When you're crafting a resume for an Engineering Research Manager role, you want to choose a clean, professional template. A reverse-chronological layout is often best because it showcases your most recent experience first. This layout improves readability and ensures your key qualifications are front and center, which is essential for both hiring managers and ATS software.
Keep your resume to one page if you're mid-career, but you can stretch to two pages if you have extensive relevant experience. Conciseness is key; focus on highlighting your most impactful projects and achievements. You want to make sure every word counts, so avoid unnecessary fluff.
For font choices, stick with professional, ATS-friendly options like Calibri or Arial. Use font sizes between 10-12pt for body text and 14-16pt for headers. Adequate white space is crucial, as it makes your resume easier to read. Avoid complex designs that could confuse ATS; simplicity often leads to better results.
Common mistakes include using columns or graphics that ATS might struggle to read, overusing colors, or choosing non-standard fonts. It's also easy to clutter your resume with too much information if you don’t leave enough white space. Stick to clear section headings and a straightforward structure for the best results.