11 Resume Trends in 2025 That Hiring Managers Can't Resist

What Are Resume Trends and Why Are They Important?

Resume trends reflect what’s fashionable in the job market. There are standards job seekers need to adhere to when trying to impress hiring managers, and these standards are constantly evolving.

Resume trends emerge with changes in hiring technology, workplace culture, and what hiring managers value most in candidates.

Just as companies once adopted applicant tracking systems and made ATS optimization the new trend, now employers are embracing remote work and seeking different skill sets. So, you need to adapt your resume to ensure you'll land that dream job.

But staying current with these developments isn't just about following the latest trend. You want to make sure your resume speaks the same language as the employer. 

After all, understanding what hiring managers are looking for is the first step to presenting your experience in a way that catches their attention.

The Influence of AI and ATS on Resume Trends 

The rise of AI and natural language processing tools like ChatGPT is changing how people write resumes, and job seekers are noticing. Suddenly, everyone's talking about using AI to write the perfect job application.

Recent research from iCIMS reveals that 47 percent of college seniors are eager to use AI for resume writing, with 25 percent of Gen Z-ers already embracing this approach.

However, this enthusiasm comes with a serious drawback for job seekers. Another survey discovered that 53 percent of hiring managers consider "AI-generated content" the most significant red flag when reviewing candidate resumes. The concerns are valid – AI-generated resumes often lack personalization and risk including inaccurate information.

So, if you're considering using AI in your job application process, do it strategically. Here are some tips for effectively leveraging AI tools:

• Feed specific bullet points to AI and request review and suggestions for improvement.
• Always personally edit AI-generated drafts to ensure they don't sound robotic.
• Compare your resume against job listings to identify missing keywords and tailor it to the job description.
• Use AI to upgrade an existing resume, rather than generating one from scratch.
• Prepare for a job interview by asking AI to generate potential interview questions.

The key is to view AI as a supportive tool, not a complete replacement for your professional judgment and personal narrative.

11 Top Resume Trends in 2025

As the job market continues to evolve with new technologies and workplace changes, resume trends follow close behind. 

Here are the 11 most popular resume trends that can make your job application stand out by reflecting what hiring managers currently value most:

#1. Digital Resumes

PDF resumes are no longer enough. Employers are impressed by candidates who use interactive resume formats to show their skills in more engaging ways.

Here's what can work as a digital resume:

• Personal websites. A well-designed personal website gives you complete control over how you present your work experience. You can include project showcases, testimonials, and blog posts that demonstrate your expertise.
• LinkedIn profiles. Your LinkedIn profile is like an extended resume where you can showcase recommendations, achievements, and career milestones. Many hiring managers check LinkedIn profiles before making decisions, so keep yours updated and professional.
• Digital portfolios. These are especially important for creative and technical roles. Use them to display concrete examples of your work, from design projects to coding samples.
• QR codes. Adding a QR code to your traditional resume creates a bridge to your digital presence. Link it to your portfolio, LinkedIn profile, or personal website to give hiring managers easy access to more information about your qualifications.

#2. Minimalism

Clean, simple designs are now the standard. Hiring managers value resumes that aren’t too long and present information clearly without unnecessary decoration or visual clutter.

• Straightforward layout. Use plenty of white space for your layout. Make sure the margins are one inch on all sides and keep the line spacing between 1.15 and 1.5 so your resume doesn’t look too cluttered or stretched out.
• Professional font. Stick to a maximum of two font styles throughout your resume and avoid overused ones like Times New Roman or Arial. Instead, pick a font like Lora or Roboto. 
• Minimal color palette. Keep your color palette minimal - black or very dark grey text on a white background works best. If you want to add a touch of color, use it sparingly for section headings or details of your name, job title, or links to your professional profiles.
• ATS-friendly formatting. Use standard section names and avoid graphics. This kind of simple formatting helps your resume pass through the ATS and makes it easier for hiring managers to find key information quickly.
• Easy-to-read content. Focus on making your content stand out through clear organization instead of flashy design elements. Always list your work experience with bullet points rather than dense paragraphs.

A clean, professional layout shows that you value clarity and know how to communicate effectively.

#3. Professional Templates

Did you know hiring managers usually spend only 6 seconds scanning a resume before deciding whether to keep reading? 

That means your resume needs to make an impact fast – with a clean, structured layout that highlights your strengths without unnecessary distractions.

That’s why going for a Novoresume template saves you time and effort. Instead of spending hours adjusting margins or formatting sections, you can instantly get a polished, professional-looking resume.

#4. Combination Format

A combination resume, also known as the hybrid resume format, combines the strengths of both the popular reverse chronological and functional resume formats.

This format starts with a prominent skills section that immediately shows your key qualifications, followed by your work experience in reverse chronological order, which provides context for those skills.

So, it’s a versatile choice for most job seekers. Hiring managers are increasingly prioritizing skills over experience, so the combination resume format gives you the chance to show them you have what it takes to excel.

This resume format works especially well if you:

• Have experience across different industries.
• Are changing careers.
• Work as a freelancer or consultant.
• Have gaps in your employment.
• Want to highlight skills and experience equally.

#5. Tailoring

Generic resumes just don’t cut it anymore. 

With more candidates competing for each position, your job application should come with a resume that’s perfectly aligned with the job description and the company you're targeting.

Here's how you can do that:

• Add keywords. Read the job ad carefully and naturally wave in relevant keywords throughout your resume.
• Adjust your skills section. Match your skills to the job requirements, including the technical and soft skills the role demands.
• Write a resume summary. Create a fresh summary for each application that directly addresses the company's needs.
• Research the company. Review the company's website and social media to understand its values, then subtly reflect these in your experience descriptions.

