Final answer:
Professional résumé writers recommend using a 12-point font size on an 8 1/2 x 11" paper with 1-inch margins. This formatting provides a clean and professional appearance, which is essential for making a good impression in the professional world.
Step-by-step explanation:
Professional résumé writers often recommend using a font size that is easily readable and looks professional on the page. The standard is to use a font size of 12 points when creating a résumé. This size is large enough to read comfortably while allowing enough content to fit on the page without clutter. Using 8 1/2 x 11" white paper, with 1-inch margins, and a legible font such as Times New Roman, is the generally accepted format. Left-aligned headers and appropriate spacing ensure that the document looks tidy and professional. It is important to adhere to these formatting requirements because, as noted with the example of the large-city newspaper publisher, hiring standards change and companies may be looking for not just high academic achievers, but those who demonstrate competency and professionalism through their résumé presentation. This reflects an understanding of workplace norms and effective communication skills which are highly valued in the job market.