How to Write a Resume in 2024

To write a strong resume in 2024 requires careful attention to various essential elements. To create a professional resume, following a structured approach is crucial. The first crucial step is to select the appropriate resume format that aligns with the experience and career goals. Selecting the proper structure sets the foundation for an effective resume, whether it’s a chronological, functional, or combination format. Choosing the appropriate resume format is crucial in effectively presenting qualifications and experience.

Next, a compelling resume headline must be written. A resume headline is a brief statement at the top of a resume. The resume summary provides a concise overview of qualifications and experience, while the objective statement highlights career goals and aspirations.

An impactful opening statement introduces the resume, capturing the attention of hiring managers and emphasizing a unique value proposition. The opening statement for a resume is a brief section at the beginning of a resume that provides an overview of the professional profile.

Adding contact information to a resume facilitates effective communication between potential employers and the candidate. However, it is important to omit personal details that could lead to discrimination while including optional information that enhances a professional profile.

Including a picture on a resume is not recommended in most cases. It is generally advisable to avoid it except in specific circumstances, such as the entertainment industry or international applications. Focusing on qualifications and achievements is more important than physical appearance.

An “about me” section is a brief segment in a resume that highlights the candidate as a professional, describes his greatest strengths and showcases his most significant professional accomplishments. Adding an “About Me” section allows one to showcase a professional persona, highlighting skills, accomplishments, and career aspirations. The “About Me” section allows employers to gain insight into personality and unique qualities.

Relevant work experience is any professional work experience that makes the candidate eligible for a specific job. Relevant details such as job titles, company names, dates of employment, responsibilities, and accomplishments must be included when listing work experience. Key achievements demonstrate capabilities such as increasing sales, developing successful products, or contributing to significant projects.

The education section informs interviewers of a candidate’s background and is a helpful way to understand more about their fit for the role. Including an education section is crucial, highlighting academic qualifications, degrees, certifications, and any notable honors or achievements. The education section must emphasize relevant educational background and training.

Including hard and soft skills on a resume is essential because employers prioritize candidates with a balance of technical and interpersonal abilities. Differentiate between hard skills, which are technical abilities, and soft skills, which are personal qualities and attributes. Tailor skill set to align with job requirements and emphasize strengths.

Including additional important sections on a resume is vital because it provides potential employers with an in-depth outline of qualifications, experience, and education. Additional resume sections such as hobbies and interests, volunteer work, internship experience, certifications and awards, languages, projects, and publications enhance the resume and showcase well-roundedness and diverse experiences.

It is not necessary to include references on a resume unless specifically requested by the job listing or hiring manager. It is important to have a list of references available if requested by a potential employer.

An applicant tracking system (ATS) manages the hiring and recruiting processes, including posting jobs and receiving applications. Considering the impact of Applicant Tracking System (ATS) software is crucial as it plays a role in the initial screening of resumes. Tailoring the resume to include relevant keywords and optimizing formatting increases the chances of passing the ATS scan.

Proofread and double-check the resume for any errors or inconsistencies. Proofreading a resume is vital because it ensures that the resume is free of errors and presents the best Potential first impression to potential employers. A well-polished resume demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism. The next steps after preparing a resume are writing a cover letter, e-mailing the resume, acing the following interview, and checking online presence. Additional steps enhance job search strategy and help stand out among other applicants.

A powerful resume that effectively showcases qualifications, skills, and experiences is created, increasing the chances of securing the desired job by following these guidelines and paying attention to the details.

How to create a professional resume in 10 steps (quick look)

To create a professional resume, following a structured approach is crucial. A resume effectively communicates qualifications and stands out to potential employers by breaking the process into actionable steps. The following step-by-step guide helps with the resume creation process.

