What’s all the fuss about resumes these days?
No doubt, resumes have changed dramatically, just over the last 5 years alone.
So, why all the improvements to something so seemingly simple in purpose?
Here are a few examples of what’s changed:
First, applicant tracking systems (ATS) have entered the hiring process.
Think of ATS systems as nothing more than a search engine within the hiring world. ATS functionality isn’t exactly new for hiring managers and recruiters.
In fact, it’s been said that many of the modern-day hiring systems are based on USAJobs.gov’s old platform, the Resumix, which is where ATS systems got their start.
Yeah!
There’s a blast from the past for many of us.
What you need to know now is that resumes (candidates) are being searched for using a string of boolean search keywords.
To learn more about how these strings work, simply visit “How to Remedy These 6 Resume Blemishes” and skip down to #6 on the list.
Second, graphic design is creeping into resumes — thank GOD!
Take a look at this before and after resume example.
The top resume was created in 2007, while the second resume (for the same client) was created a few years later.
A huge visual difference, right?
BEFORE
AFTER
Third, one of the other major changes you’ll notice that resumes are now given some SKIM FACTOR.
At a quick glance, any reader can immediately see what this candidate is targeting as get some brief overview as to what makes this Vice President of Customer Care stand out.
Although applicant tracking systems are important to today’s hiring process, there are still people at the helm reviewing resumes so catering to both people and computer systems is important.
Fourth, there is a bit of controversy amongst resume readers as to whether a resume should be heavy, light, or somewhere in the middle.
Of course, this goes hand-in-hand with the age-old question of whether a resume should be one page or two. =]
Overall, how “meaty” a resume ultimately depends on the depth and broadness of each individual’s career.
For example, a new grad’s resume probably wouldn’t look anything like the above resume for a Vice President.