How to Write a Standout Resume for 2024

In today’s competitive job market, a well-crafted resume is crucial to standing out from the crowd. With the rise of applicant tracking systems (ATS) and remote work, it’s essential to create a resume that not only showcases your skills and experience but also passes the ATS test.

Step 1: Gather Your Professional Information

Before starting to write your resume, gather all the necessary information, including:

  • Impressive measurable accomplishments from your previous positions
  • A complete inventory of your soft skills, hard skills, and technical skills
  • Detailed information about your previous employers, including their names, dates of employment, locations, job titles, and a clear outline of your responsibilities
  • Educational credentials, such as your college degree, certifications, or licenses
  • Any volunteer work where you gained skills and experience relevant to the role you are applying for
  • Notable awards and honors you have received

Step 2: Choose the Best Resume Format for Your Needs

There are three standard resume formats: chronological, functional, and combination. Choose the one that best showcases your skills and experience.

  • Chronological resume format: perfect for candidates with consistent work experience
  • Functional resume format: ideal for those with gaps in employment or limited work experience
  • Combination resume format: combines the best of both chronological and functional formats

Step 3: Add Your Contact Information

Include the following contact information:

  • Full name
  • Reliable phone number
  • Professional email address
  • City, state, and ZIP code
  • Link to your professional social media account, website, or portfolio (if applicable)

Step 4: Write a Compelling Resume Summary

A resume summary is a concise overview of your qualifications, skills, and career goals. It should:

  • Highlight your most valuable skills and accomplishments
  • Entice the reader to explore your resume further
  • Avoid generic clichés and focus on what sets you apart from other applicants

Step 5: Make a Resume Work History Section

When creating a work history section:

  • Display three to five work accomplishments in bullet points
  • Quantify your achievements whenever possible
  • Format this section by listing jobs in reverse-chronological order

Step 6: Create a Skills Section to Highlight Your Strengths

Include a mix of hard skills and soft skills that match the job description. Use our AI resume skills generator tool to get started.

Step 7: List Your Education Credentials

Include the following information:

  • University or high school name
  • Location
  • Date of graduation (or expected graduation date)
  • Degree or certification earned

Step 8: Add Relevant Certifications, Licenses, and Training

Create a separate section for certifications, licenses, or professional training. Include:

  • Title of the certification, course, or license
  • Name of the certifying agency or body
  • Date earned (or expected completion date)

Step 9: Proofread and Save Your Final Product

  • Use our Resume Builder and professionally designed templates to create a resume in minutes
  • Proofread your resume thoroughly to ensure error-free formatting and content
  • Save your resume as a PDF or DOCX file

Step 10: Include Optional Resume Sections

Consider adding optional sections, such as:

  • Volunteer work
  • Awards and honors
  • Publications
  • Relevant hobbies or interests
Resume builder template

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By using our partner resume builder, you’ll be able to create a high-quality resume that will help you stand out from the competition and land your dream job.

Good Luck!
We hope you find this resource helpful in your job search. Good luck with your applications!