The labor market in 2024 continues to change rapidly due to new technologies, economic changes and changing employer standards. If you want to stand out in a busy job market, it is important to prepare a good CV. Here’s how to create a resume that not only catches your manager’s attention, but also showcases your skills and experience in the best possible way.
Make sure your resume is appropriate for the job.
Now more than ever, it is important to ensure your CV is suitable for any job application. First, read the job description carefully and list the key skills and experiences the company is looking for. Use similar language and keywords from the job description to make them stand out on your resume. Doing this can help you get an Application Tracking System (ATS) that is used by many companies. It also shows that you are a good fit.
Format it in a clear and professional manner.
To make a good impression, you need a layout that looks clean and efficient. Fonts like Arial and Calibri are standard fonts that are easy to read. Keep the font size between 10 and 12 points. Your resume should have a clear title and logical flow. This should typically start with your contact information, followed by a brief professional summary or objective, and then a section about your experience, education, skills, and other applicable information (such as awards or certifications).
Not just a responsibility, but an achievement
Don’t just list your tasks, discuss what you did well in your previous job. Use specific numbers and facts to describe your achievements, such as “a 20% increase in sales in one year” or “leading a team of ten people to complete a project on time and on budget.” These things can provide potential employers with real proof of your skills and show them what you can bring to their business.
Add keywords and soft skills
Many companies use ATS to review resumes, so it’s important to include useful keywords and skills. These could be hard skills, such as ‘problem solving’ or ‘team leadership’, that are specific to your job. Read the job description to understand which skills are most important. Then place these skills on your resume, in the “Skills” area or under your achievements.
Keep it short.
If you have less than 10 years of experience, try to keep your resume to one page. This allows you to limit your experiences and achievements to the things that are most important and useful. If you have a lot of experience, a two-page resume is fine, but make sure every line is useful.
Change your address and telephone number
Make sure your business contact details are up to date. Enter your name, email address, phone number and link to your LinkedIn page. Don’t use an unprofessional email address. Instead, create a simple one based on your name.
Talk actively.
Positive terms like “achieved,” “designed,” “improved,” or “led” are great ways to talk about your wins and experiences. Using positive language in your resume can make it more interesting and dynamic and can help show who you are as an employee and what you can do.
Check and correct errors in your resume. Mistakes in your CV can really put people off. Check your resume several times for language and grammatical errors to eliminate them. You can also ask a friend or professional to check it out too, in case they spot something you missed.
Consider adding a section on how to work from home.
With more and more people working from home, being able to manage or work on projects from home can be a big advantage. Skills such as being able to use virtual teamwork tools well, self-motivation and good online communication should be emphasized.
In summary
In 2024, you’ll need to pay close attention to detail, understand exactly what employers want, and showcase your professional background in a meaningful way. You can make your CV more likely to be noticed by managers by tailoring it to each job application, highlighting your achievements and making sure it looks neat and professional.
