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    30 Top Resume Tips for Job Seekers in 2024

    Looking for ways to make your resume grab the attention of hiring managers? Crafting a standout CV can seem challenging, but we’ve gathered 30 tips to help you build a resume that’s visually appealing, keyword-optimized, and ATS-friendly. Let’s dive in!

    1. Tailor Each Resume to the Job

    Personalizing your resume for each application is essential. Identify and include keywords from the job description to align with what the company is seeking.

    2. Start Strong with an Engaging Summary

    A strong, concise summary at the top of your resume should capture your core skills, experience, and what you bring to the table.

    3. Include Relevant Keywords

    Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), so make sure to include keywords from the job posting, including specific job titles, skills, and certifications.

    4. Quantify Your Achievements

    Whenever possible, use numbers to showcase your accomplishments, such as “Increased sales by 30%” or “Managed a team of 12.”

    5. Use Action-Oriented Language

    Start each bullet point with an action verb, like "Led," "Created," or "Enhanced." It keeps your resume direct and impactful.

    6. Highlight Key Skills in a Separate Section

    List skills that are relevant to the job in a specific section, like “Technical Skills” or “Core Competencies,” to give employers a quick view of your qualifications.

    7. Be Concise and Stick to One Page if Possible

    Aim for a one-page resume if you're a new graduate or early in your career. More experienced professionals can use two pages.

    8. Use Professional Fonts

    Stick to clean, professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, in a size between 10-12pt.

    9. Emphasize Relevant Experience

    Lead with experience most relevant to the job, even if it’s not your most recent position.

    10. Optimize for ATS

    Avoid graphics, complex fonts, and unconventional layouts that may disrupt ATS readability.

    ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System, a tool that helps employers and recruiters streamline the hiring process by automating resume screening. ATS software scans resumes for keywords related to the job description, ranks candidates based on relevance, and filters out applications that don’t meet basic criteria—making it essential for applicants to tailor resumes with role-specific keywords to increase visibility in the hiring process.

    11. Showcase Certifications and Licenses

    Industry-relevant certifications or licenses are valuable—make sure they’re clearly listed in your resume.

    12. Utilize a Clear, Consistent Layout

    Use consistent headers, bullet points, and margins to make your resume easy to read.

    13. Avoid Unnecessary Personal Information

    In most cases, there's no need to include details like age, marital status, or a photo unless specifically requested.

    14. Proofread Multiple Times

    Even minor errors can make a big difference. Have a friend or mentor review your resume to catch any mistakes you may have missed.

    15. Balance White Space and Text

    Avoid overwhelming blocks of text—space out your sections for a balanced look.

    16. Keep Job Titles Consistent and Clear

    Ensure that job titles are clear and easy to understand at a glance.

    17. Include Volunteer Work (if relevant)

    Highlight relevant volunteer experience that demonstrates your commitment, skills, and values.

    18. Add Relevant Social Media or Portfolio Links

    Include your LinkedIn profile or a portfolio if it showcases additional skills or projects.

    19. Add a Section for Notable Projects

    A brief section for projects can highlight leadership, innovation, or specific skills relevant to the job.

    20. Emphasize Transferable Skills

    Soft skills, like leadership, teamwork, or problem-solving, are often as valuable as technical expertise.

    21. Use Reverse Chronological Order

    Present your experience with the most recent position first for easy navigation.

    22. Maintain Consistency in Dates

    Align your dates to maintain a professional, organized look.

    23. Limit Colors to One or Two Accents

    A single color for section headers can improve readability without distracting.

    24. Avoid Jargon and Acronyms

    Simplify or spell out technical terms to improve clarity.

    25. Ensure Contact Information is Updated

    Check that your phone number, email address, and any links are current.

    26. Be Truthful and Authentic

    Only include accurate information about your experience and skills.

    27. List Major Achievements in Your Work Experience

    Highlighting significant accomplishments instead of daily tasks will keep your resume engaging.

    28. Focus on the Impact You’ve Made

    Show employers the value you bring by explaining the impact of your previous work.

    29. Update Regularly

    Keep your resume current with new skills, experiences, or certifications.

    30. Include References on Request Only

    Rather than listing references, simply add “References available on request” to save space.


    Get Noticed with Barakah Jobs

    Ready to take the next step in your career? Barakah Jobs provides a platform for Muslim professionals seeking halal and Shariah-compliant career paths. Find roles that align with your faith and values—explore your future with Barakah Jobs today!