Resume Heat Map Shows You Where to Use Bold Font [VIDEO]

Resume Heat Map Shows You Where to Use Bold Font [VIDEO] Resume font choices can be confusing. First, you have to decide on the  best font for your resume.  Then you have to decide where to use normal and bold font. This post shares a resume heat map that shows you exactly what recruiters look for on your resume and you can use that information to decide where to use bold font.The Resume Heat Map, Eye-Tracking StudyBecause bold font draws your readers eyes, its helpful to use it to guide recruiters and hiring managers to the information thats most important to them. It creates a visual hierarchy for your readers to follow.Check out this research study, or the following resume heat map video (H/T Phyllis Mufson), to see how readers scan resumes.The heat map comes from a study that tracked recruiters eye movements as they read resumes. It shows you what they focus on and what they ignore during their first looks. Thats useful information!Where to Use Bold Font on Your ResumeNow that you know from the resume heat map and other research what your audience wants, be sure to use bold font on the following elements of your resume:Your name.Section headings.Job titles.Employment dates.Employer names.Employer locations.Your name on second-page headers.Your degrees.If you want to see how easy this makes your resume to scan, check out these  executive resumes.Where NOT to Use Bold Font on Your ResumeI mention where not to use bold font on your resume because candidates often go bold inside the narrative descriptions of their jobs and accomplishments.Thats a worst practice because it disrupts the visual hierarchy your readers want to use to navigate your resume. While you might think youre drawing their eyes to the most important information on your resume, thats your opinion.The resume heat map showed us what recruiters read first. Smart job seekers give them what theyre looking for because they decide whether or not you get an interview.SummaryAlways think about what recruiters and hiring managers want. Then give them a good reader experience (RX)!You Might Also LikeRecruiters Dont Want to See Creative ResumesImage: Fotolia/pressmaster Updated February  2019 2015 2019, Donna Svei. All rights reserved.Donna SveiDonna Svei, an executive resume writer and former C-level executive, retained search consultant, and CPA, writes all of AvidCareerists posts. She has written for and been quoted by leading business, general, and career media outlets, including Forbes, Mashable, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, Business Insider, Lifehacker, Ask.com, Social Media Today, IT World, SmartBrief, Payscale, Business News Daily, and the Muse. Let her background and experience inform your job search strategy and decision making.Learn more about Donnas executive resume writing service or email Donna for more information. Resumes â€" Structure Format (5 Posts)