1. Choose (pick) the right resume format
2. Write a resume headline (Summary or Objective)
3. Write a compelling resume objective or summary
4. List your relevant work experience & key achievements
5. Highlight your education
6. List your soft and hard skills
7. Include additional sections (optional)
8. Proofread and edit
9. Write a convincing cover letter
10. Email a resume in the right way

Choose (pick) the right resume format

Choosing the appropriate resume format is crucial in effectively presenting qualifications and experience. Various formats are more suitable based on individual circumstances. Understanding the nuances associated with each format enables the selection of the one that optimally emphasizes strengths and aligns with career goals. Below are three main resume formats.

• Chronological Resume: The chronological format presents work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent position. Use chronological format when there is a stable employment history and a desire to highlight career progression. It suits traditional industries or roles where work experience is highly relevant to the applied position.

• Functional Resume: The functional format focuses on skills, achievements, and qualifications rather than emphasizing the chronological order of work history. Choose a functional format if there are gaps in employment history, a career change is being pursued, or work experience is limited. The functional format effectively showcases transferable skills and abilities relevant to the job, even if acquired outside traditional employment.

• Combination Resume: The combination format merges elements of the chronological and functional formats. The combination format highlights skills and work experience, providing a comprehensive overview of qualifications. A combination format is suitable when there is a solid work history and a desire to emphasize specific skills or accomplishments relevant to the desired job.

Write a Resume Headline (Summary or Objective)

A resume headline is a brief statement at the top of a resume. The resume headline serves as a concise introduction to qualifications, skills, and career goals. The resume headline is divided into two main categories: the summary and the objective.

What’s a Resume Summary & When to Use it

A resume summary is a brief statement that highlights relevant qualifications, skills, and experience. The resume summary provides a concise overview of the professional background and serves as an introduction to the resume. The purpose of a resume summary is to grab the attention of recruiters and hiring managers, quickly showcasing the candidate’s value and suitability for the job.

A resume summary is used to emphasize relevant work experience, highlight key qualifications, and create a strong impression on potential employers. The resume summary is practical for experienced professionals seeking to showcase their expertise, career progression, and notable achievements concisely and effectively.

What’s a Resume Objective & When to Use it

A resume objective outlines career goals and aspirations, focusing on a specific role or industry. The resume objective is applied in various situations to communicate intentions and contribute to the employer's objectives effectively.

Resume objectives suit entry-level candidates, career changers, individuals targeting specific jobs or industries, and those with limited relevant work experience. They allow one to express enthusiasm, motivation, and commitment while highlighting transferable skills or relevant experiences. Candidates effectively align their aspirations with the employer's expectations by incorporating a concise and tailored resume objective.

Writing An Opening Statement For A Resume

The opening statement for a resume is a brief section at the beginning of a resume that provides an overview of the professional profile. The opening statement on a resume briefly introduces the applicant to the potential employer. An introduction on a resume serves as a first impression to potential employers and sets the tone for the rest of the resume. An opening statement is known as a resume summary or objective.

The opening statement aims to grab the hiring manager's attention and highlight the candidate’s essential qualifications, skills, and accomplishments. The resume opening statement must be concise, impactful, and tailored to the specific job is applied for. Below are some tips to consider when crafting a professional opening statement.

• Keep it short and to the point.
• Use solid and positive language.
• Include relevant keywords that match the job posting.
• Tailor the opening statement to each job applied for.

Add Your Contact Information

Adding contact information to a resume facilitates effective communication between potential employers and the candidate. Including accurate and up-to-date contact details ensures employers easily reach out for interviews or additional information. Contact information at the top of a resume is essential to ensure it is easily visible to employers. The following are parts of the contact information that must be included in a resume.

• Full name (first and last)
• Email address
• Phone number
• Physical mailing address (optional)
• Link(s) to professional portfolios or profiles such as LinkedIn or social media (optional)

The candidate's name must be prominently displayed at the top, using a larger and bolder font to make it stand out from the rest of the resume. Ensure the contact information provided is accurate and up to date, checking for any errors or typos. Consider the formatting and placement of the contact information to make it easily noticeable and accessible.

