Introduction
Top Resume Trends 2023: Beyond the One Page explores how resumes have evolved this year, moving beyond traditional formats. This article explores the latest advancements in resume design, content, and structure. It reveals how job seekers are adapting to new trends to improve their job prospects.
Length Evolution
LiveCareer, a job seeker website, analyzed thousands of resumes created in 2018 and 2023. Their goal was to identify CV crafting differences over time to track evolving resume and employer expectations.
From One – Page Norm to Extended
Recently, resumes have significantly lengthened compared to five years ago, marking a notable trend shift. In 2018, resumes on LiveCareer’s platform averaged 312 words, fitting on one page. However, in 2023, the average word count increased to 503, which meant resumes spanned two and sometimes three pages.
Shift in Soft Skills
“The evolution of the length of resumes between 2018 and 2023 signifies a departure from the one-page norm,” commented LiveCareer’s Eric Ciechanowsk. “Recruiters wanted extensive narratives, and this is what they got. Contrary to popular belief, one-page resumes have long ceased to be OK. Providing more comprehensive information about skills, experiences, and qualifications offers a nuanced picture of a person’s professional journey, emphasizing the value they can bring to potential employers.”
The evolution of terms and categories used by candidates to articulate their soft skills has been particularly intriguing in recent years. For example, contemporary resumes now showcase updated terminology and refined categories, highlighting shifting trends in how soft skills are defined and emphasized by job seekers.
In 2018, the top five most common soft skills listed in resumes were:
- time management
- customer service
- critical thinking
- leadership
- verbal/written communication
In 2023, this top five roster shifted to:
- self-motivated
- team leadership
- customer service
- strong verbal communication
- extremely organized
Explained Ciechanowsk: “The transition in the most cited soft skills reflects a nuanced response to the changing demands of the workplace. As organizations continue to evolve, candidates, too, adapt by emphasizing a broader and more varied set of skills essential for thriving in today’s dynamic work environments.”
Transformation of Hard Skills
So-called hard-skills on resumes — i.e. objective and standardized knowledge typically gleaned through a mixture of formal education and professional experience — have also undergone a transformation in the last five years. In 2018, the top five hard skills listed on resumes were: project management, Excel, English, C, and Data entry. In 2023, the most common hard skills on resumes changed to: Python, JavaScript, C, CSS, and project management.
Commented Ciechanowsk: “This shift indicates a clear trend toward an increasing demand for technical expertise in the job market. The growing dominance of IT and software-related skills suggests a heightened reliance on technology across various industries. Employers are placing a premium on candidates with proficiency in specific soft.”
Rise of Remote and Hybrid Work Skills
Perhaps the least surprising — but still notable — change from in 2018 vs. 2023 is the number of job seekers adding terms like “remote worker” and “hybrid worker” to their resume. Specifically, in 2018 just 2.4% of resumes contained either of these terms. However, in 2023, 7% of resumes contained them — a jump of 191.7% in just five years.
Noted Ciechanowsk: “The significant increase reflects the notable shift in the workplace landscape post-pandemic. The data reflects a clear trend that remote work as a competency is a valued skill for both employees and employers.”
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