How to Write a Resume in 2022 That Gets Results

In 2022, employers look for applications that are well formatted, simple and easy to read.

Securing a job interview isn’t easy and there’s a chance that your resume is standing in your way. 

Let’s explore the current resume trends for 2022 to help you increase your chances of being shortlisted for possible roles.

Here are the things you need to consider when writing your resume:

• Pick an easy-to-read format & layout - Optimized to be read on phones, and computers & by ATS

• Include your personal details & contact information

• Include a short resume summary or objective

• List your work experience in reverse chronological order 

• Highlight your achievements

• List your top soft & hard skills

• Always tailor your information for the job

• Optional - include additional information if relevant - languages, hobbies, extracurricular activities, etc.

• Pairing your resume with a stand out Cover Letter

• Always ensure you proofread your Resume and Cover Letter for any grammatical and spelling errors

Let’s dive into some of these points a little deeper:

Pick an easy-to-read format & layout. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t add a little touch of flair to your resume design. Think, less is more when you are creating your resume and following the below tips:

• Pick a simple template

• Use neutral colours

• Use an easy-to-read font like Times New Roman, Calibri or Arial

• Balance the text-to-white-space ratio

• Use bullet points instead of long paragraphs 

Your resume will be read by hiring managers and recruiters on their computers, laptops, phones and in print – while they're on the go and while they're at work.

Before you apply for a role ensure your resume can be easily skim read and read on all types of screens.

Most recruiters will only skim-read your resume before they decide if you’re to be shortlisted for the role or not. Avoid lengthy paragraphs and stick to short and concise dot points.

Many recruitment agencies and businesses also use automated resume screening software to scan resumes for relevant keywords and experience. This means your resume might not even be seen by a human unless you have the right keywords and experience they're looking for that is. Artificial Intelligence’s role in the hiring process is very much a fact of life in today’s world. According to Forbes, around 98% of Fortune 500 companies and 75% of employers self-report using Applicant Tracking Software (ATS). When you write your resume, you must prepare for the fact that it will be assessed by an algorithm before it even reaches a human. 

So how do you get your resume past the robots?

Here's what you can do...

• Use keywords relevant to the role you are applying for

• Always spell and grammar check your resume

• Use commonly used words and don't use acronyms

• Don't use images or graphics - these won't get seen by the robots

Use a resume statement or objective. A resume statement should provide a snapshot of your experience and allow you to highlight some of your most impressive features front and centre. 

Statements and objectives set the tone for the rest of your resume. Employers don’t want to see resumes without any direction so highlight the skills and experience you have that will benefit them directly if they were to hire you. This first section on your resume could make or break your opportunity at securing an interview, you want to capture their attention and entice them to read the rest of your resume.  

Highlight your achievements and make them quantifiable! One of the most common resume mistakes is only listing your job responsibilities. Under work history don't just list your duties as per your job description. Highlight your key achievements and the responsibilities you had in the role. For example, this could be leading a big project with a team of 25 colleagues to win the company a $50,000 marketing grant.

Tailor your resume to the job. Did you know that over 70% of resumes submitted to job boards are never read? Tailoring your resume is so important. It helps you stand out to recruiters and hiring managers who are often overwhelmed with applications. Remember they take your resume and compare it side-by-side with the job description to decide if you have the skills and experience needed to execute the specific role. Tailoring your resume shows them how you fit the specific role they are recruiting for and their business.

What are keywords and how should you include them in your application? Keywords are specific words or phrases that describe skills, duties and responsibilities of a role.

A recruiter, hiring manager or applicant tracking system will scan your resume for these keywords.

You should incorporate these words and phrases into your resume objective, previous experience, skills section, and throughout your cover letter.

Tailoring your resume takes time and effort but you will reap the rewards. Submitting the same resume for every position doesn’t meet the employer's individual requirements. If you want to grab recruiter's and hiring manager's attention, you need to give them what they want.

Here’s how:

• Match your resume content with the details in the job ad/position description.

• Highlight the relevant qualifications and experience you have that they are seeking.

• Use language similar to that which is in the advert.

• Use keywords relevant to the role, business and industry you are applying for.

• Provide evidence of how you have executed key details.

My suggestion is to create a master copy resume that is easy to tailor to each role you are applying for. 

Pairing a cover letter with your resume. Not every role you apply for will require you to submit a cover letter as part of your application. A good rule of thumb is if they don't specify a cover letter is required send one through along with your resume, just in case! In certain situations, a well-written cover letter can be more effective than the resume itself.

Think of your cover letter as a marketing tool; it communicates to the employer/hiring manager/recruiter that you are interested in the advertised position and their company and that you have something valuable to contribute.

The difference between a resume and a cover letter is that a resume is a factual document with a list of your professional skills and experience. And a cover letter is a one-pager, telling a potential employer why you're the best person for the job and why you want the job.

Use your resume to summarize your qualifications and your cover letter to talk about them in detail. Your cover letter is not a repeat of your resume, use it strategically to showcase your skills, experience, and achievements specific to the role you are applying for.

Get in touch with The Resume Assistant to discuss a personalised cover letter and resume. And for more job-seeker insights, career advice, and tips on how to get in front of hiring managers subscribe to our newsletter.