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The Ultimate Do’s and Don'ts of Resume Writing in 2024

Wondering what belongs on your resume and what doesn’t? Here’s the ultimate list of resume do’s and don’ts in 2024, straight from the mouths of top recruiters

a year ago   •   5 min read

Not sure what the do’s and don’ts are of writing a resume in 2023? The good news is that while a few things have changed, there’s also a lot of good resume advice out there that’s still valid. The bad news is, there’s a lot of bad resume advice out there, too, and it can be difficult to figure out which is which.

We talked to recruiters about their most up-to-date resume advice to find out what you should — and shouldn’t — do when applying for jobs. Keep reading as we explore the do’s and don’ts of:

• How to format your resume
• What to include in (and exclude from) your resume
• Avoiding common resume mistakes
• Making your resume stand out for the right reasons

Before we dive in, let’s take a look at what’s changed about resumes and job seeking in 2023.

Resume writing: What’s new in 2023

The reign of artificial intelligence.

AI is making its presence felt in all areas of hiring right now. Alongside Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which have been used for a while to speed up and automate parts of the hiring process, ChatGPT is making its presence felt in a number of different fields. That means you should:

• Optimize your resume for ATS (see our formatting tips below for details about how to do this).
• Emphasize new and in-demand skills like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and ChatGPT .
• Use AI-powered resume scanners to your advantage.

On the topic of AI-powered resume scanners, upload your resume to the below to ensure your sections and bullet points are correctly identified. It’ll also give you feedback on how to improve your resume’s impact and bullet points.

The explosion of remote work

While some companies have issued “return to office” mandates, for most, remote and hybrid work is here to stay. If you’re interested in remote work, make sure to:

• Explicitly indicate that you’re open to working remotely.
• Mention past remote jobs on your resume.
• Lead with accomplishments related to working or managing employees remotely .
• Include must-have skills for remote work, e.g. Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Basecamp, Slack, Trello, and Asana.

The rise of gig economy and side hustles

Through a mixture of choice and necessity, we’re seeing more and more people opt out of a strict 9 to 5 and into side gigs. If this is you, you don’t need to leave these side hustles off your resume — instead, you should:

• List freelance work or self-employment under a single company name (using your own name is fine for this).
• Consolidate multiple short-term jobs under a single heading.
• Emphasize transferable skills through your bullet point accomplishments.

Now that you know what’s new, let’s dive a little deeper into some perennial resume do’s and don’ts.

Appearance: Formatting your resume for maximum impact

Do: prioritize readability and consistency.

Why are we starting with formatting instead of content? Because people need to be able to read your resume before they can understand what’s in it.When formatting your resume, you should:

• Use a standard word processing program like Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
• Choose a single font to use throughout the document.
• Use a readable font size.
• Keep your text left aligned.
• Use capital letters , bold, italics, and larger fonts for emphasis (e.g. larger section headings, bold for job titles, italics for company names).
• Clearly label your resume sections with headings like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.”
• Choose a single date format and use it consistently.
• Set one inch margins on all sides.
• Limit your resume to less than two pages ( one page is ideal in most cases).
• Save your resume as a PDF file to preserve your formatting.

DON’T: Fix what isn’t broken

If that sounds like a lot of rules to remember , all you really need to know is this: The less you change from your default settings or resume template, the better.

This means you shouldn’t:

• Change the default settings on whatever program you’re using unless you need to.
• Use a fancy image-based resume creator like Photoshop or online resume generators.
• Use downloaded fonts that may not show up properly on a hiring manager’s computer.
• Add photographs, images, charts, or infographics.
• Make your font size or margins bigger to hide a lack of content or smaller to fit more information.
• Use a multi-column layout — one-column templates are easier for ATS to read.

Content: What to include (and not include) in a resume

Do: include relevant information that makes you a stronger candidate.

Everything that goes on your resume should either be a) essential information that recruiters expect to see (like contact information and work history), or b) directly answer the question, “why are you a good fit for this job in particular?”

Here’s a brief rundown of what your resume should include in each section.

Resume header

• Basic contact details — your full name, phone number , and email address .
• A link to your LinkedIn profile, GitHub , or online portfolio if it’s relevant and well-maintained.
• A resume title and (optional) summary with a brief overview of your key skills and experience.

