When it comes to landing your next role, your resume is still one of the most powerful tools you have. Even in today’s digital age, where recruiters scan LinkedIn and hiring platforms daily, the ideal resume layout can make or break your first impression. A well-structured resume doesn’t just showcase your experience; it tells your story clearly and concisely.
Here’s how to create a resume layout that stands out to Minnesota employers and beyond.
Keep It Clean and Simple
Your resume layout should be clean, consistent, and easy to scan. Stick to a standard format with clear headings, professional fonts (like Arial or Calibri), and plenty of white space. Avoid creative templates that use columns, graphics, or color blocks that can confuse applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Pro tip: One-page resumes are ideal for most professionals, while executives with 15+ years of experience can extend to two pages. Always save and submit your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting.
Start with a Strong Professional Summary
Skip the outdated “Objective” statement. Instead, open with a Professional Summary that highlights who you are, your core strengths, and the value you bring. Think of this section as your personal elevator pitch: two to four sentences that tell an employer why they should keep reading.
Example:
“Human Resources leader with 10+ years of experience driving organizational change, developing high-performing teams, and leading Minnesota-based companies through periods of growth and transformation.”
Prioritize Achievements, Not Just Responsibilities
Employers want to see results, not just tasks. In your Experience section, focus on measurable achievements rather than day-to-day duties. Each bullet point should begin with a strong action verb and, whenever possible, include quantitative information that demonstrates impact.
Use numbers to show scale, scope, or success. Whether you increased revenue, improved retention, saved costs, or led a large team, metrics help hiring managers picture your depth of influence.
- Responsible for managing a team of five.
- Led a team of five to deliver a 20% increase in project efficiency over one fiscal year.
- Reduced operating costs by $150K through process optimization.
- Managed a $2.5M marketing budget and achieved a 3x ROI on digital campaigns.
Organize Information by Relevance
When deciding on your resume order, relevance beats chronology. Lead with your most recent or most relevant roles, especially if you’re pivoting industries. Include company names, your title, dates of employment, and a short summary of your key contributions.
If you’re a consultant or interim professional, consider grouping similar projects under one heading (for example, Interim Finance Roles – Various Clients, 2021 to Present). This keeps your layout concise while showing consistent work history.
Include Core Skills and Technology
A Skills section helps your resume pass ATS filters and highlights your technical strengths. Tailor this list to each role, emphasizing platforms, systems, or competencies mentioned in the job description.
Examples:
- HRIS: Workday, Paylocity, ADP
- Accounting: NetSuite, QuickBooks, GAAP compliance
- Marketing: Google Analytics, HubSpot, Content Strategy
Education and Certifications Matter (But Don’t Lead With Them)
Unless you’re early in your career, your education should come after your professional experience. Include your degree(s), institution(s), and graduation year if relevant. Professional certifications, such as CPA, PHR, PMP, or SHRM-SCP, can also be listed in a separate Certifications section to stand out.
The Right Length, Format, and File Type
These details might seem small, but they can determine whether your resume makes it to the next round.
1 page: Ideal for early or mid-career professionals with under 10 years of experience.
2 pages: Appropriate for senior leaders, executives, or those with multiple relevant roles or consulting projects.
3 pages or more: Only if you’re publishing research, listing board experience, or summarizing a long consulting portfolio.
- Always send resumes as PDF files unless an employer specifically requests a Word document. PDFs prevent layout issues and look consistent across devices.
- Avoid cloud links (like Google Docs or Canva links) since many employers cannot open them securely.
Naming Convention:
- Keep it professional and clear: FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf
- Avoid vague titles like Resume2025 or UpdatedResumeFinal.
What to Leave Out
You don’t need to include every job you’ve ever held. Skip roles from more than 15–20 years ago unless they’re highly relevant. Also avoid listing personal details, photos, or references directly on the resume. “References available upon request” is no longer necessary.
Focus on content that positions you as a fit for the specific role you’re targeting.
Additional Recruiter-Approved Tips
- Quantify where possible: Include data points such as dollars saved, people managed, clients served, or results achieved. Numbers help your impact stand out.
- Update your LinkedIn: Make sure your online profile reflects your resume. Inconsistencies can raise questions.
- Proofread carefully: Spelling and grammar errors are among the top reasons candidates get overlooked.
- Save a master copy: Keep a detailed version for your records and tailor shorter versions for each application.
Final Thoughts
The ideal resume layout isn’t about flashy design; it’s about clarity, relevance, and measurable results. By structuring your resume around achievements, quantifying your impact, and keeping your format simple, you’ll increase your visibility to both recruiters and hiring managers.
At Versique Executive, Professional & Interim Recruiting, we review thousands of resumes each year across all functions and levels. If you’d like feedback from an experienced recruiter or want to explore new opportunities, connect with us today. We’d love to help you find your next role.
