The job market is more competitive than ever in 2024. If your resume does not stand out immediately, it probably never will. A resume is the first impression you make on a potential employer. But most of the time, an employer will never even see your resume if they use an applicant tracking system (ATS). However, a perfectly formatted resume stands an excellent chance of making it through this system and landing on an employer’s desk.
Whether you use a resume builder or design your resume from scratch, here are some of the best formatting strategies to ensure your resume stands out in 2024.
Create a Resume for ATS Systems
Your resume must be in the correct format and contain relevant keywords if you want it to pass through an ATS system. This means you should add phrases relating to the job you are applying for. Your resume is not static. You must keep adding to it as you apply for different jobs. For example, if you want to send your resume for a project manager position, add the job title to your resume headline below your name. Then, look for skills relating to the project manager title and include them in your resume. You can use keywords from the job listing and search for others related to project management.
Use an ATS-Friendly Format
List your work experience in reverse-chronological format. This means listing the companies you worked for in descending order, starting with the most recent one. ATS systems easily identify, scan, and parse this format.
You should spotlight your skills and achievements above your work history. Employers want to see what you can do, not necessarily who you worked for. Focus on transferable skills that will translate well to the position you are applying for.
If you use a template to create your resume, do not choose one with two columns. These are popular templates but do not work with ATS systems.
Incorporate the Right Resume Structure
While focusing on your skills is great, you must include a proper structure for your resume. Always add your full name, email address, and contact number. You do not have to include personal details like birthdays and residential addresses unless required.
Add a professional career summary in a strategic place (usually right below your name and job title). Reiterate your achievements, strengths, and successes in this portion. Tailor the resume summary to the job you want to apply for. Stay clear of objectives unless you are switching to a completely different career.
Your work experience and current skills are up next, in that order. Use action verbs to describe your daily tasks and how you complete them. Remember to add a small section on education towards the bottom of the resume. This should include high school career, courses completed, degrees earned, etc.
Always Keep Your Resume Professional
Stick to neutral colors and themes. If you want a splash of bright color, use it sparingly. Create ample white space for a modern look, and test what your final resume looks like on different screens.
Stand Out in the Crowd With a Perfectly Formatted Resume
Your job applications will always stand out if you take enough time to create a correctly formatted resume, increasing your chances of getting the job you always wanted.