Pick a clean, professional template for a Program Associate. Use a reverse-chronological layout so hiring managers see your recent program work first. That layout also parses well in ATS systems.
Keep length to one page if you have under 10 years of related experience. Use two pages only if you have long, directly relevant program portfolios or leadership roles.
Use readable, ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, Georgia, or Garamond. Set body text to 10-12pt and headers to 14-16pt. Keep line spacing at 1.0–1.15 and add consistent margins so sections breathe.
Structure sections with clear headings: Contact, Summary, Skills, Experience, Projects, Education, and Certifications. Put measurable outcomes first in each job bullet. Use 3–6 bullets per role and start each bullet with an action verb.
Avoid fancy columns, images, or tables that confuse ATS. Avoid many colors and nonstandard fonts. Keep emphasis to bold and italics only and use bullet lists for responsibilities and results.
Watch common mistakes. Don’t cram too much text or leave huge blank areas. Don’t use long paragraphs. Don’t use vague phrases like "responsible for" without results. Proofread for alignment, consistent dates, and matching fonts.