Strategic Ways to Format Your Resume

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 13:49:48 -0500
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Your resume isn't just a list of experiences — it's a strategic document designed to quickly show employers why you're a strong candidate. In a competitive job market, your resume format is can be just as important as what it says. A clean, intentional layout helps recruiters quickly find what they're looking for and increases your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.

1. Match Your Experience

The most common (and recommended) format is the reverse chronological resume, which lists your most recent experiences first. This format is easy to scan and works well for most students and new graduates. If you're changing fields or highlighting specific skills, a functional format may be appropriate, but just know that most recruiters aren't as familiar with this layout.

2. Prioritize Readability

Recruiters typically spend 5-7 seconds on an initial resume scan. Use consistent fonts, clear section headings, and a good balance between text white space. Avoid overcrowding the page — margins, spacing, and alignment all matter when it comes to readability. Research by ResumeGo has shown that recruiters would rather see a two-page resume with room to breathe vs. an overcrowded one-pager. Should you go with two pages, make sure it is a full two pages that go to the bottom of both sides.

3. Use Sections Strategically

Organize your resume so the most relevant information appears near the top. Common sections include Education, Experience, and Skills. Depending on the role, you might highlight technical skills or relevant coursework before unrelated experience. Break up your experiences into Relevant Experience and Other or Additional Experience to bring your most aligned experiences to the top of the document.

4. Bullet with Purpose

Strong bullet statements are concise, action-oriented, and results-focused. Start each bullet with a strong action verb and emphasize accomplishments over responsibilities whenever possible. Feel free to check out the sample GenAI prompts in the Career Guide if you need help drafting or editing your statements. Anyone can read your job description, so focus on describing how you've created impact in your role. Bring up relevant skills and metrics whenever possible, remembering the formula ACTION VERB + DESCRIPTION + IMPACT.

5. Keep It ATS-Friendly

Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Stick to standard section titles (such as including "Experience" to sections about relevant work and course projects), avoid graphics or text boxes, and submit your resume as a PDF unless otherwise instructed. Incorporate relevant skill-based keywords from job descriptions as much as possible. Simple formatting ensures your resume is readable by both software and humans.

Get Expert Feedback at Resume Rescue

Formatting your resume strategically can make all the difference — and we can help! Join us at Resume Rescue on February 10 from 12 PM to 4 PM where Career Center staff will review your resume, offer personalized feedback, and help you fine-tune your format for success.

A strong resume starts with smart formatting, so make sure yours is working for you, not against you. You got this.