how to make a resume 2023

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Resume Writing Tips

What your resume should look like in 2023 (with examples & templates).

Learning what your resume should look like in 2023 isn’t just a matter of aesthetics.

Hiring data shows there’s an average of 200 applicants per job opening. Some researchers say that figure may be closer to 500 candidates , depending on the position.

I share these figures not to scare you, but to highlight your stiff competition.

Your resume is your best chance to make a powerful first impression on hiring teams and recruiters. These decision-makers are inundated with well-qualified applicants as soon as they post a job.

And to make matters worse, eye-tracking studies reveal they only spend 7.4 seconds scanning a resume before deciding whether to read it in its entirety or move on to the next one.

That’s not a lot of time to capture and excite readers about your value.

So in this post, I’ll highlight exactly what your resume should look like in 2023 to stand out, engage readers, and boost your chances of landing an interview.

What Your Resume Should Look Like In 2023: 5 Must-Haves + Examples

An attractive, high-performing resume immediately piques a reader’s interest. It subtly draws them down the page to learn why you’re the candidate they’re looking for.

So every resume in 2023 should incorporate these five elements to achieve that goal:

1. An Updated, Modern Design

A traditional resume format (think: chronological order, bullet points, etc.) won’t give you a leg-up on your competition in 2023. Using one may even hold you back.

See, hiring managers tune out when one of those stale resume templates lands on their desks for the umpteenth time. These boring resumes don’t excite or connect with readers. So your resume could be passed over in that brief 7.4-second scan before it’s even read.

That’s why it’s so important to freshen up the look of your resume with an updated, modern resume template like this one:

Want to use this resume template? Click this link purchase it and start customizing this template (or any others in this article) now.

Unlike a traditional resume template, the one above builds a personal connection with readers by introducing and showcasing your value first. A quick scan of the top half provides them with a snapshot of your areas of expertise and core competencies, two very attractive “hooks” to hiring teams.

Readers will then feel compelled to learn where you honed those skills. So the bottom half of this resume template helps organize your career achievements in an engaging, eye-appealing way. 

Rather than reading like a bland job description, each point should back up your skill set while proving your track record of success.

Anyone reading your resume formatted with a modern template like this will know precisely who you are and the value you’ll deliver, which is the ultimate goal.

2. Clear Sections To Highlight Your Best Features

Resumes that look like one giant block of text are intimidating. They tell hiring teams they’ll need to spend time and effort to mine for the intel they’re looking for. And with hundreds of other resumes vying for their attention, they’ll probably just pass on doing so.

That’s why most modern resume templates are divided into sections with clear, distinct headers. This makes your resume easier to scan and read, not to mention far more enjoyable for busy hiring managers.

The resume template above does a fantastic job of breaking up a resume into bite-sized chunks of information. The example below takes this concept a step further:

The highlights and expertise section in this resume template sits in a blue box to draw the reader’s eyes and attention. This is like telling hiring teams, “Hey! Come check this out!”

So think of your resume as a cheat sheet for hiring managers and recruiters rather than a dossier.

Your resume headings and sections will create an organized outline of your qualifications. Then these call-out boxes can be used to show off your best features, as they’re likely one of the first things hiring managers will notice during their initial scan.

3. Strategically-Placed White Space and Tight Copy

Often times, candidates are so focused on adding every little detail to their resume that it becomes too crammed to read. Headings and call-out boxes can help with this problem. But nothing works quite as well as more white space.

White space, or the places in your resume without words or formatting, adds breathing room to your resume . It prevents a resume from appearing jam-packed and hard to read.

A resume with well-defined sections naturally creates more white space, like this resume template :

Aim for short copy to add more white space to your resume . Break up any big chunks of text to make reading less overwhelming and easier for the eyes.

Your resume is like a garden. You don’t want wordy sentences hiding your highlights and achievements like weeds overrunning a beautiful flower bed. 

Prune your copy, and you’ll easily add more white space to your resume and draw attention to your best selling points simultaneously.

4. A Bold Pop of Color

If you really want to stand out and catch someone’s attention, a pop of bold color on your resume is a must. But this doesn’t mean you should haphazardly throw a rainbow of color wherever you want.

When done strategically, as this example does, color can be used to add emphasis, contrast, and personality. It can also help break up the sea of black text on your resume.

Want to use this resume template? Click this link to customize this template or any others in this article now .

Though a pop of color can help your resume stand out and make a memorable first impression, colors that are too bright or off-putting will do so for the wrong reasons. Opt for deeper, saturated shades, so your resume will be legible in person and on-screen.

5. A Clear, Easy-to-Read Font and Formatting

It’s essential to think about the font you choose for your resume .

Anything “cutesy” will likely be regarded as unprofessional. Likewise, a font that’s too light or too bold may also be difficult to read.

