How To Write a Resume - Complete Guide

How to Write a Resume in 2024 (Comprehensive Guide + Examples)

In today's competitive job market, a powerful resume isn't optional—it's essential. With hiring managers spending an average of just 7.4 seconds scanning each resume and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) filtering out 75% of applications before a human even sees them, creating a standout resume has never been more challenging—or more important.

Most job seekers struggle with effectively showcasing their experiences and skills, resulting in generic resumes that fail to capture attention. This problem is compounded by constantly evolving hiring practices and technology that many candidates don't fully understand.

The good news? Creating an impressive, ATS-friendly resume doesn't have to be overwhelming. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the exact steps to craft a professional resume that gets past automated screenings and impresses hiring managers. With ResumeBuilder.so's expert guidance and tools, you'll transform your job search from frustrating to fruitful.

Key Takeaways

• Recruiters spend just 7.4 seconds reviewing your resume initially, making first impressions critical
• 75% of resumes are rejected by ATS before reaching human reviewers
• Including relevant keywords from the job description increases your chance of passing ATS by 60%
• Quantifiable achievements on resumes make candidates 40% more likely to get interviews
• 77% of hiring managers consider customized resumes crucial when evaluating candidates
• 65% of employers value skills-based information over chronological work history
• Mobile optimization is essential, as 67% of job seekers now use mobile devices in their search

Essential Resume Sections

Contact Information

Place your contact details at the top of your resume, including your name, phone number, professional email address, and location (city and state). In 2024, including a LinkedIn profile is nearly mandatory, while other professional social links should be added only if relevant to your industry. Avoid including physical address details for privacy reasons.

Professional Summary/Objective

A compelling professional summary provides a 3-4 sentence overview of your career highlights, key skills, and most relevant accomplishments. This section is crucial as 91% of employers prefer candidates who clearly articulate their value proposition. For those with limited experience, a career objective focusing on transferable skills and career goals can be more appropriate, though summaries are generally preferred by 65% of hiring managers.

Work Experience

The work experience section forms the backbone of your resume, typically presented in reverse chronological order. Each entry should include your job title, company name, employment dates, and 3-5 bullet points highlighting key responsibilities and achievements. Focus on quantifiable results rather than mere duties, using the formula: Action verb + Task + Result/Impact.

Research shows that resumes with metrics-backed achievements are 40% more likely to result in interviews. Don't just state that you "managed social media"—specify that you "increased social media engagement by 78% through strategic content calendar development and community management techniques."

Education

List your educational background in reverse chronological order, including degree, field of study, institution, and graduation date. If you're a recent graduate, this section might precede your work experience. Include relevant coursework, academic honors, and GPA (if above 3.5) to strengthen this section. For professionals with significant work experience, keep this section concise unless education is particularly relevant to the target position.

Skills

A well-crafted skills section helps your resume pass ATS screening while showcasing your capabilities to hiring managers. Include a balanced mix of hard skills (technical abilities like programming languages or software proficiency) and soft skills (interpersonal abilities like leadership or communication).

In 2024, employers particularly value skills demonstrating adaptability, digital literacy, remote collaboration, and problem-solving. Use the job description as your guide, incorporating relevant keywords while honestly representing your abilities. ResumeBuilder.so's skills suggestion tool can help identify industry-specific competencies that match your experience level.

How to Write a Professional Resume - Step by Step

Step 1: Choose the Right Resume Format

The format you select should align with your career stage and goals:

• Chronological format: The most traditional and widely accepted format, highlighting your work history in reverse chronological order. Best for candidates with steady career progression in the same field (used by 80% of job seekers).
• Functional format: Emphasizes skills over work history, grouped into relevant categories. Useful for career changers or those with employment gaps, though 43% of hiring managers view this format with some skepticism.
• Combination format: Blends elements of both previous formats, highlighting both skills and chronological work history. Ideal for experienced professionals or those transitioning to related fields.

Your industry also influences format choice—creative fields often allow for more design elements, while conservative industries like finance prefer traditional layouts. ResumeBuilder.so offers optimized templates for each format, helping you make the right choice.

Step 2: Research the Position and Company

Before writing, thoroughly research:

• The specific job description, noting key requirements and responsibilities
• The company's mission, values, culture, and recent projects
• Industry trends and standard qualifications

This research enables you to align your resume with the employer's needs. Companies report that tailored resumes are 60% more likely to result in interviews than generic applications.

