20 Resume Trends for 2013

June 2013 Magazine

by: lhgould
Resumes in 2013 should be worded short, concise and to the point. Let’s take a few minutes to review new emerging trends for the resume for this upcoming year 2013. The resume still remains the essential tool for your job search but the ever changing explosion of new technology is re-shaping industry demands. The job seeker still needs the traditional resume/CV as a career overview and introduction to employers, recruiters and network contacts.

Here are 20 high points to consider before you start writing your resume.

  1. One- or two-page resumes for very experienced professionals.
  1. Writing concise, short paragraphs with brief lists with bullets and good organizational strategies so the resume can be easily skimmed.
  1. Use strong merchandising and positioning strategies to bring the most relevant information to the forefront.  (You may want to consider inserting a “Career Highlights” section with your most high level accomplishments in the header of your resume. Highlight your “Unique Selling Propositions”, those attributes that distinguish you from the competition.)
  1. Critical:  Creating a strong impact “in the profile” or top half of the 1st page of the resume. This is especially important in competitive employment markets.  (Creating a personal brand is the key to attracting hiring managers).
  1. Emergence of Micro Resumes at the Executive Level featuring primary talking points; those are nothing longer than a tweet.
  1. Online formatting moving from .txt to .doc files to ensure integrity of both content and format on some websites and databases.
  2. SMART Phones are changing everything from the way hiring managers are reading resumes. Readability is a major problem so to accommodate formatting is Key!! Messaging should be condensed and concise with good headlines. (Readability for mobile devices/smart phones, top to bottom scrolling).
  3. Twitter has become a viable medium for resume messaging. Savvy job seekers communicate their “Unique Selling Propositions” and brand in Twitres@twit_res, a series of 10 tweets (each 140 characters). Combine message with your cohesive overview of core qualifications and values.
  4. Resume needs to be ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) Savvy. Formatting is being scaled back (straightforward and simple formatting for best results) and text being carefully selected to optimize keyword identification and search engine capabilities.
  5. Shorter resume drive greater demand for addenda. Project highlights, client/engagement highlights, leadership, bios, technology profiles and other in-depth documents. (Post these documents to your LinkedIn or Website where people can view your work.)
  6. Paper still important. In-person meetings best to have nicely printed copy of your resume.
  7. Resumes become portals to blogs, web pages and portfolios. Increased inclusion of URL’s and QR (Quick Response) codes to link readers to additional materials about the job seeker.
  8. Resume “extras” are important to distinguish you from the pack. Personal brand should include community service, civic background, continuing education, professional development, multicultural attributes/experiences and qualifiers that establish character and personality.
  1. Add Powerful 3rd Party Testimonials or Endorsements to near the top of the resume. (You can pull from your personal recommendations LinkedIn page, but add the source name/position.
  1. Applicant Tracking Systems Evolving: to the point that they now search for the rare (rather than the common) keywords and phrases.  Monster.com and other jobs boards offer services to help resumes rise to the top. Some of the services include: Web-based software that assesses resumes for keyword matches compared against job listings. Look for companies such as Paptel @ http://www.preptel.com/.
  1. Consider using a free cloud generator as part of your branding. Check out Wordle@http://www.wordle.net/.
  1. Twitter Generation: Write short brand statements and all marketing communications.
  1. Consider mailing a high-quality paper resume along with customized cover letter. People still open mail.
  1. Resumes slowly being replaced by online communications such as LinkedIn.
  1. Show competencies, skills and experience through chunks of time (3 years, 18 months) rather than dates so as it translates experience into meaningful terms and a cohesive relevant background for employer. △

Credit:  Resume Tips for 2013