The best fonts to use on a resume include Serif and Sans Serif fonts, such as Times New Roman, Georgia, Verdana, and Arial.

As for the font size, stick to 10-14 points (10-12 for regular text and 12-14 for headings and subheadings).

This template offers a great example of resume text formatting:

On a similar note, be sure to emphasize the right areas, not everything . Only use bold or italics to draw attention to your top achievements, companies you’ve worked for, and other notable points according to the role.

Ready To Update Your Resume for 2023?

Now that you know the must-have ingredients for a high-performing resume, it’s time to put these tips to good use.

Incorporating today’s must-have elements will give your resume a fresh upgrade for 2023 and help you connect with hiring teams and recruiters.

Even better news?

If you use one of the resume templates shared in this guide, you’ll ace this task in half the time. Just purchase and download the one that fits your needs best, plug in your information where prompted, and voila! 

You’ll have a modern, professional resume ready to send out in a matter of minutes instead of spending all day reformatting your current one.

Click this link to learn more about the resume templates featured in this article. Psst! You’ll also find a free executive resume template download on our resources page.

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About the author

Jessica hernandez, president, ceo & founder of great resumes fast.

Hi, I’m Jessica. I started this company back in 2008 after more than a decade directing hiring practices at Fortune 500 companies.

What started as a side hustle (before that was even a word!) helping friends of friends with their resumes has now grown into a company that serves hundreds of happy clients a year. But the personal touch? I’ve kept that.

You might have seen me featured as a resume expert in publications like Forbes, Fast Company, and Fortune. And in 2020, I was honored to be named as a LinkedIn Top Voice of the year!

I’m so glad you’re here, and I can’t wait to help you find your next perfect-fit position!

This is very well-detailed content. I highly appreciate your work. Thank you for sharing your ideas!

Hi Jessica,

As I was looking to give my resume a fresh, new style for 2023, I came across your article. I kid you not, I have been styling my resume like this for the last 3 years! I am an independent career coach–would you be interested in hiring a partner?

I’m not kidding.

I found these resume formats to be reader friendly and they target what potential employers want to see quickly. It allows the reader to focus on the accomplishments beyond the day to day duties.

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Improve Your Resume: Download Your Free Executive Resume Template Today

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Whether you’re a college graduate looking for a break or a seasoned professional - you need to create your resume the right way to get your desired job.

It's an open secret that recruiters spend on an average 7.4 seconds to review a resume. So it needs to be strong and eye-catching to capture the attention of the recruiter and help you get called for an interview.

In this guide we will tell you everything you need to know to write a stellar resume in 2023.

What is a Resume?

Simply put, a resume is a formal and official presentation of an applicant's work experience and education, and his/her definite skills. A resume is therefore a one or two-page document to summarize your qualifications for your target job profile.

A resume purposely provides a summary of your skills, abilities and accomplishments. It is a brief of who you are with respect to your interests and experiences. A good resume gets you an interview.

Since your resume is a primary tool in your job search, it needs to be carefully written and critiqued. This article is designed to guide you through the process.

What is The Difference Between a Resume and CV?

The three major differences between CVs and resumes are:

• the length,
• the purpose, and

A resume is a brief summary of your skills and experience over one or two pages, a CV is more detailed and can stretch well beyond two pages. The resume will be tailored to each position whereas the CV will stay put and any changes will be in the cover letter.

A CV has a clear chronological order listing the whole career of the individual whereas a resume’s information can be shuffled around to best suit the applicant.

The main difference between a resume and a CV is that a CV is intended to be a full record of your career history and a resume is a brief, targeted list of skills and achievements.

Check out our article on differences between a CV and a Resume for a better understanding of the differences between the two.

Sections in a Resume

Broadly speaking, the content in your resume is spread across the following sections:

• Contact information
• Resume Header
• Professional Summary /Resume Objective
• Professional Experience
• Certifications
• Additional Sections - Volunteer Experience, Extra-curricular Experience Training, etc.

Also Read: What are the different sections to add to a resume? .

How to Pick the Correct Resume Format in 2023?

The first step in creating a resume is to decide which format to use.

There are three types of resume formats:

• Reverse-chronological format
• Functional format
• Combination format

The choice depends on the type of job you are applying for and your level of experience.

1. Reverse Chronological Resume Format

This is the most common type of resume format. It lists your work experience in reverse chronological order – with your most recent job first and your oldest job last.

This type of resume works well for applicants who have been working for many years in the same field, as it provides a clear history of their career progression over time.

2. Functional/Skills-Based Resume Format

The functional/skills-based resume is similar to the chronological format except that it focuses on your skills rather than work history.