Work Experience

• List your professional experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent or current position.
• Include the name of the company, your job title, the location, and the dates you worked.
• Add 3-6 bullet points highlighting your accomplishments (not responsibilities) — structure these in the format of “Action Verb + Task + Metric.”
• List your educational qualifications in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent degree or certification.
• Include the full name of the educational institution, the degree or certification obtained, and the date of graduation or expected graduation.
• If applicable, provide additional details such as your major or field of study, academic honors or distinctions, relevant coursework , research or thesis projects , and study abroad .

Additional information

• Include 1-2 additional sections — for example, Skills, Projects, Volunteer Work , and Extracurricular Activities .
• Explicitly mention any hard skills listed in the job description — these are essential keywords that ATS are programmed to look for.
• Add any other industry-relevant skills, including technical skills, software, coding, and language skills.

DON’T: Add so much information that the important stuff gets lost

The real trick that’s missing from a lot of careers advice is that your resume isn’t about adding as much information as possible — it’s about sticking to the most relevant information and leaving out everything else.In other words, you shouldn’t:

• Include unrelated jobs. Your part-time gig at a fast-food joint absolutely belongs on your resume if you’re applying for a job in food service, but it may not be relevant for a software engineering position.
• Include much older jobs. Unless you’re applying for a senior role requiring 10-15+ years’ experience, leave anything older than that off your resume.
• Write a resume objective. These have been outdated for a long time — opt for a resume summary instead.
• Write in full paragraphs. Your accomplishments should always be in bullet point format .
• Use personal pronouns like “I,” “me,” or “my.”
• List soft skills (like teamwork and communication) in your skills section — instead, choose accomplishments that illustrate those skills in action.
• Include a references section. There’s also no need to write “references available on request.”
• Mention hobbies, activities, or other personal information unless it directly ties in with the job you’re applying for.
• Add links to your personal social media platforms.
• Include personal details like your age, religion, or marital status, which are legally protected against discrimination.

Polish: Common resume mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Here are a few final examples of do’s and don’ts for your resume.

DO: Personalize your resume to each job you apply for.

DON’T: Include trendy but meaningless buzzwords or corporate jargon.

DO: Demonstrate the impact of your accomplishments by using numbers whenever possible.

DON’T: Lie (or exaggerate) on your resume . Anyone who says this is normal resume behavior is, well, lying.

DO: Proofread your resume carefully to avoid typos and grammatical mistakes , which are easy to overlook and could cost you the job.

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Resume dos and don’ts: 29 tips for writing your best resume

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The importance of your resume

Formatting: dos and don'ts, work experience: dos and don'ts, skills on your resume: dos and don'ts, education: dos and don'ts, writing: dos and don'ts, bonus resume dos and don’ts, start your job hunt off right.

Recruiters and hiring managers might look at hundreds of resumes a day. Yours could get lost in the shuffle if it doesn’t stand out . 

Using these actionable resume tips can help your application catch a reader’s attention and encourage them to take the extra time to learn more about you. Each section needs to be compelling and demonstrate your value as a potential employee in a few seconds. 

If your resume accomplishes those things, you’re ready to work on your interview skills and wow the hiring manager in person. But first, you have to write it. 

Here are the resume dos and don’ts you need to know to get started.

Resume writing is more than drafting a list of professional skills and experiences. It gives recruiters and hiring managers a high-level view of who you are as an employee. 

On average, a corporate job opening receives 250 applications , which can come in over only a few days or weeks. You need to write an eye-catching, easily scannable, and relevant resume to grab and hold a recruiter’s attention as they sift through the pile.

Common resume mistakes like poor formatting, spelling errors, or irrelevant information could mean your application never gets past the first screening. These are easily avoidable if you take the time to polish your writing and follow some simple resume rules. 

Hiring professionals spend only seven seconds screening each resume . That's a short time to make a good first impression. 

The best resume formats consider this timeframe and organize your qualifications into a scannable layout so recruiters and hiring managers see the most important information right away. Here’s how to format your resume:

1. Do use the correct format

All types of resumes fit into three formats:

• Chronological: orders your experience from most to least recent
• Functional: highlights your skills first
• Hybrid: creates a balance between skills and experience sections

Choose your type based on what information you want to prioritize and the job you’re applying for. If you’re interested in a management position, a chronological resume format might work best because it emphasizes the experience you’ll use to manage people in your field.

