Resume Writing Tips in a Competitive Job Market

It’s no secret that as we enter 2024, the job market is wildly competitive. As you’re updating and editing your resume, consider these tips for a resume that will stand out among the masses.

Tip # 1: Quantify

Quantify, quantify, quantify. When possible, include quantifiable results in your resume bullet points. Examples of this could be, “Created a self-service reporting tool that saved 500 hours of analyst time annually” or “Improved a process saving 500 hours of staff time annually.”

Tip # 2: Showcase your results

Your resume should be a reflection of the results you achieved in a listed role and the value you contributed during your tenure in a role. It should not be a list of bullet points from your job description. You want to show the reader what you did and what result it achieved for the business. Here’s a simple example — let’s say part of your role was delivering reporting to internal customers. A bullet point under that role on your resume might read “Delivered reporting to internal customers.” This is an example of “telling”, let’s change this to “showing” and include quantifiable results. It might say something like, “Delivered over 100+ reports to internal customers annually, often earlier than set deadlines.”

Tip # 3: Bullet points with action verbs

Use bullet point lists for each roles and start most bullet points with an action verb. Some action verbs that are great for resume writing include, “delivered”, “facilitated”, “automated”, “partnered”, “developed”, “created”, “implemented”, “trained”, “provided”, “managed”, “consolidated”, “conducted”, “modeled”, “prepared”, “discovered”, “engineered”, “optimized”, “improved”, “planned”, “expanded”, “identified”.

Tip # 4: Modern layout

If you’ve had the same resume layout for years, it’s time to upgrade. Consider something with icons in your contact listing and a clean, organized design. Avoid paragraphs. Create a separate section on your resume (perhaps a column on the left side, first page) listing your skills in categories. If you have 10 years or less professional work experience, your resume should not exceed 1 page. More than 10 years experience can justify an additional page but your resume should not exceed 2 pages.

Tip # 5: Highlight your “claim to fame” skill

We all have a special skill or talent that we are known for in the workplace. When you’re good at something, you’ll tell people but when you’re great at something, people will tell you. What is something that you’ve been complimented on repeatedly from your bosses and/or co-workers? Perhaps you are a great communicator or a superior problem solver. Maybe colleagues consistently compliment your ability to explain processes to others or perhaps they remark on your ability to lead/steer teams in a positive direction? Whatever it is, identify it and weave it into your resume. And don’t forget to tell a story about it when you land the interview.

Searching for a job can be exhausting and overwhelming — setting your resume up for success is the first step. Wishing you all the best in your job hunt!