What are the four basic design principles that make a résumé stand out from most others?

The four basic design principles are contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity. Contrast refers to visual differentiation, which allows the brain to notice the résumé items that are intended to be featured. Repetition, the reuse of certain elements, creates a résumé that demonstrates consistency in an individual’s background and history. Alignment refers to the invisible lines that organize the résumé. Proximity refers to the closeness of the lines and objects on the résumé, especially with the groupings of different categories on the résumé.