This type of resume should be used by candidates who have gaps in their employment history, or who are making a career change into an unrelated field.

With this type of CV template, you would simply list all relevant skills at the top instead of past jobs or education history.

3. Combination Resume Format

The combination resume format combines elements of both chronological and functional formats. It might include a brief section highlighting relevant skills and experience, followed by a chronological list of previous positions.

Also Read: What format to use in a resume in 2023? .

Best Resume Design Tips

The first thing a recruiter notices is your resume design .

So, if it's boring, it may get rejected.

Here are best resume design tips for you:

• Make sure to keep the resume length in 1 page. If you have extensive experience, then only you can go for 2-page resume. But never go more than 2 page.
• Make sure to keep the font size between 10-12 points
• Use professional fonts such as "Ariel", "Times New Roman", or "Calibri" to write the resume.
• Use Ample white-space on the resume to keep it readable.
• Keep 1-inch margin on all sides of the resume
• Save your resume in PDF format. If you send the resume to a recruiter in word format, it may mess up the formatting of the resume.

How to Create a Header Section For a Resume?

Your resume header is the top-most component in your resume.

It is important that you pay extra attention to your resume header as it will help you stand out among other applicants.

Tips to create a resume header:

• Do not write 'CV' or 'Resume' on the resume header.
• Write your full name on the resume header.
• Give a single space between your first name and last name
• Keep the heading size in 16-20 font size.
• Write the initials of the middle name. For example, if your name is John Lee Cooper, you can write the name in "John L. Cooper"

Example of resume header

Also Read: How to write a resume header in 2023?

Contact Information on Resume

Your contact information is the most important section in your resume. It’s the first thing that an HR manager sees when they review your application, and it’s what they will use to get in touch with you if they want to schedule an interview or ask questions.

Here are the items that should be included in this section:

• Phone Number.
• Email Address.

LinkedIn URL

• Social Media Link
• Website/Blog Link

Phone Number in Resume

Here are some tips to add phone number in resume:

• Write the ISD code of your country in front of the phone number
• Use a Plus sign (+) before the ISD code
• Give a space between the number to improve readability.
• Eg: +1 33242 19981

Email Address in Resume

Here are some tips to write the email address in resume:

• Use a professional looking email address to add in the contact information section in the resume.
• Eg: [email protected] , or [email protected] , or [email protected]
• Don't do this: [email protected]
• As long as your email ID has your full name, you're good

Location in Resume

Here are some tips to add your location in resume:

• Don't write your full address in the location section in resume
• If the job you're applying is in the same country, write location in "City, State Code" format
• If the job you're applying is in another country, write location in "City, Country Code" format

If you have an updated and optimized LinkedIn profile, make sure to add a link in the resume contact information section

Social Media URL

If you have a good social following, or you post content on relevant subject, you can add it in your resume contact information section

Example of resume personal information section

Also Read: How to write the contact information in resume in 2023?

How to Add Summary or Objective for a Resume?

A good resume summary or objective will leave a lasting impression on the hiring manager who's scanning your resume. A bad one, however, could lead to your resume being thrown out without a second glance.

That's because HR managers spend around six seconds scanning each resume — unless you manage to leave an amazing first impression. The way you accomplish this is through either a good resume summary or objective. Both are placed at the top of your resume, right after the contact information section:

Resume summary

• A resume summary is a short paragraph that highlights the most important aspects of your professional experience and skillset.
• It should be no more than 2-3 sentences long and should focus on the value you bring to an employer (i.e., what makes you different from other candidates).
• Your resume summary should also include any industry-specific keywords that will help hiring managers find your resume in applicant tracking systems (ATS).
• You only write the resume summary if you have 3+ years of experience.

Resume Objective

• A objective statement is for professionals who have less than 3 years of experience, or freshers.
• It focuses on why you want this job instead of what you offer as an employee.
• It also highlight your core values as they relate to that role

Example of Resume Summary/Objective:

Also Read: Guide to writing a killer Resume Objective section in 2023?

Key Skills Section of Resume

One of the most important sections of your resume is the "Skills" section.

Here, you want to list all your core and technical skills that makes you the perfect candidate for the job.

You should include a list of five or six skills that are relevant to the position you’re applying for and describe how they will help you excel in this role.

For example, if you’re applying for a customer service position and have excellent communication skills, it would be great to have a list of the following key skills:

• Customer Service
• Interpersonal Skills
• Issue Resolution
• Escalation Management
• Call Management, etc.

Where to Add the Key Skills in Resume?

When it comes to including important skills on your resume , we recommend that you spread them throughout the document - provided you can validate them of course.

The most important place to include this is in the heading of your resume, which should, when possible, include the most relevant keyword as a professional title.