#6. ATS-Friendly Formatting

Most companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes before they reach a hiring manager. These systems scan for relevant keywords, skills, and qualifications to filter through them and rank applicants.

If your resume isn’t ATS-friendly – whether due to missing keywords or poor formatting – it could get thrown in the “no” pile before a hiring manager reviews it.

To ensure your resume gets past the initial screening, follow these tips:

• Skip the fancy design. While modern resume templates might look appealing, complex graphics and unusual formatting can confuse ATS systems. Stick to simple, clean layouts with standard font sizes between 10-12 points.
• Save as PDF. Unless the job posting specifies otherwise, submit your resume as a PDF file to preserve formatting across different systems.
• Keep a clear structure. Use standard section headings like "Work Experience" and "Education" instead of creative alternatives. ATS systems look for these common terms to organize information.
• Focus on keywords. ATS systems scan for specific terms from the job description. Include relevant skills, qualifications, and industry-specific terminology naturally throughout your resume. 

Novoresume templates are designed to look great and pass ATS screenings. With clean formatting and smart layouts, they help your resume stand out to recruiters and hiring systems!

#7. Achievements Over Duties

Having an achievements-packed resume is more important than ever. Hiring managers want to see the concrete impact you've made in your previous roles. Using specific achievements and measurable results proves that you don't just handle tasks – you deliver real value.

Here’s how to make your resume’s work experience section stand out:

On the other hand, a typical job duty description won't impress your potential employer much:

Remember to include numbers whenever possible – percentages, revenue, team size, or time saved. Even if you can't find exact figures, use ranges or estimates to quantify your impact and make your achievements more concrete.

Additionally, always use action verbs such as "launched," "increased," or "streamlined" as opposed to "was responsible for," "helped with," or "assisted in." They immediately show you're proactive and results-driven rather than just following instructions.

#8. Soft Skills

While hiring managers still care about your technical expertise, soft skills have become equally important in today's job market. That’s because employers look for candidates who possess the right hard skills and fit the company culture.

Listing some of your top soft skills means you can contribute to a positive and productive work environment. In a nutshell, this means they can be the factor that sets you apart from other technically qualified candidates.

Just make sure to back them up by adding specific examples in your work experience that show how you’ve applied your soft skills in real situations.

Here's the list of most in-demand skills you can (and should) include in your resume:

Make sure to back these skills up with specific examples from your experience. Show hiring managers how you've applied these skills in real situations.

#9. AI Skills

AI tools and technologies are reshaping every industry, making AI skills increasingly valuable in 2025. Having them can give you a significant advantage in your job hunt even if you don’t work directly in tech.

Companies are looking for employees who can take advantage of AI tools to improve efficiency and productivity. Whether using AI for data analysis, content creation, or process automation, these skills show hiring managers you're ready for the modern workplace.

Here are the most popular AI skills that employers search for:

#10. Diverse Learning Experience

Employers value continuous learning and diverse educational experiences, instead of the once-traditional university degree.  That’s because the former shows you’re invested in ongoing professional development.

Online certifications, industry workshop courses, boot camps, and self-taught skills show your commitment to growth. For example, completing a digital marketing certification from Google or attending a data analytics boot camp can be as valuable as formal education. 

Even short-form learning experiences like virtual conferences and webinars are worth mentioning, especially if they're directly relevant to your target role. This is particularly important for entry-level jobs and positions requiring specific training. The key is showing that you actively seek opportunities to expand and improve your knowledge and skills.

#11. Personal Branding

Your personal brand is the unique blend of skills, experiences, and achievements that define how others within your industry or professional community recognize you.

The process of building, maintaining, and promoting this brand – both online and offline – is known as personal branding. It’s shaped by:

• How others perceive you in professional and everyday interactions.
• The values and expertise you bring to your work.
• Your online presence, including social media, portfolios, and personal websites.

Hiring managers will take your personal brand into account when estimating how well you align with the company’s culture and goals. It gives them insight into what you stand for, how you communicate, and what you bring to the table.

Follow these tips to ensure your resume reflects your personal brand:

• Stay consistent. Ensure that your resume’s font, color scheme, and layout are aligned with your overall brand identity. For example, if you have a professional website or portfolio, use the same fonts and colors on your resume.
• Highlight your brand values. Focus on the qualities that define your brand—whether it’s problem-solving, leadership, creativity, or innovation—in your resume summary or LinkedIn profile.
• Showcase your expertise and unique skills. Highlight the experiences, certifications, or projects that set you apart and emphasize what makes you special.
• Match your online presence. Your LinkedIn profile, portfolio, and, if you have it, social media should all reflect the same brand identity. This creates a cohesive image that hiring managers will recognize across platforms.

Key Takeaways

And that's a wrap!

Before you go, let's quickly recap the most important resume trends for 2025:

• Balance digital and traditional formats by maintaining a PDF resume and online profiles.
• Keep your design clean and minimalist to pass ATS systems while impressing human readers.
• Personalize each resume with relevant keywords from the job description.
• Focus on achievements with specific numbers rather than listing job duties.
• Include both technical skills and in-demand soft skills like communication and adaptability.
• Showcase continuous learning through certifications and courses, not just formal education.
• Maintain a professional online presence as part of your brand.
• Use hybrid resume formats when you want to highlight both skills and experience equally.
• Make your resume AI-friendly with standard section headings and clear formatting.