Effective resume layout relies on strategic whitespace management. This involves careful consideration of margins, line spacing, section breaks, and padding around elements like bullet points and headings. For example, one-inch margins are generally recommended, along with single or 1.15 line spacing within paragraphs. Appropriate spacing ensures readability and allows the reader to quickly scan and process information.
A well-structured resume with balanced whitespace presents a professional and organized image. It improves readability, making it easier for hiring managers to digest key information efficiently. Historically, densely packed resumes were the norm due to page length limitations. However, modern applicant tracking systems and online submissions favor concise, visually appealing documents where clear formatting enhances readability and parsability.