Step 3: Customize Your Professional Summary/Objective

Your opening statement should immediately align your candidacy with the position requirements. Include:

• Your professional identity and experience level
• 2-3 key skills that match the job description
• A significant achievement that demonstrates value
• Your career objectives as they relate to the position

This 3-4 sentence paragraph should be customized for each application, using language that echoes the job posting while showcasing your unique value proposition.

Step 4: Create Compelling Work Experience Descriptions

For each position, include:

• Job title, company name, location, and dates of employment
• 3-5 bullet points highlighting responsibilities and achievements
• Quantifiable results wherever possible
• Relevant keywords from the job description

Follow this formula for achievement-focused bullets:

1. Begin with powerful action verbs (Led, Developed, Implemented)
2. Describe your specific action or responsibility
3. Quantify the results with numbers, percentages, or timeframes
4. Highlight the positive impact on the organization

Example transformation:

• Before: "Responsible for managing social media accounts."
• After: "Grew Instagram following from 3K to 15K in 6 months through strategic content calendar development and engagement campaigns, increasing website referral traffic by 45%."

Step 5: Optimize for ATS Compatibility

With 99% of Fortune 500 companies using ATS software, optimization is critical:

• Incorporate exact keywords and phrases from the job description
• Use standard section headings (Experience, Education, Skills)
• Avoid tables, headers/footers, and text boxes
• Submit in the requested format (usually PDF or .docx)
• Use a clean, single-column layout for better parsing

ResumeBuilder.so's ATS-friendly templates are specifically designed to pass these electronic gatekeepers while remaining visually appealing to human reviewers.

Step 6: Proofread and Refine

Before submission:

• Check for spelling and grammatical errors (the top reason 77% of hiring managers reject resumes)
• Ensure consistent formatting (font, spacing, bullet style)
• Verify that all information is accurate and up-to-date
• Have a trusted colleague review for clarity and impact
• Test readability by reviewing at 70% zoom to approximate how busy hiring managers might see it

Remember that attention to detail on your resume demonstrates the same quality in your work.

Resume Writing Tools & Technology

The tools you use to create your resume significantly impact its effectiveness in today's technology-driven hiring landscape:

Traditional Word Processors vs. Specialized Resume Builders

While Microsoft Word and Google Docs offer flexibility, they lack built-in guidance for content, formatting, and ATS optimization. In contrast, specialized resume builders like ResumeBuilder.so provide:

• Pre-designed ATS-friendly templates
• Expert-written content suggestions for your industry
• Keyword optimization tools
• Real-time feedback on content strength
• Multi-format download options

Studies show that resumes created with specialized builders are 27% more likely to pass ATS screening than those made with general word processors.

Understanding ATS Functionality

Applicant Tracking Systems use sophisticated algorithms to rank resumes based on:

• Keyword relevance to the job description
• Experience and education requirements
• Skills match and career progression
• Document structure and readability

These systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using AI to evaluate career trajectory and skill development rather than just keyword matching. Modern ATS can detect "keyword stuffing" and prioritize contextually appropriate keyword usage.

Modern Resume Technology Integration

In 2024, technology integration extends beyond basic ATS compatibility:

• QR codes linking to portfolios or LinkedIn profiles
• Digital badges verifying certifications and skills
• Hyperlinked email addresses and social profiles
• Mobile-responsive formats for recruiters viewing on devices
• PDF formats with appropriate metadata for better indexing

ResumeBuilder.so integrates these technological elements seamlessly, ensuring your resume functions effectively in digital recruitment ecosystems while maintaining professional design standards.

