With the job market constantly changing, “what does a good resume look like?” is one of the first questions that pops into the minds of job seekers.

In fact, during the age of the Great Resignation switching from one job to the other in search of greater opportunities can leave job seekers overwhelmed. So to keep up with the latest trends and stay on top of the competition, they need to maintain an updated resume and professional presence. Let’s face it; we all judge books by their cover, and the same goes for recruiters and hiring managers.

Submitting good-looking resumes is just as vital as wearing the proper attire in a business interview. So, make sure it’s worth their while. In this article, we’ve rounded up our top tips to help you answer “What does a good resume look like?” If you’re on the hunt for your next job opportunity, make sure to create your profile on ZipRecruiter, one of the top job search sites, and start applying for positions worldwide.

5 Top Tips for Crafting the Perfect Resume

ZipRecruiter allows you to upload your resume when you build a profile. The platform’s AI technology then reviews your experience and skills and matches you to open jobs that you’re qualified to take on. Once you find one that appeals to you, you can apply with just 1 click!

Employers also have the opportunity to review your resume and invite you to apply for their positions. But how do you create a resume that will draw many employers?

1. Keywords Are Your Best Friends

With the rise of job applications, digital automation systems called Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are used extensively to sort out the piles of resumes. ATS filters look for relevant keywords, skills, schools, or other information to match candidates with employers. So to keep your resume ATS-proof, you need to include industry-related keywords in your titles, headers, and paragraphs. For example, if you’re a gynecologist, sprinkling keywords such as “obstetrician”, “breast surgeon”, and “laparoscopic surgery” will help you hit those ATS first-page results.

2. Simplicity Goes a Long Way

To answer your “What does a good resume look like?” question, we need to highlight the importance of keeping your resume looking clean and easy to read. Avoid over-complicating fonts, distracting graphics, and fancy photos. You’re applying for a job, not a date. Instead, use elegant and minimal typefaces such as Calibri and Helvetica, and invest in adequate white space.

This will allow your resume to breathe without looking jam-packed. Additionally, pay importance to evenly-set margins of at least 1 inch on all four sides, and use double space before every section. However, keep in mind that simple doesn’t equal boring. After all, humans will still examine your resume once the ATS phase is over.

3. Highlight Accomplishments in Numbers

One of our top tips on what a good resume looks like is to highlight achievements. So instead of simply listing your job history, be sure to present quantifiable results you achieved for past clients. For example, explain how you creatively set up a social media campaign to turn a negative brand reputation into a positive one. Or how you successfully applied your problem-solving skills in times of crisis. This will allow you to stand out in the eyes of recruiters and will secure you various opportunities when applying for jobs through ZipRecruiter.

4. Use the Reverse Chronological Format

Listing your education and work experience in reverse chronological order allows recruiters to focus on your latest accomplishments and portray a vertical career progression. So unless you’ve switched to a new industry, or had long sessions of time-outs, stick to it. For example, instead of showcasing your school degrees from five years ago, why not demonstrate your latest bachelor’s? This is where reverse chronological comes in handy and is what recruiters expect to see.

5. Keep It to One Page

Using more than one page for your resume is like clicking on the second results page on Google. No one appreciates the hassle, and it makes the research even more extensive. So if you want to keep it short and vivid, try summing up your accomplishments in a single resume page. In fact, consider adding a second page only if you have over 10 years of experience. I promise you recruiters will appreciate it, so make every word count. But, if you feel like you’re omitting crucial details, don’t force it; take the extra space.

So What Does a Good Resume Look Like?

To sum up, to stand out in an ever-changing job market, it’s crucial to keep up with the latest trends in resume writing. Hopefully, our guide helped you answer the question “What does a good resume look like?” Remember to format a reader-friendly resume with clearly divided sections, plenty of keywords, and accomplishment-driven results, and you’ll be closer to landing your dream job. While using ZipRecruiter, connect with employers to arrange interviews and land your next job easily. Good luck!