’t just about using relevant keywords; it’s also about tailoring every aspect of it so that it reflects who you are as an individual and what sets you apart from other candidates vying for the same role. Before sending off any customized resumes, take some time to review them carefully and see if there is anything else that could be tweaked or added in order to make them even more effective—such as adding additional accomplishments or descriptions of projects worked on outside of work hours —as this could go a long way towards making yours stand out among other applications received by employers!

Formatting a successful resume takes skill and precision but if done correctly can really help you stand out from other applicants vying for the same position as you.