How to Write a Resume for 2024 (Tips, Tools, & Examples)

Summary

In this video, Liam from Teal offers a comprehensive guide on crafting an effective resume for 2024 using the Teal Resume Builder. He emphasizes the importance of clear contact information, a targeted job title, and a concise professional summary highlighting key achievements. Liam advises focusing on accomplishments in work history rather than just tasks, and tailoring the education and skills sections to relevant experiences. He discusses layout best practices, including maintaining a simple design, and the appropriate length of a resume. The video aims to help job seekers enhance their resumes to stand out in a competitive job market.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start with your contact information, including your full name, phone number, professional email, city and state, LinkedIn URL, and portfolio link if applicable.
• 😀 Use a target title that matches the job description you’re applying for to ensure clarity in your resume's intent.
• 😀 Write a concise professional summary that acts as an elevator pitch, highlighting your experience, top skills, and key achievements.
• 😀 Focus on achievements in your work history section rather than just listing tasks, demonstrating your value to potential employers.
• 😀 Include your educational background with relevant details, emphasizing recent achievements if you are early in your career.
• 😀 The skills section should feature hard skills relevant to the job, presented in a way that’s easy for hiring managers to assess quickly.
• 😀 If you have relevant experiences outside traditional jobs, include a 'Projects' section to showcase freelance work or personal projects.
• 😀 Consider a hybrid resume layout if you are pivoting careers or if your education is a primary selling point, positioning skills early on.
• 😀 Keep the design of your resume simple and legible, avoiding flashy elements that could distract from the content.
• 😀 A resume can be two pages long if you have relevant experience; however, avoid fluff and ensure every element adds value.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The video aims to guide viewers on how to create an effective resume for 2024 using the Teal Resume Builder.

What information should be included in the contact information section?

The contact information section should include your full name, phone number, a professional email address, city and state, LinkedIn profile URL, and a portfolio link if applicable.

Why is it important to match your target title to the job description?

Matching your target title to the job description demonstrates to recruiters that you are applying for the right position and increases your chances of being considered for the role.

What is a professional summary, and what should it contain?

A professional summary is a brief elevator pitch that summarizes your career value. It should include your years of experience, top skills, and two or three notable achievements.

What is the difference between listing tasks and achievements in the work history section?

Listing tasks describes your responsibilities, while listing achievements highlights your contributions and value, making you stand out as a candidate.

How should you format the education section if you have several years of experience?

If you have several years of experience, simply include the degree, college attended, and graduation date. Detailed information about education can be minimized.

What type of skills should be included in the skills section of a resume?

Focus on hard skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for. These are technical skills and major responsibilities that will demonstrate your qualifications for the role.

What should you do if you have relevant experience from freelance work or volunteering?

You can create separate sections for freelance projects or volunteering experiences, detailing your contributions and achievements in a manner similar to your work history.

What is a hybrid resume, and when should you use it?

A hybrid resume emphasizes both skills and experience. It's beneficial to use when you are pivoting careers or when technical proficiency is crucial for the position.

What are the best practices regarding resume length?

While one page is often preferred, a two-page resume is acceptable if it contains relevant and high-value content. Avoid fluff or irrelevant information, and ensure that every detail serves a purpose.