Design Smarter: Graphic Tips for Creating Standout Resumés and CVs

Over the last few years, I’ve had the honour of being a guest lecturer and leading Graphic Design Workshops on how thoughtful design can elevate resumés and CVs. I’m especially grateful to Carellin Brooks for the opportunity to speak with her students and share what I’ve learned through years of creative work. The chance to pay forward the guidance I received from my own mentors has been incredibly meaningful. Whether you’re putting together your first resumé or refining one for your next role, these tips are meant to help you present your story with clarity, confidence, and creativity.

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When applying for jobs, your resumé or CV is often the first impression an employer will have of you. That means content matters—but so does design. A well-designed document doesn't just look good; it helps your qualifications shine.

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Start with a Template

Templates help take the guesswork out of layout. They’re a great starting point—especially for those new to design. Choose one that fits your style but maintains a professional tone.

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Choose a Clean, Professional Typeface

Fonts set the tone. Use easy-to-read, professional fonts such as:

• Sans serif: Arial, Helvetica, Futura, Whitney

• Serif: Times New Roman, Georgia, Courier

Avoid overly decorative or quirky typefaces. Font sizes typically range from 9–12 pt for body text, with 16–18 pt for headings.

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Divide Information into Columns

Organize content into clearly defined sections:

• Contact information

• Education

• Work experience

• Skills

• Languages

Columns and section breaks create visual clarity and help group similar content together.

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Create a Visual Hierarchy

Direct the reader’s eye to the most important details first. Use:

• Bold headings

• Bulleted lists

• Larger text for key sections

• Strategic placement (top-left areas usually get the most attention)

List your most recent experiences first and tailor your document to highlight skills relevant to the job posting.

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Be Mindful of White Space

Don’t overcrowd your page. Space between lines, sections, and margins allows your design to “breathe” and improves readability.

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Think About Alignment

Flush-left alignment is easiest to read and preferred for body text. Avoid centered alignment for anything more than short headlines. Use justified text cautiously—it can appear polished but may reduce readability if not handled well.

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Use Colour Sparingly

A touch of colour can add personality and structure—but moderation is key. Choose colours that suit your industry and ensure your document still works in black and white.

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Add Images or Graphic Elements (If Appropriate)

Professional photos, icons, and simple infographics can help express your personal brand. Just make sure visuals are high-quality and purposeful. Avoid group shots, selfies, or vacation photos.

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Keep Everything Consistent

Consistency in typefaces, font sizes, spacing, and punctuation is essential. Sloppy formatting can undermine an otherwise strong application.

Proofread, Proofread, Proofread

Typos, inconsistent punctuation, or grammatical errors can hurt your chances. Take time to review your document or ask a peer for feedback.

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Should You Have a Resumé Handy?

Yes! Even if you're not actively job hunting, keeping a master resumé updated helps you track your growth and is useful when new opportunities arise.

Whether you’re crafting a one-page resumé or a comprehensive CV, strong design helps you stand out for the right reasons. Thoughtful formatting supports clear communication—and that’s exactly what employers are looking for.

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Published >>> TREK >> UBC Alumni Magazine > "Wave-Eater"

UBC Forestry >>> Forest Sciences Centre >> Point Grey Campus

Honoured to have a photo featured in TREK Magazine

Featured in the latest issue of TREK, UBC’s alumni magazine. The image, part of a personal photography project documenting UBC campus life, captures the Haida canoe suspended in the atrium of the Forest Sciences Centre — a striking and meaningful symbol of Indigenous culture and connection to place.

This fibreglass replica of Lootas (or “wave-eater”) pays tribute to the original canoe carved by the late Bill Reid and a team of Haida carvers from a single red cedar log. It's a piece that continues to inspire reflection and respect for the land and its stories.

A heartfelt thank you to Pamela Yan, TREK’s designer, for including the image in this issue.

📖 You can view the full magazine here: TREK Magazine – Fall 2024

UBC Forestry >>> Fibreglass replica of Lootas (or “wave-eater”) pays tribute to the original canoe carved by the late Bill Reid and a team of Haida carvers from a single red cedar log.