Contact Information to Leave Out:

It is essential to leave out personal details potentially used for discriminatory purposes when including contact information on a resume. Including personal details irrelevant to professional qualifications must be avoided. The followings are examples of contact information.

• Age
• Marital status
• Religion
• Second email or phone number
• Social security numbers or driver's license numbers

Contact Information That Is Optional:

Optional contact information on a resume includes the following items.

• Location or full mailing address.
• Current job title or professional title.
• Personal website or online portfolio link.
• LinkedIn URL.

Should you have a picture on your resume

Including a picture on a resume is not recommended in most cases. Employers from the US, UK, or Canada generally prefer resumes without photos to avoid accusations of discrimination or bias during the hiring process. Including a professional headshot on the resume in countries like Germany and France is customary.

Exceptions to picture rule include specific situations such as applying to the entertainment industry, international applications, or when utilizing indirect methods like a personal website. Leaving off a photo helps to prevent potential discrimination, maintain a professional perception, and ensure the focus remains on qualifications.

Write An About Me On Resume

An “about me” section is a brief segment in a resume that highlights the candidate as a professional, describes his greatest strengths, and showcases his most significant professional accomplishments. An "about me" section serves as a concise introduction to a resume, providing a glimpse into one's professional background, strengths, and accomplishments. The section answers why an employer must consider hiring an individual. The essential elements to include in the "about me" section are given below.

• Professional title, indicating the area of expertise.
• Relevant skills and accomplishments, supported by quantifiable results to demonstrate qualifications.
• Career goals indicate a desire for growth and advancement.

An "about me" section adds depth to the resume by providing specific examples of skills mentioned throughout the document. Using descriptive language and action verbs that highlight personality and establish a distinct professional brand is recommended.

List Your Relevant Work Experience & Key Achievements

Relevant work experience is any professional work experience that makes the candidate eligible for a specific job. Including work experiences on resumes enables employers to gain insights into candidates' potential contributions to their company, regardless of their industry-specific background. Below is an example of how to write a work experience section.

How to List Work Experience in a Resume?

To list work experience on a resume is crucial to provide detailed and relevant information about employment history. The work experience section includes previous job titles, employers, tenure dates, responsibilities, acquired skills, and achievements. The work experience section encompasses full-time positions, part-time jobs, temporary roles, internships, and volunteer work, especially if there is limited paid work experience.

Organizing work experience chronologically is essential to demonstrate career progression and skill development to hiring managers. Ensure that bullet points for the most recent work experience use the present tense, while previous roles use the past tense. Below are the steps to follow when crafting the work experience section.

• Include the job title.
• Specify the company name.
• Indicate the dates of employment using the month and year format.
• Include the location. (Optional)

List Achievements

Listing achievements on a resume helps employers better understand the strengths and talents of a candidate and sets them apart from others. Accomplishments are stand-alone or included throughout the resume in summary, professional experience, education, and skills sections. The following are tips on how to list achievements on a resume.

• Incorporate achievements into the summary
• Add a list of achievements to the work experience section
• Include notable academic achievements in the education section
• Add community achievements to the resume
• Proofread the achievements

How to Format the Resume Work Experience Section

To format the work experience section on a resume, it is recommended to list the most recent or relevant jobs first, followed by the previous ones in reverse chronological order. The most recent job must be at the top of the section, and the oldest at the bottom.

It is essential to include the job title, company name, location, and dates of employment. Information about work experience provides context for the responsibilities and achievements listed for each job.

Use bullet points to describe responsibilities and achievements for each job, starting with action verbs and using quantifiable results when appropriate. It is recommended to start each sentence with an action verb and to use quantifiable results when relevant.

Limiting the work experience section to the last 10-15 years of a career is recommended unless relevant or impressive older experience exists. Keeping the work experience section to the last 10-15 years of a job helps to keep the resume concise and focused on the most recent and relevant experience.

Tailoring Your Resume Work Experience

Tailoring the work experience section of a resume means customizing it to match the requirements of a specific job or company. Emphasize relevant work experience and use keywords and specific phrases from the job description when tailoring the work experience.

