How to Write a Perfect Resume in 2024: The Ultimate Guide

One of the most unexpected side effects of the pandemic is that it has created what is being referred to as a talent shortage. Corporations are struggling to fill open positions ranging from retail and food service all the way up to executive leadership roles. Hence, top CV writing to stand out as the perfect candidate is essential.

What caused the talent shortage is open for debate—but it’s clear that for the foreseeable future, the tide has shifted in the favor of workers. Employers are going out of their way to sweeten the deal and attract new talent, and that could mean more money, better benefits, and perks that you wouldn’t otherwise be entitled to.

Even if you’re happy with your current role, it might be a good time to test the waters and see what other companies are offering for your skillset. This of course will require you to have an up to date resume. If the thought of updating your resume is daunting, consider seeking help from professionals who can efficiently write apa papers for me.

I am a professional writer, and I am the first to admit that in the past, writing my resume has been very challenging. Just like crafting a compelling PhD research proposal writing service, Summarizing my entire work experience into a few succinct sentences and bullet points is incredibly frustrating. I obviously know what I do and what I bring to the table, so why isn’t it coming across in this all-important document that is supposed to be the summation of my worth as a professional?

Here are my tips and tricks of the trade that I’ve learned to take me from barely being able to cobble together my own resume, to someone who helps people with their resumes professionally.

Keep It to a Single Page

I thought this one was universally known, but you might be surprised at how many 2 page resumes I see come across my desk.

It's tempting to include everything you've ever done in your resume. Especially if it’s experience that you’re proud of. But you need to shift your focus from what you like, to what your target audience will like. In this scenario, your target audience is your prospective employer, and you should be tailoring your resume with relevant information for the role that you’re applying for.

If you’re applying to be an accountant, your prospective employer doesn’t need to know that you were employee of the month at Barnes & Noble in 2012. You have a very short amount of time to make an impression with your resume, so you want to be sure that the recruiter or HR professional is noticing your most valuable and important experience. If you can’t keep it to one page, you’re more than likely sharing irrelevant or unhelpful information.

The exception to this rule is if you're applying for a high-level job that requires extensive experience. In that case, a two-page resume may be more appropriate—but I would still urge you to try your best to fit it all onto one page. Anything you can’t fit just becomes a talking point for you during the interview process.

Choose a Simple But Attractive Template

Finding the right template can be tricky, because you don’t want your resume to blend in with the other applicants. You don’t want it to be a sterile black and white document that looks like a jury summons, but you also don’t want it to be loud and colorful like an invitation to a kid’s birthday party.

Websites like Canva can help you to find a nice template (like the one shown above) that will help you stand out more than the worn out templates that came free with your Microsoft Office purchase.

Tailor Your Resume to the Specific Job Opening

Rather than using the same exact resume for every job application, your resume should be tailored to each position. You don't need to completely re-do it each time, but be sure that you're hitting on the key points for that specific job.

Carefully read the job description and qualifications. Be sure that your resume addresses and emphasizes how you match up with the experience and skills they're looking for. It's a good idea to use the same terms and language in your resume that’s used in the job listing.

Know What Makes You Different

Standing out from the crowd is essential when it comes to job applications. You want to be memorable, in a good way. You can do this by highlighting what makes you different from everyone else.

What are your unique skills and experiences? What do you have to offer that no one else does? Don't be afraid to brag a little bit on your resume. This is your chance to sell yourself and show the recruiter why you're the best candidate for the job.

If you can’t think of anything that makes you different, it might be time to acquire a new skill through an e-learning platform like skillshare.

Focus on Your Specific Results

The keyword here is specific.

Above all else, hiring managers love to see verifiable results and accomplishments. Did you raise sales by 25%? Did you exceed your revenue goals? Did you reduce the costs of your department by 40%?

Don’t just rattle off a series of your daily tasks. Give me specific examples of how you are making a difference and give me the numbers or stats.

Choose the Appropriate Format (Chronological or Functional)

This is another critical step in creating a resume. There are two main formats: chronological and functional.

