Best Resume Design 2019: Complete Guide to Creating a Professional Resume That Gets Interviews

Creating an effective resume is one of the most important steps in securing a job interview. In today's competitive job market, recruiters often spend less than 10 seconds scanning a resume before deciding whether to continue reading. That means the design of your resume plays a crucial role in whether your application moves forward or ends up ignored.

This guide explores the Best Resume Design 2019 strategies that job seekers can use to stand out. While resume trends evolve over time, many principles from 2019 remain relevant today—clean layouts, readable formatting, clear structure, and strong content hierarchy.

Whether you are a student, recent graduate, or experienced professional, understanding resume design fundamentals will dramatically improve your chances of landing interviews. In this article, you will learn:

• What makes a resume design effective
• The best resume layouts used by professionals
• Formatting strategies that recruiters prefer
• Common design mistakes that reduce hiring chances
• Tools and templates you can use to create a resume quickly

If you need personalized help, our career specialists can assist you in building a professional resume and application package. Simply create an account through our platform by registering here: Create a free account and get expert resume help.

Let’s explore how to design a resume that captures attention and increases your chances of getting hired.

Table of Contents

• What Is Resume Design and Why It Matters
• Essential Elements of the Best Resume Design 2019
• Best Resume Layout Types
• Formatting Rules Recruiters Prefer
• Best Resume Templates and Tools
• Practical Resume Design Tips
• FAQ

What Is Resume Design and Why It Matters

Resume design refers to the visual layout and structure of a resume document. It includes elements such as typography, spacing, headings, formatting, section placement, and visual hierarchy. While the content of your resume is essential, design determines how easily recruiters can read and understand that content.

In 2019, modern resume design trends shifted toward clean, minimalistic layouts that emphasize readability and professional presentation. Recruiters and hiring managers prefer resumes that are simple, structured, and easy to scan quickly.

Why Resume Design Is Important

• Improves readability for recruiters
• Highlights key achievements
• Creates a professional first impression
• Helps applicant tracking systems parse information
• Organizes your experience logically

Many applicants focus only on writing content but ignore visual structure. However, a poorly formatted resume may hide even excellent achievements.

Example of Effective Resume Sections

If you are unsure what additional documents should accompany your resume, review our guide on what to include in a cover letter.

Essential Elements of the Best Resume Design 2019

An effective resume design combines structure, formatting, and content hierarchy. The goal is to make important information immediately visible while maintaining a professional appearance.

Key Design Elements

• Clear section headings
• Consistent font usage
• Balanced white space
• Logical section order
• Readable font sizes

Recommended Resume Fonts

Checklist: Resume Design Quality

• Font size between 10–12 pt
• Headings clearly separated
• Margins between 0.5–1 inch
• No unnecessary graphics
• Consistent formatting

If you are applying for entry-level positions, you may find helpful examples in our guide to the best resume format for college graduates.

Remember that our specialists can review your resume design and suggest improvements. To receive personalized assistance, simply register on our website and connect with a resume expert.

Best Resume Layout Types

Choosing the right resume layout is essential because it determines how recruiters interpret your professional story. The best resume design in 2019 often uses one of three primary layouts.

1. Chronological Resume

The chronological resume format lists work experience in reverse order, starting with the most recent position. It is the most widely used format and preferred by many employers.

2. Functional Resume

This format focuses on skills instead of employment history. It is useful for career changers or candidates with employment gaps.

3. Combination Resume

A hybrid format that includes both strong skills sections and chronological work history.

Students and applicants with limited work experience can also benefit from reviewing our guide on creating a resume for graduate school without work experience.

Formatting Rules Recruiters Prefer

Even the best content can be overlooked if formatting is poor. Recruiters expect resumes to follow consistent formatting guidelines.

Recommended Resume Structure

1. Header with contact information
2. Professional summary
3. Work experience
4. Skills
5. Education
6. Certifications

Checklist: Resume Formatting

• One page for entry-level candidates
• Two pages maximum for experienced professionals
• Bullet points for achievements
• Consistent date formatting
• Clear spacing between sections

If your job application includes a cover letter, reviewing an example such as this medical coding cover letter sample for applicants without experience can help you maintain consistency across documents.

Best Resume Templates and Tools

Using professionally designed templates can significantly improve the appearance of your resume. Templates ensure consistent formatting and allow job seekers to focus on writing strong content.

Popular Resume Design Tools

• Microsoft Word
• Google Docs
• Canva
• Adobe InDesign
• Online resume builders

If you are looking for ready-made layouts, explore our collection of free resume templates for 2019.

Additionally, international applicants may benefit from examples like this English cover letter example for global job applications.

If you're unsure which template to choose, our resume specialists can help select the best design for your industry. Simply create an account on our website and request professional assistance.

Practical Resume Design Tips

To maximize your chances of getting interviews, follow these practical design strategies.

5 Practical Resume Design Tips

• Use bold headings to separate sections
• Highlight achievements with bullet points
• Keep margins balanced for readability
• Use consistent alignment
• Prioritize important information at the top

Remember that resume writing can be challenging, especially for first-time job seekers. Our professional writers and career advisors are available to help. Just register on the platform and receive personalized support from our specialists.

FAQ

1. What is the best resume design in 2019?

The best resume design in 2019 focuses on simplicity, clean formatting, readable fonts, and clear section structure.

2. Should resumes include color?

Minimal color can be used for headings, but excessive color should be avoided in professional resumes.

3. How long should a resume be?

Most resumes should be one page for entry-level applicants and two pages for experienced professionals.

4. Are resume templates safe to use?

Yes, as long as they maintain ATS compatibility and clear formatting.

5. Should I include a cover letter?

Yes. Many employers expect a cover letter that explains your motivation and qualifications.

6. What font size should resumes use?

Body text should typically be between 10–12 pt, while headings can be slightly larger.

7. Can beginners create strong resumes?

Yes. Focus on education, projects, internships, and skills if you lack work experience.

8. Where can I get professional resume help?

You can work with our experienced resume specialists by registering on our platform here: Create an account and receive expert resume support.

A well-designed resume is more than just a document—it is your personal marketing tool. By following the strategies in this guide to the Best Resume Design 2019, you can create a professional resume that captures recruiter attention and increases your chances of landing interviews.