To tailor the work experience section of a resume, reviewing the job description and highlighting significant keywords related to skills is recommended. Keywords or phrases are unique to the job or reoccur throughout the posting.

Look at the experiences listed on the resume and determine which previous roles are most relevant. Use a reverse-chronological format if they are the most recent jobs. A functional or combination format is used if the most relevant job was in history.

The amount of work experience to include on a resume depends on the specifics of the company and position being applied for. Including 10-15 years of experience is standard, but more is required to be included depending on the employer’s requirements and how the qualifications fit those requirements.

Focus on relevancy to the position instead of how many jobs are listed when deciding what to include. Analyze previous work experience and the job description details for the role being sought. Try to filter through and identify which roles held are like the ones being applied for. Emphasize the job responsibilities similar to the transferrable skill sets in the resume.

How To Highlight Education On Resume

The education section informs interviewers of a candidate’s background and is a helpful way to understand more about their fit for the role. The education section quickly sets a candidate apart if the education is particularly relevant to the position or includes any required credentials.

Below are vital tips on what to include in the education section of a resume.

• School name
• Location of school
• Degree obtained (if applicable)
• Field of study
• Graduation year (if applicable)
• GPA (if applicable)
• Any relevant honors or academic recognition, coursework, activities, or other achievements obtained during education

List your soft and hard skills

Including hard and soft skills on a resume is essential because employers prioritize candidates with a balance of technical and interpersonal abilities. Including both skills on a resume helps employers better understand a candidate’s strengths and potential contributions to a role.

What Are Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills

Hard skills are technical skills and knowledge gained through education or specific training. Hard skills include competencies like how to use a particular machine, software, or another tool. Soft skills, on the other hand, are related to emotional intelligence and personal attributes. Soft skills include traits such as leadership, communication, and time management.

Both skills are necessary to perform and advance in most jobs successfully. Hard skills show professional competence and the ability to perform specific tasks, while soft skills show solid interpersonal abilities and the ability to work well with others.

What Skills to Put on a Resume?

Below is a list of 10 top skills to include on a resume based on the importance of each skill.

• Active listening
• Communication
• Computer skills
• Customer service
• Critical thinking skills
• Leadership
• Problem-solving
• Teamwork
• Management
• Transferable skills

It is important to review the job description and requirements to determine which specific skills are most relevant for the position being applied for.

How to List Skills in Your Resume?

To list skills on a resume, it is recommended to first research the most relevant and in-demand skills for the industry and role being applied for. Choose a format for the skills section, such as a separate section with subheadings and bullet points or a simple list of keywords. Include examples of the skills used in the work experience or summary sections. There are four essential steps to follow below.

• Research the most relevant and in-demand skills for the industry and role
• Tailor the skills section to the applied job
• Include examples of how the skills were used in the work experience or summary sections
• Use subheadings and bullet points or a simple list of keywords

Include Additional Important Resume Sections

Including additional sections on a resume is vital because it provides potential employers with an in-depth outline of qualifications, experience, and education. Contact information, a resume summary, experience, education, and skills are standard parts. A resume stands out if it includes optional sections describing hobbies or accomplishments.

To decide what resume sections to include, reviewing the job description and requirements is recommended to determine which sections are most relevant for the position being applied for. Some optional sections include training, certifications, licenses, accomplishments, languages, projects, volunteer work, awards, and honors.

Hobbies and Interests

To add hobbies and interests to a resume, research the company before writing a section for hobbies and interests and choosing the right ones to include. Some interests to list on a resume include making or listening to music, gaming, travel, art, nature, social causes, foreign languages, topical blogs or research, history, and theater. It is vital to place the hobbies section at the end of the resume and accompany each item with a short descriptive sentence if there is space. Below is an example of how to add hobbies and interests to a resume.

