How to Format a Resume – Free Resume Template

A well-known, eye-tracking study, done by TheLadders.com, discovered that recruiters only spend about 6 seconds reviewing a resume before making an initial decision on a candidate.
Therefore, how you format your resume can either help or hinder you in this process.
Here are 5 tips and tricks you should keep in mind while you create your resume:

1. Avoid “bells and whistles”, including visuals, and incorporate plenty of white space.
2. Use .RTF or .DOC (i.e. Word) file types.  PDF documents are easily misread by applicant tracking systems (ATF).
3. To better pass through an applicant tracking system, avoid the following:
   1. Tables and graphs
   2. Unique fonts.  Stick to standard fonts, such as Arial, Impact, Tahoma, Sans Serif.
   3. Special characters or symbols.  Standard “bullets” are fine.
4. Focus on 6 pieces of information and make them easy to find.  Recruiters look for the following:
   1. Name
   2. Current title
   3. Current company
   4. Current position star and end dates
   5. Previous title
   6. Previous company
   7. Previous position start and end dates
   8. Education
5. Create a resume with a clear visual hierarchy (Resume Template below).  An organized layout is crucial:

So keep the resume basic…..especially when initially applying for a job.  A well, organized, straightforward resume will help you pass through the recruiter –possibly to the hiring manager.  If you do pass through to the interview stage, offer a more creative version of your resume directly to the hiring manager – if appropriate.
If you are currently looking for a job in Colorado, Job Store Staffing® can help.  We have information you need to effectively format your resume.  So send us your resume today! If you are looking for jobs in Denver CO, contact us today.
 
 

Resume Template:

[Your Name]
[Street, Address, State, Zip Code]
[Phone] [Email]
______________________________________

Objective

Very concisely state what type of job you would like best.
Employment History
 
Job #1
[City, State] [Start and End Dates]
Job Title

• Write 2+ bulleted statements about the work you performed on this job and what you learned or accomplished that is relevant to your job objective.
• Quantify results of your accomplishments when possible and appropriate.  Think in terms of revenue generated or costs saved.
• Mention any on-the-job awards or commendations you received that are relevant. 

 
Job #2
[City, State] [Start and End Dates]
Job Title

• Write 2+ bulleted statements about the work you performed on this job and what you learned or accomplished that is relevant to your job objective.
• Quantify results of your accomplishments when possible and appropriate.  Think in terms of revenue generated or costs saved.
• Mention any on-the-job awards or commendations you received that are relevant. 

 
Job #3
[City, State] [Start and End Dates]
Job Title

• Write 2+ bulleted statements about the work you performed on this job and what you learned or accomplished that is relevant to your job objective.
• Quantify results of your accomplishments when possible and appropriate.  Think in terms of revenue generated or costs saved.
• Mention any on-the-job awards or commendations you received that are relevant. 

 
Education
[Name of school, city and state]
[Degree, major, GPA (if appropriate)]
 
References
Numerous professional and personal references are available and will be furnished upon request.