A resume with excessive blank areas between sections, around margins, or within blocks of text can appear unprofessional and disorganized. For example, a resume with wide margins, large gaps between headings and content, or sparsely populated lines can create a sense of incompleteness. This can detract from the applicant’s qualifications and make it harder for recruiters to quickly scan and process the information.
A balanced visual presentation enhances readability and allows hiring managers to efficiently identify key skills and experience. Appropriate spacing guides the reader’s eye, emphasizes important details, and creates a positive first impression. Historically, resumes tended to be denser due to character limitations and printing constraints. However, the advent of digital resumes has shifted the focus towards visually appealing and easily navigable layouts. Striking a balance between content and whitespace is now considered crucial for effective communication.