Five Key Resume Trends
The best resume is one that not only displays a job seeker’s competencies but stands out from other generic resumes that hiring managers have to wade through. If you use trends to your advantage, you can create an eye-catching, current resume. Here are five key trends you should keep in mind when resume writing this year:
1. Use Relevant Keywords
Keywords are crucial to resumes these days because so many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to ensure that the most relevant applications get to the eyes of a human recruiter. This is why pulling keywords from job postings (e.g., specific skills the employer wants) and incorporating them into your resume has become a useful and widespread resume trend. Optimize your resume to ensure it is ATS-friendly by incorporating keywords in your summary, skills and work experience sections.
2. Choose a Simple Design
Infographics and bold design elements are slowly falling out of favor; minimalism is the latest trend in resume layouts. Streamlined resume templates are easy to find and can help your resume pass applicant tracking systems by making it easier to scan.
3. Keep to the Right Format
The traditional chronological resume format is back in style because of its easy to read, elegant style. If you have a decent amount of work experience, you probably already use this format, but it can also be useful for entry-level job seekers. By using a chronological format and presenting all of your relevant experience, either from work, coursework, or unpaid work, in reverse chronological order, you will make it easy for recruiters to see your potential.
4. Keep It Short
Simplicity is king. The trend for short, concise resumes is here to stay. While there may be times when a two-page resume can be appropriate, it is generally preferable to stick to a single page. Unless you are applying for senior-level jobs, keep it short and sweet!
5. Show Off Results
Humility is out; confidence is the new trend, and if you want to navigate the hiring process with style, you need to use action verbs (e.g., “managed” or “oversaw”) and specific metrics (e.g., “Ran campaign that increased user engagement by 12%”) when discussing your achievements and relevant work experience.