When you're putting together a resume for an IT Developer role, choosing the right template is key. A clean, professional layout with a reverse-chronological format usually works best. This style highlights your most recent experience first, which is what employers want to see.
Your resume should ideally be one page, especially if you're early in your career. If you have extensive experience, a two-page resume can be acceptable, but make sure every word counts. Conciseness is crucial; you want to make your skills and achievements clear without overwhelming the reader.
For fonts, stick to professional, ATS-friendly options like Calibri, Arial, or Georgia. Use a font size of 10-12pt for the body and 14-16pt for headers. Don't forget about white space! Adequate spacing improves readability. Avoid overly creative designs, as they can confuse applicant tracking systems (ATS) and human readers alike.
Common mistakes include using complex templates with columns that ATS might struggle to read. Also, steer clear of excessive color or fancy fonts. Make sure your layout has enough white space to avoid a cluttered appearance, and use clear, standard section headings.