Professionals who want to land a new job in 2025 can expect to face a challenging market.
Job seekers must adapt by not only optimising their résumés for applicant tracking systems (ATS) but treat using AI with caution in the résumé writing process.
Over the past year, employers have pushed back against AI-generated résumés. Hiring managers can spot them and are significantly less likely to hire candidates whose applications are AI-driven.
AI-generated documents feel generic, repetitive, inauthentic, and—at times—a misrepresentation of a candidate’s qualifications.
Highlight specific accomplishments and contributions, and avoid repetitive phrases when describing your work experience. In 2025, the most effective résumés will be those that maintain authenticity and the human touch.
The practice of evaluating job candidates based on their relevant abilities and competencies, rather than their formal education and direct experience is on the rise.
For many career-driven professionals, this is good news since it levels the playing field for candidates who developed their capabilities and relevant experience through vocational schools, self-directed learning, and other non-traditional routes.
Focus on incorporating key terms associated with relevant skills throughout the résumé and demonstrating your competency in those skills.
Offer evidence of your qualifications by including specific examples, figures, or case studies that illustrate the output of your abilities. Show the value you’ve created for your past employers.
You can also list online courses you’ve completed and certifications you’ve earned.
Sadly, the clash between what many employees value—like flexibility and hybrid schedules—and what some business leaders prioritise—such as in-office collaboration and pre-pandemic routines—still exists.
Professionals seeking opportunities with more flexible work arrangements will still find some companies that will remain fully remote, and many others will continue offering some version of hybrid work.
If landing a remote or hybrid job is your priority in 2025, make sure your job applications are positioned to support such a goal. Clearly communicate your preferred work arrangement in your cover letter and weave this concept into your résumé’s professional summary.
As you describe your responsibilities, major contributions, and key accomplishments, incorporate phrases that remind the reader of your work arrangement when achieving such feats.
Look for opportunities to highlight certain traits you possess that are considered necessary for remote workers, such as self-motivation, discipline, maturity, tech savviness, time management, and strong communication skills.