Pick a clean, professional template that uses a reverse-chronological layout. That layout lets hiring managers scan your leadership history fast and helps applicant tracking systems parse dates and titles.
Keep length to one page if you have under 10 to 12 years of program leadership. Use two pages only when you have long, directly relevant program wins, grant management, or multi-site oversight to show.
Choose readable, ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, Georgia, or Garamond. Use 10–12pt for body text and 14–16pt for headers to create a clear visual hierarchy.
Keep margins at least 0.5 inches and add white space between sections. Use consistent spacing for headings, dates, and bullets so the reader's eye moves easily down the page.
Use clear section headings such as: Professional Summary, Experience, Program Highlights, Leadership, Education, Certifications, and Skills. Put employer name, role title, city, and dates on one line or two consistent lines.
Avoid complex columns, heavy graphics, or nonstandard fonts. Those elements often break parsing and distract the reviewer from your program outcomes.
List measurable achievements first when possible. Show metrics like budget size, staff managed, outcomes improved, grants secured, or enrollment growth.
Common mistakes include: inconsistent date formats, long paragraphs instead of bullets, and unclear headings. Remove vague lines like "responsible for" and replace them with active impact statements that show what you delivered.