61 Awesome Resume Tips to Easily Wow your Interviewers (2024)

Hey there! Are you sending out resume after resume and still not landing those interviews? Does it feel like your resume just isn’t capturing how amazing you are? Girl, I get it. So many people are in the same boat, wondering how to make their resume stand out in a sea of applications.

With over five years of recruiting experience, I’ve helped so many candidates transform their resumes and snag their dream jobs. I know exactly what hiring managers are looking for, and I’m here to spill all the secrets.

In this post, I’m sharing 61 awesome resume tips that will help you wow your interviewers in 2024. These tips are practical, easy to implement, and designed to make your resume a powerful tool in your job search.

Ready to turn your resume into a job-winning machine? Let’s dive in!

What is a resume?

Alright, let’s talk resumes! If you’re diving into the job search pool, you’ve probably heard the word “resume” a million times. But what exactly is a resume, and why is it such a big deal?

Think of a resume as your personal highlight reel. It’s a snapshot of your professional life, showcasing your skills, experiences, job responsibilities, and achievements. It’s the piece of paper (or digital file) that tells hiring managers, “Hey, look at me! I’m exactly what you’ve been searching for!”

Your resume is your first impression. It’s your chance to shine and show off why you’re the perfect fit for the job. It’s not just a list of your past jobs; it’s a story of your career, your accomplishments, and your potential.

So, what makes a great resume? It’s all about clarity, relevance, and impact. You want to highlight what makes you unique and valuable to a potential employer. You want them to read your resume and think, “Wow, we need this person on our team!”

Ready to create a great resume that wows? Let’s get started and make your professional story stand out!

Resume Tips: The Writing Process

There are a few steps we should talk about when designing the perfect resume.

1. Decide if you will use an AI resume template or a general template
2. Format the header of your resume
3. Format the body of your resume
4. Tailor your resume for the job you are applying for
5. Avoid common mistakes

AI resume Templates vs. general resume templates

First, we need to decide if we are going to use an AI resume template, or a general resume template. An AI resume builder uses artificial intelligence algorithms to analyze your skills, experiences, and career goals and then whips up a polished resume tailored specifically for you.

Your girl LOVES a good AI resume builder. AI resume builders help you create a standout resume and offer additional features like personalized suggestions for improving your content, optimizing keywords for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems), and even formatting options to give you polished resumes.

However, AI resume builders can be expensive and can be difficult to navigate. If you are interested in reading the pros and cons of the top AI Resume builders, check out my blog here!

Resume Formatting like a Pro

Next, we need to make sure we are formatting your resume like a pro! The resume format is arguably the most important aspect of your resume. Resume formatting sets you apart in the job selection process. It should be one page long (if possible), and neat. If you want your resume reviewed by hiring managers, follow the resume tips and tricks below.

6. Keep your resume formatting clean and consistent throughout.
7. Use a professional font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
8. Use bullet points to easily discuss relevant experience.
9. Use action verbs to demonstrate your work accomplishments.
10. Stick to a one-page resume whenever possible, and keep your resume concise.
11. Use bullet points for listing your achievements and responsibilities.
12. Leave enough white space to improve readability.
13. Choose an appropriate resume layout that showcases your information effectively.
14. Use bold and italics sparingly for key points.
15. Consider using a modern, ATS-friendly template if you’re unsure about formatting.
16. Save your resume as a PDF versus a Word document to preserve formatting on different devices.
17. Avoid using excessive colors or graphics and keep consistent design elements

Remember, every resume should be formatted for your dream job! If you are applying for a more creative job, like a graphic designer, you can have more ‘fun’ in your resume. For a corporate job, focus on simple and easy-to-read.

Educational Background

Next we need to make sure your education background showcases your amazing experience! You want to discuss your recent graduation date and your GPA. Hiring managers have strong ties to various universities, so don’t forget this section!

18. List your education in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent degree
19. Include the name of the institution, degree earned, major or field of study, and graduation date.
20. Discuss academic achievements, honors, or relevant coursework if applicable.

