Resume Formatting and Content

Format

• DO NOT USE ANY KIND OF RESUME TEMPLATE. Templates contain hidden formatting that can sometimes be read by an ATS as a virus. Mimic any format you like, but be sure to create your own document.
• Do not use computer generated headers or footers, columns, icons, design elements, photos, or borders. 
• Use standard margins (.5 inches to 1 inch) and bullets.
• Use a professional font such as Calibri, Arial, Verdana or Gill Sans (or other sans-serif font).
• Your resume content should be all the same font and font size (except for your name, which is largest); it should be simply designed and readable, with consistent spacing throughout.  
• Your name should be at the top on a line by itself. 
• With few exceptions, your resume for internships and entry level jobs should be one page.

Content

• Know your audience and write to your audience. There is no such thing as a general resume. To save time, it is helpful to create a “Menu of Options” that includes all of your experiences, formatted correctly, that you can then pick and choose from. But every time you send out a resume, it needs to be tailored for the job or internship you’re applying to.
• Read the opportunity you are applying for carefully. Print it out and highlight keywords. What are keywords? Re-read the opportunity and notice words repeated more than once, words that seem important, or words that start bullet points. Replace your own language with those keywords where applicable.
• Notice the order the employer has placed their requirements in the Qualifications/Requirements section. The order of your resume headings should follow the order of their requirements (if they list education first, put education at the top of your resume, etc.).
• Descriptions should start with action verbs.
• All the clues you need to tailor your resume are there in the job description, so read it carefully!