Industry-Specific Resume Tips

Different industries have unique expectations for resumes. Customizing your approach based on your target sector dramatically improves your chances of success:

Technology and IT

Tech resumes should emphasize technical skills, specific programming languages, and quantifiable project outcomes:

• Include a technical skills section with proficiency levels
• List GitHub profiles or portfolio links
• Highlight specific methodologies (Agile, Scrum)
• Quantify performance improvements and optimizations
• Focus on problem-solving abilities and innovation

Keywords to include: full-stack development, cloud architecture, specific languages (Python, Java), cybersecurity, CI/CD, DevOps

Finance and Banking

Financial industry resumes require precision and demonstration of analytical abilities:

• Emphasize compliance knowledge and regulatory familiarity
• Quantify financial impacts with specific figures
• Highlight risk assessment and management experience
• Demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy
• Include relevant certifications (CFA, CPA, Series 7)

Keywords to include: financial analysis, risk management, portfolio management, forecasting, compliance, audit procedures

Healthcare

Healthcare resumes should balance technical knowledge with patient care skills:

• Include all relevant licenses and certifications
• Emphasize patient outcome improvements
• Highlight experience with specific procedures or equipment
• Mention electronic medical record system expertise
• Demonstrate understanding of healthcare regulations

Keywords to include: patient care, clinical procedures, HIPAA compliance, electronic medical records (EMR), care coordination, treatment planning

Marketing and Creative Fields

Marketing resumes benefit from demonstrating both creative and analytical abilities:

• Quantify campaign results and ROI
• Include metrics on audience growth and engagement
• Highlight brand development experience
• Mention specific tools and platforms
• Consider including links to a portfolio

Keywords to include: content strategy, brand development, conversion optimization, audience engagement, analytics, campaign management

Remember that 65% of hiring managers say industry-specific resumes are more likely to advance to interview stages than generic applications. ResumeBuilder.so offers industry-specific templates and content suggestions to help you meet these specialized expectations.

Resume Trends for 2024

Staying current with resume trends helps your application stand out in today's evolving job market:

Remote Work Emphasis

With 58% of Americans having the option to work remotely at least part-time, highlighting remote work capabilities is essential:

• Emphasize self-management and productivity skills
• Showcase digital collaboration tool proficiency
• Highlight previous remote work accomplishments
• Demonstrate communication abilities across digital channels
• Mention home office setup and availability if relevant

Skills-Based Focus

Employers are increasingly valuing skills over linear career trajectories:

• Create prominent skills sections grouped by category
• Include both technical and soft skills with proficiency levels
• Demonstrate skills through specific achievements
• Highlight adaptability and continuous learning
• Feature recent upskilling and certification efforts

Digital Integration

Modern resumes function as gateways to your broader digital presence:

• Include scannable QR codes linking to portfolios
• Add hyperlinked professional social profiles
• Embed digital badges from certification platforms
• Ensure consistent personal branding across platforms
• Optimize for both digital parsing and human readability

AI and Automation Awareness

With 92% of large companies using AI in hiring processes:

• Include keywords that appear in multiple similar job descriptions
• Use industry-standard terminology rather than company-specific jargon
• Structure information in easily parsable formats
• Balance keyword optimization with natural language
• Avoid creative layouts that confuse AI parsing programs

ResumeBuilder.so continuously updates its templates and recommendations to reflect these evolving trends, ensuring your resume remains current and competitive.

Resume Length & Content Density

The appropriate length for your resume depends on your experience level and industry standards:

Entry-Level Professionals (0-3 years)

For those early in their careers:

• Stick to a single page
• Focus on education, internships, and early professional experiences
• Highlight transferable skills from academic or volunteer work
• Include relevant coursework and academic achievements
• Maximize impact with concise, achievement-focused language

Mid-Career Professionals (3-10 years)

As your experience grows:

• One to two pages is appropriate
• Emphasize the most recent and relevant positions
• Include metrics and specific achievements
• Minimize early career details as you progress
• Focus on career progression and increasing responsibility

Senior Professionals (10+ years)

For seasoned professionals:

• Two pages is standard, though some executive positions may warrant three
• Focus on the last 10-15 years of experience
• Highlight leadership and strategic contributions
• Include industry recognition and significant achievements
• Demonstrate progression and advancement

Regardless of length, content density matters—research shows resumes with appropriate white space and margins of at least 0.5 inches improve readability by 30%. ResumeBuilder.so's templates are optimized for proper content density, ensuring your information is comprehensive without appearing cluttered.

Resume Achievement Writing Guide

Strong achievement statements transform your resume from a job description to a powerful marketing document:

The Achievement Formula

For maximum impact, structure achievements using:

1. Action Verb - Begin with a strong, specific action verb
2. Context - Provide the situation or challenge you faced
3. Action - Describe the specific steps you took
4. Result - Quantify the outcome with metrics when possible

Before and After Examples

Customer Service Role:

Marketing Position:

• Before: "Managed social media campaigns for company."
• After: "Developed and executed cross-platform social media strategy that increased engagement by 78% and generated 15K qualified leads in Q2 2023."

