Prefer clean typography (professional = readable)
A premium template looks professional because spacing and hierarchy are consistent. Use 2 font sizes for body + headings, keep line-height comfortable, and avoid decorative fonts. Recruiters associate clean layouts with strong attention to detail.
Pick the right layout for your content
If your experience is the main story, use a straightforward layout with clear experience sections. If you are early-career and need Skills + Projects to stand out, a subtle sidebar can work — but keep the reading order logical.
Export quality matters (PDF must match preview)
Misalignment breaks trust instantly. Choose a builder that exports crisp A4 PDFs, keeps headings aligned, and avoids cut-off lines. Test on mobile and desktop before applying.
Make it skimmable on mobile
In 2026, many recruiters first view resumes on their phones. Ensure your name, role, top skills, and latest experience are visible without zooming. Use bold sparingly to highlight what matters.
Avoid designs that look like posters
Heavy icons, dense color blocks, and graphic timelines look good on Dribbble but often reduce ATS readability. Aim for a calm, modern layout with minimal color accents.
Choose a template that matches your seniority
Freshers benefit from templates that highlight Projects and Skills early. Experienced candidates should prioritize Experience, impact metrics, and role progression. A good template supports your story instead of forcing you into a design that hides your strongest evidence.
Keep spacing consistent (white space is professional)
Crowded resumes feel harder to read. Use consistent section spacing, align dates cleanly, and keep bullet indentation uniform. When spacing is consistent, recruiters unconsciously trust the resume more — it signals attention to detail.