If you’re a recent grad looking for an entry-level job, using a functional resume to highlight your hard and soft skills might work best.

2. Don’t make your resume too long

Keep your resume at one page, unless you have decades of experience to document. Restricting its length lets you create a more focused resume, including only essential facts a hiring manager needs.

Keeping it short also demonstrates your ability to analyze, assess, and explain information without going overboard.

3. Do use a template

Using a resume template or builder takes the design and formatting decisions out of your hands, freeing time and letting you focus on creating and customizing content.

Choose one that’s relevant to the position you’re applying for. If you’re interested in coding jobs, include a template that has a section for the programming languages you know.

4. Don’t go overboard with design elements

Unless you work in a design field, avoid adding decorative features to your resume. Those extra touches can be distracting, so stick to one or two fonts. Excessive design could also affect the way applicant tracking systems (ATS) read your resume.

5. Do use your resume’s real estate wisely

Your space is limited, especially if you only have one page. Refrain from filling it with elements irrelevant to the job application.

Headshots, goal statements , and noting that “references are available upon request” are unnecessary, unless the application specifically asks for them. Use that space to highlight your unique abilities and skills instead.

6. Don’t make your resume hard to read

If you’re sticking to a single-page format, it might be tempting to reduce the font size to cram in as much information as possible. But this can make your resume harder to read. Instead, include only relevant details and format the content using headers and whitespace to improve scannability.

Knowing what to include in a resume takes a bit of industry-specific research. When in doubt, identify key responsibilities from the job description and use that information to tailor your experience. Here’s how to list work experience on your resume:

7. Do list specific experience

Include a few past roles that involved skills relevant to the position you’re applying for. This includes transferable skills , which can show off your experience even if your past roles don’t seem related.

For a client-facing sales role, you could include retail experience and explain how you learned how to talk to customers and be more patient .

8. Don’t include irrelevant experience

If an experience doesn’t demonstrate competence in a specific role, don’t include it. Adding too many previous jobs can clutter your resume. While being responsible for a client account is impressive, it might not contribute to success as a computer programmer. 

9. Do include volunteer experience

Just because you didn’t earn a paycheck doesn’t mean an experience isn’t valid. If a volunteer position contributed to your professional development , include it on your resume. Volunteering is a great way to supplement your experience, and it demonstrates initiative and dedication.

10. Don’t forget to expand your responsibilities

Go beyond simply listing a past role’s responsibilities . Use that space to demonstrate your performance. Instead of saying you were “responsible for the staff schedule,” you could say that you “coordinated a staff of eight employees while organizing a diverse schedule to ensure full shift coverage.”

Beyond demonstrating your accomplishments, you’re illustrating the breadth and scope of your responsibilities.

11. Do use quantifiable accomplishments

Hard data shows hiring managers exactly how you added value to previous employers. Instead of saying that you “reduced publication errors,” you could state that you “initiated a content review process that increased publication accuracy by 18%.” Just make sure everything you say is accurate and verifiable.

12. Don’t worry about being a perfect match

If you don’t tick every box on a job listing, that’s okay. A 2018 survey found that matching 50% or 90% of job requirements both lead to an interview just as often .

Everyone has to start somewhere, and it’s possible after reviewing your transferable and soft skills , your potential employer will decide you’re a good candidate for training. And if you have a career gap on your resume, be honest about it and highlight your other experience instead.

Hiring managers want to know you're equipped to fulfill a job's responsibilities. Including the right hard and soft skills in your resume can set you apart in a competitive field of job seekers. Here’s how to choose which ones to spotlight:

13. Do analyze the job description

Hiring managers expect that you have some level of familiarity with the role's requirements. Spend some time reviewing the job description to identify necessary and nice-to-have skills. Include as many as you can in your resume to show recruiters (and the ATS) that you’re a great candidate.

14. Don’t copy the job description word for word

Replicating the wording from the job description could make it seem like you’re just copy-pasting instead of putting in the effort. Find novel ways to integrate relevant skills and experience into every section. Instead of repeating “proficient in diverse programming languages,” list the ones you’re familiar with.

