Embracing current resume trends is one of the most important things a job seeker can do in any given year. In 2018, for example, personalized resumes and those mentioning both hard and soft skills were among the topics most discussed by recruiters.
Keeping on top of these trends makes a resume more likely to be noticed by hiring managers as they will recognize that you’re on top of things and your resume reflects that. It also gives you an edge against other applicants’ outdated practices. If you’re looking for information on how to write a resume that meets 2020 standards, read on.
Customize your resume with keywords.
Expect the trend of customizing resumes for specific job titles or industries to continue. Recruiters often spend no more than six or seven seconds on a first look at a resume, so submitting one that outlines exactly what they’re looking for will go a long way toward separating you from the pack.
A resume for an entry-level opportunity will not look the same as one aiming for an executive position. Adding appropriate keywords to your resume that are relevant to the job for which you’re applying is vital these days.
Incorporating these keywords is an effective way to stand out to recruiters in 2020 and make it past ATS (applicant tracking systems), which are used by more than 95 percent of Fortune 500 companies.
“Candidates should weave keywords into the context of the resume so that the words are noticed,” writes Debra Wheatman, president of Careers Done Write, in an article about resume trends for the American Marketing Association. “Find potential keywords for each position by examining the requirements on the job posting.”
Use social media wisely.
Sharing pictures of your family vacation on Facebook is great, but social media has much more to offer in terms of seeking jobs and networking. LinkedIn and Twitter are great networking tools for expanding your pool of professional contacts, and including links to these profiles on your resume is a great way to get noticed by hiring managers. The best place for these is right at the top of your resume with your contact information.
Paper resumes are becoming a thing of the past, according to Direct Recruiters, Inc. (DRI), an Ohio-based recruiting firm. This trend has been increasing in recent years and is expected to continue, says DRI, as recruiters are becoming more apt to check out social media resume profiles.
Writing a resume in 2020 is already all about technology. Formatting a version of your resume that’s easily viewable on social media platforms and mobile devices is a good idea for the new year, if you haven’t done so already. It’s even possible to apply for a job from your phone. Just make sure your resume will be properly presented when viewed from any device.
