But, have you thought about your margins and spacing? Have you adjusted them and is it really that important?
What Is Standard Resume Margin Sizing?
For most resumes, it is typical to have margins set at one inch. If you are really struggling for space, it is possible to set your margins to a smaller limit, but they should never be less than half an inch. This will ensure the text of your resume is set away from the edges of the paper. The reason for doing this is to enable the text to stand out and be more eye-catching to whoever is viewing it. It can also make your resume easier to read.
Why Does Margin Size Even Matter?
It would be easy to think that margin sizes aren’t important. Surely the employer should be more interested in what your resume actually says, rather than the size of your margins? The truth is, however, that formatting your margins to the right size can make it easier for employers to read your resume. It makes the information stand out from the page and avoids your resume looking too busy or disorganized. All these points can mean your resume is more likely to be read by an employer when compared with one that doesn’t have the right spacing or margins.
How Much Spacing Do You Need Between Resume Sections?
The main thing to consider when it comes to spacing is to ensure consistency. Rather than using a variety of different font sizes, opt for one size and signify section titles by putting them in bold. Most people find that double spacing between sections is sufficient space for ensuring that the reader can easily see where one section ends and another begins. It also gives a more professional look to the overall document.
How to Adjust Resume Margins
The exact method for adjusting your margins and spacing will vary slightly depending on which application you use. Most people use Microsoft Word, Google Docs or Apple Pages.
Microsoft Word
Google Docs
Apple Pages
Your resume is an employer’s first impression of you. They will need to be able to quickly and easily see why you should be offered an interview. There are a few steps you can take to help your resume make it through this first stage of the recruitment process.
Use the Right Font
While it might be tempting to use a fancy font, it is more important that your resume is easy to read. This is why most people will choose a standard font and font size for their resume. It ensures that the reader will be able to easily scan the document for relevant information.
Bullet Points
Employers want resumes to be eye-catching and easy to read. Where possible, use bullet points and very short paragraphs. This enables whoever is reading your resume to see the most important information at a glance rather than needing to spend a long time reading through it.
Highlight Your Skills
Before submitting your resume, take a little time to make sure that your skills are highlighted. Think about the qualities that are most likely to be in demand for this role and how you can show you have the skills required to do the job to the best possible standards.
Consider Writing a Cover Letter
Not every resume will require an accompanying covering letter, but they can sometimes be helpful. A cover letter gives you the opportunity to speak to the employer in a less formal way than the resume and allows for more of your individuality to be seen. It is particularly useful for people who have worked freelance or have a slightly patchier employment history as the cover letter provides an opportunity to explain this. A well-written cover letter can persuade a potential employer to put your resume through to the next stage of the recruitment process, even if you don’t necessarily tick all the experience or skills requirements.
Don’t Make Your Resume Too Long
Ideally, a resume should be no more than two pages long (two sides of A4). Some people will even recommend keeping a resume to one page. You should provide the most important information without losing the interest of the employer, so it is important to keep it as short and to-the-point as possible. If you are trying to condense your resume into two pages, you might find that adjusting your margins to half an inch will give you the extra space you need, while avoiding making your resume look cluttered. This is especially important if you are submitting your resume online, as these will generally be filtered by an automated system. Creative resumes will often be discarded by these systems without being looked at. If you do choose to submit a creative resume, the standard margin size is usually between half an inch and one inch, the same as for a standard resume. When a company chooses to use an ATS, they input their candidate requirements. The software will then scan all the resumes for keywords and relevant information before choosing the resumes to put forward for the next stage of reviews and interviews. Because more and more companies are using this type of software, it is more important than ever to ensure that your resume is properly formatted. Anything outside the norm risks being rejected by the software, as it will not fit the criteria that has been input. This means that unusual margins or a creative resume approach can be rejected because it doesn’t fit the template. This can happen even if the candidate has all the required skills and experience. No matter how wonderful the content is, if your resume doesn’t look professional, it might not make it through the first selection phase and won’t be given the opportunity to shine. Taking the time to make sure your margins and spacing are right can make the difference between receiving an invitation to interview and a letter of rejection.