Technical Role:

• Before: "Worked on database optimization."
• After: "Implemented database indexing strategy that reduced query response time by 65%, improving overall system performance for 10,000+ daily users."

Quantification Strategies

When exact numbers aren't available:

• Use ranges ("increased efficiency by 20-25%")
• Provide context ("exceeded team average by 30%")
• Use frequency ("consistently ranked in top 5% of representatives")
• Compare before/after states ("reduced processing time from 3 days to 4 hours")

Research indicates that resumes with at least 5-7 quantified achievements receive 25% more interview requests than those with qualitative descriptions alone.

Resume Distribution Strategy

Creating an effective resume is only the first step—strategic distribution maximizes your chances of success:

Digital Submission Best Practices

When applying online:

• Follow exact application instructions (67% of HR professionals reject applications that don't)
• Submit in the requested format (PDF preserves formatting but .docx may be better for some ATS)
• Use a clean, professional file name (FirstnameLastname_Resume.pdf)
• Include the job title and ID in your email subject line
• Customize file metadata with your name and relevant keywords
• Test the document on multiple devices before submission

Optimizing for Different Platforms

Tailor your approach to each platform:

• Company websites: Submit fully customized resumes that closely match the job description
• LinkedIn: Ensure your profile complements rather than duplicates your resume
• Job boards: Create slightly different versions highlighting various skill sets
• Networking connections: Provide comprehensive versions that showcase your full capabilities

Follow-Up Protocol

After submission:

• Wait 5-7 business days before following up
• Send a brief, professional email referencing your application
• Mention something specific about the company to demonstrate interest
• Offer additional information if helpful
• Keep track of all applications in a spreadsheet for effective follow-up

ResumeBuilder.so provides multi-format downloads optimized for different submission channels, ensuring your resume presents correctly regardless of how it's received.

Resume Writing Tips and Best Practices

Implement these expert-recommended practices to elevate your resume above the competition:

Customize for Each Position

Generic resumes perform poorly in today's targeted hiring processes:

• Analyze each job description for key requirements and terminology
• Reflect the company's language and values in your content
• Prioritize experiences most relevant to each specific role
• Adjust your professional summary for each application
• Use the same job title terminology when applicable to your experience

A study by TopResume found that tailored resumes are 60% more likely to get an interview than general versions.

Use Power Words Strategically

Power words energize your resume and demonstrate confidence:

• Begin bullet points with strong action verbs (Achieved, Implemented, Transformed)
• Choose industry-specific terminology that demonstrates insider knowledge
• Avoid overused phrases like "responsible for" or "duties included"
• Use growth-oriented language ("expanded," "increased," "accelerated")
• Include terms that imply initiative ("pioneered," "spearheaded," "conceptualized")

A LinkedIn analysis found that the most effective resumes use a 60/40 ratio of industry-specific technical terms to action-oriented power words.

Focus on Relevance Over Comprehensiveness

Quality trumps quantity in resume content:

• Prioritize recent, relevant experiences over comprehensive history
• Expand on positions most aligned with your target role
• Minimize or eliminate irrelevant positions or outdated skills
• Focus on achievements rather than responsibilities
• Consider a skills-based section for career changers highlighting transferable abilities

Incorporate Keywords Naturally

Effective keyword usage requires balance:

• Include exact phrases from the job description where appropriate
• Integrate keywords contextually within achievement statements
• Use industry-standard terminology and abbreviations (and their spelled-out forms)
• Avoid obvious keyword stuffing, which both ATS and humans reject
• Ensure all listed skills are substantiated by your experiences

According to JobScan, resumes with 80% keyword match to job descriptions are 8x more likely to receive interview invitations.

