Best Looking Resumes 2019: Design, Layout & Proven Strategies to Stand Out

In 2019, the job market became more competitive than ever, and one thing became crystal clear: a well-designed resume is no longer optional—it’s essential. Recruiters spend an average of 6–8 seconds scanning a resume, which means your document must not only contain strong content but also look visually appealing. The best looking resumes in 2019 combined clean design, readability, and strategic formatting to instantly capture attention.

Whether you're a recent graduate or an experienced professional, your resume acts as your first impression. A poorly formatted document can cost you opportunities, while a polished and modern resume can open doors. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about creating one of the best looking resumes of 2019—from layout and typography to color usage and structure.

If you want a professionally crafted resume, remember that our specialists can help. All you need to do is register on our website and get expert guidance tailored to your career goals.

Table of Contents

• What Makes a Resume Look Professional in 2019?
• Top Resume Layouts and Design Trends
• Typography, Colors, and Visual Hierarchy
• Content Structure That Enhances Visual Appeal
• Best Resume Examples by Industry
• Tools and Tips to Create Stunning Resumes
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Expert Tips for Resume Perfection
• FAQ

What Makes a Resume Look Professional in 2019?

The best looking resumes in 2019 share several core characteristics: simplicity, clarity, and strategic use of visual elements. A resume is not a design project—it is a communication tool. However, design plays a key role in how effectively that message is delivered.

Key Elements of a Great Resume

• Clean layout with clear sections
• Consistent font usage
• Balanced white space
• Subtle use of color
• Readable formatting

Recruiters prefer resumes that are easy to scan. This means avoiding clutter and focusing on structure. If you're unsure how to format your resume correctly, check out this detailed guide on how to properly type a resume for professional results.

Resume Design vs Content

Aspect	Importance	Purpose
Design	High	Attracts attention and improves readability
Content	Critical	Demonstrates skills and experience

Need help creating the perfect balance? Our specialists can guide you—just register on our website to get started.

Top Resume Layouts and Design Trends

In 2019, resume design trends shifted toward minimalism and functionality. The focus was on making resumes ATS-friendly while still visually appealing.

Popular Layout Types

• Reverse chronological
• Functional
• Hybrid

Modern Design Trends

• Two-column layouts
• Subtle color accents
• Icons for contact details
• Section dividers

Layout Type	Best For	Design Flexibility
Chronological	Experienced professionals	Medium
Functional	Career changers	High
Hybrid	Most candidates	Very High

Pair your resume with a stylish cover letter using insights from modern cover letter design trends.

Typography, Colors, and Visual Hierarchy

Typography plays a critical role in resume aesthetics. The right font choices can enhance readability and professionalism.

Best Fonts for Resumes

• Calibri
• Arial
• Helvetica
• Garamond

Color Usage Guidelines

• Stick to 1–2 accent colors
• Avoid bright or neon shades
• Use color for headings only

Checklist: Visual Design

• Consistent font sizes
• Clear section headings
• Balanced spacing
• Readable color contrast

If you’re unsure about design choices, our specialists can help you refine your resume—just register on our website.

Content Structure That Enhances Visual Appeal

Even the best design cannot save poorly structured content. The way you organize your information directly impacts how your resume looks and performs.

Essential Sections

• Header (name & contact info)
• Professional summary
• Work experience
• Skills
• Education

Example Structure

Section	Purpose
Summary	Quick overview of your profile
Experience	Showcase achievements
Skills	Highlight key abilities

For niche roles, you can review targeted examples like this professional hospice RN resume sample.

Checklist: Content Optimization

• Use bullet points
• Include metrics and results
• Keep descriptions concise
• Tailor for each job

Best Resume Examples by Industry

Different industries require different resume styles. A creative role may allow more design freedom, while corporate roles demand simplicity.

Industry Comparison

• Creative: Graphic designers, marketers
• Corporate: Finance, law
• Healthcare: Nurses, doctors

If you're applying in a specialized field, you might also benefit from a tailored cover letter such as this cover letter for a horticulture position.

Attending hiring events? Combine your resume with a strong introduction using a general cover letter for job fairs.

Tools and Tips to Create Stunning Resumes

Creating a visually appealing resume is easier than ever thanks to modern tools and templates.

Recommended Tools

• Canva
• Microsoft Word templates
• Adobe InDesign

5 Practical Tips

1. Keep your resume to 1–2 pages
2. Use bullet points for clarity
3. Highlight achievements, not duties
4. Use keywords for ATS optimization
5. Proofread carefully

Don’t forget to end your application professionally—see examples in this thank-you cover letter closing guide.

Need a polished resume quickly? Our specialists are ready to help—just register on our website and get started today.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even small errors can ruin an otherwise great resume.

• Overloading with information
• Poor formatting
• Spelling mistakes
• Using outdated designs

Avoid these issues to ensure your resume stands out for the right reasons.

FAQ

1. What is the best resume format in 2019?

The hybrid format is considered the most effective as it balances design and content.

2. Should I use color on my resume?

Yes, but use it sparingly—mainly for headings and accents.

3. How long should my resume be?

Typically 1–2 pages, depending on your experience.

4. Are resume templates a good idea?

Yes, as long as they are clean, modern, and ATS-friendly.

5. What font size should I use?

10–12 pt for body text and 14–16 pt for headings.

6. How important is design?

Very important—it determines whether recruiters will read your resume.

7. Can professionals help me?

Absolutely. Our experts can craft a tailored resume—just register on our website.

8. Do I need a cover letter?

Yes, a strong cover letter complements your resume and increases your chances of success.