Leadership Skills Section

I personally tend to skip down to the leadership section of a resume when I am reviewing candidates. The leadership skills section is where you write about all the great things you have done throughout your high school or college career to potential employers. You want to write about all of your key accomplishments and career achievements. Provide example work experience to provide a laundry list of the strongest points on your resume. Include all leadership experience, such as job responsibilities held during various club engagements.

21. Include all student organization information, including leadership skills held in each organization
22. Include volunteer experience or volunteer work, and your leadership roles in each organization.
23. Discuss all professional development opportunities such as travel abroad, work-study programs, and part-time employment opportunities. This will emphasize work ethic.
24. Try to add personality and interpersonal skills. Show what makes YOU unique and different.
25. Omit high school information if you have a college degree or higher-level education.
26. Include relevant certifications, licenses, or continuing education programs.

How to Tailor Your Resume to the Job You’re Applying For:

Employers want to see candidates with relevant skills, technical skills, and soft skills that indicate a candidate can perform job duties well. Most employers want candidates to conduct research about a company ahead of time, and know a candidate’s ‘why’ for wanting to work at a company. A few resume tips for tailoring your resume for your dream job are below.

27. Review the job description carefully to identify key skills and qualifications required for the position.
28. Change your education section to highlight important skills listed in the job description
29. Customize your resume to highlight relevant relevant skills and relevant qualifications.
30. Research the company culture and values to tailor your resume accordingly.
31. Research a unique project the company is working on. A DEI initiative, a volunteer project, or a new and innovative project the company has publicly discussed and tailor your resume.
32. Quantify your achievements and experiences to demonstrate your fit for the role.
    • Numbers are helpful. What % did you increase sales? How many people were in your student organizations? These little details help most job seekers form a strong resume!
33. Highlight any relevant industry experience or knowledge that sets you apart from other candidates.
34. Be prepared to tweak your resume for each application to ensure it resonates with the hiring manager or recruiter.
35. Focus on showcasing transferable skills that apply to the job, even if your previous experience is in a different industry.

How to Tailor Your Resume for ATS (Applicant Tracking System)

The bain of my existence and the most helpful resume tool I will discuss today…ATS! ATS or Applicant Tracking companies are used by 99% of Fortune 500 Companies. ATS can easily highlight relevant skills, and leadership skills, and determine key accomplishments. Here are a few resume tips to help you ‘outsmart’ the ATS for your next job search!

36. Identify keywords and phrases from the job description and incorporate them into your resume.
37. Stick to standard, ATS-friendly fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman to ensure compatibility.
38. ATS may struggle to read images or graphics, so it’s best to avoid them altogether.
39. Ensure that your resume includes a comprehensive list of relevant skills that match the job requirements.
40. Maintain a clean and organized format with clearly labeled sections to help the ATS read your information correctly.
41. Use job titles that closely match those used in the job description to improve recognition by ATS.
42. Incorporate industry-specific terminology and acronyms to demonstrate your familiarity with the field.
43. Customize your resume for each application by adjusting keywords and content to match the specific job requirements.
44. Where possible, quantify your achievements with numbers, percentages, or dollar amounts to provide context and enhance readability for the ATS.
45. Avoid complex formatting such as tables, columns, or text boxes, as these may confuse the ATS.
46. Spell out acronyms on first use to ensure the ATS recognizes and understands them.
47. Use standard section headings (e.g., “Experience,” “Education,” “Skills”) to help the ATS navigate your resume more efficiently.
48. Information contained in headers and footers may not always be parsed correctly by the ATS, so it’s best to avoid them.
49. Save your resume in a compatible file format such as PDF or DOCX to ensure the ATS can read it properly.
50. If the job listing specifies certain certifications or licenses, make sure to include them in your resume.
51. If you include URLs (e.g., LinkedIn profile), customize them to make them more readable and memorable.
52. Tailor your resume using language and phrases found in similar job postings to increase alignment with the ATS.
53. Minimize the use of decorative elements, logos, or borders that may distract or confuse the ATS.
54. Review your resume for spelling and grammatical errors, as these can negatively impact your ranking in the ATS.
55. Use ATS-friendly tools or software to test how well your resume fares with different Applicant Tracking Systems, and make adjustments as needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Believe it or not, hiring managers can quickly determine if a resume is being exaggerated. As a recruiter, I can quickly scan resumes and figure out if timelines are incorrect and specific job opportunities likely did not occur. See below for a few common mistakes I notice when reviewing resumes.

