The 6 Resume Trends You Need to Know About This Year

By now, you probably know that having an extraordinary resume is the key to drawing attention to yourself in the sea of applicants.

It’s daunting, for sure, to try to optimize your job search strategy when the market takes a hard turn. But developing an excellent resume will go a long way in helping you stand out from the competition to secure an interview. 

Here are some of the top resume trends for 2021 to help you get noticed:

1. Speaking to a specific audience

According to Talent Inc.’s 2018 survey, one of the top resume dealbreakers is a generic resume not customized to the job listing. As an advertiser, for example, if you want to capture the attention of a specific audience, you need to tailor your message so that it speaks directly to that population. The same goes for job seekers trying to reach hiring managers at specific companies. 

Customize your resume’s opening statement to address the major needs of the organization or the role you are applying for. If your work history is lengthy, include only the most relevant work experience and accomplishments.

2. A value proposition

After looking at your resume, hiring managers should be able to answer, “Why should I hire you?” Address this question in the very beginning, by including a value proposition in your resume’s opening statement.

Explain what differentiates you from other candidates. Mention a compelling example about your character or skills by touching on an example from your work history.

3. Call-out boxes

Highlighting a section of text with a call-out box will help break up an otherwise dense resume. While everything you write on your resume should be quick and easy to digest, call-out boxes make critical information stand out even more. And including them will help get your message across in a quick and memorable way.

Choose pithy summaries of information you want managers to immediately notice and recall. Don’t overdo it, though. Keep it to two or three call-outs maximum — your resume should still look like a resume.

4. A list of accomplishments

Keep a running list of your accomplishments so you can build and customize each resume. Include accomplishments from each previous role under the corresponding position, or write a short storytelling summary of your accomplishments in your opening statement. This validates otherwise theoretical character traits.

5. Video

Though a video resume should never be used in place of a written one, video is an excellent tool to pique a hiring manager’s interest. This is one of the more unique resume trends — perfect for standing out from the crowd.

Introducing yourself via video will help the hiring manager “see” you, beyond just text on paper. Record a short video introduction. Shoot for 30 seconds, but try to make it no longer than two minutes. Include a link to the video on your resume and LinkedIn profile.

6. Crafting for human eyes

While there is something to be said about writing resumes in a way that will please meticulous applicant tracking systems, here’s the truth: ATS does not always get your resume seen. Most job-hunting success comes from personal connections. 

In 2017, Jobvite with the Human Capital Institute reported that employee referrals are one of the most common sources of hire. So abandon the keyword stuffing strategy and stop relying on submitting applications online. Expand your reach and network with key people who can get your resume in front of hiring managers.

Ask a mentor, an old professor, or a friend what they think about your resume. Is it compelling enough to hire you? If not, try working in some of these resume trends, and you’ll surely get noticed.

Looking for more experience to spice up your resume? Here’s how you can gain that work experience even during a global crisis.