In today’s competitive job market, a well-crafted resume is more than just a formality—it’s a golden opportunity to make a memorable first impression. A standout resume reflects your professional skills and accomplishments and a glimpse into your personality, values, and the unique strengths you bring to a role.

In 2024, resumes are evolving to be more than a list of job titles and dates. They are personal brand statements. Here’s how to build a resume that gets noticed, resonates emotionally, and inspires hiring managers to take action.

1. Start with Self-Reflection

Before you put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), take a few moments to reflect on your career journey. Think about your most fulfilling achievements, values, and the work environments where you thrived. This will help you identify the key messages you want to communicate through your resume. This process of self-reflection can help highlight strengths you might not have previously considered—and create a resume that truly feels authentic.

2. Craft a Strong, Authentic Summary Statement

The summary section at the top of your resume is one of the most powerful ways to grab attention. Instead of a generic statement, write a short, engaging paragraph that conveys your expertise, passion, and personality. Show a glimpse of who you are as a professional and a person. For example:

“Strategic project manager passionate about driving positive change in healthcare technology. Known for turning complex problems into clear solutions, I thrive in collaborative environments prioritizing creativity, empathy, and impact.”

This tells your story and adds a personal touch that sets the tone for the rest of the resume.

3. Highlight Skills and Achievements, Not Just Job Duties

Hiring managers want to know what you accomplished in your past roles, not just what tasks you completed. For each role, focus on achievements that show your value. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact, if possible. For example:

– Instead of: “Responsible for managing team projects.”

– Try: “Led a cross-functional team on a project that reduced production costs by 20%, enhancing overall efficiency and delivering ahead of schedule.”

This format not only provides concrete examples of your capabilities but also shows that you’re results-oriented and capable of driving positive change.

4. Use Keywords Thoughtfully

Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter through resumes. To ensure your resume gets through the system, include keywords from the job description but weave them in naturally. Use industry-specific terms that showcase your knowledge and align your expertise with the company’s needs. This helps you pass the ATS filter while presenting you as a savvy professional who understands the field.

5. Showcase Relevant, Transferable Skills

Significantly, if you’re pivoting to a new industry, highlight transferable skills demonstrating adaptability. Skills like leadership, project management, and strategic thinking are valued across industries. For instance, if you’re transitioning from sales to marketing, emphasize skills like relationship-building and market analysis—skills that apply across various roles and can translate seamlessly to your new path.

6. Include Tech-Savvy, Modern Design

A sleek, well-organized resume design can communicate professionalism and attention to detail. In 2024, resumes are moving toward minimalist, clean layouts, prioritizing readability and allowing hiring managers to find critical information quickly. Use consistent fonts, balanced white space, and organized sections. Keep it simple, with no more than two fonts, and avoid excessive graphics or color that may distract from your content.

7. Incorporate Relevant Projects and Portfolio Links

Showcasing recent projects or linking to a professional portfolio adds credibility and makes your achievements tangible. If you’ve managed a project relevant to the role, consider adding a brief description or, if space allows, a dedicated section for relevant projects. Include links at the top of your resume if you have a LinkedIn profile or an online portfolio. This allows hiring managers to learn more about your work beyond the constraints of the resume format.

8. Be Selective with Past Experience

While listing every position you’ve held might be tempting, focus on roles that highlight your most relevant experience. A resume should typically showcase the past 10-15 years of work. By focusing on the most significant roles of your career goals, you’ll maintain a clear and concise narrative that highlights the most impactful moments of your career journey.

9. Ask for Feedback

Once you’ve crafted your resume, consider sharing it with a trusted mentor or professional. Feedback from others can provide insights into how your resume is perceived and may reveal any missed opportunities for improvement. An outside perspective can be incredibly valuable in ensuring your resume is as compelling as possible.

10. Proofread and Perfect Details

One typo can undo hours of hard work, so double-check every word, punctuation mark, and number. Hiring managers value attention to detail, and a polished resume speaks volumes about your dedication and professionalism. Take the time to ensure your resume is error-free—this is a crucial final step.

Creating a standout resume requires thoughtful self-reflection, attention to detail, and a willingness to authenticate your story. Remember, your resume is not just a document—it’s an invitation for others to understand the person behind the skills and a bridge to exciting new opportunities.

Elizabeth Ruiz: Strategic Communication and Leadership Expert

Elizabeth Ruiz is a seasoned strategic communication and leadership expert, passionately dedicated to exploring how ethical leadership, psychology, and communication drive organizational success. With a career rooted in applying advanced leadership theories, Elizabeth’s work in management consulting, strategic HR, and organizational effectiveness helps corporate, governmental, and nonprofit organizations transform their management practices. When she isn’t teaching or studying as a student, she writes extensively on topics such as strategy, management, and the psychology of effective leadership.

Elizabeth’s approach is defined by her unwavering belief that true leaders are lifelong learners. Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn.