When it comes to landing a job, the content of your resume is only part of the equation—how you format it makes a world of difference. Recruiters often scan resumes for just a few seconds before deciding if it’s worth a deeper look. A clean, professional format helps highlight your skills and experience clearly, while a poorly formatted resume may get overlooked no matter how strong your background is.
Formatting a resume is about balance: you want to make it visually appealing while ensuring it’s easy to read and optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Whether you’re applying for a corporate role, a creative position, or a technical job, the right format can help you stand out.
Below, you’ll see a realistic resume sample that demonstrates how formatting plays a key role in creating a professional impression.
Sample Resume – Formatting a Resume Example
JOHN DOE
123 Main Street, City, State, ZIP
Phone: (555) 123-4567 | Email: johndoe@email.com
Professional Summary
Detail-oriented and results-driven Marketing Specialist with over 5 years of experience in developing digital campaigns, managing social media strategies, and analyzing market trends. Skilled in SEO, content marketing, and client relationship management. Proven ability to boost brand visibility and drive business growth through creative marketing solutions.
Key Skills
Digital Marketing Strategy
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Social Media Management
Content Development
Google Analytics & AdWords
Project Management
Communication & Collaboration
Professional Experience
Marketing Specialist | Bright Solutions Inc. | New York, NY
June 2020 – Present
Designed and executed digital marketing campaigns that increased website traffic by 35% within 12 months.
Managed social media channels, boosting follower engagement by 50%.
Conducted competitive analysis to identify growth opportunities in target markets.
Collaborated with design and content teams to deliver consistent brand messaging.
Marketing Coordinator | Visionary Media Group | New York, NY
March 2017 – May 2020
Assisted in developing and executing promotional campaigns across print and digital platforms.
Monitored campaign performance and prepared analytical reports for leadership.
Coordinated with external vendors to ensure timely delivery of marketing materials.
Supported event planning, including trade shows and client presentations.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Marketing | State University, NY | 2016
Certifications
Google Analytics Certified
HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification
Practical Resume Formatting Tips
Keep it clean and simple — use a legible font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in 10–12pt size.
Stick to one page if you have less than 10 years of experience; use two pages only when necessary.
Use consistent spacing and bullet points to make the resume easy to skim.
Avoid graphics or images that can confuse ATS systems.
Highlight accomplishments with measurable results instead of just listing duties.
FAQ for Formatting a Resume
1. What is the best font for formatting a resume?
Fonts like Calibri, Arial, and Times New Roman are considered professional and ATS-friendly. Avoid decorative fonts that make resumes hard to read.
2. Should I use color when formatting a resume?
Yes, but sparingly. A subtle use of color for headings or borders can make your resume stand out, but stick to neutral tones like navy or dark gray to maintain professionalism.
3. How do I make my resume ATS-friendly?
Use standard headings (Work Experience, Education, Skills), avoid tables or graphics, and save the file as a Word document or PDF to ensure ATS compatibility.
4. Is it okay to use bold or italics in my resume formatting?
Absolutely—use bold for job titles and section headings, and italics sparingly for details like certifications or project names. Just don’t overdo it.
This guide should help you understand the importance of formatting a resume and give you a practical example to follow. Remember, great formatting ensures your achievements don’t get lost—it makes your career story shine.
Would you like me to also create LSI keyword variations (like "how to format a resume for ATS" or "resume formatting guide for freshers") so your article can rank for multiple search intents?
Example of nursing resume with a complete sample for freshers and experienced nurses. Learn how to write a professional nursing resume with expert tips
Best resume format in india helps job seekers create a professional cv that highlights skills, education, and experience to impress employers and recruiters.
How to format education on resume with expert tips, clear examples, and practical advice to highlight your academic achievements and boost job applications.
Best resume format reddit discussions reveal which layouts work best. Learn expert tips, see a realistic sample, and discover how to stand out in your job search.
Teller resume sample designed to showcase skills, experience, and achievements for banking roles. Learn how to create a professional teller resume that gets interviews.
Resume format for interior designer that showcases creativity, technical skills, and design experience. Learn how to craft a winning interior designer resume today.
Awards for resume examples help job seekers highlight achievements, recognition, and professional success to impress employers and stand out in competitive hiring processes.
Medical billing resume format with sample and expert advice to help you highlight skills, work history, and achievements for a successful career in medical billing.
Contact information on a resume is crucial for making a strong first impression. Learn what details to include, what to avoid, and see a realistic resume sample.
Educator resume sample with expert tips and a complete example to help teachers, trainers, and instructors highlight skills, experience, and education for job success.
Career change resume example with expert tips to help job seekers highlight transferable skills, showcase achievements, and successfully transition careers.
Office assistant resume example with expert tips, realistic sample, and proven advice to help job seekers craft a strong resume that impresses employers.
Human resource resume examples to help job seekers create impactful resumes that highlight HR skills, experience, and achievements to impress employers and recruiters
Example of sales resume with detailed guidance, complete sample, and expert tips to help job seekers create strong resumes that impress hiring managers.
Job description resume examples help job seekers align skills and achievements with hiring needs. See a detailed resume sample and expert tips to stand out today.