While many of the resources at Resume Genius focus largely around the core principals of

resume writing in terms of on-page content, this particular guide focuses solely on the visual
aesthetics of the resume as a whole, from the best choice for font style and size to optimal
paper shades and textures, everything is covered.

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While generally regarded as supplementary, visual aesthetics have the potential to be much more
than just a supplement, especially when the difference between standing out amongst other
competitive applicants can be by just the smallest of measures.

Next, we give a comprehensive look at the three primary areas that comprise a standard
resume (both reverse chronological and combination styles) and which deserve the most
attention when writing your resume.

Table of Contents
1. Resume Structure & Shape
o Alignment
o Length
o Margins
2. Aesthetics: Fonts & Font Size, Lines, Symbols, and Colors
o Font style
o Font size
o Lines and symbols
o Font Color
3. Paper Selection
o Paper Color
o Paper Weight, Size & Texture

1. Resume Structure & Shape

Margins

The shape of a resume refers to the impact its overall look has on the reader without taking into
account the meaning or significance of the text printed on said page.

The shape of the resume is the very first thing to make an impact upon the reader, as it is
the first thing the brain processes before having the time to read the text or recognize the name or
appreciate the paper. Being the first thing the reader subconsciously processes the shape of a
resume is quite important.
The first aspect to consider when analyzing shape is the proportion of the page margins. Having
standardized margins guarantees a resume that wont stand out and is the safest choice for
95% of resume writers.

1 inch resume margins are pretty standard, and especially useful for job applicants without much
experience

Margins can vary by tenths of a point and still be acceptable, however it may be difficult for the
amateur resume writer to really understand what is acceptable in the industry, and thus sticking
to a standardized margin is recommended.

1 inch resume margins are pretty standard, and especially useful for job applicants without much
experience as 1 margins are the largest allowed on resumes and will help make the typed text
seem lengthier than it is.

Resume Genius resume maker actually utilizes precise .63 margins, as Resume Genius experts
feel that .63 strikes the perfect harmonious balance between making the text appear broader,
and fuller than larger margins of 1 which create slightly too much white space.

It should be noted that the proportion of white space is a constant measurement of a resumes
shape, as too much white space (blank space) on the page makes a resume seem lacking and
appear barren, while too little white space makes a resume feel cramped and too busy.
RG Tip

Going any lower than .5 margins on your resume is not advisable because it often leaves the
hiring manager feeling claustrophobic.

Length

As with margins, the length of a resume is a critical formatting factor that has a large impact in
the overall aesthetic of the document and thus is consequential enough to give considerable
consideration.

Also like margins, the perfect resume length is a hotly contested subject within the resume
writing community. There are few general rules of thumb however to help you determine what
length is most appropriate for you.

Alignment

Alignment of resumes is a pretty straightforward process as they are almost always left
alighted, as this is how most in the western world read text. Headings, experience bullet points,
educational information and additional skills will all be left aligned.

Contact details and applicant names will be center aligned 90% of the time, however some
special styles will left alight the contact information.

RG Tip
Check out how these resume templates get creative with their alignment.

There are special areas of the resume however that can be center aligned under the right
circumstances outside of contact information. The resumes introduction is also sometimes
centered. Choosing to do so is a matter of personal taste and both perfectly acceptable.

2. Aesthetics: Fonts & Font Size, Lines, Symbols, and Colors

Fonts

Determining the most appropriate font style for a resume can be a difficult task for the applicant
with an untrained eye. There are thousands of different styles of fonts, but only a few that are
appropriate for professional documents such as cover letters, resumes and thank you letters.
Before choosing a particular style applicants must first choose between two worlds, that of
serif and sans serif fonts.

Serif fonts have small lines attached to the ends of the letters. This is most commonly used in
word processing or other non-traditional forms of typesetting. Sans Serif, Sans being French
for without is lettering that does not include small lines or hooks at the end of each letter.

Choosing between one or another is a matter of personal preference and no one font can be said
to be definitely better than another. Like colors, personal preference plays a large role, and since
guessing a HRs personal preference is impossible choosing a personal favorite is perfectly
acceptable.

RG Tip

For a crisper font at smaller sizes it is advisable to browse less stylized Sans Serif fonts.
Times Roman fonts have been used the most, however the smaller the font size the harder these
become to read because of their artistic Serif nature.

Serif Fonts

Bookman Old Style

Georgia
Times Roman
Times New Roman

Sans-Serif Fonts

Arial
Avenir
Calibri
Helvetica
Veranda

Font Size

Styles vary so much that one may look horrible at 10.5 while another font looks best at 10.5 and
too bloated at 11.5.

Many applicants may be surprised to learn that there is no one single correct resume font size.
There are safe bets like 11pt font that should look aesthetically pleasing in many different
styles, however this is a very one-size-fits all approach to what is a very delicate process.

Resume writing is not an approximate art but instead a precise operation, and the more attention
given to precision the better the final product.

Your resume font size should actually be linked directly to font style. Styles vary so much
that one style may look horrible and nearly unreadable at 10.5 while another font looks best at
10.5 and too bloated at 11.5. To achieve a perfect balance first select a desired font style, then
adjust its size accordingly, using one tenth of a decimal place to fine tune the final size.

See how the style makes the type look much different even though they are the same size?

RG Tip

Do not make the mistake of letting page length dictate font size.