In general, there are three main ways to include skills in your resume:

• In a separate "Key Skills" section after the summary of your resume
• as bullet points under each position you've held (if using a chronological resume format)
• In your heading as the professional title

Example of Resume Key Skills

Also Read: How to write the key skills section of a resume in 2023?

How to Write the Work Experience Section in Resume?

The most important part of your resume is your work experience. If you don't have any, or if your current job doesn't reflect the type of position you're applying for, then you need to do some serious digging.

If you do have a solid work history, then congratulations! You're well on your way to getting that dream job. But before we dive into all the nits and grits, let's start with the basics:

Given below is the standard format of the work experience section of a resume:

• Job Title: It goes on top of each work experience entry.
• Company Name / Location: Here, mention the name of the employer and the work location.
• Dates : Add the dates of your service, as in, start date and end date in the work experience section in MM-YYYY format
• Job Responsibilities : Add your job responsibilities in the section as well in bullet formats

Tips to Write the Work Experience Section in Resume

• Always write the work experience section in reverse-chronological format
• Write all your responsibilities in a single-line bullet points
• Start all the bullet points with a power verb
• Bold important terms and statistics to maximize the impact
• Mane a action-result relation when writing the bullet points in resume

How Much Work Experience do You Include in a Resume?

If you’ve got an extensive work experience, you’re probably confused about

how to add that effectively in your resume.Because, if you write everything, it may become a 3-4 page resume.That can actually hurt your chances of getting the job.

The key is to focus on what matters most for the position you want — and that means including only relevant information about your past positions.

Here are some tips for deciding what to include:

• Candidate With No Experience: For freshers, it;s understandable that they don't have an work experience. You can completely remove this sections and instead add internships, volunteer experience and extra-curricular activities in resume.
• Entry Level Professionals: You can list all your work experience in the work experience section
• Mid-level professionals: Add only your relevant work experience in the resume
• Senior professionals : List the recent 10-12 years of relevant work experience in the resume. After that you can mention your work experience in the resume, but no need to explain.

Example of Resume Work Experience:

Also Read: How to write the work experience section of a resume in 2023?

How to Write Education Section In Resume?

The education section is easily one of the most important parts of your resume, so make sure you format it correctly.

Here's some advice on what elements to add on the education section in a resume:

• Name of the Degree. E.g.: “Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science”
• Name of the University. E.g.: “New York State University”
• Year of Degree. E.g.: “08/2008 - 06/2012”
• GPA, only if it's greater than 3.5
• Honors (Optional).E.g.: Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude.
• Academic achievements (Optional).

Example of Resume Educations Section:

Also Read: How to write the education section of a resume in 2023?

How to Add Certifications in Resume?

If you are looking for a job that requires certification, then make sure you include certifications in your resume .

This section should include any certifications that may help you get the job. It demonstrates your qualifications outside of your core-education experience and is thus seen as a positive attribute by recruiters.

Given below is a list of elements you need to add in the certification section in resume:

• Name of the certification
• Name of the certification issuing body
• Location of the certifying body
• Enrollment and completion date in a month and year format

Example of Resume Certification Section:

How to Add Additional Experiences in Resume?

You can add additional sections on your resume if you have some space left after adding all the essential sections on your resume.

1. Volunteering Experience:

If you've volunteered for any group or organization, list it in your resume . Volunteering shows that you're not only willing to work hard, but also care about others. This is one of the things employers look for in potential employees.

2. Hobbies & Interests:

Mentioning your hobbies and interests on a resume shows that you are well-rounded and have a variety of interests. They also help employers see who you really are as a person and how they might relate to you in the workplace. You can include hobbies such as cooking or sports under this section. The same goes for other interests like photography or travel.

3. Publications:

If you've published articles online or in print, list those publications on your resume under publications so employers know what kind of writer they're hiring!

Key Takeaways

• Your resume should be tailored to the job you're applying
• It should look good, else the recruiters will ignore the resume
• The resume should include all relevant information. It shouldn't feel incomplete
• You need to add accurate details in the resume.
• Start all bullet points in resume with power verbs
• Keep a 1-inch margin on all sides of the resume.

Go to Hiration career platform which has 24/7 chat support and get professional assistance with all your job & career-related queries. You can also write to us at [email protected] and we will make sure to reach out to you as soon as possible.

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Resume Trends To Follow in 2024

Some resume advice is timeless … but not all of it. Here’s a list of the current resume trends worth following, including our top resume tips for 2024 and beyond.

a year ago   •   7 min read

The job market is changing more rapidly than ever, which means that resume trends seem to be coming (and going) faster than ever. So, which trends are worth following — and which ones are better off ignored?

We’ve analyzed the current resume trends and landed on 12 resume trends for 2024 that aren’t going anywhere. These are all based on data and backed by recruiters, which means you can bypass the fads and skip straight to the resume tips that’ll actually help you land a job.

