10 Tips to Build a Resume That Gets You Hired in 2024

One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is sending the same generic resume to every employer. This one-size-fits-all approach rarely works because different positions require different skills and experiences. Hiring managers can instantly tell when you've sent a mass-produced resume, and it signals a lack of genuine interest in their specific role.

Instead, customize your resume for each application by carefully analyzing the job description. Identify the key skills, qualifications, and experiences the employer is seeking, then highlight how your background aligns with these requirements. Use similar keywords and phrases from the job posting—this not only shows you're a good fit but also helps your resume pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that many companies use to filter applications.

For example, if the job description emphasizes 'project management' and 'cross-functional collaboration,' make sure these exact phrases appear in your resume where relevant. This targeted approach demonstrates that you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in this specific opportunity.

When it comes to resumes, less is often more. Recruiters are busy professionals who don't have time to read through pages of information. As a general rule, your resume should be one page if you have less than 10 years of experience, and no more than two pages even if you're a seasoned professional.

Focus on quality over quantity. Every single line on your resume should serve a purpose and add value. Remove outdated experiences, irrelevant hobbies, and generic statements that don't differentiate you from other candidates. Instead, concentrate on your most impressive and relevant achievements from the past 10-15 years.

Ask yourself: Does this information help demonstrate why I'm the best candidate for this specific role? If the answer is no, remove it. White space is your friend—it makes your resume easier to scan and helps important information stand out.

The language you use in your resume can make a dramatic difference in how you're perceived. Start each bullet point with strong action verbs like 'Led,' 'Developed,' 'Increased,' 'Optimized,' 'Spearheaded,' or 'Transformed.' These words convey confidence and demonstrate that you're a proactive professional who drives results.

Even more importantly, quantify your achievements whenever possible. Numbers speak louder than vague descriptions. Instead of saying 'Improved sales performance,' say 'Increased sales by 35% in Q3, generating an additional $2.5M in revenue.' Instead of 'Managed a team,' say 'Led a cross-functional team of 12 professionals across 3 departments.'

Specific metrics and concrete results make your accomplishments tangible and credible. They help recruiters visualize the impact you could bring to their organization. If you don't have exact numbers, use estimates or ranges, but always be honest and prepared to discuss these figures in an interview.

Before a human ever sees your resume, it often needs to pass through an Applicant Tracking System—software that scans and ranks resumes based on keywords and formatting. Many qualified candidates get rejected simply because their resumes aren't ATS-friendly.

To optimize for ATS: Use standard section headings like 'Work Experience,' 'Education,' and 'Skills' rather than creative alternatives. Avoid tables, text boxes, headers, footers, and graphics that ATS software might not read correctly. Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Save your resume as a .docx or PDF file (check the job posting for preferred format).

Include relevant keywords from the job description naturally throughout your resume. However, don't keyword-stuff—ATS systems are sophisticated enough to detect this, and it will hurt your ranking. Our Resume Builder is designed with ATS optimization in mind, automatically formatting your content for maximum compatibility.

Your resume's visual presentation matters just as much as its content. A cluttered, poorly formatted resume suggests carelessness and lack of attention to detail—qualities no employer wants. Use consistent formatting throughout: same font sizes for similar elements, uniform bullet points, aligned dates, and adequate white space.

Choose a clean, professional font (11-12 point for body text) and use bold or slightly larger text for section headings. Ensure margins are between 0.5 and 1 inch on all sides. Use bullet points for easy scanning rather than dense paragraphs.

Most critically, your resume must be 100% error-free. Even a single typo can eliminate you from consideration, as it suggests poor communication skills and lack of professionalism. Proofread multiple times, use spell-check tools like Grammarly, and ask a trusted friend or mentor to review it with fresh eyes. Read it backwards to catch errors you might miss when reading normally.