15. Do include relevant personal accomplishments

If a personal achievement engages with the skills the employer seeks, add it to your resume. Running a marathon in your spare time could show your dedication and commitment, and winning design competitions lets recruiters know how talented you are.

Make sure you gauge the company culture before you do this. A formal corporate resume might not be the best place to explain your hobbies and interests, unless they relate to the work you’re doing.

16. Don’t list the obvious

In today’s digital world, most people know how to use a word-processing application or search engine. Don’t waste valuable resume space on commonplace abilities when you can highlight the industry-specific skills that make you stand out.

17. Do let your unique abilities shine

Save space for unexpected skills that set yourself apart from the crowd, provided they’re relevant to the role. If you’re applying for a customer service position, adding that you’re fluent in American Sign Language can add an extra dimension to your value as an employee. 

18. Don’t add obsolete skills

Before you apply for jobs, make sure your certifications and skills are as recent as possible. Unless otherwise noted, don’t include skills that aren’t industry standard or best practice.

If you earned your first aid certification 10 years ago, either update it or scratch it entirely — especially if you won’t be expected to perform first aid at work. Standards change over time, and you might not even remember what you learned.

If the role you’re applying to doesn’t have an education requirement, you don’t need to extensively explain your academic career. A short education section is enough. But if you need a degree or proof of training to qualify, here’s how to include the information:

19. Do include all relevant education and training

There are many ways to develop the skills necessary to do a job — not just a bachelor’s or master’s degree . Online certification, apprenticeships , and industry-specific training are great additions to the education section of your resume. They demonstrate both competence and commitment.

20. Don’t add your GPA

Unless requested, your GPA isn’t relevant to your job application and can distract from your work experience. Adding your GPA to your resume is only helpful if you’re a recent grad and want to show your academic achievements in place of the work experience you don’t have yet.

21. Do place the education section in the right location

Your education likely doesn’t need a prominent position on your resume because your skills and experience can speak for themselves. Place the information before your work experience section if you’re a student or a recent graduate. Otherwise, it can go at the bottom of your resume.

22. Don’t overemphasize your degree

In a skills-based economy, hiring managers are more interested in what you can do versus where you learned it .

While your degree is important, devote the most prominent space to information that directly relates to the job, like work experience and certifications, or skills acquired through academics that you’ll use in your role. If you’ve been writing code since your first year of college, that’s worth advertising.

How you present yourself can tell a recruiter as much about you as your relevant experience and skills. Here’s how to make the right impression:

23. Do use power verbs

Describe your work experience and accomplishments with action verbs . These terms add strength and confidence to your resume and provide points for hiring managers to discuss in an interview. Saying that you “boosted productivity” is more interesting to read than “made the team more productive.” 

24. Don’t use clichés or jargon

Your first contact with an employer might be through a recruiter or hiring specialist, and that person might not know the ins and outs of the position. Stick to straightforward language instead of complex jargon. If you need to include buzzwords, use ones that appear in the job description.

25. Do maintain proper verb tense

If you’re a passive job seeker who currently has a job, avoid confusion about your employment status. Be honest and use proper verb tenses. If you’re discussing a former position, use past tense. When describing your current role, stick to the present.

26. Don’t use passive voice

Active voice is concise and to the point, and it puts you at the heart of the sentence. “I cultivated a hardworking team” is more powerful than “a hardworking team was cultivated.” Use language to own your experience and tell a compelling story.

Now that you’re familiar with some resume writing fundamentals, it’s time to level up your job search by incorporating additional strategies. Here are some more things to consider while you craft your resume:

27. Do consider ATS

More than 98% of Fortune 500 companies pre-screen applicants with ATS , and more and more companies will use ATS between 2022 and 2029 . The ATS scans resumes for keywords and phrases, then uses the result to rank candidates.

If you don’t include the right language, or format your resume incorrectly, the system could toss it before giving it a chance. Optimize your resume for ATS by:

Identifying resume headings accurately

Reviewing the job listing for keywords and including them on your resume

Formatting your resume using an ATS-friendly template

Saving your resume as either a .pdf or .docx file

Using a standard font like Arial or Times New Roman

28. Don’t neglect your contact information

Include a resume header that lists your full name, email address, and phone number so recruiters and hiring managers know how to contact you. Remember to add your LinkedIn profile or portfolio if you have one and it’s relevant to the job.

