Wondering about current resume strategies? Here are five straightforward steps to craft a standout resume.

A few months back, I posted a job opening on a media-centric recruiting website. As expected, applications flooded in. What caught my attention was how many of these submissions didn’t resemble traditional resumes — they were more like trendy restaurant menus, filled with varied fonts and decorative elements. This sparked my curiosity about the current resume norms.

When the Today show invited me to interview three remarkable experts — Marci Alboher, author of “The Encore Career Handbook,” Paul Wolfe, senior VP of human resources at Indeed, and Tina Wells, founder of Buzz Marketing Group — regarding the evolving work landscape for individuals aged 50 and above, I eagerly discussed the topic of resumes.

Here are key insights I gained:

Let the job listing guide your resume

When applying for a position, tailor your resume based on the job description. The specifications in the listing should inform what to highlight and what to omit. Especially in larger organizations, initial candidate screenings might be conducted by AI or by someone reviewing applications quickly.

Matching the wording of the job listing boosts your chances of standing out. “Analyze the job description to understand what the company seeks,” advises Wolfe. “Then evaluate your skills and experiences to effectively showcase why you’re the ideal candidate for the role.”

Think about a functional resume

The eye-catching resumes that landed in my inbox were predominantly functional resumes. Wolfe mentions that these formats appeal to employers because they break the monotony of typical resumes.

“Consider how to make your resume visually engaging,” he adds. “For an HR manager position we recently advertised, we received around 500 applications within days.” To rise above the competition, your resume must quickly capture attention and provide valuable information to land in the 'yes' pile.

Once you present your authentic self in your resume, social profiles, and cover letter, strive to embody that persona with confidence.

Your LinkedIn serves as a modern resume

In today’s digital age, LinkedIn effectively acts as your resume. While refining your traditional resume, don’t overlook your LinkedIn profile, as recruiters will scrutinize it. They’ll gauge your interests, reading habits, causes, board experience, and connections. Alboher prompts, “When was your last status update?” If it’s been a while, you might be missing an opportunity. Moreover, don’t hesitate to showcase your achievements on LinkedIn; recruiters favor significant accomplishments over mundane responsibilities.

Your social media presence is important too

Job seekers from Gen Z and younger generations are often advised to moderate their social media activity. This advice applies to all age groups. Recruiters will likely review your profiles. Consider seeking feedback from friends or family on your LinkedIn, X, and other accounts, and reciprocate the support. Wells notes this approach can transform the task into an engaging personal marketing endeavor.

Own your true self and embrace it

We’re in an era that values authenticity.

Now, more than ever, it’s essential to present your complete self, both professionally and personally. Numerous brands strive to connect with individuals of diverse backgrounds. For job seekers, this means identifying how to project confidence. Once you’ve showcased your genuine self in your resume, social media, and cover letter, embody that authenticity confidently.

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