What Does a Resume Look Like in 2024 (+Actionable Tips)
What Does a Resume Look Like in 2024 (+Actionable Tips)
To land a perfect job, you need the best-looking resume. This guide will show you what should a good resume look like, and what you need to do to have one.
I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your resume.” Patrick
I love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work! Dylan
My previous resume was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful! George
So, see to it that you don’t send a generic-looking document to multiple employers.
Expert Hint: The length of a resume matters. Entry-level candidates or those applying for junior positions may opt for one-page resumes. However, recent studies show that recruiters may have a preference for two-page resumes, so there’s no need to cram if you find it hard to fit everything into a single page.
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2. Elements of a Professional Resume
Now that you’ve seen what a good resume should look like, and learned some basic formatting rules—
Let’s see what sections a resume should consist of and what order you should put them in.
The first four sections are the most important ones on your resume, and they comprise the resume’s main body:
1. Resume Header
It doesn’t matter what kind of resume you’re writing—
The topmost section is always the same, and it’s called the resume header.
It’s where you put your contact details and other basic information to let the recruiter know who you are and how to get in touch with you.
2. Resume Profile
The next section of your resume is the so-called resume profile.
Think of the resume profile, as a brief rundown of your entire resume that’s supposed to serve a sales pitch of a sort.
The way you present your experience on a resume could be a make or break factor in your job search.
This is where you have a chance to use resume keywords in context and show the recruiter you’ve got what it takes to succeed in the role.
Expert Hint: Avoid the so-called keyword stuffing on your resume. Mindless copy-pasting sections of the original job offer into your document may help you get past the ATS scan, but you’ll be shooting yourself in the foot. Once the recruiters see what you’re up to, they may not only reject your resume but blacklist you eventually.
4. Education
Depending on how much experience you have, the education section on a resume could be either just a formality or your main selling point.
Plus, if you’re fresh out of college, you may consider putting your education on a resume before the experience section.
You have the knowledge and expertise necessary to succeed in the role.
You can either place the skills section in a sidebar on your resume, just like you can see in the example above or put them in the main body if you have enough room.
6. Additional Sections
The sections listed above can be found on the vast majority of resumes.
But—
You can consider including other sections as well. Just make sure they actually add value rather than simply fill in the blank space:
Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here.
Expert Hint: Not all Free Resume Builders are ATS friendly. To make sure your creative resume reaches a human reader, send it directly to the recruiter's inbox.
Key Points
Here’s all you need to remember about how should a resume look:
Format your resume so that it’s reader-friendly.
Divide it into easy-to-find sections.
Make sure your job titles are well-visible.
Choose the best resume format for your needs.
Include all the relevant sections and put them in the right order.
Do you have any questions? Would you like to share your observations on what does a resume look like? We’d love to hear from you! Give us a shout out in the comments below!
About ResumeLab’s Editorial Process
At ResumeLab, quality is at the crux of our values, supporting our commitment to delivering top-notch career resources. The editorial team of career experts carefully reviews every article in accordance with editorial guidelines, ensuring the high quality and reliability of our content. We actively conduct original research, shedding light on the job market's intricacies and earning recognition from numerous influential news outlets. Our dedication to delivering expert career advice attracts millions of readers to our blog each year.
Experienced in the education management industry, Maciej shares his knowledge for every step of your job hunt, from landing an internship to moving to an executive position. Maciej has helped job candidates at all stages of their career paths, from interns to directors to C-suite members, to thrive in their job. His mission is to help you find the right opportunity and create a job application that gets you the career you deserve.