STREET ASSIGNMENT 36 >>> Creative Framing

STREET ASSIGNMENT 36 >>> Creative Framing 
by Valerie Jardin (Author)

ASSIGNMENT

Find interesting elements around a subject to create a strong composition. Use those elements to frame your subject matter.

TECHNIQUE

The frame itself may be out of focus but it will give an additional element of interest or a sense of place to the scene. Conversely, have the subject out of focus and leave the frame in focus to make a strong statement. Experiment with both and see what happens.

Learn more >>> Valerie Jardin
Street Photography Assignments: 75 Reasons to Hit the Streets and Learn

1PXL photographs >>> San Marco Square >> Venice > October 2014
Canon 6D > f 16 | 24mm | 1/30 | ISO 100

1PXL photographs >>>
Reconciliation Pole >> UBC – Point Grey Campus > Vancouver, BC

1PXL photographs >>>
Golden Hour >> UBC – Point Grey Campus > Vancouver, BC

1PXL photographs >>>
Walking to Class >> UBC – Point Grey Campus > Vancouver, BC

1PXL photographs >>>
City Lights >> Robson Street > Vancouver, BC

1PXL photographs >>>
City Centre >> Georgia Street > Vancouver, BC

1PXL photographs >>>
Kimonos After Dark >> Ginza Alley > Tokyo, Japan

1PXL photographs >>>
Train Conductor >> Shinjuku Station > Tokyo, Japan

1PXL photographs >>>
Windows >> Granville Street > Vancouver, BC

1PXL photographs >>>
Car Wash >> Terminal Avenue > Vancouver, BC

Published > Branchlines Spring: Pushing Boundaries

Spring 2024 Author: UBC Forestry

A new era of forestry is being ushered in by the rise of digital technology and automation, a great deal of which is also addressing the urgent need to mitigate climate change and respond to shifting community priorities. Find out how UBC Forestry is pushing boundaries with innovative research, teaching and community outreach that is equipping students and faculty members to tackle global challenges. Other features include a tribute to the late, great Dr. John Worrall, forestry student emergency fund details, student profiles and details about the new Centre for Wildfire Coexistence and Chair.

View full issue here >

Branchlines Digital Edition Sign-up

Interested in Branchlines? Follow the link below to sign up to receive Branchlines in your inbox twice per year.

SIGN UP FOR BRANCHLINES

https://forestry.ubc.ca/news/branchlines/

Dean’s Message: Professor & Dean >>> Rob Kozak

Photography: Paulo Ramos >>> UBC Point Grey Campus >> Dr. Lori Daniels

Photography: Paulo Ramos >>> Forest Science Centre >> Dr. Lori Daniels

Featured Article: Centre for Wildfire Co-existence > Dr. Lori Daniels

Learn more at > https://forestry.ubc.ca/branchlines-articles/ubc-forestry-launches-wildfire-research-centre/

Photography: Paulo Ramos >>> UBC Point Grey Campus >> Wildfire Co-existence Centre

Photography: Paulo Ramos >>> Centre for Wildfire Co-existence >> Dr. Lori Daniels

Design & Photography: Paulo Ramos >>> Pushing Boundaries >> Asst. Prof. Warren Cardinal-McTeugue

Design & Photography: Paulo Ramos >>> Featured Article >> Pushing Boundaries

Design & Photography: Paulo Ramos >>> Featured Article >> Pushing Boundaries

Design & Layout: Paulo Ramos >>> Featured Article >> Pushing Boundaries

Design & Photography: Paulo Ramos >>> Featured Article >> Pushing Boundaries

Featured Article: Industry Leadership in Forestry Education

Event Photography: Paulo Ramos >>> Fletcher Challenge Lecture – Theatre to the Mosaic Lecture Theatre.

Published >> Globe&Mail > UBC Wildfire Centre

UBC creates wildfire research centre to find new ways to mitigate the risk from large fires

UBC Studios >>> Point Grey Campus >> February 2024 > Dr.Lori Daniels and research team.

Original Post By: www.theglobeandmail.com

The Faculty of Forestry at the University of British Columbia has set up a new wildfire-focused research initiative, spurred by record-setting wildfire seasons that have stretched firefighting resources, forced thousands of people to flee their homes and resulted in millions of dollars worth of property damage.
The Centre for Wildfire Coexistence, backed by a $5-million donation from the Koerner family, will focus on mitigating catastrophic risks, said Lori Daniels, a UBC forestry professor who will become the inaugural holder of the school’s Koerner Chair in Wildfire Coexistence.