Seek Professional Feedback

Before finalizing:

• Have industry professionals review for content accuracy
• Ask hiring managers for perspective on impact and relevance
• Use ResumeBuilder.so's review features for technical optimization
• Consider professional resume review services for objective feedback
• Test your resume against ATS systems using simulation tools

Resume Formats and Styling

Your resume's visual presentation significantly impacts its effectiveness:

Comparing Format Types

The three main resume formats serve different purposes:

Chronological Format:

• Best for: Candidates with steady career progression
• Strengths: Shows clear career advancement, familiar to employers
• Weaknesses: Highlights employment gaps, less effective for career changers
• Popularity: Used by approximately 80% of job seekers

Functional Format:

• Best for: Career changers, those with employment gaps
• Strengths: Emphasizes transferable skills over work history
• Weaknesses: Less favored by recruiters (43% view skeptically)
• Popularity: Used by approximately 10% of job seekers

Combination/Hybrid Format:

• Best for: Experienced professionals, strategic career shifters
• Strengths: Balances skills emphasis with work history
• Weaknesses: Can be lengthy, requires careful organization
• Popularity: Used by approximately 10% of job seekers

Design Elements That Work

Research indicates these design elements improve resume effectiveness:

• Clean, consistent margins (minimum 0.5-inch, ideally 1-inch)
• Strategic use of bold text for position titles and achievements
• Conservative use of color for section headings or accents
• Bulleted lists for improved scannability (preferred by 91% of recruiters)
• Consistent spacing between sections for visual organization

Typography Considerations

Font choice significantly impacts both readability and impression:

• Sans-serif fonts (Arial, Calibri) convey modernism and clarity
• Serif fonts (Georgia, Cambria) project tradition and formality
• Font size should be 10-12pt for body text, 14-16pt for headings
• Avoid decorative or unusual fonts that may not display properly
• Maintain consistency with no more than two font families per resume

ResumeBuilder.so offers professionally designed templates that balance aesthetic appeal with ATS compatibility, eliminating guesswork about proper formatting.

Common Resume Writing Mistakes to Avoid

Even excellent qualifications can be undermined by these prevalent resume errors:

Focusing on Duties Instead of Achievements

The most common resume weakness is describing what you were supposed to do rather than what you accomplished:

• Avoid lists of job responsibilities from your job description
• Replace duty statements with specific accomplishments
• Demonstrate problem-solving abilities and initiative
• Show growth and improvement with metrics
• Highlight unique contributions that differentiate you

Including Irrelevant Information

Irrelevant content dilutes your resume's impact:

• Omit hobbies and interests unless directly relevant to the position
• Remove outdated skills and technologies
• Exclude jobs older than 15 years unless particularly relevant
• Eliminate references to age, marital status, or personal attributes
• Drop high school education once you have college experience

Neglecting Keywords and ATS Optimization

Technical optimization failures cause qualified candidates to be filtered out:

• Missing critical keywords from the job description
• Using graphics, tables, or text boxes that ATS can't parse
• Submitting in incompatible file formats
• Using non-standard section headings
• Including information in headers/footers that ATS ignores

Typos and Grammatical Errors

Nothing undermines credibility faster than careless errors:

• 77% of hiring managers reject resumes with 2+ typos
• Grammar issues suggest poor communication skills
• Inconsistent formatting indicates lack of attention to detail
• Punctuation errors project carelessness
• Spelling variations (US vs. UK English) should be consistent

ResumeBuilder.so's editing tools help identify and correct these common issues before submission, significantly improving your application's professional quality.

Examples and Templates Section

ResumeBuilder.so offers professionally designed templates for every career stage and industry. Our templates are:

• ATS-optimized for maximum compatibility with screening software
• Industry-specific with appropriate styling and content emphasis
• Customizable while maintaining professional formatting
• Available in multiple formats for different submission requirements
• Regularly updated to reflect current hiring trends

Our template library includes options for chronological, functional, and combination formats, with designs ranging from conservative to modern depending on your industry requirements.

View our complete template gallery to find the perfect match for your career situation and target industry.

Ready to create your professional resume? Start building now with our intuitive resume builder!

Conclusion

Creating an effective resume in 2024 requires balancing timeless professional principles with modern technological considerations. By following this comprehensive guide, you've learned how to craft a resume that not only passes ATS screening but also impresses hiring managers with clear, achievement-focused content.

Remember that your resume is a living document that should evolve with your career and adapt to each opportunity. The time invested in tailoring your presentation for specific roles consistently yields better results than generic applications.

Don't leave your career advancement to chance. Use ResumeBuilder.so's expert tools and templates to create a powerful, professional resume that showcases your unique value proposition and opens doors to new opportunities.