Before the lesson, make sure you have sent your resume to your tutor through Cambly’s messaging system. You can send an attachment by clicking the following button when you are logged on to Cambly’s website.
If you haven’t finished Part 1, please finish Part 4 first.
This following content has been modified from ResumeGenius. See the original article here.
Guideline
Read the following text with your tutor.
Step 3: How to Style your Resume
Congratulations! You’ve got the content for your resume completed. Now it’s time to give your resume some personality.
I. Number of Pages
How many pages should it be? Typically, you don’t want to go over one page. However, if you have information that’s really relevant to the position and can’t fit it all on one page, add an extra one. But, don’t just add content for the sake of more pages.
II. Font and Sizing Dos and Don’ts
The font style and size is mostly your preference. However, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose fonts that are easy to read
- Keep font consistent
- Biggest fonts should be used for name, headers and bullet points
- Make sure font is large enough – not below 9pt
- Don’t spend too much time selecting the perfect font
Many resumes follow this format for sizing fonts:
- Name = 24pt
- Body headers = 12pt
- Bullet points = 10pt
Keep readability in mind when you choose font sizes. Don’t make the hiring manager need to put on his glasses to read.
Choosing a font is often between Serif or San Serif. For a paper version, it’s better to use Serif fonts, while electronic versions look better with Sans Serif fonts. For example,
Serif Fonts:
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San Serif Fonts:
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III. Lines
Incorporating lines in the resume break up the sections and helps the reader process the content. Just don’t include too many breaks, or it will hurt the resume’s readability.
Below are some line styles for you to consider (see the yellow highlights):
 Line Styling Sample 1 |
 Line Styling Sample 2 |
 Line Styling Sample 3 |
IV. Margins
Margins, although small details, are the first things the potential employer will see about the resume. Generally, one-inch margins work well if you have little experience. But if you have a lot of experience, you can shrink the margins to help it fit all on one page. Be careful not to make the margins too small, or else the page will look overcrowded. Don’t go below .5 inches.
Activities
Go over the following points with your tutors.
- Let’s go over the following points with your tutor:
- # of pages
- Fonts do’s and don’ts
- Readability
- Lines
- Margins
- Revise your contact information according to the guideline above.
- Do a final revision with your tutor.
- You’ve made it! Give yourself a pat on the back. Now let’s move onto “Writing A Cover Letter”.
Cambly Content 