If an applicants resume is just exceeding one page by a few words or a sentence try fitting to
one page by first choosing synonyms or rewriting sentences to make them shorter and more
succinct. Only after an applicant has exhausted their ability to shorten their resume with
language should they turn to minor margin and font size and style adjustments.

Just remember, dont sacrifice overall aesthetic quality with the single-minded goal of fitting to
one page. A resume is valued for the sum of all parts, not just its length.

Lines & Symbols

Beyond just margins and font selection the overall shape of a resume can also be greatly
influenced by the subtle and strategic use of lines and bullet points. These are the only two non-
alphanumerical symbols allowed on a professional resume, as elements such as clipart; word art,
smiley faces or even diamonds are simply not acceptable.

Lines

Lines break up a page and stop the eye from reading further momentarily, allowing the
brain to process the just read information for a fraction of a second longer should there have
never existed a break line in the first place.

Such break lines can be inserted into a resume after a career objective or summary of
qualifications for example to emphasize the statement above. Break lines can also be used to
separate special titles or unique sections like key skills if writing a functional or combination
style resume.

RG Tip

Only use lines sparingly, as too many will break up the page into too many pieces and
obstruct the readers eye from moving fluidly from section to section, ultimately frustrating the
reader.

Symbols

Symbols may only be used in the form of bullet points or spacers. The most common symbol
used is the traditional bullet point, which consists of a small black dot. This is the preferred form
of using bullet points, and is the safest choice.

Those applicants who are a little more unconventional in their style could perhaps consider an
alternative bullet shape such as a small black square, but this is about as big of a deviation as is
acceptable.

Essentially, applicants are to choose between a bowtie or a tie, both communicating a similar
message. Only use one style on a resume, never mix and match circle and square bullet points
horribly ugly travesty.

Color
Resumes are traditionally written in black, as it is the most widely accepted, safest and
conservative approach. Resumes can however make use of subtle additions of color
throughout to help them stand out in a stack of nearly identical black and white documents.

Here are a few examples of how you can use color on your resume. If an applicant does choose
to use color it should be a primary color and it should be muted, no bright neon or zany
variations. Simple and subtle reigns supreme in the resume world.

Attention-Grabbing Orange Subtle Blue Attractive Red

Refreshing Green Formal Gray Elegant Lavender

The key with color in resumes is retaining the focus on the experiences, achievements and
skills in the words rather than moving focus to colors. Colors on resumes are meant to assist the
communication of the information, not detract or take away from its central importance.

3. Paper Selection
Resume paper selection is an important aspect of the presentation of a completed resume. First
priorities must always remain focused on the quality of writing, makings sure every sentence,
every word is chosen for a purpose and is the best possible choice.

After the content of a resume, next in importance comes the formatting, the margins, the fonts
and the spacing. Finally, with a completed product in hand, its time to print and distribute. This
is where paper comes into play.

RG Tip

Not sure which kind of paper is best for you? Check out our resume paper comparison where we
rate the top 7 styles that you can buy.

Paper Color

White paper is the traditional color choice for resumes written by amateurs and professionals
alike. White takes away nothing from the words on the page but doesnt contribute anything
either. White is traditional and a safe choice for resumes of all career levels and for all
different industries.

Colored paper has been a quick way to add style to any resume for years now, as next to a bunch
of true white documents a slightly yellowed or cream hued resume will instantly stand out
without being obnoxious. While this isnt the conservative approach, it is by no means radical
and thus a fair option for anyone who feels their resume may need a boost in standing out
amongst others for a highly competitive position.

Paper Weight, Size and Texture

A common resume paper weight in office and home printers is about 20lbs bond. This is
acceptable for a resume however for such an important document it may be worth spending a
little extra money for 24-25lb bond weight paper, as this is just slightly weightier and feels better
in the hand. Anything exceeding 25lb bond weight is bordering on excessive.

Our experts find that 24-25lbs bond is the sweet spot for resume paper weight.

Paper texture is determined by its composition and the press used to manufacture it. Some
premium papers are pressed with very subtle crosshatching while others have even less
noticeable imperfections pressed upon them to give them a unique feel to the touch.

Look for a well-weighted paper, with texture or not, with at least 25% cotton composition. The
more cotton the stronger the paper and crisper it feels. Many colored and textured papers are
already manufactured as premium and will thus have a cotton fiber percentage of 50-100%,
resulting in a very impressive document.

RG Tip
All resume paper should be 8.5 X 11; there are NO EXCEPTIONS to this rule.

8.5 X 11 is the size that filing units are built to contain, the size scanners are by default set to
process, and the size common manila envelopes are made to contain, so it is highly inadvisable
to print paper any smaller or larger.

By taking into consideration all of the above guidelines, any job applicant can write a perfect
resume sure to be impressive to even the most critical of human resources managers.

Resume Genius Resume Builder

Dont want to go through the hassle of creating your own resume? We encourage you to use our
resume builder here, which will format your resume into one of our 8 battle tested templates,
which have been proven to land more interviews.

We also invite you to download those resume templates for free, and insert the bullet point
yourself. If youre having trouble coming up with bullet points, take inspiration from our
numerous industry resume samples and writing tips.

Additional Resume Aesthetic Resources

University of Floriday College of Life Sciences Resume Guidelines PDF
Rollins Career Services Complete Resume Format & Style Guide
University of the Sciences Resume Layout and Production Resources