What Should a Resume Look Like Today?

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Your resume is your first impression, so it needs to work hard for you. But what should a resume look like today? It’s all about balance—showing off your skills while keeping things clean and professional. Employers want to see the essentials: your contact info, work history, education, and skills. Adding extras like certifications or volunteer work can help you stand out if they’re relevant. The key is tailoring everything to the job you’re applying for. A polished, well-structured resume can make all the difference in landing that interview.

Key Takeaways

• Your resume needs key parts: Header, Summary/Objective, Work Experience, Education, and Skills. Change each part to match the job you want.

• Use a simple and neat design. Pick clear fonts and leave space to make it easy to read.

• Show your successes with strong action words and numbers. This helps employers see what you can do.

• Make your resume work with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Use basic formatting and add keywords from the job listing.

• You can include extra sections like Certifications or Volunteer Work. Add these if they help your application and fit the job.

Image Source: Pixabay

Essential Resume Sections

Header

Key Information to Include

Your resume’s header is the first thing recruiters see, so make it count. Include your full name, phone number, and professional email address. Adding your LinkedIn profile or portfolio link can also boost your chances, especially if the job involves creative or technical skills. If you’re applying for a remote position, listing your city and state is optional, but it can help if the employer prefers local candidates. Keep it simple and professional—this section is all about making it easy for hiring managers to contact you.

Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid cluttering your header with unnecessary details. Skip your full address unless it’s specifically requested. Don’t use unprofessional email addresses like “partyking123@gmail.com.” Stick to something straightforward, like your first and last name. Also, double-check for typos. A small mistake here can leave a bad impression. Remember, your header sets the tone for the rest of your resume.

Summary or Objective

Choosing Between a Summary and an Objective

Not sure whether to include a summary or an objective? Here’s a quick guide. Use a summary if you have experience and want to highlight your key achievements. It’s a great way to show what you bring to the table. An objective works better if you’re new to the workforce or switching careers. It focuses on your goals and how they align with the job.

Writing a Compelling Summary/Objective

A strong summary or objective grabs attention right away. For a summary, focus on your top skills and accomplishments. For example, “Experienced marketing professional with a proven track record in driving social media engagement by 40%.” If you’re writing an objective, keep it specific. Say something like, “Seeking a junior graphic designer role to apply my creative skills and passion for branding.” Keep it short—2-3 sentences max.

Work Experience

Structuring Your Work Experience

Your work experience section should tell a story. Start with your most recent job and work backward. For each role, include your job title, the company name, location, and dates of employment. Use bullet points to list your responsibilities and achievements. Keep it concise but impactful. Hiring managers skim resumes, so make sure your key points stand out.

Highlighting Achievements with Action Verbs

Action verbs are your best friend here. Words like “led,” “developed,” or “achieved” make your accomplishments pop. Instead of saying, “Responsible for managing a team,” try, “Led a team of 10 to exceed sales targets by 20%.” Focus on results and numbers whenever possible. Quantifying your achievements shows employers the value you bring.

Education

What to Include in the Education Section

Your education section should be straightforward but impactful. Start by listing your highest degree first. Include the name of the school, its location, the degree you earned, and your graduation date. If you’re still in school, mention your expected graduation date. For example:
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
University of California, Los Angeles – Expected May 2024

If you’ve completed certifications or training programs relevant to the job, you can add them here too. Keep this section clean and easy to read. Hiring managers want to quickly see your qualifications without digging through unnecessary details.

Emphasizing Relevant Coursework or Honors

If you’re a recent graduate or don’t have much work experience, showcasing relevant coursework can help. Think about classes or projects that align with the job. For instance, if you’re applying for a marketing role, mention courses like “Digital Marketing Strategies” or “Consumer Behavior.”

Don’t forget to highlight honors or awards. A “Dean’s List” mention or a scholarship shows your dedication and hard work. These details can make your resume stand out, especially when you’re competing with other candidates.

Skills

Differentiating Hard and Soft Skills

Skills are a big deal on your resume. But not all skills are created equal. Hard skills are technical abilities you’ve learned, like coding, graphic design, or data analysis. Soft skills, on the other hand, are personal traits like communication, teamwork, or problem-solving.

When listing your skills, separate the two in your mind. For example:

• Hard Skills: Python, Adobe Photoshop, SEO

• Soft Skills: Leadership, Time Management, Adaptability

This approach helps employers quickly see what you bring to the table.

Aligning Skills with the Job Description

Tailoring your skills to the job description is key. Look at the job posting and pick out the skills they’re asking for. Then, match those with your own abilities. If the job requires “project management,” and you’ve led projects before, make sure to include that.

Avoid listing generic skills that don’t add value. Instead, focus on what makes you a great fit for the role. This strategy not only answers the question of what should a resume look like but also increases your chances of getting noticed.

Optional Resume Sections

Certifications and Licenses

When to Include Certifications

Certifications can give your resume an edge, especially if they’re relevant to the job. Include them if they showcase specialized skills or knowledge that the employer values. For example, a project management certification like PMP can make you stand out for leadership roles. If you’re in tech, certifications like AWS or CompTIA can highlight your expertise. Even if you’re early in your career, adding certifications shows your commitment to learning and growth.

