Resumes Are Changing and So Should Your Hiring Process

Resumes aren’t what they used to be. Gone are the days of cookie-cutter templates and predictable job titles. Today’s resumes are evolving—just like the job market—and if you want to attract top talent, you’ll need to adjust how you evaluate them.

Candidates are getting creative. They’re adding new sections, spotlighting skills that matter most, and even ditching the traditional resume format altogether. The best employers? They’re rolling with these changes and using them as opportunities to find truly exceptional talent.

Here’s what’s changing and how you can stay ahead.

Why Resumes Are Evolving

The world of work has flipped upside down over the last few years. A global pandemic, remote work, and rapid technological growth have reshaped how job seekers present themselves.

While core resume sections—like personal information, work history, education, and skills—are still standard, candidates are now packing more personality and depth into their resumes. The traditional one-page resume? Not so standard anymore.

What’s Different in Today’s Resumes?

1️⃣ New Sections, New Insights

Beyond the basics, job seekers are adding extra sections to stand out from the crowd. You’ll now see certificates, languages, and additional accomplishments highlighted more often than ever before.

One thing that’s missing? References. Remember when resumes always included “References available upon request”? Not anymore. Candidates are leaving that off completely, focusing instead on showcasing what really sets them apart.

💡 How to Adapt: These additional sections can offer key insights into a candidate’s potential. Look closely at certificates or language skills—they might be the differentiator you’re looking for.

2️⃣ Soft Skills Are Front and Center

Time management and critical thinking have jumped to the top of the list for soft skills, thanks to the rise of remote and hybrid work. Employees need to be independent, resourceful, and flexible in today’s environment, and resumes reflect that shift.

At the same time, hard skills like coding and IT expertise now dominate, with Python and JavaScript popping up far more frequently than traditional skills like data management.

💡 How to Adapt: Don’t just take soft skills at face value—ask questions during the interview that reveal how candidates apply them in real-world situations. For hard skills, look for relevant experience and examples of how they’ve applied that expertise in past roles.

3️⃣ Job Titles You Haven’t Seen Before

Some job titles are fading into history, while new ones take their place. Recruiter and account manager are trending, while roles like server and administrative assistant have taken a step back.

What does this mean for employers? Flexibility is key. Job titles may have changed, but the skills and experience behind them might be exactly what you’re seeking.

💡 How to Adapt: Focus less on job titles and more on what the candidate actually did. Transferable skills and a diverse background can be more valuable than a perfectly matched title.

4️⃣ Longer, More Detailed Resumes

Resumes have gotten longer—two pages are now the norm. With candidates providing more context and detail about their experience, the average resume is packed with about 500 words, compared to just 300 words a few years ago.

💡 How to Adapt: While length alone doesn’t signal quality, longer resumes can offer richer insights. Look for key accomplishments and relevant experience rather than focusing on page count.

How Employers Can Stay Ahead

1️⃣ Modernize Your Screening Process
Be open to creative resumes and non-traditional career paths. Focus on skills and achievements, not just job titles.

2️⃣ Prioritize Transferable Skills
Candidates from diverse backgrounds often bring valuable experience that can make a difference. Look beyond industry-specific roles to find hidden gems.

3️⃣ Embrace Soft Skills
With remote and hybrid work on the rise, soft skills like adaptability, collaboration, and problem-solving are more important than ever. Make these part of your hiring criteria.

4️⃣ Use Technology Wisely
Leverage applicant tracking systems (ATS) to help manage resumes, but don’t rely solely on AI—human judgment is still critical in finding the right fit.

The Bottom Line

Resumes are changing because the job market is changing. To attract top talent, you need to evolve with it. Focus on what really matters: skills, potential, and adaptability.