How to Write a Resume That Gets You Hired in 2024

by Faiz Alam Founder and Career Coach

Writing a resume that gets you hired in 2024, or any year, requires a combination of showcasing your skills, experience, and accomplishments effectively. The job market and hiring trends may change, but the fundamentals of resume writing remain largely consistent. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to write a resume that will help you stand out in 2024:

Understand the Job Market:

Research the job market in your field or industry to understand current trends, required skills, and in-demand qualifications.

Choose the Right Resume Format:

Depending on your experience and career goals, you can opt for a chronological, functional, or combination (hybrid) resume format. Choose the one that best highlights your strengths.

Contact Information:

Include your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable) at the top of your resume.

Resume Summary or Objective:

Write a concise and compelling summary or objective statement. Tailor it to the specific job you're applying for, highlighting your key skills and career goals.

Skills Section:

List relevant skills related to the job you're applying for. Include both hard skills (technical skills) and soft skills (communication, teamwork, problem-solving, etc.).

Work Experience:

Start with your most recent job and work backward.

For each position, include the job title, company name, location, and dates of employment.

Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments.

Focus on quantifiable achievements, such as increased sales by X%, reduced costs by Y%, or completed projects ahead of schedule.

Education:

List your educational qualifications in reverse chronological order.

Include the degree(s) earned, institution name, location, graduation date, and any relevant academic honors.

Certifications and Training:

Mention any certifications, courses, or training programs that are relevant to the job. Include the institution, date of completion, and any relevant details.

Professional Associations:

If you are a member of any industry-related associations or organizations, mention them.

Keywords and Buzzwords:

Use keywords and industry-specific terms relevant to the job in your resume. Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes for specific keywords.

Achievements and Accomplishments:

Highlight your achievements, awards, and significant contributions in your previous roles. These should demonstrate your value to potential employers.

Tailor Your Resume:

Customize your resume for each job application. Adjust the content to match the specific requirements and keywords mentioned in the job posting.

Professional Formatting:

Keep your resume clean and easy to read. Use a professional font, bullet points, and clear headings.

Use consistent formatting throughout the document.

Proofread and Edit:

Eliminate spelling and grammar errors. Ask a friend or professional contact to review your resume for feedback.

Length:

Keep your resume concise; ideally, it should not exceed two pages. Focus on quality over quantity.

Include a Cover Letter:

If the job application allows for a cover letter, write one that complements your resume. It should briefly introduce yourself and explain why you are a great fit for the position.

Digital and Online Presence:

Ensure your LinkedIn profile and other professional social media accounts are up-to-date and aligned with your resume.

References:

Unless explicitly requested in the job posting, it's not necessary to include references on your resume. You can provide them separately upon request.

Remember that a well-crafted resume is just one part of the job application process. Networking, interview preparation, and a strong online presence are also essential for landing your dream job. Adapt your resume writing service approach as the job market evolves to stay competitive in 2024 and beyond.