3 Secrets To Make Your Resume Stand Out In 2024

Today’s job market continues to be competitive with the unemployment rate in the U.S. standing at 3.7% and with more than 191,000 workers in tech laid off in 2023. But, opportunities are vast if you have the right tools to equip you for your job search, specifically a well-crafted resume. 

A resume is more than just a list of your work history, rather, it is a marketing tool to showcase your skills, experience, and the unique value you can add to a company you are applying for. Here are 3 things that will help you master the art of creating a resume and unlock doors to your professional goals, whether you are already a seasoned professional looking to climb the corporate ladder or a recent graduate embarking on your career journey. Read on and you can also download our free resume template from our Workhap website.

Effectively Ask AI For Help 

At a time when the unimaginable has become a reality, artificial intelligence (AI) has shifted from science fiction into an integral part of our everyday life. As accessible as it is today at the end of your fingertips and the internet, you too can utilize AI to make an exceptional resume. Keep in mind that you should not fully rely on it to craft your resume, rather, effectively use prompts to enhance its quality and provide personalized recommendations. 

You can start by asking AI, like ChatGPT, to “Write a resume as a [ROLE] for [X] years in [COMPANY].” This will give you a basic template format that you can fill out with your personal information. 

It can also review your recent resume by uploading it and using the prompt “Tell me how I could improve my resume” which will generate alternative phrases for better readability and highlight skills and experiences that you can integrate in your document.

If you are already looking at a job post, you can use ChatGPT to provide you a list of relevant skills and experience that you can highlight in your resume from the job post by entering the prompt: “List significant skills that I should highlight in my resume for [ROLE] at [COMPANY] that is looking for someone who can [TASKS].” 

You can also check out this article on Best ChatGPT Prompts To Land Your Next Job for other ways you can use AI in the job search.

Use Keywords That Are On The Job Description 

Hiring managers also now outsource having to sift through job applications using algorithms by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan resumes based on specific keywords and phrases that match the job descriptions. One study cites that 97% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS nowadays. 

With a vast sea of applications they receive on a daily basis, hiring managers will only look into a list of filtered potential middle- and high-skilled candidates based on set criteria. 

For you, this means that you have to align your qualifications with what they’re looking for with the use of keywords in the job description they have posted. Use the same or similar language found in the job descriptions on your resume, such as mentioning specific software, tools, or industry terms. If the job description includes specific certifications, degrees, or qualifications that you have, make sure to mention that too. 

Always customize your resume for each application by adjusting the keywords to meet the specific requirements of the role.  Strategically incorporating keywords from the job description will increase your chances of passing through ATS scans and catch the attention of hiring managers who are looking for specific qualifications. 

Send Your Resume To The Right People 

In the era of digital job hunting where platforms like LinkedIn reign supreme, the convenience of the “Easy Apply” button can be irresistible, drawing applicants into a user-friendly spiral. As rapid-fire applications gain momentum, you have to recognize that there are pitfalls to this approach that compromise your chances of standing out in the competitive job market. Its format hinders your ability to tailor your resume, and you also miss out on networking opportunities like connecting with hiring managers and recruiters.

Remember that more than creating a resume that stands out, you also have to make sure that it reaches the right people. Whenever possible, apply directly through the company’s official website, which ensures that your application is directed to the appropriate channels and is more likely to be seen by the hiring team. You can still use LinkedIn, but instead use the platform to find the hiring manager or relevant decision-makers in the company, and reach out to them to send in your application.

Getting a referral from connections within the company can also boost your chances of being noticed and considered for the position, and landing interviews, so networking is key here.

As the competition in the job market becomes fiercer, your resume is now more than just a document, but a marketing tool to help you reach your professional goals. Regularly revisit and update your resume to reflect your evolving skills and experience, and stay attuned to industry trends. 

May your resume open doors to new opportunities for you and your growth, and best of luck to your career path this 2024!