Whether you are currently hiring for a position or trying to find one, it's in your best interest to find out more about what's considered to be an attractive and professional resume in 2017. Resumes have changed significantly in content and form, especially for those in creative industries.
Here are a few of the major changes.
5 Resume Trends for 2017 You Need to Know
If you're applying for a job this year, make sure you take these resume trends into consideration.
1. Machine-Readable Resumes With Keywords and Key Phrases
Resumes today are filtered through machines first. They often don't even reach a desk unless certain keywords are met. Make sure your resume can beat the ATS (applicant tracking system) by following these tips:
- Use keywords specific to your industry
- Be specific about your skills
- Keep the formatting simple
- Use traditonal/standard fonts
- Top load your most impressive content
2. Unique Layouts and Designs, Rather than Old-Fashioned Templates
It used to be that resumes were always a template that had a fairly standard format. Now they tend to be creative and designed from the top down. Seems like this contradicts #1? You're right. The best way to succeed is to have two resumes — one simple and one more elaboratively designed and use them accordingly.
Looking for some cool design resume inspiration? Check out these unique resume layout ideas.
3. Lengthier Resume Formats — But More Concise Descriptions
One-page resumes are no longer the norm in some industries. Many people are engaged in non-traditional job opportunities and have had multiple jobs, freelance projects, etc., which is no longer a bad thing. That does mean that digital resumes are getting longer over time though, so feel free to create a lengthier digital version if your skills and experience dictate it.
4. Social Media Engagement and Digital Connectivity
Resumes today often have a connection to social media, especially to creative positions. Those in media- or writing-oriented fields often have to have a following in those fields, and Recruiters/Hiring Managers will often look up social media accounts in order to make sure that they have a solid social media presence.
So after you've polished your resume, turn to your social accounts and make sure they are putting your best foot forward too. Need helping cleaning your social media first? Read this.
5. An Emphasis on Career-Building Versus Jobs
Workers today are trying to build careers rather than focus on jobs and that involves lots of different types of work. That means that they may not only list work credentials. Other types of credentials are really important to invest in for both recruiters and employees. This can include seminars, certifications, and more, so don't forget to include these.
The Bottom Line?
Technology has changed the way jobs and hiring operate in many ways, and resumes are certainly a part of this. By knowing how they have changed and evolved, you can both craft and review perfect professional representations.
Need to go back to basics? This resume guidebook is for you:
