A well-crafted resume is no longer an option, but rather a necessity. It provides you with an excellent opportunity to make a solid first impression while simultaneously standing out from the crowd since most hiring managers and recruiters spend less time reviewing it.
Having a Great Resume is the first step in landing your dream job in 2024. A good resume is informational with accurate data, appealing to the eyes, and should be tailored to meet the specific needs of the job you are eyeing. With the overwhelming existence of lots of conflicting information on how to write a great resume, we understand that coming up with one may be an unwanted challenge.
How should I format my resume for a job application in 2024? Where do I even begin? How do I include the necessary skills on my resume? We have got your back. In this guide, we will provide you with all the resources and knowledge you need to aid you in navigating the job market in 2024.
How to Craft a Great Resume
A good resume has the power to open doors. It will ensure you are booked for job interviews and It will help you stand out from your fellow job seekers. Crafting a perfect resume that is compelling from start to finish may not come naturally for some Individuals which is understandable. This comprehensive step-by-step guide will help you in Creating and Writing a Great resume in 2024.
1. Prepare and Assemble all your Relevant Information
Proper preparation is the first key step to crafting a great resume. Gather all your information correctly, from your educational background to your previous jobs, to your employment history, and lastly to your essential skill set. Having your information ready helps you stay organized and eliminates the risk of omitting vital details in your resume. Preparation saves you time and as the old adage goes- preparation is key.
2. Choose the Perfect Resume Format and Structure
Picking the best format to structure your Resume is crucial to developing a great resume in 2024. You should have a suitable format in mind before you embark on your writing process especially since there are three resume formats that are used worldwide, and they each vary depending on your work experience and skill set. These resume formats utilize the same sections only difference being in the organization of these sections. The three standard resume formats available today are:
- The Chronological resume format– happens to be the most widely used. It highlights your work experience in reverse order with your last recent job position placed as the first. It is recommended for professionals who lack gaps in their employment history.
- Functional Resume Format– This format favors those who have gaps in their employment history as it highlights a person’s skills and the value they bring to the table rather than their previous work experience.
- Combined Resume Format– A perfect choice for work seekers as it allows you to highlight your work experience while at the same time showcasing your essential skill set.
3. Add your Contact Information
A great resume must include your contact information section. What good would it be if your recruiters were unable to reach you after you successfully completed a job interview? Provide factual contact information from your full official name, reachable phone contact, professional email, and City of residence. Double-check your contact information to ensure everything is current and correct.
4. Draft a Resume Summary or Objective
Hiring managers, as we all know, are spending less and less time on average reviewing your resume. Considering they evaluate multiple resumes from job seekers every day, they will scan through the most important aspects of your resume and will only dwell on your resume if it piques their interest. A resume summary appears at the top of your resume, just below your contact information. It is just a three-sentence description of your career to date. A resume objective, on the other hand, is your resume’s intended goal or purpose. It has three sentences as well. It is appropriate for people who have no work experience or who are switching careers.
5. Create a resume work history and experience section
Showcase what you will bring to the table once given an opportunity to work. Tell your professional history through the number of accomplishments and responsibilities. Structure this section by highlighting jobs in the reverse chronological order mentioned earlier on, the latest position should be at the top. Remember to include your job title, organization name, location of the company, employment dates from start to end, and conclude with your work achievements and essential skills learned.
6. Make a resume skills section
Include a section of your skill set in your resume in 2024. Highlight both soft skills and hard skills that you are proficient with depending on the specific requirements of the job you are seeking. Soft skills like communication and critical thinking are applicable to almost all jobs today. Present your skills in bullet form regardless of the resume format you are using.
7. List your Education
Listing your education credentials when creating your resume is a must. Your resume education section should include the name of the school, college, or university you attended, the location of the school, the year you graduated, and lastly, the type of degree you received depending on the program you attended. Mention your GPA if you had a very impressive academic career and lastly highlight your education first if you do not have any work experience.
8. Include Other Important resume sections
Including these optional resume sections that are specific to you helps make your resume stand out from the rest. Mention awards, certifications, honors, and publications in your 2024 reason. Some other examples of the resume sections you can include are; hobbies and interests, personal projects, Languages, and extracurricular activities.
9. Proofread and save the final draft
Proofreading is the best way to check for any errors or omissions you may have made. Check for silly grammatical errors and typos which could be a deal breaker for most employers. Ensure dates provided are factual and that the format used is also okay. Use proper fonts, correct line and margin spacing and lastly use a proper file name for your Resume in 2024.
Seek Expert help today.
Writing a great resume is the first step in beating the odds and securing your dream job. Following the steps listed above will help you create a great resume in 2024 that will easily capture the attention of your recruiters. A great resume can serve as your marketing tool and help convince potential employers that you are the perfect fit for the job.
A resume is a living document that should be up-to-date with relevance to your career. Updating it from time to time while adding relevant tailor-made skills helps in breaching the job markets in the long run. Stuck with your resume? Contact our team of professionals with years of experience in resume building and a proven track record. Let us help you secure your future today.