Wondering what the best resume tips are for 2024? Here’s a quick overview.

Top 12 resume trends in 2024

In 2024, look out for:

• Sticking with a classic resume format
• Keeping it brief
• Having multiple resumes
• Optimizing your resume with keywords
• Integrating soft skills
• Quantifying your impact with numbers
• Embracing of remote work
• Using AI to help your job search
• ... And leaning into AI-specific skillsets
• Highlighting technical skills
• Addressing the market
• Linking to social media

Let’s take a more in-depth look at each of these trends, including what they mean for you and how to stay ahead of the curve.

Top resume trends for 2024

1. use a simple chronological resume format.

In 2024, we’ve seen a lot of resume trends come and go. Infographics, functional resumes, and online resume builders have all come … and gone. What’s here to stay is the classic, easy to read chronological resume.

When writing a resume, there’s no need to get creative with fonts , images, graphs, tables, or fancy layouts. Instead:

Download a simple ATS-ready resume template

• Stick to default formatting in Google Docs or Microsoft Word
• List your experience in order from most recent to least recent
• Always include your dates of employment
• Use bold, underline, and italics if you need text to stand out
• Export your resume as a PDF to keep your formatting intact

2. Keep your resume short and skimmable

Sometimes, less is more — and that includes on your resume. Most resumes only need to be one page long and include:

• Contact details
• Work experience
• A short section for relevant skills and other information

Most of that should be in bullet point format, too, which means recruiters can quickly skim your resume — and important information is more likely to stand out.

Related: How Long Should a Resume Be?

3. Have multiple versions of your resume

Think you can write a single, perfect resume that you can use to apply to any job? Think again!

One of the best ways to land a job is to tailor your resume, which means you’ll end up having at least a few different variations of the same resume. This could be as simple as adding a resume title or as in-depth as curating which jobs you list when applying for roles in different industries. You can also get help from tools like Targeted Resume , which will check your resume against the target job description and identify specific ways to tailor your resume to that position.

Related: How To Tailor Your Resume To a Job

4. Bypass ATS with resume keywords

If you’re currently applying for jobs, you’ve probably heard of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These are automated scanners that companies use to screen resumes before they hit the desk of a hiring manager.

ATS search your resume for a set list of keywords, which means they’re pretty easy to bypass. The key is to not overdo it — after all, you don’t want a resume so stuffed full of keywords that it gets rejected by the first person to read it. Instead, use a tool like our skills and keywords finder to search for relevant keywords and scatter them naturally throughout your resume.

Related: How To Beat Applicant Tracking Systems in a Few Easy Steps

5. Highlight transferable skills

These days, nobody expects to stay in the same job for their whole career — the average tenure of a new job is less than five years , which means that the average person will hold around 12 jobs in their lifetime. With that in mind, it makes sense to build your resume around skills that you can take with you — in other words, transferable (or soft) skills.

According to a recent breakdown of job listing, the top soft skills recruiters are looking for include:

• Communication
• Customer service
• Time management and scheduling
• Project management
• Analytical thinking
• Working independently
• Interpersonal skills and collaboration
• Flexibility
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Multitasking

Related: Here's How To Include Soft Skills on Your Resume

6. Quantify your impact with concrete metrics

The easiest way to show the actual impact you had in a role is to use numbers in your bullet points . This allows hiring managers to get a better feel for how you’re likely to perform in the new role. It’s also a good way to stand out in a sea of applicants, as the vast majority of resumes don’t fully quantify their accomplishments.

Here’s an okay bullet point:

Hired, coached and led sales team.

By adding more details, we can make it better:

Hired, coached and led sales team of five to make sales calls, make client visits and close deals.

And by using metrics to show results, we create an impactful, measurable accomplishment :

Hired, coached and led sales team of five to make sales calls, make client visits and close deals; generated $10M in sales contracts.

Related: How To Quantify Your Resume

7. Get on board with remote work

You don’t have to be looking for remote work to know that it’s everywhere — and you shouldn’t expect this to go away in 2024. Job boards like FlexJobs and Remote OK cater specifically to people looking for remote work, while even the larger job boards have hundreds of thousands of remote jobs listed.

Even if you aren’t working remotely, you’re likely to be dealing with people who are, which means that highlighting experience managing remote workers or your ability to use remote tools like Slack and Zoom is always a plus.

Related: The Complete Guide To Listing Remote Work on a Resume

8. Use AI to your advantage

In 2024, it seems like Artificial Intelligence is everywhere. Employers are obviously using it — but so can job seekers.

