Resume Introduction and Format

What's a Resume and Why Do I Need One?

A resume is a concise, one-page (usually) summary of your professionally oriented experiences. It highlights what you have done so far as it relates to opportunities you are applying for so employers can quickly understand your background.

Think of your resume as your professional brand. It is often the first way employers, graduate programs, and professional contacts get to know you. Your resume showcases your skills, experiences, and interests, helping others see your potential before meeting you.

For most jobs, internships, or research opportunities, a resume is a required first step in the application process. It is used as a screening tool, a first impression, and a reference point for employers. Graduate schools often require a resume as part of your application, and it can also be helpful to have on hand when networking or during informational interviews. Your resume is the foundation of your professional toolkit, and as you gain more experience, you will learn to edit it for specific positions or industries you pursue.

Different industries may have specific expectations when it comes to resume formatting or content:

Consulting and finance often expect a very structured layout, bullet points with measurable results, and a focus on leadership and impact
Creative fields may allow for more visual formatting or inclusion of links to portfolios
STEM fields may expect relevant coursework, technical skills, or lab experience to be prominently featured

Before applying, always review sample resumes in your field and, when in doubt, ask a career advisor for feedback to make sure your resume aligns with industry standards.

Formatting Your Resume

Formatting your resume well is just as important as what you put on it. A clean, consistent format shows that you pay attention to details and care about presenting yourself professionally. Employers often look at your resume for just a few seconds before deciding whether to keep reading. A well-formatted resume helps them quickly find the information they need and leaves a strong first impression.

Here are some general guidelines to follow when formatting your resume:

Tools and File Format

Tools for Resume Writing

Use text-based tools such as Microsoft Word and Google Docs
Do not use tables or columns, which might make your resume difficult to read by application tracking systems (ATS)
Avoid design-heavy templates such as Canva and those provided by online resume builder tools. While these may look appealing, they often cause formatting issues when submitting your resume online

File Format

Export your resume as a PDF unless instructed otherwise. This keeps your formatting intact and ensures it looks the same on any device
Name your file clearly and professionally, such as <FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf>
When applications are sent via email, combine your resume and cover letter into one PDF file unless instructed otherwise

Resume Layout

Margins

Keep the top/bottom and left/right margins consistent
Stay between 0.5″ and 1.0″. Margins smaller than 0.5″ can make your resume look crowded, while margins larger than 1.0″ waste space
Slightly narrowing your margins can help fit content onto one page without overcrowding

Spacing and Alignment

Use single spacing within sections for a clean, easy-to-read layout
Add a blank line between sections to separate content clearly
Keep your alignment consistent. Section headers and body text are usually left-aligned, while dates and locations can be right-aligned

Font

Use a simple, easy-to-read font. Good options include Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, and Cambria
Avoid using multiple fonts
Use bold, italics, or underlining sparingly to highlight section headings and job titles, helping guide the reader's eye
Use 10–12 point font for the content area
Use a slightly larger font size (14–16 points) for your name in the header

Header

Use single spacing within sections for a clean, easy-to-read layout
Add a blank line between sections to separate content clearly
Keep your alignment consistent. Section headers and body text are usually left-aligned, while dates and locations can be right-aligned

Section Headings

Divide and structure your resume into clearly labeled sections (e.g. Education, Work Experience, Leadership, and Skills)
Use bold, all caps, or a slightly larger font to make headings stand out
Align section headings to the left or center
Consider using a simple border line below your headings to help separate sections visually

Content Structure

Order of Sections or Experiences

The common order of sections—from top to bottom— is Education, Experience (professional, leadership, community engagement, etc.), then Skills
Section order may vary for certain industries. For example, in tech resumes, Skills often appear directly after Education
List experiences within each section in reverse chronological order, with your most recent experience first
Move your most relevant experiences closer to the top by using a Relevant Experience section, even if they are not your most recent roles

Bullets

Use solid circle bullets (●); avoid dashes, arrows, or checkboxes
Maintain consistent bullet style and alignment throughout your resume
Begin each bullet with a strong action verb; Keep bullets concise, ideally one to two lines each, does not need to be a complete sentence
Avoid using “I” or personal pronouns

Dates

Align dates to the right, keep them consistent throughout your resume
Always include months and years for dates of involvement (e.g. September 2023–May 2024). If you held the same role during the same season over multiple years, you may use seasons instead (e.g., Summer 2023–2025)
Choose a date format (e.g., September 2025, Sept. 2025, or 05/2025) and use it consistently throughout your resume

Length

Fill one page without overcrowding your resume
Two pages may be acceptable in rare, special cases (e.g., extensive research or work experience), but only if you can fully fill the second page
Remember that employers have limited time to review your resume, so quality matters more than quantity

Now that your formatting is polished, you’re ready to focus on building strong content that highlights your skills and impact. A well-organized and consistent resume not only looks professional but also makes it easier for employers to quickly understand your strengths.

As you move forward, you’ll learn how to describe your experiences clearly and effectively, using action verbs and results to show what you’ve accomplished.

Helpful Tips

Need inspiration? We have editable templates available to help you get started or give your resume a refresh.

You can find more resources in our Handshake Resource Library.