The Benefits and Drawbacks of a Single-Column Resume (Plus Writing Tips)

Over the years, resume trends have evolved, and the formatting of the resume is no longer the same as before. Many new trends have emerged including the use of double-column resumes that are catchy and attractive. This, alongside the other innovative trends in resume writing, begs the question: Is the traditional resume already obsolete? Many applicants are also unsure whether to join the trend or continue using a single-column resume.

Are you having the same thoughts and curious to know which of the two formats are good in your application? Continue reading to learn about current trends in resume writing and the advantages and disadvantages of using a single-column resume format in the job market.

Resume Writing Trends

In recent years, resume writing trends have focused on uniqueness and relevancy. It is no longer sufficient to have a basic resume that contains all of your experience and qualifications. Tailoring your CV to the job you're applying for is now critical to increase your chances of securing a job. And apart from emphasizing your relevant talents and achievements, you also need to take into account other aspects such as colors as well as keywords and phrases from the job description.

Additionally, recruiters are increasingly using applicant tracking systems (ATS) in screening and evaluating resumes, so it's important to optimize your resume for ATS. Make sure that it focuses on highlighting the most important information and qualifications you have in a clear, concise, and easy-to-read format with a single-column resume. Using this format will give advantages to your application, as many employers are familiar with the single-column resume format since it ruled the job market for decades.

Single-Column vs Double-Column Resume

Both single-column and double-column resumes serve the same objective: to highlight the applicants' qualifications. But despite this similarity, they have different uses and have varied effects on a job hopeful’s application.

For instance, single-column resumes are typically used for entry-level employment or when a job candidate has no professional experience. They are also appropriate for jobs where the applicant has a lot of relevant experience but wants to keep the resume brief and straight to the point. Single-column resumes tend to be easier to read, allowing the job seeker to highlight their most relevant experience and talents.

Double-column resumes, on the other hand, are often used by more experienced job candidates who have a lot of relevant work experience and accomplishments to highlight. This is especially useful for technical or specialized professions where the job applicant must demonstrate a variety of abilities and accomplishments. Although this specialized resume can include more information in a smaller space, they can also be more challenging to read, which might make hiring managers less interested.

As already indicated, there may be differences in how these formats are used and how they affect a job application. But regardless of what you choose, it's critical to remember that your focus should be on the content of your resume. Simply put, it should clearly communicate your talents and qualifications in order to catch the recruiting manager's eye.

The Pros and Cons of Single-Column Resume

When compared to the double-column resume format, the single-column resume is far more successful in emphasizing employees' qualifications as it allows the candidate to convey all relevant information from a broader perspective. But despite its effectiveness, it also has some drawbacks that you should be aware of.

Below are some of the pros and cons of using a single-column resume in job applications:

Cons of Single-Column Resume

●?Easy to read: Single-column resumes are easy to read and comprehend. They give a precise and succinct overview of your professional background, educational background, and skill set.

● Simple to customize: This resume can be easily modified to meet your needs. The font size, design, and format can all be changed to draw attention to the content that is most crucial.

●?ATS-friendly: Single-column resumes do not require sophisticated formatting or several columns, so the ATS can scan them quickly.

●?Professional looking:?It has a polished appearance that works well for a variety of areas, including business, healthcare, and education.

●?Give more focus on resume content: There are no distracting designs and colors on a single-column resume, which makes it simpler for the hiring manager to concentrate on the information on your resume

Disadvantages of Single-Column Resume

●?Limited space: Single-column resumes have a limited amount of room. Therefore, you need to be more selective about the information you will include.

●?Lack of creativity: Compared to resumes with more sophisticated and creative designs, single-column resumes are sometimes seen as plain or unattractive.

●?May not stand out: Single-column resumes might not stand out as much as other resume formats due to how common they are. If you want to stand out from the crowd, you might need to adopt a different format.

Overall, if you want a concise, professional-looking document that is simple to customize and ATS-friendly, a single-column resume can be a great option. However, you might want to think about utilizing a different format if you need extra room or want to differentiate yourself from other applicants.

Single-Column Resume Tips

Are you thinking of using a single-column resume that stands out and will help you land a high-paying job? Try heeding the tips below:

●????Keep it brief. Your resume should not exceed one or two pages. Long paragraphs can be broken up with bullet points, and your sentences should be concise.

●?Effectively use white space and readable font. Provide enough space between parts and use an easy-to-read font to make your resume more readable and clean-looking.

●?Highlight your most relevant experience. Concentrate on the experience that is most pertinent to the position you are looking for and highlight it.

●?Tailor your resume. Carefully read the posting job description and customize your resume to the specifications. Utilize the keywords and phrases from the job description to showcase your related qualifications.

●??Review and edit. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and make sure your formatting is consistent throughout the document.

Create a Striking Single-Column Resume with the Aid of the Pros!

Crafting a well-written and compelling resume takes time and effort. Thus, by hiring a professional resume writer and career coaches, you can save yourself the time and stress of trying to do it on your own. You can also make sure that your resume and cover letter stand out and successfully highlight your abilities and expertise with the assistance of an expert writer.

Don't allow a weak resume to prevent you from getting the job of your dreams. Contact us right away to learn more about our resume writing services and take the first step toward advancing your career.