The Dos and Don’ts of Resume Writing in 2024

As we near the middle of the year, more and more positions are going to open up at your target employers. If you plan on applying for a job this year, you must be aware of the resume-writing practices you must follow and those you must shun. Resume Mansion’s team of expert resume writers came together to create this list of resume writing dos and don’ts to help make your job applications a few times better.

What you should do when writing a resume for 2024

Customize the resume for each job application

Don’t make the mistake of applying for every job with the same resume. Your resume needs to be tailored for each job application to ensure that you get through the door each time. Use appropriate qualifications, experiences, and keywords to rewrite your resume.

Use a clean and modern resume layout

Your resume layout must be easy to read and navigate for a busy hiring manager. Clean, modern layouts that show distinct resume sections should be your first choice. Go for minimalist designs and subtle colors.

Incorporate keywords into your resume

Keywords make sure that you get past the initial screening tests by the ATS. Hiring managers too scan your resume for important keywords. Listing the right keywords on your resume will make the difference between winning a job interview or getting rejected by the employer.

Highlight your achievements on your resume

Use quantified achievements to bring out job-related skills on your resume. Professional accomplishments such as saving costs, increasing revenue, improving processes, completing projects, and retaining clients are very valuable for a resume.

Keep your resume concise

Don’t let your resume stretch too far or hiring managers wouldn’t want to read it whole. It is best to stick to a length between one and three pages when writing your resume. A too-long resume will dilute the impact of your achievements.

What you shouldn’t do when writing a resume for 2024

Using outdated information on your resume

Always ensure that your resume displays the most recent information about your career and professional achievements. Remove outdated qualifications, experiences, and skills from your resume to keep it relevant.

Writing your resume using generic language

Many job seekers make the mistake of including generic buzzwords such as “team player” or “hard worker” on their resumes. What you must do is eliminate them from your resume and use relevant keywords.

Including personal info on the resume

Personal information adds no real value to your resume. Avoid mentioning your religion, full address, birth date, or social security number on your resume. Instead, use that resume space for important information.

Neglecting proofreading

Typing mistakes and grammatical errors are the most common types of mistakes we see on resumes all the time. They give your resume an unprofessional feel. You must proofread your resume several times to ensure that it is up to the industry standards.

Going for fancy resume designs

Certain industries appreciate it when you are creative with your resume. If you belong to an industry that relies on creativity, you should go for bog, bold resume designs. Otherwise, it is best to keep your resume clean and professional.