Marsha Hebert 
Writing an interview-winning resume starts with picking the right layout
Today's job market is the most competitive it's ever been and that doesn't look like it'll change any time soon. It's this very competitiveness that may lead you to try to find a layout for your resume that will help you stand out from the crowd of hundreds of other job seekers.
Performing a simple online search for the best resume layout will produce more than 53 million results. That's just not very helpful, is it? As you jump into that rabbit hole, you'll find that the two-column resume format has become very popular lately.
It's a great layout for maximizing space and creating impact through design. But just because it's visually appealing doesn't mean it's the right one to use.
As with anything in life, there are pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to use a one-column or two-column resume layout. In this article, we'll explore the ins and outs of each style, including advantages, disadvantages, and when to use which. You'll learn about
-
ATS compatibility
-
Readability
-
Relevance of information
-
Target audience
-
Formatting consistency
What do we mean by a two-column resume?
There are three readily acceptable resume formats that will always work to get you past an applicant tracking system, or ATS, and impress a hiring manager. Each of those formats – the reverse-chronological, the hybrid, and the functional – is written using a one-column layout. This means that the text on the page goes from the left margin to the right margin with no break.
A two-column resume is different in that the text of each section of your resume is broken up – it does not go from left to right all the way across. Often, you'll see that things like contact information, skills, and education are in one column, while professional experience and achievements are in a separate column.
The idea behind using a two-column format is that the space on the page can be maximized and structured in a way that's visually appealing. It offers a great opportunity to highlight key information and skills, which makes it easier for hiring managers to scan the details quickly.
Which is better, a single-column or double-column resume?
The reality is that there are scenarios where each layout will serve you well, so our suggestion is that you have both, as each one has unique advantages and disadvantages. By keeping one of each on hand, you can tailor your conversations and applications for jobs to different situations and audiences.
When to use a one-column resume layout
For the most part, you'll use a one-column layout more often than you would a two-column resume because of the ATS. When you apply for a job online, there is a high (extremely high) likelihood that the resume will be passed through a computer scanning system before it ever makes it into the hands of a hiring manager. The fact is, resume scanning systems can't properly parse information from two-column layouts.
If the ATS can't read your resume, it may assume the file is corrupt or something and wholly rejects your application. ATS rejection is among the number one reasons job seekers are ghosted by companies – the computer boots your resume out of the system so the humans at the company don't even know you exist, much less that you applied for their job.
Since the ATS has become a true thorn in the side for most job seekers, it is the chief reason you'll want to use a one-column layout for your resume – yes, even if it goes to two pages. There are some other reasons that it's a good idea to use a one-column layout, including:
-
Professionalism and simplicity: Most hiring managers expect to see a reverse-chronological resume format. It's considered a professional layout, and they know exactly where to look on the page to find the information about your past that they want to see.
-
Focused content: When you're using a one-column resume layout, you're not trying to squish everything onto one page. This allows you to more effectively highlight skills, experiences, and career achievements – the things that hiring managers value.
-
Format consistency: One thing that you don't have to worry about when using a one-column layout is whether the hiring manager will see it the way you see it. Sometimes, the formatting can get messed up on the hiring manager's side when you use a two-column resume layout.
When to use a two-column resume layout
Applying for jobs online isn't the only thing you'll be doing to land a new role – at least it shouldn't be the only thing you're doing. There are networking events and career fairs to attend that can help you get your foot in the door of a new job. Also, you may have the email address of a recruiter or hiring manager, and sending them your resume directly can be a powerful way to make a connection. In these situations, a two-column resume layout can be highly effective.
When you have the opportunity to interact directly with a human being, using a two-column resume can help you stand out from the crowd by allowing you to provide a glimpse of your skills and achievements in a way that's quick to digest. This is great when you want to immediately draw attention to specific accomplishments that closely align with the requirements of the job you seek.
Providing something that quickly gives details about your background is the main reason to use a two-column resume layout. Here are a few other things to consider:
-
Maximizing space: When you craft a two-column resume, you make the most of the space available on the page. Dividing your content into two columns allows you to include more information without making the resume look cluttered.
-
Visual appeal: There are so many options for formatting a two-column layout that you can easily make something that is striking and visually appealing. This will help you be more memorable.
-
Modern look: By using a two-column resume layout, you give the impression of being someone who keeps up with trends. Not only that, but you showcase that you're willing to go the extra mile to present yourself and your background effectively.
One-column resume vs two-column resume – the disadvantages
Now that you have the pros of each layout, let's talk about the cons so that you can make a completely informed decision about which to use.
Disadvantages of a one-column resume
The main drawback of a one-column resume is the potential for information overload. Many job seekers fall into the trap of trying to include everything they've ever done during their career in an attempt to land a job. Even though you have the space to type out more details in a one-column resume, you have to balance that with the fact that your resume should be tailored to the job you want, using the right keywords.
Other disadvantages to consider when using a one-column resume layout include:
-
Less visual impact: Because you need to get past the ATS, your one-column resume will likely look identical to everyone else's. This makes it less visually appealing and could lead to your application getting lost in the sea of sameness.
-
Less skimmable: There isn't a hiring manager alive who is going to read straight through your resume. Most spend less than ten seconds scanning the document, trying to find something that jumps out at them.
Disadvantages of a two-column resume
You already know that two-column resumes aren't usually ATS-friendly. This, in and of itself, is the number one reason to avoid using them. Additionally, some industries view the two-column layout as less-than-professional – like industrial, finance, and law. The companies hiring people for those types of roles expect something more conservative.
Other disadvantages to consider when using a two-column resume layout include:
- Limited space: A two-column resume is designed to fit all of your content on one page. If you have a lot of experience, that may not be feasible.
- Complexity in formatting: If you're not very tech-savvy, you may have difficulty making a two-column resume look right, especially since the crux of using a two-column layout is achieving a balanced and visually appealing design.
A decision not to be made lightly
The decision to use a one-column or two-column resume can have a profound impact on your success in landing an interview. Even though it may seem like a minor detail, the layout of your resume is crucial to your ability to adequately relay your qualifications to prospective employers.
Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to whether you should have a one-column or two-column resume because specific circumstances demand a particular layout. If you properly consider things like ATS compatibility, your target audience, and the specific requirements, you'll be sure to pick the right layout and increase your chances of landing your dream job.
TopResume can check that your resume is properly selling your qualifications to new jobs. Upload it HERE to get expert feedback from our resume-writing experts.