resume-formatter

1# Resume Formatter
2 
3## When to Use This Skill
4 
5Use this skill when the user:
6- Needs help with resume layout and formatting
7- Has a messy or hard-to-read resume
8- Wants to ensure ATS compatibility through formatting
9- Needs a clean, professional design
10- Mentions: "format resume", "resume layout", "resume design", "clean resume", "professional format"
11 
12## Core Capabilities
13 
14- Structure resumes for optimal readability
15- Ensure ATS compatibility through formatting
16- Create visual hierarchy
17- Optimize white space and margins
18- Select appropriate fonts and sizes
19- Balance aesthetic appeal with functionality
20 
21## Formatting Fundamentals
22 
23### The Dual Audience Challenge
24 
25Your resume must work for:
261. **ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)** - Robots that parse text
272. **Human Readers** - Recruiters who scan quickly
28 
29**The Solution:** Clean, simple formatting that satisfies both.
30 
31## Document Setup
32 
33### Page Length
34- **Entry Level (0-5 years):** 1 page
35- **Mid-Level (5-15 years):** 1-2 pages
36- **Senior/Executive (15+ years):** 2 pages (max 3 for executives)
37 
38### Margins
39- **Recommended:** 0.5" - 1" all sides
40- **Minimum:** 0.5" (don't go smaller)
41- **Maximum:** 1" (don't waste space)
42 
43### Font Selection
44 
45**Safe, ATS-Friendly Fonts:**
46- **Sans-serif:** Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, Verdana
47- **Serif:** Times New Roman, Georgia, Garamond
48 
49**Font Sizes:**
50- **Name:** 16-20pt
51- **Section Headers:** 12-14pt
52- **Body Text:** 10-12pt
53- **Minimum readable:** 10pt
54 
55### Spacing
56…