Your resume isn’t just a summary of your experience—it’s a strategic document that should be formatted correctly for its intended audience. Submitting the wrong format can mean the difference between landing an interview and getting filtered out before anyone even reads it.

For most jobs, a simple, one-column, black-and-white resume that is ATS-friendly is the best choice. But there are exceptions where a more visually engaging design is appropriate. Let’s break down when to use each format and why it matters.

If You’re in the Graphic Design Field, Creativity Matters

For creative roles—such as graphic design, UX/UI design, and marketing—your resume is more than a document; it’s a representation of your skills. Hiring managers in these industries expect to see resumes that reflect your creative abilities.

• Make it visually appealing. Use a well-designed layout, custom typography, and a color scheme that aligns with your personal brand.
• Showcase your creativity. Infographics, unique section headers, and custom icons can help demonstrate your design skills.
• Ensure readability. While creativity is important, your resume still needs to be easy to scan. Avoid overly decorative fonts or layouts that make it difficult to find key information.
• Have a plain-text version ready. Many companies still use ATS, so keep a simple, text-based version for online applications.

If you’re unsure whether a company values a creative resume, check their website or job postings. If they have a highly visual brand, a creative resume might be a great fit. If they seem more traditional, stick with a standard format.

If You’re Handing Your Resume to Someone in Person

When giving your resume directly to a recruiter, networking contact, or hiring manager, how it looks and feels can make a big difference. A well-presented document can leave a lasting impression.

• A visually appealing resume can stand out. Since a human is reviewing it immediately, a polished design can work in your favor.
• Use high-quality paper. If printing, go for a slightly thicker, professional-grade paper to make your resume feel substantial.
• Keep it balanced. While design can enhance readability, don’t overdo it—clear formatting and well-organized sections are still key.
• Bring multiple copies. If you’re attending a networking event or career fair, have extra resumes on hand to share with potential contacts.

In-person resumes are a rare case where design can play a bigger role. However, content is always the most important factor—no amount of design can compensate for a weak resume.

If Your Resume is Going into an ATS System, Keep It Machine-Readable

Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes before a human ever sees them. These systems are notorious for misreading complex designs, columns, and images. If your resume isn't formatted correctly, it could be automatically rejected.

• Stick to a one-column format. ATS struggles with multi-column layouts, which can cause text to be misaligned or skipped.
• Use standard fonts. Stick to fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman—fancy fonts can be unreadable to the system.
• Avoid images and graphics. ATS can’t process images, so headshots, logos, or icons might cause issues.
• Use standard section headings. Instead of getting creative, use conventional headers like “Work Experience” and “Education” so ATS can categorize your information properly.
• Save as .docx or PDF. Some ATS struggle with PDFs, so check the job posting for specific format preferences.

Check the Aloha Resume Best Resume Template for a great starting point.

Since most online applications go through ATS, this is the safest and most effective resume format for 90% of jobs.

If Personal Branding is Key (TV, Modeling, Public Speaking, etc.)

In fields where your personal image is a major factor—such as broadcast journalism, modeling, acting, or public speaking—your resume may need to include visual elements that highlight your brand.

• A headshot may be appropriate. In industries where your appearance or public presence matters, a professional photo can help establish your image.
• Your resume should reflect your brand. Use fonts, colors, and layouts that align with your personal brand and industry standards.
• Include links to your work. A personal website, portfolio, or social media handles (if relevant) can showcase your skills beyond the resume.
• Keep it professional. Even with visual elements, readability is still crucial—your experience and qualifications should remain the main focus.

These industries often have different expectations, so research what’s standard before including personal branding elements.

For Most Jobs, Keep It Clean and Simple

For corporate, administrative, tech, healthcare, and most other professional fields, a straightforward, black-and-white, one-column resume is the best approach.

• Easy to read at a glance. Hiring managers scan resumes in seconds—clear formatting helps them quickly see your qualifications.
• No distractions. Fancy graphics or unconventional layouts can take attention away from your skills and experience.
• Works for both ATS and human readers. A simple, well-structured resume ensures your application isn’t filtered out before it reaches a recruiter.

When in doubt, a simple ATS-friendly format is the best go-to choice. It’s effective, professional, and works for the vast majority of industries.

The Key to Success: Use the Right Resume Format for the Situation

Knowing when to use each resume format is essential. While 90% of jobs call for a clean, one-column, ATS-friendly resume, there are exceptions where a more designed approach works. Before submitting your resume, consider:

• 📌 Is this going through an ATS? If so, keep it simple and machine-readable.
• 📌 Am I in a creative field? If yes, a well-designed resume may enhance your chances.
• 📌 Will I be handing this to someone in person? If so, a polished, visually appealing resume may make a stronger impact.
• 📌 Does my industry value personal branding? If yes, adding a headshot or personal branding elements might be appropriate.

By choosing the right resume format for each situation, you’ll maximize your chances of getting noticed—and getting hired!

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