The modern job search has in turn developed new standards for a modern day resume format. Many previously vital elements of a resume are now being redesigned or totally reimagined. Below are modern day resume format tips that will allow you to set yourself apart from your competition.
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Trade an Objective Statement for a Professional Summary
Modern resumes are redefining how job seekers are branding themselves. Objective statements were the personal touch at the very beginning of a resume, stating your objective in the job hunt. Ultimately, an objective statement serves no purpose. The objective of a resume never changes. When applying to a job posting, the objective is obviously to be chosen for the position. Instead of an objective statement, replace it with a professional summary to better optimize this prime real estate at the beginning of your resume. Discussing your most prominent skills and achievements rather than what you hope to gain will allow you to capitalize on your greatest capabilities. If this is the only area of your resume that an employer will read, make it count.
Only Include Relevant Professional Experience
There is no obligation to include all experience in a modern day resume (click here to download a free professional sample resume template). Keeping your experience relevant and timely will better your chances in the job hunt. For example, including your fast-food experience from high school or any positions not within the last 15 years (as long as it isn’t your current position) won’t benefit your job search. Only including experience within the last 15 years will set aside any chances for ageism, and focusing on school projects or relevant clubs for recent graduates will better cater your skillset. Focusing your resume on only your most relevant and timely experience will allow your skills and achievements to be the highlight of your resume.
Utilize Industry Keywords
Spend time and take care in reading job descriptions when you are crafting your resume. There are industry key words that can be applied to your resume that can give you the upper hand against applicant tracking systems (ATS). Take note of repeating words, including technical knowledge, soft skills, and industry-specific abilities. If you fail to incorporate these repeating words in job listings, your resume may be removed from the competition before a hiring manager ever reads it.
Date Inclusion Best Practices
For the modern day resume format, scratch months from your professional experience, and dates altogether from your education. Months aren’t necessarily important when it comes to professional experience, and this can be a useful tactic in negating shorter tenures within a position. An employer is mainly concerned with your major responsibilities and greatest achievements and how they can be benefitted by them.
The modern job search has reinvented resume best practices. Staying ahead of rapidly changing times will allow you to properly implement the modern day resume format maximize your job search opportunities.