AI-powered tools like Score My Resume work in a similar way to ATS, by analyzing your resume and providing actionable steps to improve it . Think of it kind of like a Grammarly for resumes — instead of just fixing your spelling and grammar, it can check for job-specific keywords, resume and bullet point length , inconsistencies, word choice, and any filler or buzzwords you can safely eliminate.

9. Learn to work with AI, too

If you believe the naysayers, AI is about to take over and automate just about every job imaginable. Which may be true ... but in that case, who runs the AI?

The answer is: People do. If AI has started invading your industry, look at expanding your skillset to include AI-specific skills, like AI-assisted coding or ChatGPT prompt writing .

10. Prove that you’re competent with technology

The technology trend doesn't stop with AI. Even in low-tech fields, a little tech savvy goes a long way. Being able to troubleshoot problems and use common technologies can make the difference between hitting the ground running and struggling to keep up.

Looking to make the next move in your career — or to change fields entirely? 2024 is an excellent time to start developing in-demand skills like:

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Software as a Service (SaaS)
• Cybersecurity
• Data analysis
• Cloud computing
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Augmented reality and virtual reality (AR and VR)
• Digital marketing
• User interface and user experience design (UI and UX)
• Programming languages like HTML, CSS, Java, and SQL

11. Write a market-driven resume

This may sound gimmicky, but all it really means is a) keeping up-to-date with trends in hiring in general and your field in particular, and b) tweaking your resume to address these trends.

If that sounds calculated or impersonal, remember this: Your resume isn't about you, it's about the job you want. Instead of trying to include a complete history of who you are and what you've done, create a resume with a purpose — one that addresses specific needs in your industry or company and explains how you can fill those needs.

12. Update and link your LinkedIn

Whether you’re always on social media or not a huge fan, there’s no doubt that it’s become an important part of job searching. LinkedIn alone is home to over 800 million users, including over 58 million registered companies.

Add a link to your LinkedIn profile, GitHub, or portfolio to the top of your resume (next to your contact details).

A trend we're seeing in 2024: Companies are recruiting more and more via LinkedIn so ATS now provide LinkedIn integrations, where experience can be imported via LinkedIn. So, keep your profile up to date and make sure it reflects skills on your resume.

If your LinkedIn needs a little revamp — or a complete overhaul — LinkedIn Review can provide personalized tips on how to optimize your profile and generate up to five times as many leads.

By the way, it's worth mentioning — keep your other social profiles, like Instagram or Facebook, on private when you're recruiting if you have any content you don't want recruiters seeing.

Related: How To Make Your LinkedIn Stand Out

Resume trends to avoid

Not all trends are created equal — so which ones should you avoid? Here's a list of gimmicks to steer clear of:

• Functional resumes. These are often touted as a way to hide a spotty work history or lack of experience, but in reality, they do the opposite — not listing dates on your resume or using a skills-based format just makes recruiters wonder what you're trying to hide.
• Infographics. These had their moment, but arguably were never a great idea in the first place (for a start, ATS can't read images). Skip the fancy graphics and stick to a classic, text-based resume.
• Resume objectives. This one's so old that some people are trying to make it new again. Resume summaries are different and can actually be useful, but an objective adds nothing to your candidacy. Skip it.
• Gimmicky resumes. It might sound fun to have your resume printed on a beer label, a t-shirt, or a QR code , but the people actually making hiring decisions aren't looking for fun — they're looking for a simple document clearly listing your work experience, skills, and education.

Remember that trends aren't everything — the most important thing when it comes to writing a resume is clearly communicating information. Anything that gets in the way of that is an instant "no."

• Career Advice

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Resume skill levels: what being proficient really means (and how to prove it), how to put doordash or uber eats on your resume, keep reading, how to name drop in a cover letter (without sounding pretentious), how to show bilingualism on your resume (with examples), why the job you interviewed for was reposted: the complete 2024 guide, subscribe to our newsletter.

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What Makes a Great Resume?

• Cathy Wasserman
• Lauren B. Weinstein

Start by adding some personality.

If you’re struggling to get your resume noticed, it’s time to add some soul into it. Don’t treat it like a document with laundry list of your responsibilities and successes. Rather, work on converting it into a document that conveys what truly motivates you as a professional.

• Start by creating a back-office version of your resume. Write down an unedited list detailing your complete work history, including the jobs you took up to earn additional money or the one you were fired from. Then, reflect on your personal and professional strengths and talents.
• Use your back-office resume to discern what you want to share on your actual resume. Consider what work has left you with strong negative or positive emotions. Both feel-good emotions and difficult emotions can help you describe your accomplishments in a nuanced way and identify what you want in your next role.
• Now use the back-office resume to rework what you want to showcase. Instead of saying, “Secured a grant funding of $500,000 for youth programming,” say, “Critical thinking and exceptional writing abilities allowed me to secure $500,000 in grant funding for an innovative youth program that helped them develop their leadership skills by writing an online magazine alternative to Teen Vogue .”
• You can take your resume to the next level by adding some creative sections that reflect the uniqueness of what you bring. Consider an international work and living section or one that showcases your artistic practice.