The 2023 wildfire season burned an unprecedented 18.5 million hectares (the average since 1980 has been around 2.1 million hectares) in Canada and sent smoke billowing into the United States and beyond. The full costs of those fires have yet to be tallied, but bills are coming in. In October, the Insurance Bureau of Canada said wildfires in B.C.’s Okanagan and Shuswap regions resulted in more than $720-million in insured losses, making those fires the most costly insured event recorded in British Columbia and the 10th costliest in the country’s history.

With scientists predicting that a warmer, drier climate will increase the likelihood of wildfires, experts are calling for measures to help communities protect themselves, especially through overhauling forest management. The use of the term “co-existence” flags what Dr. Daniels sees as a big part of the UBC initiative’s purpose: building awareness of how wildfires and prescribed burns can contribute to healthy ecosystems and reduced wildfire risk.

Prescribed burns are deliberately set blazes meant to reduce wildfire risk by, for example, reducing fuel by burning through small branches and brush on the forest floor. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with cultural burning, which refers to Indigenous peoples’ use of controlled fire for cultural and land management purposes, such as improving habitat for plants or wildlife.

Over the past century or so, such practices fell out of favour as a result of laws and fire suppression policies that focused on protecting property and timber values, not necessarily forest health or biodiversity.

Researchers such as Dr. Daniels are now pushing for the pendulum to swing in the opposite direction.

“Obviously, during fire season in the heat of the moment, when there are fires bearing down on communities, we need to be suppressing those fires. But then, when we step back and think about, ‘How do we prevent that from happening again in the future?’ – the proactive action is often, and here’s the irony, more fire on the landscape,” Dr. Daniels said.

“We need to use fire to fight fire. Our goal through this centre is to help Canadians understand what that means and why it’s important, and why it achieves both the short-term goal of restoring ecosystems and resilience and contributes to a longer term goal of adaptation to climate change.”

Dr. Daniels expects to work closely with local communities, including Indigenous groups, all levels of government and other academic institutions, including Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, which this month approved plans for an Institute for Wildfire Science, Adaptation and Resiliency at its campus.

Although based in British Columbia, the UBC initiative aims to have national reach.

B.C. researchers, government agencies and conservation groups have been studying the impact and aftermath of severe wildfires since at least 2003, when a devastating one swept through Kelowna. That blaze and others that summer led to a government-commissioned report that was among the first to flag the need for proactive forestry management, Dr. Daniels said.

“We have a lot of wisdom that we can share across the country.”

Funding for the initiative came through two private family foundations – the Koerner Foundation and the Michael and Sonja Koerner Charitable Foundation – UBC said. In a statement, Koerner Foundation trustee Michelle Koerner said the Koerner family recognizes the urgent need to mitigate the effects of wildfires.

Recent feature: https://bit.ly/3dPRN1x

Published > Branchlines Spring: The Urban Issue

November 14, 2022 Author: UBC Forestry

Greenery can be a common source of refuge and recreation in the urban environment, but have you ever stopped to wonder who maintains the lush plant life found in parks and other public spaces? In this issue, we explore the relatively new role of the urban forester, and find out what it takes to fill those shoes. We hear directly from leading urban forestry researchers who are examining the human and wildlife health implications of urban forests, as well as the important role citizens can play in maintaining green spaces. We also speak with several, highly experienced BC urban foresters who have dipped their toes in everything from landscape design to pest infestation management, wildfire preparedness and tree planting initiatives. Find all this and more in our Urban Forestry issue.

Download full issue PDF

Posted in: Branchlines

https://forestry.ubc.ca/news/branchlines/

Branchlines Spring Edition >>> UBC Forestry’s new Sustainable Timber Built Environment cluster 

Branchlines Spring Edition >>> Contents

Branchlines Spring Edition >>> Webinar: Our Losing Battle with Nature – Transition or Destiny

The rise of Urban Forestry >>> There is a living, breathing ecosystem around us that deserves our attention.

