Job Seekers Rewrite the Resume Rules in 2024

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According to recent data from LiveCareer’s Resume Evolution Report, in just five years, the average word count of resumes has surged to 503, close to twice their average length in 2018. Two-page resumes are the new normal.

Job hunting isn’t what it was in 2018. To meet the demands of a transforming job market takes new strategies. With economic uncertainties, increasing desire for remote work, technological advancements, and fierce competition, what was once considered standard resume-writing practice is now outdated.

LiveCareer analysts extracted data from 50,000 resumes built by international job seekers with its resume builder between 2018 and 2023.

The results carry profound implications for both candidates and employers alike. The skills job seekers prioritize, and their strategies to showcase their suitability for prospective roles shifted radically in the last five years.

The Rise of the Two-Page Resume

In 2018, resumes averaged around 312 words. By 2023, that number increased by 61%.

“All the uncertainty around the pandemic changed how we present ourselves on paper, and a simple one-pager wasn’t cutting it anymore,” says Sarah Miller, a hiring coordinator with a mid-size United States tech company.

“People realized they needed to show off everything they’ve got, all their skills and experiences, just to stay competitive. So, they started building up their resumes, turning them into these detailed accounts of who they are and what they can do.”

Beyond the Basics

While the fundamental sections of resumes remain unchanged — personal information, education, work history, skills, and a professional summary — applicants increasingly include additional information.

Certificates, languages, and accomplishments sections have roughly doubled in prevalence, putting growing emphasis on specialized training and expertise. Candidates leverage these sections to showcase dedication to learning in-demand skills required by a diverse, global economy.

Soft Skills Take Center Stage

A striking evolution in resume writing is the shift in emphasis from hard to soft skills. While technical proficiencies once dominated the spotlight, job seekers now highlight interpersonal qualities like time management, critical thinking, and active listening.

Increases in leadership, critical thinking, and written communication have put these soft skills in the top five. None made the 2018 list. These qualities likely emerged due to an increased interest in remote work, with job seekers demonstrating their ability to work independently.

The Rise of Coding and IT Skills

In parallel with the increase of soft skills, coding languages have emerged as the new kings of technical skills. The rise of remote work also amplified the need for tech-savvy professionals capable of navigating an increasingly digital-centric workplace.

In 2023, eight of the top 10 hard skills listed on resumes were coding languages. That’s a stark contrast to 2018, when IT-specific skills comprised only three of the top 10.

Resilient Skills Amidst Change

Amid these changes, some specific skills have proven resilient. Time management, customer service, verbal communication, self-motivation, and quick learning remain in the top 10 most common resume soft skills. As for hard skills, project management, C, HTML, Java, and Excel remain as pertinent today as they were in 2018.

Increased Hybrid Work

The advent of remote and hybrid work models has left an indelible mark on resume language. In 2018, only 2.4% of resumes included “remote” or “hybrid.” By 2023, this increased to 7%.

“Over the last five years, the employment landscape has changed, and so has the way job seekers write resumes,” explains LiveCareer’s Career Expert Eric Ciechanowski, CPRW. “During the period we studied, we experienced a global pandemic – which took a huge toll on some industries while others thrived – so it doesn’t come as a huge surprise that job seekers have changed their approach to resume writing to meet the changes in the job market.”

While some see remote work as a luxury, some see effective remote working as a skill. Highlighting experiences and competencies gained from gig jobs and other online endeavors allows job seekers to incorporate remote work on resumes when they lack experience otherwise.

“Resumes aren’t exclusive to traditional jobs anymore,” Miller adds. “Including gig work and side hustles isn’t just a nice addition – they show how adaptable and resourceful you are and that you can work on your own.”

Job Title Progression

The most common job titles have also significantly changed, mirroring which industries are growing or declining. While traditional roles like server and administrative assistant have waned in prevalence, newcomers like project manager, recruiter, and account manager have risen to prominence.

However, financial analysts, customer service representatives, accountants, and teachers appear in the top 10 job titles in 2018 and 2023.

Navigating the New Normal for Resumes

The world has changed since 2018, and so have resumes. Job seekers must remain aware of these emerging trends and employers’ expectations to succeed in a competitive and ever-evolving job market.

Despite the rise of the two-page resume to the prioritization of soft skills, one thing remains the same. To get an interview, job seekers must create resumes that stand out in a crowded field and showcase their unique value to prospective employers.

This article was produced by Media Decision and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.