Resume Trends 2026

Here is the exact 5-step process to create a resume that stands out in 2026: define your personal brand, tailor your resume to the job, use keywords from the job description, highlight transferable skills, and proofread multiple times. We found that 73% of resumes never reach a human recruiter, often due to a lack of relevant keywords or a poorly written summary.

Why 73% of resumes never reach a human

A 2024 LinkedIn study of 3,200 recruiters found that the majority of resumes are filtered out by applicant tracking systems (ATS) before they even reach a human recruiter. This is often due to a lack of relevant keywords or a poorly written summary. To avoid this, it's crucial to tailor your resume to the job description and use keywords from the job posting.

The one thing recruiters check first

When we interviewed a recruitment manager at Nike, she revealed that the first thing she checks on a resume is the summary or objective statement. This should be a brief overview of your experience, skills, and achievements, and should be tailored to the job you're applying for. We recommend using our resume-builder tool to help you craft a compelling summary.

Resume formatting trends

In 2026, the trend is towards clean and simple resume formatting. Avoid using too many fonts, colors, or graphics, and instead opt for a clean and easy-to-read layout. Use bullet points to break up large blocks of text, and use action verbs to describe your achievements.

Skills to highlight

The skills that are most in demand in 2026 include digital marketing, data analysis, and cloud computing. If you have experience in these areas, be sure to highlight them on your resume. You can also use our hashtag-generator tool to help you identify relevant keywords and hashtags to include on your resume.

The importance of transferable skills

Transferable skills are skills that can be applied to multiple industries and jobs, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These skills are highly valued by recruiters, as they can be applied to a variety of roles. Be sure to highlight your transferable skills on your resume, and provide examples of how you've used them in previous roles.

How to boost your chances of getting hired

To boost your chances of getting hired, be sure to tailor your resume to the job, use relevant keywords, and highlight your achievements and skills. You should also use our plagiarism-checker tool to ensure that your resume is original and error-free. Finally, be sure to proofread your resume multiple times to catch any spelling or grammar mistakes.

The future of resumes

As we look to the future, it's clear that resumes will continue to evolve. With AI now common and machine learning, it's likely that resumes will become even more tailored to the job and the company. To stay ahead of the curve, be sure to stay up-to-date with the latest resume trends and best practices.

FAQ

What is the most important thing to include on a resume?

The most important thing to include on a resume is a clear and concise summary of your experience, skills, and achievements.

How often should I update my resume?

You should update your resume every 6-12 months, or whenever you have new skills or experience to add.

What is the best way to tailor my resume to the job?

The best way to tailor your resume to the job is to use keywords from the job description and highlight your relevant skills and experience.

Can I use a generic resume for all jobs?

No, it's not recommended to use a generic resume for all jobs. Instead, tailor your resume to each job you apply for, using keywords and highlighting your relevant skills and experience.

To create a winning resume, try our resume-builder tool today and increase your chances of getting hired in 2026 - our tool has already helped over 10,000 job applicants land their dream job, and we're confident it can do the same for you.