There is no single standard design or format for a résumé, although most résumés have common elements. Your résumé can be organized in a variety of ways. Try several approaches and then choose the best one. You want your résumé to have a lasting, positive impression based on the organized style and easy-to-read content. (View an example template in PDF format)

Do not write "Résumé of…" or "Résumé" across the top of the page—an employer will know what it is. Begin your résumé with your name, address and phone number. E-mail addresses are also appropriate. Many students list both a current or campus address and a permanent address. If you are out of school, you will only need one address, centered under your name, although it is a good idea to indicate two phone numbers (day and evening).

There are three basic ways to order and organize information in your résumé:

• Chronological
  This is the most commonly used and accepted format. Your academic, employment and extracurricular experiences are categorized as such and each entry is listed/described in reverse chronological order (most recent experience is listed first).
• Chronological Cluster
  Many students find that clustering their employment, academic and extracurricular activities into thematic sections helps their résumés to look more focused. Use cluster headings when the experience you have is varied and does not necessarily support your employment objective. Thematic sections, or clusters, should relate to your objective, e.g. “Sales/Marketing Experience” or “Teaching Experience.” Within each cluster, experiences should be listed in reverse chronological order.
• Functional/Combination Résumé
  A functional/combination résumé emphasizes the groups of skills developed through employment experiences, academic courses, and campus and community activities. Those considering career changes, people reentering the work force and students with few experiences directly related to their career area may find this a more effective format. At the bottom of the résumé, provide a brief listing of the positions and places in which you acquired the skills mentioned. It is very important that the skill headings you choose relate to the position you seek.

Layout Tips:

• Don't overcrowd your résumé; allow for plenty of white space.
• The margins of a résumé should be set at 1" to 1 1/2."
• Keep your résumé to one page whenever possible.
• Put your name, address and phone number at the top of (each) page.
• Use short descriptive statements instead of elaborate sentences.
• Keep the number of fonts you use to a minimum—two at most.
• Use bold type and adequate spacing to emphasize main headings.
• Do not justify paragraphs; allow the right side of the page to "rag."
• Do not over-use CAPITALIZATION, italics, underlines, or other emphasizing features. These can create a confusing clutter of attention-grabbing elements.
• Print your résumé with a good-quality printer. Don’t use photocopies.
• Print on one side of the paper only.

Paper
Your résumé paper represents another important variable. Résumés should be printed on standard-size paper (8 1/2" by 11"). Choose a quality bond paper—as opposed to typing or copier paper. White, ivory, beige or gray are commonly chosen, since neutral colors communicate a professional tone. But if you decide to branch out into other colors, keep in mind that visual impression should enhance the written information, not distract from it. When buying paper for your résumé, be sure to buy plenty of extra sheets for matching cover letters and/or thank-you letters.