Current:Home > StocksHow do I update my resume to help land that job? Ask HR -VisionFunds
How do I update my resume to help land that job? Ask HR
View
Date:2025-04-14 22:35:40
Johnny C. Taylor Jr. tackles your human resources questions as part of a series for USA TODAY. Taylor is president and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management, the world's largest HR professional society and author of "Reset: A Leader’s Guide to Work in an Age of Upheaval.”
Have a question? Submit it here.
Question: Since leaving a job I have had for almost a decade, I have primarily conducted my job search online. I have used the same resume design since I started working 12 years ago. Should I update my resume design to be more effective? What do you recommend for building a modern resume?– Sandra
Answer: Updating your resume design can indeed be a wise move, especially if you've been using the same format for a long time. A fresh, modern design can help your resume stand out and leave a positive impression on recruiters and hiring managers. Here’s what I recommend for building a modern resume:
◾ Clean, professional layout: Opt for a layout that’s visually appealing and easy to read. Avoid cluttered designs and overly decorative elements that may distract from your content.
◾ Font selection: Stick to standard, easy-to-read fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. These fonts are widely accepted and compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), ensuring your résumé is easily scannable by both humans and software.
◾ Incorporate keywords: Tailor your resume to each job application by incorporating industry-specific keywords and phrases relevant to the position. Many companies use ATS to screen résumés, so this will increase the likelihood of your resume being noticed.
◾ Organized sections: Structure your resume into clear sections, including Contact Information, Summary or Objective, Work Experience, Skills, Education and any additional relevant sections such as Certifications or Volunteer Work. This organization makes it easy for recruiters to quickly find the information they need.
◾ Summary/objective statement: Start your résumé with a summary that highlights your key qualifications and career goals. Keep it concise, focusing on what sets you apart and what you aim to achieve in your career.
◾ Accomplishment-oriented experience: When listing your work experience, focus on highlighting your accomplishments, rather than just listing job duties. Use quantifiable achievements whenever possible, to demonstrate your impact, such as increasing sales by a certain percentage or leading successful projects.
◾ Skills section: Dedicate a section to showcasing your key skills and competencies, including both technical skills and soft skills relevant to the job. This section provides recruiters with a quick overview of your capabilities.
◾ Proofreading: Before submitting your resume, thoroughly proofread it to ensure there are no grammatical errors, typos, or formatting issues. Consider having someone else review your resume for feedback and additional insights.
By updating your resuméewith a modern design and incorporating these key elements, you can increase your chances of making a strong impression in today’s competitive job market. Good luck with your job search!
Ghosting a jobIs it bad to ghost low priority potential employers? Ask HR
I've been denied PTO requests on multiple occasions, which is becoming increasingly frustrating. Most of them are denied on the grounds of staffing needs. Do I have any recourse in fighting these denials? What can I do to ensure PTO approvals? – Chanette
You may indeed have some recourse in addressing these denied paid time off requests. Start by reviewing your company's PTO policy and procedures. Many employers have specific guidelines regarding PTO requests, including deadlines for submission and limits on the number of employees who can be on leave simultaneously, to ensure adequate staffing levels.
First, check if your PTO requests were made in accordance with company policy. If they were not, ensure that you adhere to the established procedures for future requests, to increase the likelihood of approval.
However, if you followed company policy and your requests were still denied, consider discussing the matter with your manager or the human resources team. Seek clarification on the reasons for the denials and inquire about potential strategies to improve the approval rate for your requests.
It's also essential to consider whether your state mandates sick leave, and if your company uses PTO to fulfill those requirements. If so, your employer may be obligated to approve leave requests that align with qualifying reasons for sick leave under the law. If you’re uncertain about your state’s sick leave requirements, consult your HR team for clarification.
Ultimately, unless there is a contractual agreement or policy stating otherwise, employers typically have discretion in managing PTO usage. However, by following company procedures and addressing your concerns with management or HR, you may increase the likelihood of having your PTO requests approved more frequently.
Salaried, nonexemptWhat does that mean? Ask HR
veryGood! (8)
Related
- Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
- Alabama lawmakers advance expansion of ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law
- Fate of Texas immigration law SB4 allowing for deportation now in 5th Circuit court's hands
- Aaron Taylor-Johnson Reacts to Public Criticism Over His Marriage to Sam Taylor-Johnson
- Meta releases AI model to enhance Metaverse experience
- March Madness predictions: 7 Cinderella teams that could bust your NCAA Tournament bracket
- Vehicle Carbon Pollution Would Be Cut, But More Slowly, Under New Biden Rule
- Grambling State coach Donte' Jackson ready to throw 'whatever' at Zach Edey, Purdue
- Civic engagement nonprofits say democracy needs support in between big elections. Do funders agree?
- Woman goes viral with $12 McDonald's dinner box that feeds family of 5. Can you get one?
Ranking
- Travis Hunter, the 2
- Brother of airport director shot by ATF agents speaks out about shooting
- Jean Breaux, longtime Democratic state Senator from Indianapolis, dies at 65
- Detroit Lions’ defensive back Cameron Sutton sought in Florida domestic violence warrant
- Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
- Dodgers rally to top Padres in MLB Korea season opener: Highlights, recap of Shohei Ohtani debut
- New host of 'Top Chef' Kristen Kish on replacing Padma, what to expect from Season 21
- Mississippi deputies arrest 14-year-old in mother’s shooting death, injuring stepfather
Recommendation
Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
Washington state man accused of eagle killing spree to sell feathers and body parts on black market
Alabama governor signs anti-diversity, equity and inclusion bill
Why Ryan Phillippe Is Offended by Nepotism Talk About His and Reese Witherspoon's Kids
Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
'Jeopardy' crowns winner of 2024 Tournament of Champions: What to know about Yogesh Raut
When does the 'Halo' Season 2 finale come out? Release date, time, cast, where to watch
'Little rascals,' a trio of boys, charged in connection to Texas bank robbery, feds says