Branchlines Spring Edition >>> Alumni Builder Award >> Reid Carter

Branchlines Spring Edition >>> Investing in the future of wild Pacific salmon

Learn more at > www.taramartin.org/research/lower-fraser-river-salmon/

Branchlines Spring Edition >>> Finding a path to urban forestry > Tara Bergeson

University of British Columbia >>> Point Grey Campus >> Alan R. Casselman

Branchlines Spring Edition >>> Sue Watts & Flo

Ready to spring forward? When daylight saving time 2024 begins in Canada ... #springforward2024

Original Post By: Global News
https://globalnews.ca/news/10284814/daylight-saving-time-begins-canada-2024/

What is daylight saving time?

Daylight saving time is the eight-month-long period between March and November when the majority of the country adjusts their clocks. Learn more >

#Springforward2024

7 Common Street Photography Mistakes (And How to Fix Them) ... #MistakeDay2024

Original Post By: James Maher
/digital-photography-school.com/7-common-mistakes-that-newbie-street-photographers-make/

My “Mistake” in the beginning of my journey into photography – I was afraid of including people in my images. Why because of fear, overthinking, case of nerves and imposter syndrome, so many excuses. “Street Photography is Art with People” Learning from our mistakes is key – No more excuses, instead I embraced the act of photographing humans by starting a Project 365. This beautiful struggle has lead me to the this lifelong quest to capture the decisive moments of everyday life. > https://www.1pxl.space/portfolio

#MistakeDay2024 >> Martin Reed Post > https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/lets-talk-our-failings-make-february-29th-mistake-day-martin-reed-naqnc/

Lunar New Year >>> International Buddhist Temple >> Steveston, BC

Learn more here >> buddhisttemple.ca

Happiness and tranquility arise from concentration. Frustration and worries arise from desire.
― THE BUDDHA (''HEART OF THE BUDDHA'') — ”

Temple Gates >>> International Buddhist Temple >> Steveston, BC

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia >>> Dragon >> The dragon, also known as Loong, (simplified Chinese: 龙; traditional Chinese: 龍; pinyin: lóng; Jyutping: lung4; Cantonese Yale: lùhng) is the fifth of the 12-year cycle of animals that appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. The "Year of the Dragon" is associated with the Earthly Branch symbol 辰, pronounced chen.

In separateness, lies the world's greatest suffering. In unity, lies the world's true strength.

― THE BUDDHA (''HEART OF THE BUDDHA'') — ”

Learn more here >>> buddhisttemple.ca/buddhism >> Buddhism is, at its depths, a grand philosophy of life. It encourages all sentient beings to transcend life’s sufferings by casting away desires and mental afflictions and thereby embark on a journey to attain the ultimate level of spiritual understanding. Buddhists refer to this as the state of “Enlightenment”. As each of us treads this path, we must take responsibility for our own actions and choices, even beyond our current lifetime, while practicing compassion to all living things.

Gung Hay Fat Choi >> Happy Lunar New Year! 🧧

>>> International Buddhist Temple >> Help Volunteer here >

Published >>> Branchlines Magazine: Trees on Campus

Recent feature: https://forestry.ubc.ca/branchlines/spring-2023-branchlines/

>>> Thank you to Finn Köpf, a UBC Forestry fourth-year urban foresty undergraduate student – kick flips in front of this Old World sycamore featured in Trees of campus. 

Published > Branchlines: Fall Edition

November 14, 2022 Author: UBC Forestry

The future of forestry is now. Led by innovative thinkers, groundbreaking technology and pressing social and environmental need, the forestry profession of today is addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time. This issue takes a deep dive into sustainable forest management and the diversity of perspectives and approaches that are shaping it. Also in the fall edition: hear from a leading expert on Indigenous forest gardens. Learn about state-of-the-art cellulose-based biomaterials. Follow the family tree of 7 generations of foresters. Get the graduate and undergraduate student perspective.