29. Do remember to proofread

Grammatical errors and typos can derail a job application. Take the time to proof your resume and run it through grammar-checking software. Even better, ask a colleague or mentor to review your text.

Incorporating resume dos and don’ts can revitalize your resume and help you take the next step along your career path . Remember to tailor your application to every position, format the document correctly, and give it a thorough proofread.

Even a few adjustments can grab a hiring manager’s attention and get you the interview you’ve been looking for.

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Allaya Cooks-Campbell

With over 15 years of content experience, Allaya Cooks Campbell has written for outlets such as ScaryMommy, HRzone, and HuffPost. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and is a certified yoga instructor as well as a certified Integrative Wellness & Life Coach. Allaya is passionate about whole-person wellness, yoga, and mental health.

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Resume resources

The do’s & don’ts of resume writing.

Have you found yourself staring at a blank screen, cursor blinking trying to write the perfect resume? You’re not alone. Crafting a resume that will catch the eye of a hiring manager - when they’re may be up to thousands of applicants - is not an easy feat. You’ve likely heard conflicting statements of what you should and should not include in a resume. We’re clearing through the clutter with a list of do’s and don’ts to help you write a resume that will get you an interview, if not hired. 

Tailor your resume to the job you are applying for 

You will need to develop your resume so that it speaks directly to the job description and includes relevant projects, skills and experience. Having a blanket resume you blast out to a variety of companies will more likely than result in your resume getting passed in favour of someone who is a better fit. 

Keep it concise 

When it comes to the length of your resume, quality always wins over quantity. There is no stock answer to the question “how long should a resume be?” but you should aim for about one page. Keep in mind, if you have many years of your experience, your resume may be slightly longer. You can create a succinct resume by eliminating out-of-date or irrelevant information, ditching unnecessary words and opting for quantifiable achievements over detailed job descriptions for each previous role you’ve held. 

Use job description key words 

Leverage data .

When speaking to your skills, past projects and accomplishments, always try to support them with quantifiable data. Anyone can say they led a campaign, but it adds more value when you can provide exact numbers to speak to how this initiative increased sales, boosted brand awareness or generated follower growth. Some metrics you may want to speak to include sales & revenue, new leads generated, brand awareness, earned media, candidates hired, new processes/technologies adopted, etc. 

Use a balance of soft and hard skills

Hard skills are defined as quantifiable skills gained through training or education (ex. Graphic design, computer programming). Soft skills are qualitative skills that are not as easily taught, but are often gleaned through past experience (ex. Communication, empathy). It is important to include a mix of both hard and soft skills on your resume, as when combined, they make you a highly desirable candidate. In many instances, soft skills can help enrich your hard skills—for example, your hard graphic design skills will be supported by an ability to collaborate as a team, problem solve and meet deadlines. 

Use exaggerated or confidential information 

With the expectation to flex your skills through past projects, accomplishments and accompanying metrics, it can be tempting to fudge the truth on your resume. Resist the urge. Every fact you include on your resume should be supported by your past references, colleagues and information publicly available. You should also ensure you aren’t inadvertently including any confidential company information. If you are ever unsure of what is kosher to include, refer to your company confidentiality policy. 

Feel the need to include it all 

We get that you want to put your best put forward, but fight the inclination to be exhaustive when speaking to your past experience. Start with a long list and refine by considering what is most relevant to the role you are applying for and what paints the strongest, most accurate picture of your current skill set. While it’s important to showcase a range of experience, volunteer work and projects, anything outside of the past 10 years can absolutely go. Have a career blip you’d rather not speak to? Feel free to leave it out. This is the space to focus on your strongest work to help set you apart from the crowd. 

Shift your job objective 

Include your personal address .

While this isn’t a hard no, it should be noted that because most communications with potential employers now happen online, including your physical address on your resume is no longer necessary. Your physical address can also be considered private information that you may not want to give to employers until you are officially hired. The crucial information to include is of course, your email, phone number, and if you have one, your website.

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