Resume-building techniques change constantly, and with these changes come fluctuations in what employers look for. This year, in 2024, technology is at the forefront of filtering through job applications, making it imperative that your resume is A.I. friendly. Refreshing your resume is always a must, but how do you know what makes a resume “too much”? Read more below as we dive into a few tips as to what the best resume-building techniques of 2024 are so far:

 

Should you use a resume statement or an objective?

Resume Objectives were the defining aspect of successful resumes in the past. Employers looked for an objective showing determination, adaptability, experience, and a goal of where the applicant wants to be. While objectives seem to be a flawless start to your resume, times have changed, and many employers want something more from applicants.

Rather than setting a goal for yourself and stating why you are eager to get the job, employers are now looking for a Resume Statement. This statement focuses on where you have been and what you have accomplished rather than where you plan to go. Great resume statements provide a quick summary of the applicant, allowing them to pinpoint some of their most impressive features and attributes while showing proof of great work efforts.

Objectives can hold some value for more inexperienced candidates, as highlighting your goals is more attractive than summarizing a lack of experience. Resume Statements give employers the information they need upfront, as they detail work you have done and noteworthy skills that you mention. Statements are more like the “proof” and tell employers why they should want you on their team, whereas objectives show employers where you want to go. Employers today, in 2024, are no longer looking for goals, but rather proven information and qualifications upfront.

 

How do you optimize a document for A.I. use?

The role of artificial intelligence in the hiring process is just one of the many changes employers have made in 2024. Forbes notes that around 98% of Fortune 500 companies and 75% of employers self-report using Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) in their hiring processes. What does this mean for applicants?

You must know when writing or updating your resume that your document could be assessed by an algorithm before a hiring manager sees it. To optimize your document, you must make it machine-readable. Try implementing some of these tips:

• Use a good number of keywords in your document, but do not overuse them
• Avoid grammar and spelling mistakes; Utilize spell-checking software
• Do not clutter your document with graphics and what you think are “fun” fonts/colors
• Submit your document in the proper file format (PDF and TXT work best)
• Less is more; Keep your fonts consistent (12 pt text, concise writing or bullet points, easy-to-read font, 1-2 pages in length)

 

How do you determine what to keep in your resume and what to cut out?

Great workers constantly develop their skills, so adding new skills is essential in resume-building. Lacking new skills can be a setback on your resume. As a candidate, show that you are constantly learning and staying up-to-date by adding your most recent updates to the top of your resume sections. If a given section is lengthy, remove those skills or attributes that may be outdated and unuseful. Removing expired certifications is also important, as they are no longer useful while unrenewed.

Another key aspect of resume content is to tailor your information to the specific job ad you are applying for. Be specific, put in the time and effort to make this application/resume relate to the job description. It is great to have a template resume to resort back to for each application you complete, but each one you submit should have job-specific attributes within the resume.

 

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