Volunteer Work

Volunteer work is added to a resume to demonstrate relevant skills and a willingness to help the local community. To add volunteer work to a resume, it is listed using the same format as the work experience section. Include the organization volunteered for, its location, the time frame, and a description of what was accomplished while volunteering there. Whenever reasonable, quantify contributions or achievements during volunteer work. Contributions or achievements include the number of hours dedicated, the amount of funds raised, or the impact on the community. Volunteer work demonstrates relevant skills and a willingness to help the local community. The following is an example of how to add volunteer work to a resume.

Internship Experience

To add internship experience to a resume, it is able to be listed in the work experience section. Start by including the title of the internship, followed by the company name, location, and dates of employment. Underneath internship information, use bullet points to describe the responsibilities and achievements during the internship. Use action verbs to describe the tasks performed and quantify achievements when appropriate.

It is beneficial to create a separate section on the resume specifically for internship experience in the case of having multiple internships. The internship section is able to be listed ahead of the work history if the internships more directly relate to the position being applied for.

Certifications and Awards

To add certifications to a resume, it is necessary to include the certificate's name, the name of the organization that awarded it, the date earned, and the location or online provider, if applicable. Certifications currently being pursued are listed by adding “In Progress” and the expected completion date.

Depending on how relevant or critical the certifications are for the job, they are able to be placed in different locations on a resume. The potential locations are next to the name in the header, in the summary, in a separate certifications section, or in the work experience section. Certifications must be listed in reverse chronological order.

Regarding awards, awards must be placed in the section where they’re most relevant. For example, an education award is listed in the education section, and a professional award in the work experience section.

Languages

To add languages to a resume, it is essential first to determine the language proficiency level. Four standard terms are used to assess proficiency levels Basic, Conversational, Proficient, and Fluent.

Once the proficiency level has been determined, a dedicated languages section is created on the resume to highlight essential language skills. Languages section is placed near the bottom of the resume and is titled “Languages” or “Language Proficiency” if language skills are essential to the role. List any languages spoken in a business context and the level of proficiency.

Projects

There are two main methods for adding projects to a resume. List them under the work experience or education entries or in a separate project section. The first method focuses on previous roles and responsibilities, while the second emphasizes project management skills and achievements without regard to chronological order. It is essential to include enough information to explain each project's context, role, results, and impact. Achievements must be emphasized.

Publications

To add publications to a resume, a separate section called “Publications” must be created. The publications section is placed below the education section. Each publication is listed in a new bullet point with the year and title. The name of the magazine, website, or journal where the publication appeared is included.

Must you include resume references?

It is not necessary to include references on a resume unless specifically requested by the job listing or hiring manager. Most employers do not ask for references at the start of the hiring process, so it is unnecessary to include them on a resume when first applying for a job. Employers typically check references just before they are ready to make an offer. Including references on a resume when they are not explicitly requested takes up valuable space that could be used to highlight skills, achievements, and qualifications. Adding references on a resume when they are not asked is seen as unprofessional or unnecessary.

Having references ready and updating them during the job search is a good idea. Employers typically check references before making an offer, so having them ready helps speed up the process.

Consider Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Software

An applicant tracking system (ATS) manages the hiring and recruiting processes, including posting jobs and receiving applications. The tracking system organizes information about job seekers and makes it searchable. ATS automates the hiring process and allows recruiters and hiring managers to send out automated emails to candidates and employees during the hiring process, track candidates through the hiring process, and schedule interviews.

ATS is important because it helps streamline the hiring process and makes it easier and faster for recruiters and managers to find the most suitable applicants. Tracking services contribute to reducing bias in the hiring process by using algorithms to analyze job applications and resumes.

One common myth about ATS is that it automatically rejects resumes that do not contain specific keywords. It is true that ATS is able to be set up to search for particular keywords, but it does not automatically reject resumes that do not contain them. Applicant Tracking System ranks resumes based on how well they match the job description and requirements.

Proofread & Double-Check

Proofreading a resume is vital because it ensures that the resume is free of errors and presents the best potential first impression to potential employers. A resume with mistakes gives the impression that the applicant is unprofessional, not attentive to detail, and not serious about the job application. Below are methods for proofreading a resume.

