Three Ways Resumes Have Changed in the Last 10 Years

Resume changes continue to increase exponentially. The most obvious resume modifications affect the submission process. Ten years ago, the majority of applicants submitting a resume would apply for a position using snail mail, email, or fax. Nowadays, a hard-copy resume has its place in the interview process, but an online presence is necessary. Your best route involves creating high-visibility content on various websites to increase your chances of a hiring manager reading your resume.

Currently, there are numerous ways to network your resume. The first step is to create one with essential keywords. You can accomplish this task by reviewing job postings you're interested in and incorporating relevant keywords into your text, so applicant tracking systems databases can find your resume. On another note, use simple text as opposed to rich formatting, since rich formatting can trip up tracking systems and reduce the number of views.

The following three steps involve social networking and demonstrate how resumes are evolving. It's necessary for you to create or update your LinkedIn profile. Likewise, it's important to produce an online portfolio as well as an online presentation. Hiring managers are not just looking for a hard-copy resume; hiring managers want accompanying materials that display skills. Furthermore, you need to get ahead of the crowd by being creative. The job market is replete with job seekers who are willing to make the extra effort to garner attention, so you need to optimize your strategy to rise above the rest. You can achieve this by using various platforms to create a Prezumé, Portfoliobox website, Wix page or Pinterest board. You already have a template to follow; it's your resume.

Remember, this is your opportunity to display your expertise and your resourcefulness. Don't just tell employers what you can do — show them. For example, one job seeker, a student, created an advertisement using a Lego design to catch a potential employer's attention. It is without question that technological changes influence if and how a resume reaches its intended viewer. As a result, job seekers must keep up with advances and adjust accordingly. If you use your talents to create a dynamic presentation, website, portfolio or advertisement, you're on your way to making the changes needed to compete in today's job market.

These days, you not only have to market your resume, you have to demonstrate your abilities. There are jobs out there, but it's a tight market with more applicants than positions. This is why you must distinguish yourself from the crowd with an updated resume, presentation and portfolio. Invest time in your career by researching, highlighting and advertising various aspects of your resume, so hiring personnel have an opportunity to see your talents in action.

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