2019 Resume Tips: How to Craft a Winning Resume

In today's competitive job market, having a well-crafted resume is more important than ever. Even though this guide focuses on 2019 resume tips, many of the strategies remain relevant for modern applications. A resume is not just a list of your experiences; it is a marketing document that presents your skills, achievements, and potential in the best possible light. Many candidates make the mistake of underestimating the power of a polished resume, which can cost them interviews and career opportunities.

This comprehensive guide will help both beginners and experienced professionals create resumes that stand out. From formatting and content to expert advice and common mistakes, we cover everything you need. By the end of this article, you'll understand the best practices, practical tips, and resources to ensure your resume gets noticed by recruiters. Plus, our specialists can help you refine your resume—simply register on our website to access personalized assistance.

Table of Contents

• Formatting Tips for 2019 Resumes
• Essential Resume Sections
• Skills and Keywords Optimization
• Common Resume Mistakes
• Expert Tips for a Winning Resume
• Frequently Asked Questions

Formatting Tips for 2019 Resumes

Presentation is the first impression a recruiter will have of your resume. In 2019, clean, readable, and visually appealing formats were highly valued. Here’s how to make your resume visually effective:

1. Choose the Right Layout

• Chronological Resume: Lists work experience from most recent to oldest. Ideal for professionals with steady employment history.
• Functional Resume: Focuses on skills and competencies rather than chronological experience. Good for career changers or gaps in employment.
• Combination Resume: Blends chronological and functional formats. Highlights skills while providing work history context.

2. Keep It Concise

In 2019, the recommended length was one to two pages. Recruiters spend less than 10 seconds on an initial scan, so prioritize the most relevant information.

3. Use Readable Fonts and Sizes

Fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica, sized 10–12 points, were considered professional. Avoid overly stylized fonts that may reduce readability.

Practical Tip:

Use free CV templates to ensure proper formatting. These templates are designed to follow professional standards, saving you time while enhancing visual appeal.

Checklist for Formatting

• Use consistent headings and spacing
• Include clear section titles
• Avoid long paragraphs; use bullet points
• Limit your resume to 1–2 pages
• Save as PDF for online applications

Essential Resume Sections

Every resume in 2019 included several key sections that recruiters expect. Omitting any can reduce your chances of being shortlisted.

1. Contact Information

Include your full name, phone number, professional email, and LinkedIn profile. Optionally, you can include a link to a personal portfolio or website.

2. Professional Summary or Objective

A concise 3–5 sentence paragraph summarizing your experience, skills, and career goals. Tailor this section to each job you apply for.

3. Work Experience

List roles in reverse chronological order. Include company name, location, job title, and dates of employment. Use bullet points to highlight achievements and responsibilities.

4. Education

Include degrees, certifications, and relevant courses. Mention honors or awards if applicable.

5. Skills

Highlight both hard and soft skills. For example, a Pharmacy Technician Resume Skills section may include technical competencies, attention to detail, and customer service skills.

6. Additional Sections

• Certifications and Licenses
• Volunteer Experience
• Professional Affiliations
• Projects or Publications

Practical Tip:

Consider using specialized sections like Library Assistant Resume examples to showcase niche skills or industry-specific experience.

Skills and Keywords Optimization

In 2019, applicant tracking systems (ATS) were widely used by recruiters to screen resumes. Optimizing your resume with relevant skills and keywords significantly improves your chances of passing ATS scans.

1. Research Job Descriptions

Identify recurring skills and keywords in postings similar to your desired role. Include these naturally in your resume.

2. Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills

• Hard Skills: Technical competencies (e.g., coding, data analysis, lab techniques)
• Soft Skills: Communication, problem-solving, leadership

3. Action Verbs

Use strong verbs to describe accomplishments. Examples include “led,” “developed,” “implemented,” and “achieved.”

Checklist for Skills Optimization

• Include 6–10 relevant hard skills
• Highlight transferable soft skills
• Match keywords from the job posting
• Integrate keywords naturally in experience descriptions
• Use bullet points to improve readability

Practical Tip:

For example, a Business Development Resume should emphasize skills like client acquisition, negotiation, and CRM proficiency.

Common Resume Mistakes

1. Spelling and Grammar Errors

Even minor typos can harm credibility. Proofread multiple times and use tools like Grammarly.

2. Overloading with Information

A cluttered resume can confuse recruiters. Focus on relevant experience and achievements.

3. Using Generic Summaries

Avoid vague statements like “hardworking and motivated.” Tailor each resume to the specific role.

Checklist to Avoid Mistakes

• Proofread multiple times
• Use role-specific summaries
• Keep formatting consistent
• Limit resume length to 1–2 pages
• Ensure keywords match the job posting

Expert Advice:

Our specialists can review your resume for errors and suggest improvements. Register here for expert guidance.

Expert Tips for a Winning Resume

Tip 1: Quantify Achievements

Whenever possible, use numbers to highlight results. For example, “Increased sales by 25% in six months” is more impactful than “Responsible for sales growth.”

Tip 2: Customize for Each Job

Tailoring resumes to specific roles ensures relevance. Focus on skills, experiences, and keywords that match the job description.

Tip 3: Use Professional Templates

Templates save time and enhance readability. Check out our best free CV templates for professional layouts.

Tip 4: Include a Cover Letter

A strong cover letter complements your resume. For expert advice, see best cover letter tips.

Tip 5: Leverage Online Platforms

Upload your resume to trusted sites to increase visibility. Learn more about the best sites to upload your resume.

Common Newbie Mistakes

• Copying generic templates without customizing
• Listing too many irrelevant jobs
• Failing to include contact information correctly

Expert Insight

Even seasoned professionals benefit from a second pair of eyes. Our specialists can provide personalized feedback to ensure your resume meets industry standards. Sign up now to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Should I include high school education on my resume?

If you have a college degree or relevant work experience, high school details are usually unnecessary unless specifically requested.

2. How do I tailor my resume for an ATS?

Incorporate relevant keywords from job postings, use standard headings, and avoid images or graphics that ATS may not read.

3. Can I use the same resume for multiple jobs?

While the core content may remain, always customize skills and summaries to align with the specific role.

4. What is the ideal resume length?

One to two pages is ideal. Ensure all information is concise and relevant.

5. How do I list volunteer work?

Include volunteer experience in a separate section, highlighting transferable skills and achievements.

6. Should I include references?

References are optional. You can state “References available upon request.”

7. How important is a cover letter?

Very important. A cover letter provides context to your resume and demonstrates your interest in the role.

8. Can experts help improve my resume?

Yes! Our specialists can provide personalized guidance to enhance your resume. Register here to access expert support.