Pick a clean, two-column or single-column template depending on your experience. For most Image Archivist roles, use a simple reverse-chronological layout so hiring managers and ATS read your history easily.
Keep length tight. One page suits entry and mid-career archivists. Use two pages only if you have many years of directly relevant archive projects or technical catalogs.
Choose ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, Georgia, or Garamond. Use 10–12pt for body and 14–16pt for headings. Keep line spacing at 1.0–1.15 so the page breathes.
Structure your sections with clear headings: Contact, Summary, Skills, Experience, Education, Technical Tools, and Selected Collections. Put the most relevant archive software and metadata standards up front.
Prioritize white space. Leave margins around 0.5–1 inch and add blank lines between sections. That helps reviewers scan your cataloging work and photo-management skills quickly.
Avoid complex design elements. Fancy columns, embedded images, or tables often break ATS parsing and hide dates or job titles. Keep color minimal and use standard bullets for lists.
Watch common mistakes. Don’t use nonstandard fonts or small text that forces dense blocks. Don’t bury dates or use vague section names. Don’t list unrelated volunteer roles without tying them to archive skills.
Proofread for consistent formatting. Use the same date style and bullet shape across entries. That small polish signals you care about organization and detail, which matters for Image Archivist roles.