Times are tough and the economy is uncertain. If you’re wondering if you should polish your resume, it certainly couldn’t hurt. If you do feel the need to launch a search for a new job in 2023, you’ll have your resume ready to go, so you can hit the ground running.
However, before you get to work on updating your resume, there are a few trends to be aware of…especially if it’s been a while since your last job search. Keep the following five trends in mind so that when you apply, you impress hiring managers.
Trend #1: Demonstrate growth, effectiveness.
With a potentially rocky road ahead in 2023, you want to be able to demonstrate how you’ve helped past employers to navigate difficult or uncertain situations. If you’re not sure what specifically to put on your resume, then review job postings from potential employers you’re interested in. They’ll make their needs and pain points clear, so you can address them on your resume with relevant examples of ways you’ve helped past employers in similar situations. Don’t forget to include an example in your cover letter, as well.
Trend #2: Connect the dots from accomplishments to impact.
Another important takeaway when adding 2023 trends to your own resume is to go beyond simply quantifying your work to showing the impact it has made. For instance, if you renegotiated a contract that saved the company $100,000, where was the company able to invest those savings and grow as a result? Connect the dots between your accomplishments, the impact they made with the company, and why that was important.
Trend #3: Keep your resume simple and make it easy to understand.
Your resume is the highlight reel of your career. Keep it concise and simple, so it’s easy to read for hiring managers and see quickly why they should call you for an interview.
For instance, focus on the top four or five skills – and the impact they’ve made – on your resume at the top with a Summary of Qualifications. This will likely change from job to job since you should be customizing it with every application.
The same goes for bullet points under each position you’ve held. Focus only on the most important details and strongest skills. Don’t go overboard with 10-12 bullet points, just the top 3-5 that are more relevant.
Simplicity is also important when it comes to formatting. Unless you work in a creative field, don’t add graphics and fancy design elements to your resume.
Make the case clear as to why you’re a good fit and stick to basic fundamentals for resume formatting (think bold job titles, bullet point lists, and wide margins). Hiring managers want an easy-to-follow resume, so they can tell fast if you’re a good fit for the position.
Trend #4: Don’t forget about keywords.
Applicant Tracking Systems are here to stay, and companies large and small use them to screen resumes. So you’ll need to format your resume for these as well. The most important aspect is including keywords. Don’t stuff them all over your resume, but do sprinkle them in sparingly.
Not sure what keywords to include? Look to the job posting for the most relevant ones for each unique position, so you can optimize your resume for the ATS and get it in front of a hiring manager. You can also use online tools to find out what keywords are best for specific positions.
Trend #5: Show some personality in your cover letter.
Your resume details your skills, accomplishments and what sets you apart in terms of abilities. However, your cover letter should show some personality.
Tell a story that highlights a key soft skill you have and how this can help you get the job done. Explain why you want to work for the company and how you can add value, whether you love public speaking or are amazingly organized and detail oriented. You’ll stand out to the hiring manager but showcasing both your technical strengths and the soft skills you can bring to the table.
Ready to launch a search with a sharp resume?
Get help from the resume writers at ResumeSpice. Whether you simply need some edits, or are starting from scratch, we’re here to help you strengthen your resume, so you can get the best results from it. Simply call 832.930.7378 or contact us online if you’re ready to find out more.
