How to Write a Readable Resume By Thea Kelley, October 16, 2025
Source: https://www.theakelley.com/how-to-write-a-readable-resume/

The Overlooked Key to Resume Success

In an era of applicant tracking systems (ATS) and keyword optimization, Thea Kelley reminds readers that the most powerful resumes are those written for humans. Her article, “How to Write a Readable Resume,” argues that readability—how easily a recruiter can understand and absorb your message—often determines whether your resume leads to an interview. Kelley defines readability not as simplification for simplicity’s sake, but as making the reader’s job easier by combining clear writing with thoughtful formatting.

Resumes are scanned in seconds, often by overworked hiring managers juggling dozens of applications. A well-written, visually balanced resume reduces that cognitive load. The key, Kelley explains, lies in how information is presented—how you write and how you format.

Writing for Readability

Kelley begins by debunking the idea that a readable resume “dumbs down” your content. Even highly educated readers prefer concise, plain language. A study she cites found that people with advanced degrees completed tasks faster and more accurately when reading simpler text—and far from feeling insulted, they appreciated the clarity.

She notes that nearly half of U.S. adults read at or below an eighth-grade level, underscoring the importance of accessible writing. To achieve readability, Kelley offers six key strategies:

1. Use short words. Replace complex vocabulary with clear, familiar terms. “Avoid obfuscation,” she jokes, means “avoid confusing people.”

2. Keep sentences short. Aim for 10–20 words per sentence. Longer sentences require more effort and obscure meaning.

3. Limit paragraph length. Six lines per paragraph is ideal; bulleted points should take only one or two lines.

4. Eliminate redundancies. Phrases like “evolved over time” are needlessly repetitive—“evolved” alone suffices.

5. Favor active voice. “Delivered project on time” is stronger and more direct than “Project was delivered on time.”

6. Write in plain English. Replace jargon (e.g., “operationalize”) with precise, everyday words—except when specific keywords are essential for ATS scanning.

In essence, Kelley urges writers to prioritize clarity and directness. Recruiters, she reminds us, are humans first—they respond best to writing that respects their time.

Formatting for Readability

Readable writing loses its power if it’s buried in dense or disorganized text. Kelley therefore devotes equal attention to visual readability, emphasizing layout, spacing, and typographic hierarchy. Her goal: to create a resume that guides the eye effortlessly through the most important information.

Key formatting strategies include:

• Use white space strategically. Line spacing and margins create visual structure. Rather than pressing “Return” repeatedly, use paragraph formatting to control spacing precisely—3–5 points between bullet items, 6–8 between paragraphs, and 9–13 between sections.

• Establish a clear font hierarchy. Use 10–12 point font for the body, two points larger for section headers, and a slightly larger font for your name. This creates a logical visual flow.

• Use bullets sparingly. Overuse weakens their impact. Bullets should highlight achievements, while job responsibilities can be written in concise paragraphs.

• Apply boldface purposefully. Bold text should draw the eye to essential elements—section headings, names, or key results (e.g., “Increased revenue by 30% in six months”).

Each formatting choice should guide the recruiter’s attention and reduce visual fatigue. The ideal resume, Kelley says, “looks organized, clean, and intentional.”

The Human Element

The final section, “Get Your Resume Read,” ties readability back to purpose. A resume is more than a list of skills—it’s a persuasive document that markets your value. If the reader struggles to decipher cluttered text or untangle jargon, your accomplishments may go unnoticed. Conversely, when language and layout work together, your strengths shine through naturally.

In essence, Kelley reframes resume design as an act of empathy: understanding the recruiter’s experience and making it easier for them to see why you’re the right fit. Simplicity, she argues, is not about lowering standards—it’s about removing friction so your ideas can move freely from the page to the reader’s mind.

Takeaway for Educators

For educators preparing resumes for leadership roles, teaching positions, or career transitions, Kelley’s advice applies beyond the job hunt. Clear communication, whether in lesson design or professional documents, builds trust and credibility. A readable resume models the very clarity we seek to instill in students: precision, organization, and purpose.

Readable writing and thoughtful formatting are not cosmetic—they are cognitive supports that invite understanding. As Kelley concludes, “Skillful use of language and formatting improve resume readability so that your value can shine through.”

Original Article

Source: Thea Kelley, “How to Write a Readable Resume,” October 16, 2025. https://www.theakelley.com/how-to-write-a-readable-resume/

------------------------------

Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com