Ask HR: Tips for Modern Resume Design and Getting PTO Approved

SHRM President and Chief Executive Officer Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, answers HR questions each week.

Do you have an HR or work-related question you’d like him to answer? Submit it here.

Since leaving a job I have had for almost a decade, I have primarily conducted my job search online. I have used the same resume design since I started working 12 years ago. Should I update my resume design to be more effective? What do you recommend for building a modern resume? –Sandra

Johnny C. Taylor, Jr.: Updating your resume design can indeed be a wise move, especially if you’ve been using the same format for a long time. A fresh, modern design can help your resume stand out and leave a positive impression on recruiters and hiring managers. Here’s what I recommend for building a modern resume:

• Clean, professional layout. Opt for a layout that’s visually appealing and easy to read. Avoid cluttered designs and overly decorative elements that may distract from your content.
• Plain font. Stick to standard, easy-to-read fonts such as Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman. These fonts are widely accepted and are compatible with applicant tracking systems (ATSs), ensuring your resume is easily scannable by both humans and software.
• Keywords. Tailor your resume to each job application by incorporating industry-specific keywords and phrases relevant to the position. Many companies use ATS software to screen resumes, so this will increase the likelihood of your resume being noticed.
• Organized sections. Structure your resume into clear sections, including Contact Information; Summary or Objective; Work Experience; Skills; and Education, plus any additional relevant sections, such as Certifications or Volunteer Work. This organization makes it easy for recruiters to quickly find the information they need.
• Summary/objective statement. Start your resume with a summary that highlights your key qualifications and career goals. Keep it concise, focusing on what sets you apart and what you aim to achieve in your career.
• Accomplishment-oriented experience. When listing your work experience, focus on highlighting your accomplishments, rather than just listing job duties. Use quantifiable achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact, such as increasing sales by a certain percentage or leading successful projects.
• Skills section. Dedicate a section to showcasing your key skills and competencies, including both technical skills and soft skills that are relevant to the job. This section provides recruiters with a quick overview of your capabilities.
• Proofreading. Before submitting your resume, thoroughly proofread it to ensure there are no grammatical errors, typos or formatting issues. Consider having someone else review your resume to give you feedback and additional insights.

By updating your resume with a modern design and incorporating these key elements, you can increase your chances of making a strong impression in today’s competitive job market. Good luck with your job search!

I’ve been denied PTO requests on multiple occasions, which is becoming increasingly frustrating. Most of them are denied on the grounds of staffing needs. Do I have any recourse in fighting these denials? What can I do to ensure PTO approvals? –Chanette

You may indeed have some recourse in addressing these denied paid-time-off (PTO) requests. Start by reviewing your company’s PTO policy and procedures. Many employers have specific guidelines regarding PTO requests, including deadlines for submission and limits on the number of employees who can be on leave simultaneously, to ensure adequate staffing levels.

First, check if your PTO requests were made in accordance with company policy. If they were not, ensure that you adhere to the established procedures for future requests to increase the likelihood of approval.

However, if you followed company policy and your requests were still denied, consider discussing the matter with your manager or HR team. Seek clarification on the reasons for the denials and inquire about potential strategies to improve the approval rate for your requests.

It’s also essential to consider whether your state mandates sick leave, and if your company uses PTO to fulfill those requirements. If so, your employer may be obligated to approve leave requests that align with qualifying reasons for sick leave under the law. If you’re uncertain about your state’s sick-leave requirements, consult your HR team for clarification.

Ultimately, unless there is a contractual agreement or policy stating otherwise, employers typically have discretion in managing PTO usage. However, by following company procedures and addressing your concerns with management or HR, you may increase the likelihood of having your PTO requests approved more frequently.