Resumes have come a long way, from a laundry list of job responsibilities to documents that speak to the qualitative and quantitative impact you’ve had at work. But they’re still mostly devoid of emotion and don’t convey what truly motivates you as a professional.

• CW Cathy Wasserman  is a leadership coach , organization development consultant, licensed master social worker, and ‘social experimentrice’ dedicated to re-imagining what’s possible for individuals, organizations and society. She is the co-author of  “ The Empowered Job Search: Build a New Mindset and Get a Great Job in an Unpredictable World.”    Cathy has an MSW from Smith College and a BA in Psychology from Wesleyan University. She trained in mediation with the New York Peace Institute and in Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication.
• LW Lauren Weinstein leads career discovery and enablement for Microsoft’s global sales organization. Previously, she was the Director of Leadership Development at Degreed and has worked in executive search at Marcum, as an in-house career coach at Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies and as a management consultant at Accenture. She is the co-author of  “The Empowered Job Search: Build a New Mindset and Get a Great Job in an Unpredictable World”  and the author of “ Coaching is Calling: A Guide to Coach Training Programs and Professional   Career Paths. ” She is a certified leadership coach, holds a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and is completing her masters and EdD at Penn in organizational leadership and learning. Connect with her on LinkedIn .

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How To Make a Resume That Gets You Hired In 2023 [10+ Examples]

With a large number of applicants for each role across industries, it is time to get your resume ready and sit on a job application spree.

"As per Foundit data, the retail, BFSI, and automotive sectors are expected to grow 20 percent in 2023" - Money Control.com

Job forecasts for 2023 are out, the final round of hiring in colleges is in full swing, and employees laid off in 2022 are rigorously hunting for jobs.

With a large number of applicants for each role across industries, it is time to get your resume ready and sit on a job application spree.  

Before you start job hunting, here is one thing you can't start the process without- a well-tailored appealing resume.

Here's how your resume should look like in 2023: Your resume should reflect your persona as the right candidate for the applied job.

Keep reading to find out how to stand out with your resume  in 2023:

What makes a stellar resume

• How to stand out in a pool of applicants using your resume
• Various sections in a resume
• 5 additional tips for writing an outstanding resume

As per Statista, the “Employment Recession” is under process with an expected rise of 63% in employee removal rate by 2023 globally.

With such scary statistics in place, you need to change how you look at your resume.

Your resume is not more than just a document that outlines your professional history.

Rather it is a personal branding document that differentiates you from other candidates and gains the recruiter's attention.  

How to stand out in a pool of applicants using your Resume

No, we aren't giving you a 5-point sheet to make your resume stand out.

These are the top 3 ways to make your resume stand out.

Personalized Branding

Your resume reflects who you are and what you can bring to the company.

The strongly you appeal, the more convinced the recruiter will lead you to get hired. All this starts with having a strong summary, or a "branding statement".

• Write a strong personalized statement in your professional summary (or objective) that speaks for you, just like a brand’s statement.
• Make the summary clear, and concise with a combination of action words to get the best benefit out of it.

Some examples:

For Engineering Profile:

“Aspire to be a magnet that solves real-world problems and defines me as a true engineer”

For Product Management Profile:

“Building top-performing logistics teams that raise the bar on supply chain excellence”

For Health Care Profile

“Diving deep into social determinants of health to define more proactive care solutions and remove barriers to health plan success, both medically and nonmedically”

Business Growth Profile

“Driving innovative organizational development and culture through strategic learning and organizational development initiatives”

How to write a strong summary statement?

Check our detailed guide on Writing a Winning Resume Summary here

Get the best out of the experience section

To get the maximum effectiveness from your resume, align your skills and experiences with the job requirement.

How to align your resume to the job profile you are applying for List down all the key requirements given in the instructions by the recruiter and then add these keywords in your resume in various sections like skills, achievements, experiences, professional objectives, etc.

It also helps to get a good score in Application Tracking System (ATS) software and surpasses them.

How to present your experience in your resume

There are multiple ways to point out your skills and experiences.  

• Use active words along with skills keywords given in the job description.
• Use words and phrases that say more without taking up much space in your resume. Ideally, keep everything in your resume easy to read with clear and concise language.

We will discuss these phrases in detail in the next section, “phrases you must avoid” of this blog.  

