When you're putting together your resume as a consultant, choosing the right template is key. Go for a clean, professional layout that highlights your skills and experiences. A reverse-chronological format works best since it shows your most recent roles first, making it easy for hiring managers to see your relevant background.
Keep your resume to one page if you're mid-career, but you can stretch it to two pages if you have extensive experience. Just remember to be concise and focus on what's most relevant to the roles you're applying for. Too much information can overwhelm the reader.
For fonts, stick with professional choices like Calibri, Arial, or Georgia, using sizes between 10-12pt for body text and 14-16pt for headings. Ensure there's enough white space so your resume doesn’t look cluttered. Simple formatting will help both human readers and ATS systems easily navigate your information.
Avoid common pitfalls like using complex templates with columns that can confuse ATS, or overusing colors and fancy fonts. Keep section headings clear and standard to enhance readability.