6 Essential Tips to Update Your Resume for 2023
The job market and expectations around what lands on your resume, and what it looks like, have changed rapidly in the last few years. If you are getting back into the job market, or even if you are applying for roles internally, and haven’t dusted off your resume in years, here are 6 ways you can modernize your resume to demonstrate you are in tune with current expectations.
1) Ditch the Objective Statement in Favour of a Summary
In the past, resumes often included an objective statement at the beginning, highlighting the candidate's career goals. However, this has evolved into a concise summary section that focuses on showcasing the candidate's key qualifications, skills, and experiences. A well-crafted summary instantly captures the attention of recruiters and provides a snapshot of the candidate's value proposition.
2) Leave off Your Full Address
You no longer need to include your full mailing address on a resume. The reality is, most employers will not be mailing any communication to you, and you may have to enter your address in the ATS system anyways. This new approach declutters your resume - it prevents any of the discrimination and privacy concerns that can go along with dropping your full address on the resume document.
3) Make Your Skills Section Specific, and Optimize for the ATS and Hiring Team
The skills section has become more prominent and relevant in recent years. Employers are increasingly interested in specific skills and competencies that directly align with the job requirements. Rather than listing generic skills, candidates are now expected to include a targeted selection of technical, digital, and soft skills that are most relevant to the desired role.
To stand out to a hiring team and optimize for ATS systems, ensure that your skill section includes relevant skills and keywords from the posting to make it clear that you are a fit for the role.
4) Make sure your accomplishments include quantifiable results
Employers now place greater emphasis on measurable achievements and outcomes rather than just job responsibilities. Resumes should highlight specific accomplishments and quantify results wherever possible. This helps demonstrate your impact and contributions in your previous roles.
5) Include Links to Your Online Presence
With the rise of digital platforms and professional networking sites, candidates are now expected to include links to their LinkedIn profiles, personal websites, portfolios, or other relevant online resources. This allows employers to gain more insights into the candidate's work, skills, and industry involvement.
6) Use a visually appealing design
While traditional and conservative resume formats are still widely accepted, there is an increasing trend toward visually appealing and well-designed resumes. You should consider incorporating elements such as simple colour schemes, icons, and more modern fonts, to make your resumes visually engaging and memorable. However, it's important to strike a balance between creativity and professionalism, ensuring that the design elements enhance the content rather than overshadow it.
Remember that resume expectations can vary depending on the industry, company culture, and individual preferences of recruiters. It's essential to research and tailor your resume accordingly, aligning it with the expectations of your target audience.
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