Top Resume Trends to Look Out For in 2025
2024-08-20T16:16:31Z
Career and development
As the US labor market rebalances after the COVID pandemic, things are seemingly hitting a slow-down. According to Morningstar.com, a 1% rise in unemployment and other signs of job lull are expected to continue until 2025.
Job seekers might see more serious competition as companies in various sectors reduce growth in tandem with the economy. To stand out among other candidates, many might be wondering what they can do to optimize their resume. Some are turning to AI as a solution, while others are proactively contacting recruiters to receive more personalized advice.
Here are 8 resume trends to use as springboards for optimizing your own resume in 2025.
Tailoring Your Resume
A one-size-fits-all approach to resumes has been in the rearview mirror for quite some time, and will be especially detrimental to job seekers in 2025. Each job application should include some level of customization. This involves aligning your skills and experiences with the job description.
It's about highlighting your most relevant qualifications for each role.
Remember, employers appreciate candidates who put in the effort to understand their specific needs. Tailoring your resume shows that you're not just looking for any job, but the right job, and that you have the skills to deliver on promises.
PRO RESUME TIP:
To save time when applying for a high volume of roles, create a basic resume and adjust it for a job family or title. You can always add minor adjustments for individual applications.
Including Resume Keywords & Considering Applicant Tracking Systems
Speaking of custom resumes, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are now an indispensable tool for recruitment teams. These intuitive systems scan resumes for keywords related to the job description. You can be the best match and still lose an employment opportunity to someone more in-tune with keywords.
This is another way tailored resumes help boost your chances at securing a role. Beyond ensuring you're communicate your desire to work at a company, creating a custom resume for each role gives you a technical advantage. To get past an ATS, you must include relevant keywords on your resume that fit into the job description.
In essence: when speaking to a robot, it's not about what you say, but how you say it.
PRO TIPS:
Avoid keyword stuffing. ATS also evaluates the context in which the keywords are used. So, make sure your resume reads naturally while incorporating the necessary keywords.
Use tools like ChatGPT for resume optimization. You can start by inputting a baseline resume and asking the tool to optimize for a given job description. Be sure to adjust after, though to ensure all information is relevant and true!
