Current Best Resume Format for 2024

Are you still using the same resume template from five years ago? It might be time to rethink your approach. The job market in 2024 is more competitive and rapidly evolving than ever before. Whether you are entering the job market for the first time or considering a career shift, having a modern, eye-catching resume is critical. But what does a "modern" resume look like today? Let's break it down, focusing on key trends, structures, and strategies that will not only make you stand out but also get you through the automated Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that most companies use.

1. What is the purpose of a resume in 2024?

Before diving into specifics, it's essential to remember the core function of a resume: it is a tool for presenting your professional and academic achievements in the best possible light. But today, resumes also serve another critical function – getting through ATS filters.
In 2024, a resume's layout, keywords, and structure are just as important as the content. Many recruiters will never even see your resume unless it passes this initial digital screening. Therefore, creating a resume that is both human- and machine-friendly is key.

2. Best Format for Modern Resumes

The chronological resume format is still the most commonly used format in 2024, but with some tweaks. Here’s the breakdown:

Header

• Your name should be bold and prominent at the top of the resume.
• Avoid overly stylized fonts; simplicity is key. Fonts like Arial, Helvetica, or Calibri are recommended.
• Contact information, including email, phone number, and LinkedIn profile.

Professional Summary (Not an Objective Statement)

• Replace the outdated objective statement with a short professional summary.
• The summary should highlight your most relevant qualifications, using keywords tailored to the job description you're applying for.
• For example: "Data-driven Marketing Analyst with 5+ years of experience improving campaign performance by 30% using data-driven insights and A/B testing."

Core Competencies or Key Skills Section

• This is essential for getting through ATS filters.
• Create a bullet-point list of core skills that are relevant to your industry.
• Example: SEO, Python, Financial Analysis, Adobe Creative Suite, or Full-Stack Development.

Work Experience

• Begin with your most recent role and work backward.
• For each role, include job titles, company names, dates of employment, and bullet points that highlight key achievements. Use numbers wherever possible to demonstrate success (e.g., “Increased sales by 15% in Q1 2023”).
• Pro Tip: Include keywords from the job description to ensure you pass ATS scans.

Education

• Only include your highest degree unless you’re applying for a role that specifically requires a detailed academic background.
• For recent graduates, include GPA, relevant coursework, or honors.
• If you have more than five years of experience, move the education section to the bottom of the resume.

Certifications & Professional Development

• In 2024, showcasing continuous learning is crucial, especially in tech and business fields.
• Highlight any certifications, licenses, or workshops relevant to the role.

3. A New Focus on Personal Branding

With platforms like LinkedIn becoming more integrated into the hiring process, recruiters increasingly look at candidates' online presence. Make sure your LinkedIn profile matches your resume, and use the same language across platforms to build a cohesive personal brand.
Additionally, some applicants are opting to include a personal website or portfolio link in the resume header. This is particularly useful for creative professionals like designers, writers, and marketers who need to showcase their work.

4. Customizing for Each Job Application

Gone are the days of sending out the same resume to 100 different companies. In 2024, customization is king.

• Tailor your resume for each job by reviewing the job description and mirroring the language used.
• You don’t need to rewrite your entire resume; focus on adjusting your summary, key skills, and work experience to highlight what is most relevant to that particular role.

5. Use of AI Tools to Build Resumes

Many job seekers are turning to AI-powered tools like Resumake or Zety to help format and structure their resumes. These tools can be highly effective, especially for creating an ATS-compliant resume that highlights the right keywords.
However, don’t rely entirely on AI. Always customize and edit the final product to reflect your unique qualifications and achievements.

6. Visual Resumes: Yes or No?

Some industries are embracing visual resumes that incorporate design elements like charts, graphics, and infographics. While these can be useful for creative fields like marketing or design, they are not suitable for every industry.
If you choose to use a visual resume, always ensure you have a traditional, text-based resume for ATS purposes.

7. Proofreading and Polishing

In 2024, attention to detail is more critical than ever. A typo or formatting error could be the difference between getting an interview and being overlooked.
Use tools like Grammarly or Hemingway to ensure that your resume is error-free, and consider having a trusted colleague or mentor review it as well.

Sample Resume Layout for 2024:

Header:

• Name, Contact Info, LinkedIn Profile, and Personal Website

Professional Summary:

• 3-4 sentences summarizing your top qualifications

Core Competencies:

• Bullet-point list of 5-10 key skills

Work Experience:

• Job Title, Company Name, Dates
• Bullet points of achievements, quantifiable results where possible

Education:

• Highest degree, Institution, Year

Certifications & Professional Development:

• List any relevant certifications or completed workshops

Pro Tip: Make the top half of your resume shine
Recruiters spend only 6-10 seconds scanning a resume before deciding if it goes in the "yes" or "no" pile. Make sure the most important information is immediately visible in the top section.

Conclusion

Your resume in 2024 needs to be a living document—one that changes and evolves as the job market and your career evolve. By focusing on both ATS compliance and readability, highlighting achievements with data, and showcasing personal branding, you will have a resume that stands out in the modern job market.