Examples Of Great Resumes 2019: A Comprehensive Guide

In the competitive job market of 2019, standing out with a strong resume was more crucial than ever. Employers received hundreds of applications for a single position, making it essential for candidates to present themselves clearly, professionally, and memorably. A great resume isn’t just a list of experiences—it’s a strategic document that demonstrates your skills, achievements, and potential to add value to an organization. In this article, we explore examples of great resumes from 2019, share practical advice for creating impactful resumes, and highlight common pitfalls that candidates should avoid.

Whether you are an experienced professional, a recent graduate, or someone looking to change careers, understanding what made the top resumes of 2019 successful can give you an edge. We also provide expert insights, tables, checklists, and links to resources where our specialists can help you craft a resume that impresses hiring managers. To get personalized assistance, make sure to register on our website and access our expert guidance.

Table of Contents

• What Makes a Great Resume?
• Top Resume Examples of 2019
• Formatting Tips for Maximum Impact
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Expert Tips for Crafting Resumes
• FAQ

What Makes a Great Resume?

Before diving into specific examples, it’s important to understand the essential elements that define a great resume. The best resumes of 2019 shared several characteristics:

Clarity and Readability

A strong resume is easy to read and navigate. Recruiters spend an average of 6–7 seconds scanning a resume, so clear headings, bullet points, and concise language are essential.

Relevance

Only include experiences, skills, and achievements that directly relate to the position you’re applying for. Tailoring your resume to the job description improves your chances of getting noticed.

Achievements, Not Responsibilities

Highlight measurable accomplishments rather than listing tasks. For example, “Increased sales by 20% in Q2 2019” is more compelling than “Responsible for sales.”

Visual Appeal

While content is king, the visual layout matters. Use clean fonts, appropriate spacing, and subtle design elements to create a polished look without overwhelming the reader.

Consistency and Accuracy

Ensure dates, job titles, and formatting are consistent throughout. Spelling or grammatical errors can undermine your credibility immediately.

Checklist: Essential Sections for Every Resume

• Contact Information
• Professional Summary or Objective
• Work Experience
• Education
• Skills and Certifications
• Optional: Awards, Projects, Volunteer Work

For specialized guidance, our resume writing help for veterans can assist in adapting these principles to unique backgrounds and experiences.

Top Resume Examples of 2019

Examining specific examples helps translate these principles into practice. Below, we review three standout resume formats from 2019 and analyze why they were effective.

1. Chronological Resume Example

This format emphasizes career progression and is ideal for professionals with steady experience. A strong 2019 example included:

• Professional Summary highlighting 10+ years of industry expertise.
• Clear chronological work history with achievements quantified.
• Skills section focused on both technical and soft skills.

2. Functional Resume Example

Focused on skills rather than employment history, functional resumes are ideal for career changers or entry-level candidates. A great 2019 example included:

• Highlighted transferable skills and key achievements.
• Grouped skills into categories with supporting examples.
• Brief employment history at the end for reference.

New graduates can look at our entry-level physician assistant resume for a detailed example of a functional approach in healthcare.

3. Combination Resume Example

This hybrid format merges the best of chronological and functional resumes. The 2019 best-looking resumes often followed this structure:

• Professional summary at the top highlighting key achievements.
• Skills section showcasing technical and soft skills.
• Reverse-chronological work experience supporting the skills.

See more on best-looking resumes of 2019 for visual inspiration and formatting ideas.

Formatting Tips for Maximum Impact

Font and Layout Choices

Use clean, professional fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica. Maintain consistent spacing, margins, and alignment. Avoid overly decorative fonts or colors that distract from the content.

Use of Tables and Columns

Tables can help organize skills or certifications efficiently. Columns can save space but should be used carefully to maintain readability.

Practical Advice: 5 Resume Formatting Tips

1. Keep your resume under 2 pages.
2. Prioritize information based on relevance to the role.
3. Use bullet points for achievements.
4. Include metrics to quantify results.
5. Proofread multiple times to avoid errors.

Checklist: Formatting Must-Haves

• Consistent font and size
• Logical hierarchy of headings
• Readable margins and spacing
• Professional-looking header with contact info
• Active verbs for describing achievements

For detailed help, our specialists can guide you in creating visually appealing layouts that align with current best practices. Register now for personalized assistance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overloading with Text

Many 2019 resumes failed because they were too dense. Avoid paragraphs; use bullet points and concise phrases.

2. Lack of Tailoring

Generic resumes that were not tailored to the job description often ended up in the rejection pile.

3. Ignoring Keywords

With applicant tracking systems (ATS), missing relevant keywords reduced chances of your resume being seen.

Expert Tip: Use our reporting analyst resume guide to learn how to strategically include industry keywords.

Expert Tips for Crafting Resumes

Tip 1: Focus on Achievements

Always quantify results wherever possible. Numbers create credibility and impact.

Tip 2: Highlight Soft Skills

Technical expertise is important, but teamwork, communication, and leadership often set candidates apart.

Tip 3: Include References Wisely

Provide a reference list only if requested, and follow professional templates like our APA reference list template.

Tip 4: Keep Updating Your Resume

Even if not actively job searching, update your resume regularly with new skills, projects, and achievements.

Tip 5: Use Professional Assistance

Working with experienced resume specialists can significantly increase your chances of landing interviews. Register now to access expert help tailored to your career stage.

FAQ

1. What is the ideal length of a resume?

For most professionals, 1–2 pages is ideal. Focus on quality over quantity and highlight your most relevant experiences.

2. Should I include a photo on my resume?

In most cases, especially in the US and UK, it’s recommended to avoid photos unless explicitly requested, to prevent unconscious bias.

3. How do I tailor my resume for a specific job?

Analyze the job description, include relevant skills and experiences, and mirror the language used in the posting.

4. What is the difference between a functional and chronological resume?

A chronological resume focuses on work history, while a functional resume emphasizes skills. Combination resumes merge both approaches.

5. How can I make my resume ATS-friendly?

Use standard headings, keywords from the job posting, avoid images or graphics that ATS cannot read, and submit in .docx or PDF formats as allowed.

6. Should I list every job I’ve ever had?

No. Include only positions relevant to the job you’re applying for, focusing on accomplishments that demonstrate value.

7. Can a resume include volunteer work?

Yes, especially if it is relevant to the skills required or demonstrates leadership and community engagement.

8. Where can I get professional help with my resume?

Our specialists provide tailored guidance to craft resumes that impress employers. Register today to get expert assistance.

In conclusion, great resumes from 2019 offer valuable lessons on clarity, relevance, achievements, and presentation. By following expert tips, avoiding common mistakes, and leveraging specialized support, you can create a compelling resume that opens doors to interviews and career growth.