• Chronological - List your work history, starting with your current position and going back to previous ones.
• Functional - Focuses on skills rather than work history. It's more of a skills-based approach as opposed to highlighting past positions. However, some people think this kind of resume can be harder to create as it requires a thorough understanding of one's own abilities.

Chronological format is most common, but a functional approach is also an option if you prefer to highlight and emphasize specific skills over your work experience.

Make Sure Your Resume is ATS-Friendly

Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are used by HR professionals to sort through resumes. This ensures that all candidates are being looked at equally and helps the process go much faster. It's important for your resume to be ATS-friendly, meaning it needs to have certain keywords and formats in order to catch the attention of the automated system.

Since employers and recruiters will be scanning for keywords, think about the words and phrases they're likely to use to identify candidates for a particular position (these keywords are probably used in the job listing or description), and include those words and phrases in your resume. This is another reason why it's critical to customize your resume for each job.

Having a resume that is ATS-friendly also involves:

• Using both long-form and abbreviated versions of keywords (you don't know which they'll be searching for).
• Avoid tables and columns, which can be problematic for scanners.
• Using the standard or common headers and sections for a resume.

Double Check for Spelling and Grammatical Errors

This one goes without saying, but I do see a number of resumes that have errors.

I recommend reading your resume out loud, and having at least one friend or family member help you to proofread.

Submit the Resume as a PDF

When submitting your resume, be sure to save it as a PDF. This will ensure that the formatting stays the same and that there are no errors.

Additionally, many employers are cautious to open certain file types due to cyber security concerns, while PDFs are generally viewed as safe.

In some cases, you may be requested to submit the resume in a specific format, like .docx. If the job listing requests the resume in a different format, of course, you should follow the instructions. But if there is no suggested format, PDF is a safe choice.

Final Thoughts on Resume Best Practices

Following these resume best practices will help you create a document that stands out and catches the attention of potential employers. Keep in mind however, that your resume only gets your foot in the door, and you’ll also need to brush up on your interview skills.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why is it recommended to keep a resume to a single page?

It's recommended to keep a resume to a single page to ensure that potential employers focus on your most valuable and relevant experience. A concise resume ensures that only pertinent information is presented, making it easier for recruiters or HR professionals to assess your qualifications quickly. This is especially important considering the limited time hiring managers spend on initial resume reviews. For positions requiring extensive experience, a two-page resume might be acceptable, but effort should still be made to condense information to one page if possible.

How can choosing the right resume template make a difference?

Choosing the right resume template can help your application stand out from the crowd. A simple yet attractive template can make your resume more appealing visually, ensuring it doesn't blend in with others or appear unprofessional. Websites like Canva offer diverse templates that balance professionalism with distinctiveness, aiding in making a positive first impression on potential employers.

Why is tailoring your resume to the specific job opening important?

Tailoring your resume for each job opening is crucial because it allows you to highlight how your experience and skills directly align with the job requirements. Customizing your resume according to the job description ensures that you emphasize the most relevant aspects of your background, making it easier for employers to see why you are a strong candidate for the position. Using language and terms from the job listing can further align your resume with what the employer is seeking.

What does focusing on specific results in your resume achieve?

Focusing on specific results in your resume, such as quantifiable achievements and accomplishments, shows potential employers the tangible impact you have had in your previous roles. This approach shifts the focus from your daily tasks to the outcomes of your work, providing clear evidence of your skills and effectiveness. Highlighting specific results can make your resume more compelling and demonstrate your potential value to the company.

How can you ensure your resume is ATS-friendly?

Ensuring your resume is ATS-friendly involves including relevant keywords from the job listing, avoiding complex formatting elements like tables and columns, and using standard headers and sections. An ATS-friendly resume increases the likelihood that your application will be successfully parsed and reviewed by hiring managers, as many companies use applicant tracking systems to screen resumes. Proper formatting and keyword optimization help ensure your resume is not overlooked by these automated systems.

What are the benefits of submitting your resume as a PDF?

Submitting your resume as a PDF ensures that the formatting remains intact regardless of the device or software used by the employer to view the document. PDFs are also generally regarded as safe to open, reducing cybersecurity concerns. While some employers may request resumes in a specific format, a PDF is a safe and professional choice when no format is specified, contributing to a positive presentation of your application.