Download full issue PDF

Posted in: Branchlines

https://forestry.ubc.ca/news/branchlines/

UBC Forest Science Centre > Sopron Gate

Brachlines Fall Edition > Contents

Brachlines Fall Edition > Featured books

University of British Columbia >>> Bio Materials Lab >> August 2022 > f 2.8 | 20mm | 1/100 | ISO 400

Postdoc fellow Dr. Penghui Zhu (pictured) works at UBC with Dr Feng Jiang, who has developed a cellulose film from wood pulp that is strong and biodegradable. The product is an alternative to plastic. Photo: Paulo Ramos, UBC Faculty of Forestry

“Some plastics take up to a million years to decompose, but this can break down in the environment in a very short time.” ~ Prof. Feng Jiang

Learn more at > nanocellulose.forestry.ubc.ca 

Brachlines Fall Edition > Bio Materials Lab

Trimble Technology Lab

January 26, 2023 Author: UBC Forestry

After many years of advancement, the forestry profession is increasingly going digital. Research and teaching at UBC Forestry are heading the charge, offering students the best possible opportunities to learn and gain skills using industry-focused digital software and hardware. Thanks to a significant in-kind gift from Trimble, a leading global technology company, UBC Forestry is home to the state-of-the-art Trimble Technology Lab – the first Forestry-focused lab for Trimble and the first lab of this type in Canada.

“The Trimble Technology Lab at UBC gives students and researchers access to some of the most sought-after digital tools that are being integrated into forestry practices across the industry,” says UBC Forestry Prof. and Canada Research Chair in Remote Sensing Nicholas Coops. “Making this technology available under one roof will help UBC Forestry continue to provide the highest calibre educational and research opportunities.”

Housed within UBC Forestry’s Forest Sciences Centre, the Trimble Technology Lab space will help train the next generation of forestry and natural resources professionals, researchers and leaders. Computer-based decision support systems, building information modelling software, rugged field tablets and 3D laser scanners are among the technologies that will help expand teaching and research opportunities. Educational areas that will benefit from this new lab space include silviculture, stand dynamics, forest biometrics, carbon management, sustainable harvesting systems and resource identification and quantification.

“Trimble is incredibly proud to contribute to the advancement of forestry education and learning opportunities in British Columbia,” says Amy Northcutt, director of education and outreach with Trimble.
“This gift to UBC represents Trimble’s commitment to the future of sustainable forestry practices and to the next generation of forestry and natural resources professionals. We’ve chosen to invest into UBC because of the alignment around our mission of transforming the way the world works, and our vision for the future of sustainable forestry and natural resource management.”

“Students graduating from UBC Forestry programs in the coming years will be entering careers in which they will address some of the most urgent challenges surrounding climate change, biomass utilization, wood building design, urban planning, sustainable harvesting and forest management,” adds Amy. “Trimble is proud to support these students and future professionals as they tackle these big challenges of tomorrow.”

Posted in: Alumni, Branchlines Articles

Tagged with: Experiential Learning, Forest Education, Forestry, Modelling, Natural Resources, Research, Students, Sustainability, Teaching

University of British Columbia >>> Trimble Technology Lab >> October 2022 > f 2.8 | 24mm | 1/100 | ISO 400

Brachlines Fall Edition > Trees of campus

University of British Columbia > Malcom Knapp Research Forest

Published >> Vancouver Sun > UBC researcher develops plastic alternative from forest waste

“Some plastics take up to a million years to decompose, but this can break down in the environment in a very short time.”

#UBCForestry researcher Dr. Feng Jiang developed a plastic alternative from forest waste. He spoke with The Vancouver Sun about the biodegradable cellulose film.

Recent feature: https://bit.ly/3dPRN1x

"From the Feed" #fujilove > feature on FujiLove Magazines October 2019 Issue

The image was taken at Queen Elizabeth Theatre, during the 2019 Vancouver International Jazz Festival. Figuring out what equipment to bring for an indoor concert event, I generally go with the small but powerful FujiX70. It is a compact APS-C size sensor camera with a wide angle prime lens great for low light situations. It has a blacked-out stealth body which enables me to blend in with the smartphone shooters and discreetly take photos.

We got great seats, front and centre. It was nearing the end of the show, I noticed the lead guitarist & tuba player get up on stage with the drummer. Anticipating their big finale, with camera ready, I framed Questlove (drummer) centre in between Cpt. Kirk (guitar) and Gooding Jr. (tuba). Lucky enough, I timed their jump mid air with the lights flashing in the background. I was ecstatic I captured the energy of the show and preserved the moment.

Recent Feature on FujiLove Magazines October Issue