• Reread it very slowly, word for word, and line by line.
• Read it out loud to catch any awkward phrasing or mistakes that have been missed when reading silently.
• Use a spell or grammar checker to catch any spelling or grammar errors.
• Ask someone else to proofread it for a fresh perspective.

Next Steps After Your Resume

The next steps after preparing a resume are writing a cover letter, e-mailing the resume, acing the following interview, and checking online presence.

How to Write a Convincing Cover Letter

To write a cover letter, it must be formatted with a header, a salutation, an introduction, a body paragraph, a closing paragraph, and a signature. The cover letter must be one page long and use a simple, professional font. The convincing cover letter must include where the position was found and why the individual is excited about the opportunity.

It is essential to find out who the letter is being addressed to and use their name in the salutation. An attention-grabbing introduction hooks the reader and makes them want to keep reading. The letter must explain why the individual is the perfect person for the job by highlighting relevant skills and experiences. The cover letter must describe why the individual is a good fit for the company by understanding its culture and values. The letter must include a call to action encouraging the reader to take the next step.

Email Your Resume the Right Way

Emailing a resume the right way involves following any instructions provided by the employer, attaching the file in the correct format, writing a clear subject line, considering adding a cover letter, sending from a professional email address, concluding with a proper signature, and proofreading before sending.

It is important to use a professional email address and avoid using nicknames or numbers when emailing a resume. The recipient must be addressed by name to show that research has been done on the company and the person being emailed, if necessary. The subject line must include the job title being applied for and the name of the applicant to help the recipient quickly identify the email and its contents.

A brief introduction must be given along with a statement of the position being applied for in the body of the email. A brief summary of relevant skills and experience is included. The resume and cover letter (if applicable) must be attached professionally and tailored to the specific job being applied for. The cover letter must provide more detail about skills and experience and why the job is of interest.

The email must be carefully proofread to ensure there are no errors in grammar or spelling before sending it. The following is an example of an email to send a resume.

How to Ace Your Next Interview

To ace an interview, it is important to research the organization, prepare firm answers to common questions, dress professionally, and bring copies of relevant documents.

It is essential to research the company and the position to understand its culture, values, and goals when preparing for an interview. Researching company helps tailor answers to the specific job being applied for. Answering common interview questions helps increase confidence and preparedness during the interview. Many resources are available online to help boost confidence and preparedness during the interview.

Dressing professionally and arriving on time shows seriousness about the job and respect for the interview process. Being confident and optimistic makes a good impression on the interviewer and helps sell oneself. Asking questions about the company and the position shows interest in the job and that research has been done. Asking questions provides an opportunity to learn more about the company and the position.

Following up after the interview shows continued interest in the job and gratitude for the interviewer’s time. A thank-you note or email is able to be sent, or a call is able to be made to follow up.

Check your online presence

Checking an online presence involves using online tools such as Google Search, Google Alerts, and social media to monitor what is being said about an individual.

Checking an online presence is done in several ways. One primary method is to simply type a name into Google and see what comes up. Social media profiles must be checked to ensure they are up-to-date and professional. Any unsuitable content for a potential employer to see must be removed. Other online mentions are tracked using a tool like Google Alerts. Checking online presence helps identify any harmful or inaccurate information that is out there.

Let’s wrap it all up!

The following key points must be kept in mind when writing a resume in 2024.

• Use a professional resume format. There are many different resume formats available, so choose one that is appropriate for the industry and experience level.
• Tailor the resume to the specific job being applied for by highlighting relevant skills and experiences.
• Include all relevant information, such as contact information, resume summary, education, work experience, and achievements.
• Use strong action verbs and quantifiable achievements to showcase skills and accomplishments.
• Proofread a resume carefully before submitting it. Make sure there are no errors in grammar or spelling.
• Perfect the cover letter. It’s as important as the resume, so make sure to pay as much attention to it!