Is the resume dead? Not quite, but it has changed

9 tips to move your application to the next stage

From the Seasonedpros.ca Content Lab

In the age of Linkedin and other digital portfolios, there has been talk that the resume is dead. 

When a hiring organization posts a position on a job board or on social media, it can be inundated with hundreds of resumes. It’s a big job to filter through them.

Some say the old-school resume is a static list of job titles, rather than a snapshot of the talent behind the resume.

A platform like Linkedin presents a real-time picture of the job seeker with skills, insights, and digital interactions which are updated on a regular basis.

So is the resume really dead?

There are many opinions out there, but if you really want to know if the resume is still relevant, consider this: hiring organizations are still asking for a resume. This tells us that rumours of the resume’s death are exaggerated.

Wise job seekers will have a basic resume prepared, but it shouldn’t be a resume of yesteryear. The resume has transitioned in the digital age and is now regarded as one element in the job search tool kit.

So what makes a good resume in the age of Linkedin?

1. Your resume is your marketing tool – choose experiences and skills that align with your job goals and future.  If a past job doesn’t reflect this, leave it out.
2. Update and tailor for each job – Pay close attention to the job description and include experiences and skills that match it. Update and tweak your resume for every job application.
3. Don’t go too far back in history – Keep your experiences current. You may have been a wizard on the fax machine in 1985, but this will date you and could create an unintended bias.
4. Avoid cliches and buzzwords – “Technology evangelist” may have sounded impressive 20 years ago, but it is now sounding tired. Stay away from industry jargon like “synergy”, “client-focused”, “detail-orientated” and “motivated.”  These may be positive attributes but they are overused and lose their impact over time.
5. Use bullet points – Make sure your resume is easy to scan. Use bullet points with as few words as possible and leave plenty of white space to make it easier to scan.
6. Profile statement – lead with one sentence that best describes you as a strong candidate for the job. Include a “highlights” section that emphasizes your skills and accomplishments.
7. Include data and numbers – Avoid vague language like “motivated salesperson,” and state that you increased annual revenues by 20 percent in 2020 in economically challenging times.
8. Use active verbs – avoid passive descriptions like “was responsible for” and use action words like “built”, “chaired,” “collaborated” and “delivered.”
9. Update your Linkedin profile – Your resume doesn’t have to be identical to your Linkedin profile but make sure your online presence reflects the information on your resume.

Remember that your resume has five to ten seconds to get the attention of the person reviewing it. Keep it focused on the role. Keep it brief. That will be your best chance of getting to the next stage in your job hunting journey.

SeasonedPros.ca is an on-demand executive recruiter. Clients with an immediate need for experienced talent trust us to source professionals for project, interim and part-time roles. Each professional in our national database has 20 + years of business experience. We provide our clients two-four vetted professionals in 10 business days or less.