The job market is evolving at lightning speed, and so are the expectations around resumes. What worked in 2015—or even 2020—isn’t necessarily going to cut it in 2025. With advances in AI, shifts in hiring practices, and a greater emphasis on personal branding, resumes need to do a lot more than list job duties. If you're job hunting this year, here’s your guide to what’s out, what’s trending, and how to give your resume the upgrade it deserves.
- Objective Statements: Replaced by concise, value-driven summaries.
- Over-Stylized Templates: Avoid graphics and fancy fonts to ensure ATS compatibility.
- Task-Based Descriptions: Focus on results and impact, not responsibilities.
In a recent episode of The View, Joy Behar recounted hiring an assistant based on the candidate's experience with an organ donation organization, quipping, "In case I need the liver, I'm hiring this bitch!" While Behar's comment was likely intended as humor, it underscores a deeper issue prevalent among left-leaning elites: a tendency to trivialize serious matters and exhibit a sense of entitlement.
Behar's jest about hiring someone for potential personal medical benefit reflects a cavalier attitude toward human life and dignity. Organ donation is a profound act of generosity, often arising from personal tragedy. To reduce it to a punchline for entertainment devalues the altruism of donors and the gravity of the decision to donate organs.
In a move that perfectly blends comfort food and career ambition, Pizza Hut rolled out an attention-grabbing campaign called “ResZAmes” in September 2024. Designed to spice up the traditional job application process, the initiative allowed job seekers to have their resumes printed directly on pizza boxes—yes, actual boxes that came with a hot, medium cheese pizza. The goal? Get resumes in front of hiring managers in a way they simply couldn’t ignore.
As quirky as it sounds, the campaign had real strategy behind it. Launching in New York City during what recruiters call the “September Surge”—a high-volume hiring period following summer—Pizza Hut offered a fresh solution to a classic problem: how to stand out in a stack of resumes. With many applications often getting lost in digital job boards or buried in hiring software filters, Pizza Hut brought back the personal touch… with a cheesy twist.
When it's time to update your resume, your first instinct is probably to highlight your technical skills, certifications, and quantifiable achievements. And while those are essential, there's one critical skill that often gets overlooked: emotional intelligence.
Today’s workplace is built on collaboration, adaptability, and human connection. That’s why emotional intelligence (EQ) is no longer just “nice to have”—it’s a must. Including EQ on your resume doesn’t just show that you’re competent; it shows that you’re capable of leading, supporting, and thriving in dynamic work environments.
In today’s fast-changing job market, your resume needs to be more than a record of your past—it should be a preview of your future potential.
Enter the “Future-Focused Skills” section.
This resume feature is gaining traction with job seekers and hiring managers alike because it signals your readiness to evolve with your industry. It shows you’re not just staying current—you’re preparing for what’s next.
The Future-Focused Skills section is a forward-looking part of your resume where you highlight emerging tools, technologies, or competencies that you’re currently developing or plan to master.
Unlike your traditional “Skills” section, this one focuses on:
In today’s competitive job market, a strong personal brand is essential for standing out. Your personal brand is how your skills, experiences, and personality come together to create a unique professional identity. It can open doors to opportunities, enhance your credibility, and showcase your unique value.
To build your personal brand, start by defining your strengths, auditing your online presence, and creating valuable content. Network purposefully and remain consistent across all platforms. Avoid common pitfalls like being inauthentic or lacking focus.
Investing in your personal brand not only helps you land jobs but also accelerates your career growth and earning potential. Remember, your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room — make it something worth talking about.