As with any other style, the accepted formatting and layout of resumes changes with time. With more and more jobs depending upon the internet, many resumes are including websites and social media accounts to display candidates' offerings. Learn about some of the increasingly common trends that are cropping up in resumes according to hiring managers across the country, and see if they can give your resume an added boost without coming across as gimmicky. Here are 10 of the most common resume trends for 2014:
- Use Bullets Instead of Paragraphs
A bulleted list or divided list is easier to read than several large paragraphs. Employers are looking to quantify skill sets and to see marked achievements in previous positions listed on the resume. Important keywords are infused in this area related to the job description.
- Social Media Links on the Resume
Many employers are doing screenings to check up on the viability of an employee's place in a company. A social media-infused resume is popular with employers because it shows interest in a career path and gives extra tidbits of information that might clarify missing points in the resume. For example, a Pinterest account might highlight the taste of a designer for a design consultant position.
- Removing Unnecessary Jargon
Employers want to see a resume that is concise, to-the-point, and free of junk. Cut out words that have double meanings or any typical "corporate lingo." Resumes will need to be more authentic and direct.
- Authentic Data
Resumes are now showing graphs and charts on job performance. Hiring managers love to see hard data on previous job experience accomplishments and achievements.
- Integrated Recommendations
Quotations and short summaries of job performance accolades from previous employers or peers are now being found on the resume page. It gives a brief glimpse into the employee's past work without being too pushy.
- Hiring through Social Media
Many employees are finding direct resume applications through LinkedIn and Facebook. LinkedIn is quickly serving as a resume to employers who are actively recruiting. Social media sites are also increasingly checking for active recruiting by using direct hiring techniques for highly talented professionals who have a great brand and online presence. Now is the time to start beefing up that online name brand and start a niche.
- Telling a Story
Digital storytelling is a powerful way to convey a message for a position. Video and other forms of media are moving outside the creative professions and into other fields. Rather than a face-to-face interview, video provides employers with examples of talent on screen.
- Color Resumes
For decades adding color to a resume was considered tacky and unprofessional. A younger generation is entering the professional field and employers are finding that software can produce vivid and professional color resumes without being too tacky.
- Moving Pertinent Information Closer to the Eye
Employers want to see information, like education and unique job experiences, closer to the top. This reduces resume clutter and allows managers to scan information more quickly.
- Using Mission or Standing Statements Instead of Objectives
The old objective statement is becoming obsolete. Employers realize what position you are applying for. Most employers now want to see why you want the position and how you can benefit them. A positioning statement can show a bottom line while also creating a mission statement that clearly outlines a path for obtaining the job.
