How Do I Write a Good Resume for 2021?

By Satish Varre On Oct 25, 2021

It’s 2021. Twenty-twenty-two is just around the corner. It’s time to take a look at your resume.

How long has it been since you updated your resume? Experts agree that you should revisit your resume every six months to a year to check for accuracy. If you’re like most of us, your resume is probably overdue for its checkup.

Whether you’ve been in the workforce for decades or you’re crafting a resume for the first time, it’s vital that your document is accurate and professional in appearance. You can use an online resume maker to get just the right look and the following tips to hook your hiring manager and land the job.

What Makes a Good Resume?

All resumes should have a few basic parts. This includes your name and contact information – your phone number, mailing address, and email address. Depending on your industry, you may also include a personal website or a business-related social media handle.

Next, you’ll tell your story through your education and work experience. This is usually listed in reverse chronological order – from the most recent to the distant past. Describe your responsibilities at each position, focusing on elements that make you a good fit for the job to which you are applying.

A skills list is also vital. You’ll want to tailor this to the job offer as well. Skills might include things like communication, leadership and management, familiarity with industry-specific computer programs, or the languages that you speak.

Update Your Resume

As already mentioned, you should read your resume regularly and update your information. This way, it is always ready when you need it with your latest skills and experiences.

When revisiting your resume, ask yourself the following:

Have I moved, changed my phone number, or switched to a new email address?
Have I changed employers?
- If this is the case, don’t forget to change “Present” to the year that the previous employment ceased.
Did I get a promotion or make a major accomplishment at work?
Have I mastered any new skills?
Did I complete a training course, get certified, or earn a degree?

You can also use this time to double-check for any typos. Consider what a hiring manager would think of your resume – is it eye-catching, or would you scan it quickly and move on to the next candidate?

It’s also a good idea to keep your finger on the pulse of your industry and adjust your resume to reflect current trends. For example, if you work in the technology sector, you might utilize a tech-centric news source such as Geek Snipper. If you notice a certain programming language or software suite is getting a lot of attention, you might want to include your experience with it on your resume.

Don’t Include These Things in Your Resume in 2021

Standard resume practices are constantly changing. Even so, there are things that even the most progressive companies don’t want to see on your resume. According to Indeed’s Career Guide, these top the list.

Too much information. Don’t include personal information like your birthdate, age, race, religion, gender, orientation, marital status, former salary, or personal identification numbers. Not only are they unnecessary, but they negate anti-discrimination laws. Also, don’t try to cram so much into your resume that it looks like a solid block of text. If you do, it will likely end up in the wastebasket.
Images. Don’t include a photo in your resume unless it is requested. This is usually limited to career paths like modeling and film. Also, avoid using clipart. Infographics may be beneficial in certain situations.
Miscellaneous content. In rare instances, you might include hobbies or interests. For example, if you are applying to work at a veterinary office, mentioning your volunteer work as a docent at a local zoo would be appropriate. It shows your interest in animal care. But in most instances, hobbies, travel, and the like are unnecessary.
Personal social media. It’s okay to list accounts associated with your work but omit any personal social accounts.
Negativity. If you hated a past job, don’t let it come through in your wording. Keep your comments positive.

In Conclusion

Keeping your resume up to date is vital to job success. You should review your resume once or twice a year in order to make changes. Stay alert to shifts in the job market or your industry, and allow your resume to reflect these.