6 Resume Trends to Follow If You Want to Land an Interview

In order for your resume to stand out, it needs to be flawless as well as current. Here are six resume trends to follow that will increase your chances of getting an interview.

1. Use Keywords

While it’s possible that your resume will be read by a human, it’s maybe more likely that it will be put through Applicant Tracking System software. This software tracks keywords associated with the position you’re applying to. Without overdoing it, you should pepper your resume with these keywords so your resume can make it to the next step. You should use keywords that are found in the job listing and on the company’s website. Research companies to find out what their mission statements are. That will help you determine other keywords to use in your resume.

2. Keep it Short

Your resume should not be longer than one page. You’re giving potential employers a brief look at yourself and your skills. No matter how much experience you have, longer resumes are sometimes overlooked because hiring managers don’t have the time to go through them. Shorter and more concise resumes are trending right now. So keep it to a page, including only the most relevant experience.

3. Get specific

Ideally, you want to create a resume specifically suited to the job you’re applying for. First, look over the listing and make sure your skills fit the specific job. After you’ve determined that you might be a good fit for the job, if you need help, you can use online resume builders to get some assistance with building the perfect resume for each position. Although it takes more time to create specific resumes than generic ones, lessening the number of listings you're able to target, it’ll be well worth your time in the long run. Specific resumes stand out and lead to interviews. Generic ones don’t.

4. Include Tech Skills

These days, you’ll want to highlight any technological skills you have. That includes programs you’re proficient in and computer languages you’re proficient in. These skills can be important even if you’re not applying for a tech function. And if you’re lacking in required tech skills, consider taking an online course that can help you acquire them. These courses can be found at your local college or on many online platforms. Taking the time to make sure you have the right tech skills for each job you’re applying for will go a long way toward getting the job.

5. Emphasize Soft Skills

Make sure to emphasize your soft skills on your resume. Employers are looking for people with soft skills that will work well within their companies. They want to hire personable people with strong communication, leadership, and teamwork skills. If you have volunteered somewhere, find a spot for it on your resume. If you have a hobby that will help get across some of your soft skills, include it. To get just about any job these days, you need to be able to show hiring managers that you have great communication skills and are a well-rounded person.

6. Link to Personal Sites and Social Accounts

If you have blogs, personal websites, or social media accounts, consider listing them on your resume. There are two reasons to do this. One, hiring managers understand that you can’t fit everything onto one page (even though that’s the ideal length of a resume). So, by listing these, it gives hiring managers the ability to know you better and see who you really are—which helps you stand out among the competition. Two, there’s a good chance your potential employer will Google you and find these anyway, so why not make it easier for them by linking to these things on your resume.

What’s important here is to make sure your personal blogs, websites, and social accounts are interesting. You want to show hiring managers why they should hire you. On your sites, you might even insert graphs and charts to show what you’ve accomplished at other jobs or on your own. And when it comes to your social media presence, make sure it’s positive and shows you in your best light. Make sure you delete any pictures or posts that might be deemed inappropriate or offensive—if you don’t, they could end up costing you the interview.

Jane Hurst is a writer, editor, and avid traveler from San Francisco, Calif. Find her at About.me.