When you're crafting a resume for an attorney position, you want to choose a clean and professional template. A reverse-chronological layout often works best since it highlights your most recent experience and education. This layout is not only easy to read but also ATS-friendly, which is crucial for getting past automated systems.
Keep your resume to one page if you're early in your career, but if you have extensive experience, you can go for two pages. Make sure to keep it concise; you want to showcase relevant skills without overwhelming the reader. Each word should add value.
For fonts, stick with professional choices like Calibri, Arial, or Georgia, and use a size between 10-12pt for the body text and 14-16pt for headings. Adequate white space is important too, as it helps with readability. Avoid overly creative designs that might confuse both human readers and ATS.
Common mistakes include using complex templates with columns or graphics that can trip up ATS. Additionally, steer clear of excessive colors and non-standard fonts. Finally, make sure you have consistent spacing and clear section headings.