Meanwhile, here are some examples to give a better idea of how to explain your job experiences

• “Developed and deployed curriculum that reached 4,000+ team members, implemented new strategies at the pace of business – rapidly shifted learning from in-person to virtual programming during COVID-19”
• “Navigated URAC accreditation to halt 60% loss of business within first 8 months by overhauling clinical operations, building policies and procedures, and revamping training”
• “Overhauled processes and practices to deliver $10M in soft savings through 4x increases in efficiencies and productivity”

Check out detailed resources on writing a work experience section:

• How To Use Bullet Points In Your Resume
• How to write Work Experience in your Resume, including job descriptions

Quantity of Your Data

“Your action speaks more than your words”.

This saying holds for careers as well.

Writing about our actions or achievements is the best way to highlight your capabilities

For example, consider these statements:

Case 1. Statement 1: “Achievement an excellent growth in quarterly product sales”

Statement 2: “Achieved a total of 57% growth in 3 months of product sales”

Statement 1: “I was responsible for creating a new office procedure manual”

Statement 2: “Decreased costs 22% after developing and launching a new office manual.” Which one looks more appealing in both cases? The second statement, right? This is because, with numbers, it’s really easy for us to compare the overall impact of any achievement, and thus, it looks more appealing. Therefore, always quantity your achievements wherever possible in your resume.

Various Sections in a Resume

You have two types of sections that are mentioned in a resume. One is “Must Have,” and the other is “Can Have.”

“Must have” sections include:

• Contact Information
• Resume Summary or Resume Objective
• Work Experience Section
• Education Section
• Skills Section

The recruiters focus on information in these sections during resume shortlisting and interview rounds.

Now comes the “Can Have” sections. These sections are optional and non-mandatory, only to be mentioned on personal preferences.

“Can have” sections include:

• Awards and Honors
• Volunteer Work
• Certifications and Licenses Projects
• Hobbies and interests
• Qualifications
• Extracurricular Activities
• Accomplishments
• Associations
• Publications
• Conferences

These sections vary from candidate to candidate.

However, they have a unique advantage. These sections help you personalize yourself as a brand in the resume. These little achievements add value, the condition being that they are relevant to the applied profile.

For example, any training or associations, or conferences in your chosen field of industry can help you elevate your relevancy to a higher level. Most of these achievements are often emphasized by the recruiters during interviews. These are unique, and not many candidates can mention the same things, ultimately helping you to stand out and win the interview.

What skills should I mention in my resume?

5 Additional Tips for Writing an Outstanding Resume

Let's face it- conveying anything clearly and to the point with an appealing tone is hard.

Follow the key tips to improve the overall impact of your resume and set a professional tone with appealing quality.

Avoid Passive Words

Avoid passive phrases and use active phrases. Passive phrases don't give any idea about comparable action, take up space, and decrease the effectiveness of a sentence.

Recruiters generally feel passive phrases to be boring and monotonous.

Here are some commonly used passive phrases in resumes:

• Responsible for
• Duties included
• Worked with

If you are using any of these, it's time to change.

How to make sentences in my resume more effective?

Plan your resume layout and sections.

There are so many functional resume layouts available for free. Take your time to finalize the layout that goes with your style and feel.

• Make sure that your layout is aligned with the resume sections that you are planning to mention in your resume.
• Consider customizing a resume template as per your requirements. For example, you can add your LinkedIn profile link at the top of the the contact section which is very valuable if you have a strong LinkedIn profile.

The sole purpose of the layout should be to convey the necessary information in an organized manner. Be flexible and create the best layout that fits your requirements.

Use Bullet Points to Organize your Resume

A resume containing bullet points is easy to read, makes it faster to profess information, and saves time for recruiters during shortlisting.

Use bullet points to differentiate various subheadings and points under different sections.

Targetted Keywords to beat the ATS

It is important to beat Application Tracking Systems (ATS) software to crack the shortlisting round. ATS focuses on the information in your resume and compares it with the data in the job description. The more targeted keywords it finds in your resume, the more it recommends you for the applied profile.

Here's what we suggest - do your research and list down skills and responsibilities keywords from the job description. Use these keywords wherever possible in your resume, it will make you more relevant for the profile to pass the ATS test.

Keep it Short and Concise

Recruiters have limited time, making it important for you to keep your resume short.

• Use bullet points instead of long paragraphs.
• Avoid unnecessary filler words that will help you say more in fewer words.
• Use active voice, preferably.
• Proofread to ensure correct grammar and punctuation.

Be professional

An attractive resume can and should look professional.

Don't go overboard with images, and colors to standout.

• Write your full real name, as written on the documents.
• Avoid using slang as they distract the reader from the main points.

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Now that you know what makes a resume more appealing and helps you stand out, start writing your resume based on these tips. However, if you need professional help to make a winning resume for 2022, check out our top-notch resume-writing services today and get your dream job!!!

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