Resume Trends For 2012

Employment numbers for November of 2011 showed great improvements in the numbers of jobs created that exceeded expectations. The job market did so well that unemployment dropped from around 9 percent to 8.6 percent. These figures gave analysts optimism for economic growth and improved employment for 2012.  If conditions remain positive, job seekers will need to use updated practices for their resumes to compete for openings in the coming year.

Be Specific. Gone are the days of using generic self-promoting terms like "motivated", "team player" and "detail oriented". This is the era of transparency where employers are seeking employees that will help them generate revenue, save money and protect assets. Time is becoming the most valuable commodity in business and hiring authorities want to see numbers and achievements where candidates helped productivity and improved efficiency. Resumes can also be customized to the position being sought to show how well the job seeker matches the employer's needs. 

Use video. The ability to produce videos online has become so easy that about 48 hours of video is uploaded to the website youtube every minute. Job seekers are taking advantage of this by making video resumes to show off their achievements and personality to employers. Video resumes allow job seekers the opportunity to show their presentation skills and demeanor. Video resumes make an impact to employers and help job seekers stand out.

Employing social media. In 2011 social media helped organize mass social protests and brought down heads of state. Social media is becoming a common way for candidates to promote themselves. Job seekers need to use all means available to grab the attention of recruiters. Sites like Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn can help update career highlights and connect with professionals. These help augment the résumé by making you a more memorable candidate. It is important to maintain online presence to reflect professionalism as companies increasingly use social media to screen applicants.