5 Tips for Creating a Standout Resume in 2024: Jobseekers this is for YOU.
Dinesh Agarwal
Founder-Director of V3 Staffing | Entrepreneur | Helping Global Enterprises Hire The Right Talent | Data-driven | Recruitment Expert | Leadership Hiring | Bridging the Gap between Talent and Acquisition ??
Your resume is like your foot in the door with potential employers. With recruiters, on average, giving it about 6 seconds of their precious time, every second counts big time. That's why nailing the art of resume crafting is key. In this blog, we'll explore five super helpful tips so that recruiters notice your resume and put you right at the top of the list of people they want to hire.?
1. Tailor Your Resume?
When you tailor your resume, it focuses on showing that you've taken the time to understand what the job is all about and that you've got the skills and experience to knock it out of the park.?
A perfectly tailored resume highlights all the awesome traits you bring to the table that match up perfectly with what the recruiter is after. It's like you saying "I'm the perfect fit for this job role, and here's why!”?
For example, if the job description focuses on project management skills and experience with specific software, make sure to shine a light on your own project management experience and how you're a total pro with that software. Talk about how you led a project team and even implemented the software to make things run super smoothly.?
How to Tailor Your Resume
2. Quantify Your Achievements
When you're talking about your past roles on your resume, don't just rattle off a list of job duties. Instead, add some numbers and data to showcase your wins and accomplishments. Why? Well, quantifying what you've achieved helps you give recruiters proof of your skills and the value you bring to the organization.?
For example, instead of stating "Managed a successful marketing campaign," say "Led a marketing campaign that resulted in a 30% increase in sales, generating $500,000 in revenue within six months."??
Similarly, if you've managed a team, specify the team's size, such as "Directed a cross-functional team of 10 members," providing context for your leadership experience.
How to Quantify Your Achievements
3. Use Action Words
Powerful action verbs can make a difference to your resume. They help make your resume clear and impactful when you're talking about your achievements and responsibilities. Plus, they show potential employers that you're proactive and results-driven, which is always a plus.?
For example, instead of stating "Responsible for managing a team," use a stronger action verb like "Led a team of 15 sales representatives to exceed quarterly targets." Similarly, replace "Handled customer inquiries" with "Resolved customer inquiries promptly and effectively, maintaining a satisfaction rate of 95%."??
How to Use Action Words in Your Resume?
4. Use a Modern and Appealing Format
Give your resume a modern makeover! Instead of using old styles and fonts (they're so last decade!), go for a fresh, clean layout that's easy on the eyes and shows professionalism. You can also add a little flair with some subtle design elements.?
For example, instead of using a traditional resume template with Times New Roman font and plain bullet points, opt for a sleek layout with a sans-serif font like Arial. Introduce a thin border around the page or shaded backgrounds for section headers.?
How to Create a Modern and Appealing Resume Format
5. Use ATS-friendly Keywords?
97.4% of the Fortune 500 ones in 2023 use these Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) when they're hiring. That's where your resume goes first, so it's super important to make sure it gets through the initial screening. How?
领英推荐
Well, one big thing is using the right keywords – buzzwords and industry-specific terms you see in the job posting.??
For example, if the job description focuses on skills like "project management," "strategic planning," and "data analysis," ensure these keywords are prominently featured in your resume. For instance, instead of merely stating "Managed projects," you could write "Demonstrated strong project management skills in overseeing multiple projects simultaneously."?
How to Create a Modern and Appealing Resume Format
Bonus Tip 1: Mention Your Soft Skills?
Over 60% of employers seek evidence of problem-solving and teamwork skills. So, don't just focus on your technical skills. Make sure to throw in some of your soft skills too, such as adaptability and teamwork.?
For instance, instead of just rattling off your technical know-how, you should tell the recruiters about a time you performed well in a team project or tackled a tough situation expertly.??
So, here's how you can do it: check out the job description for any soft skills they're after. Once you've got those, add them throughout your resume, especially into your summary, and skills section, and when talking about experiences where you've put those skills to good use.??
Bonus Tip 2: Mention Online Platforms and Courses
Talk about relevant online platforms and courses in your resume to give employers a glimpse into your proactive approach to self-development.
For instance, include certifications from platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning that enhance your skills and knowledge in your field.?
So, here's the trick: create a dedicated section on your resume just for these courses and certifications. It's a subtle way of telling employers that you're ready to take on whatever challenges come your way.?
Bonus Tip 3: Proofread Rigorously
Did you know that a huge 77% of employers hit the reject button as soon as they spot a grammatical mistake or typo on a resume? Yup, it's that brutal!
So, here's the deal: polish up your grammar and spelling to perfection in your resume. Otherwise, even the tiniest slip-up can send your chances downward.?
When your resume is error-free, it shows that you're someone who pays attention to the little details. That kind of precision shows professionalism and can boost your chances of leaving a great impression on the recruiters.
So, to make sure your resume is clean, give it a few thorough read-throughs. You could also try out some online grammar checkers such as Grammarly for an extra pair of eyes.
Also, it's always good to get a fresh perspective and catch any mistakes you might have missed. So, you can ask a trusted friend or colleague to give it a once-over too.?
Bonus Tip 4: Consider Alternative Formats
Have you ever thought about spicing up your resume with something a little different, such as infographics or visual resumes? They can make you stand out!?
But you've to make sure your chosen format fits with the vibe of the industry and company you're applying to. For example, if you're in graphic design or marketing, recruiters might dig for a visual resume. But if you're going for something more traditional, sticking to the standard format might be your best bet.?
A bit of a creative resume helps you prove your flexibility and thinking outside the box, which could catch the eye of employers in industries that appreciate these qualities.
So, how to choose a different resume format? Well, take some time to get a feel for what's the norm in your industry and what the company you're applying to might prefer. Then, when you settle on an alternative format, just make sure it still looks professional, is easy to read, and does a great job of showing off your skills and qualifications.??
It's Not Just Your Resume...
It's your ticket to a great opportunity.
Making the perfect resume is your ticket to the top of the hiring pile. So, let's recap the key tips to help your resume shine:
Apart from these tips, you should also focus on a few more aspects. Make sure to mention your soft skills and relevant online courses and certifications. Proofread meticulously so that a silly typo can't ruin your chances. Consider using a visual resume or infographic that fits the vibe of your industry and the company you're applying to.
Great insights, Dinesh Agarwal! Crafting a standout resume is crucial for making that first impression count. Cheers to empowering job seekers with the right tools!