When you're crafting your resume as a Technical Communicator, picking the right template is key. A clean and simple reverse-chronological layout usually works best. This type of layout is easy to read and aligns well with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which many employers use to filter resumes.
Keep your resume to one page if you're early in your career. If you have extensive experience, a two-page resume may be acceptable. Just remember to be concise and focus on your most relevant experiences and skills.
For fonts, stick with professional choices like Calibri or Arial, using sizes between 10-12pt for body text and 14-16pt for headers. Adequate white space is crucial for readability, so maintain consistent spacing throughout. Avoid overly creative formats that might confuse both human readers and ATS.
Common mistakes include using complex templates with columns that can confuse ATS, excessive colors or non-standard fonts, and not having enough white space. Ensure you use clear section headings to guide the reader through your qualifications.