56. Avoid spelling and grammar mistakes by proofreading your resume thoroughly.
57. Don’t include sensitive personal information such as age, marital status, or religious affiliation.
58. Don’t exaggerate or lie about your qualifications or experiences.
59. Avoid using unprofessional email addresses or outdated contact information.
60. Don’t mention sponsorship status on your resume, this can deter potential employers.
61. Don’t include unexplained gaps in employment history on your resume. It can raise red flags for a hiring manager.

Conclusion

Alright, friend, we’ve covered a lot of ground with these 61 awesome resume tips. Remember, your resume is more than just a piece of paper; it’s your ticket to landing those dream job interviews. You’ve got the tools, the tips, and the insider knowledge to make your resume shine like the star you are.

Don’t let the job search overwhelm you. Take these tips one step at a time, and watch your resume transform into a powerful job-winning machine. You’ve got the talent, the drive, and now, the know-how to make those hiring managers sit up and take notice.

Believe in yourself and the value you bring to the table. Your dream job is out there, and with a stellar resume in hand, you’re one step closer to making it yours. Keep pushing forward, keep refining, and most importantly, keep being your incredible self.

You’ve got this. Now go out there and wow those interviewers!

Frequently Asked Questions

See below for the most common questions I get regarding resumes from students and professionals over the years. I included links to help you answer these common questions, you y’all can land your dream jobs!

1. Should I include salary history on my resume?
   • Including salary history on your resume is generally not recommended. Here’s why:
     • Privacy Concerns: Your previous salary information is personal and may not be relevant to the position you’re applying for. Sharing this information upfront could compromise your privacy.
     • Negotiation: Listing your salary history might limit your ability to negotiate for a higher salary. Employers may use your past earnings as a benchmark, potentially offering you a salary lower than what you’re worth.
     • Focus on Qualifications: Your resume should primarily focus on showcasing your qualifications, skills, and experiences relevant to the job you’re applying for. Including salary history can distract from this primary objective.
     • Alternative Approaches: If a potential employer specifically requests salary history, consider providing it separately or discussing it during the interview process. Some job applications may have a designated section for salary expectations, where you can indicate your desired salary range without disclosing past earnings.
2. How do I prep for a virtual interview?
   • Test Your Technology: Ensure your internet connection, webcam, and microphone are working properly. Test the video conferencing software you’ll be using to familiarize yourself with its features.
   • Choose the Right Location: Find a quiet, well-lit space for the interview. Remove distractions and ensure the background is professional and uncluttered.
   • Dress Professionally: Dress as you would for an in-person interview. Avoid loud colors or patterns and opt for solid, neutral tones.
   • Practice with a Mock Interview: Conduct a practice interview with a friend or family member using video conferencing. This will help you get comfortable with the format and receive feedback.
   • Prepare Your Environment: Close unnecessary tabs and applications on your computer to avoid distractions. Have a copy of your resume and any relevant documents nearby for reference.
   • Mind Your Body Language: Maintain good posture, make eye contact, and avoid fidgeting. Smile and nod to show engagement and interest.
   • Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with the company’s mission, values, and recent news. Prepare questions to demonstrate your interest and knowledge.
   • Be Concise and Clear: Practice speaking clearly and concisely to ensure your answers are easy to understand. Avoid rambling and stay on topic.
   • Listen Actively: Pay attention to the interviewer’s questions and respond thoughtfully. Take notes if necessary to remember key points.
   • Follow Up Afterwards: Send a thank-you email to the interviewer(s)