I. Customize, Customize, Customize
It might not be new for 2019, but expect the trend of customizing a resume for a specific job title or industry to continue. Recruiters spend no more than six or seven seconds reading a resume. One that succinctly points out that you have what recruiters are looking for will go a long way toward separating you from the pack.
However, a resume for an entry-level opportunity will not look the same as one designed for an executive position. Knowing the best resume design for your particular job search can be key to your success.
"A targeted resume is always best—focusing on the specific position you are applying for and the skill set that you have that qualifies you for that position," Rouchard says. "This may mean spending more time tweaking your resume for each position you are applying for; however, it will be worth it."
Since applicant tracking systems (ATS) are all the rage, an ATS-friendly resume is an effective way to help make your resume stand out in 2019. Incorporating keywords for a particular job can be extremely beneficial and get your resume noticed in a system, which are used by more than 95 percent of Fortune 500 companies. In addition, a KellyOCG survey found that 66 percent of large companies and 35 percent of small companies use recruitment software.
"Candidates should weave keywords into the context of the resume so that the words are noticed," writes Debra Wheatman, president of Careers Done Write, for an article about resume trends for the American Marketing Association. "Find potential keywords for each position by examining the requirements on the job posting."
What else can make a resume stand out? Lisa Rouchard, president and personnel consultant for The Human Resource, a personnel services firm based in Greensboro, NC, says that in North Carolina she is "noticing an increase in more graphics [such as nicer fonts] and sometimes a photo on the resume." She adds that her counterparts in other states are seeing more video resumes.
II. Use of Social Media
Sharing pictures of your family vacation on Facebook is great, but that's not all social media has to offer. LinkedIn and Twitter are great social media resources you can link to in your resume. The best place is right at the top with your contact information.
According to many recruiters, such as Ohio-based recruiting firm Direct Recruiters Inc. (DRI), paper resumes are becoming a thing of the past. This trend has been increasing in recent years and is expected to continue, according to DRI. Recruiters are more apt to check out social media profiles and even video submissions. So, 2019 might be less about how to write a resume and more about how to put together a creative video resume.
Formatting a version of your resume for social media platforms and even mobile applications is a good idea for 2019, if you haven't done so already. It's easy to apply for a job on the go from your phone, but remember that you want to make sure that your resume presents as you would like it to when sent from a mobile device.
It might not be new for 2019, but expect the trend of customizing a resume for a specific job title or industry to continue. Recruiters spend no more than six or seven seconds reading a resume. One that succinctly points out that you have what recruiters are looking for will go a long way toward separating you from the pack.
III. The Power of a Targeted Resume
A resume that's been researched and customized to address a specific company or job title is one that will get noticed in those few precious seconds you have to make an impression. This is a trend that will continue into 2019 and likely beyond.
"A targeted resume is always best—focusing on the specific position you are applying for and the skill set that you have that qualifies you for that position," Rouchard says. "This may mean spending more time tweaking your resume for each position you are applying for; however, it will be worth it."
Like Rouchard's clients, who "tend to like the chronological resume, which outlines your accomplishments for each position, and the number of years you worked with a specific organization," recruiters also tend to prefer the chronological format. That preference should continue in the new year.
"This type of resume also paints a picture of promotions and longevity with a company—as well as your job-related skills," Rouchard adds.