Formatting Certifications Effectively

Keep this section clean and easy to read. List the certification name, the issuing organization, and the date you earned it. For example:
Certified Scrum Master (CSM) – Scrum Alliance, June 2022
If the certification is still in progress, mention the expected completion date. Place this section near your skills or education, depending on its relevance to the job.

Volunteer Work

Adding Value with Volunteer Experience

Volunteer work can be a game-changer, especially if you lack professional experience. It shows your initiative and willingness to contribute. Highlight volunteer roles that align with the job. For instance, if you’re applying for a teaching role, mention tutoring or mentoring experience. Employers value candidates who demonstrate leadership, teamwork, or problem-solving through volunteering.

Formatting Volunteer Work

Treat this section like your work experience. Include the organization name, your role, and the dates you volunteered. Use bullet points to describe your contributions and achievements. For example:

• Organized fundraising events, raising $5,000 for local charities.

• Managed a team of 15 volunteers during community clean-up projects.
  This format keeps things professional and impactful.

Hobbies and Interests

When Hobbies Are Relevant to the Job

Hobbies can add personality to your resume, but only include them if they’re relevant. For example, if you’re applying for a graphic design role, mentioning photography or digital art makes sense. Avoid listing hobbies that don’t connect to the job, like watching TV or playing video games (unless you’re applying to a gaming company!).

Examples of Professional Hobbies

Here are some hobbies that can enhance your resume:

• Blogging: Shows writing and content creation skills.

• Team Sports: Highlights teamwork and leadership abilities.

• Coding: Demonstrates technical skills and problem-solving.

• Public Speaking: Reflects confidence and communication skills.
  These hobbies can make your resume more engaging and relatable to employers.

Formatting Tips for a Modern Resume

Layout and Design

Selecting Fonts and Font Sizes

The font you choose says a lot about your professionalism. Stick to clean, easy-to-read fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Avoid anything too decorative or hard to read. For font size, 10-12 points work best for the main text, while your name and section headings can be slightly larger to stand out. Consistency is key here. Use the same font throughout your resume to keep it polished and professional.

Using White Space for Readability

White space isn’t just empty space—it’s your secret weapon for readability. A cluttered resume overwhelms recruiters, so leave enough space between sections and bullet points. Margins of 1 inch on all sides work well. Use white space to guide the reader’s eye and make your resume easy to skim. Remember, less is often more when it comes to design.

Length and Structure

Deciding Between One Page and Two Pages

Wondering if your resume should be one page or two? If you’re early in your career, stick to one page. It forces you to focus on the most important details. If you have years of experience or a lot of relevant achievements, two pages are fine. Just make sure every word earns its place. Recruiters don’t want to sift through fluff.

Prioritizing Content Effectively

Put your most impressive and relevant information at the top. Recruiters spend only a few seconds on each resume, so grab their attention right away. Use bullet points to make your content easy to scan. Group similar information together, like skills or certifications, to keep things organized. A clear structure answers the question of what should a resume look like today.

ATS Optimization

Importance of ATS Optimization

Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. If your resume isn’t ATS-friendly, it might not even reach a human recruiter. ATS scans for keywords and formats, so optimizing your resume for these systems is crucial. Think of it as your first hurdle in the hiring process.

Making Your Resume ATS-Friendly

To make your resume ATS-friendly, use standard fonts and avoid graphics or tables. Stick to simple formatting, like bullet points and clear section headings. Include keywords from the job description, but don’t overdo it. For example, if the job mentions “project management,” make sure that phrase appears naturally in your resume. Save your file as a .docx or PDF, as these formats are ATS-compatible.

Creating a standout resume doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Focus on the essentials—Header, Summary/Objective, Work Experience, Education, and Skills. Add optional sections like Certifications or Volunteer Work if they strengthen your application. Tailor every detail to the job description to show you’re the perfect fit. Keep the format clean and professional, and don’t forget to optimize for ATS. When you ask yourself what should a resume look like today, remember it’s all about clarity, relevance, and impact. A well-crafted resume brings you one step closer to your dream job.

FAQ

1. How long should my resume be?

Your resume should usually be one page. If you have over 10 years of experience or significant achievements, two pages are fine. Keep it concise and focus on what’s most relevant to the job.

2. Should I include a photo on my resume?

In most cases, no. Photos can lead to unconscious bias and aren’t necessary unless the job specifically asks for one (like acting or modeling). Focus on your skills and experience instead.

3. Can I use a creative design for my resume?

It depends on the job. For creative roles like graphic design, a unique layout can help you stand out. For other industries, stick to a clean, professional format that’s easy to read.

Tip: Always prioritize readability over flashy designs. Recruiters skim resumes quickly!

4. What’s the best way to tailor my resume?

Match your skills and experience to the job description. Use keywords from the posting and highlight achievements that align with the role. This shows you’re a great fit for the position.

5. Do I need to list every job I’ve had?

Nope! Only include jobs relevant to the position you’re applying for. If you’ve had unrelated roles, focus on transferable skills like teamwork or problem-solving.

Note: For gaps in employment, briefly explain them in your cover letter if needed.