Resumes have evolved significantly over time. Initially simple lists of skills and experiences, they now emphasize personalised branding, digital formats, and keyword optimisation for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Modern resumes focus on concise, impactful content, visual appeal, and showcasing achievements with quantifiable results.
In this post we look at resume styles through the ages including predictions for the future of resumes when it comes to your job search. Is this what your future resume will look like?
1-10. Early Beginnings (1400s-1800s):
Handwritten Note (1400s): These basic, informal notes listing skills and experiences were often used by tradespeople and apprentices.
Guild Membership Certificates (1500s): Formal documents proving trade skills and membership in a professional guild, used to verify a craftsman's credentials.
Letters of Recommendation (1600s): Personalised letters from previous employers or mentors attesting to a job seeker's skills and character.
Job Seekers’ Advertisements (1700s): Printed ads in local newspapers where individuals would advertise their availability for work and list their qualifications.
Visiting Cards (1800s): Personal calling cards with basic job info, used for networking and introductions in social and professional settings.
Apprenticeship Papers (1800s): Documents verifying completed apprenticeships, often signed by the master craftsman.
Trade Bills (1800s): Handbills distributed in local areas listing skills and services offered by tradespeople.
Employment Proposals (1800s): Detailed written proposals for job roles, often outlining how the applicant could contribute to the employer’s business.
Personal Ledgers (1800s): Handwritten books where individuals recorded their work history, skills, and notable projects.
Patent Applications (1800s): Showcasing inventions and innovations, used by inventors to demonstrate their technical skills and creative achievements.
11-20. Industrial Age (1900-1940):
11. Typed Letters (1900s): Letters typed on early typewriters, formalising the application process and making it easier to read.
12. Telegraph Messages (1900s): Short, telegraphed job applications sent to potential employers, reflecting the speed and urgency of the industrial age.
13. Employment Contracts (1900s): Formal agreements detailing roles, responsibilities, and terms of employment, often included as part of the application process.
14. Industrial Age Resume (1910s): Simple, typed resumes with a focus on industrial skills and previous factory work.
15. War Service Records (1910s): Records highlighting military service, often used by veterans to transition into civilian jobs.
16. Civil Service Applications (1920s): Standardised government job forms that required detailed personal and professional information.
17. Typewritten Resumes (1930s): More structured, with clear sections for education, work experience, and skills, thanks to the widespread use of typewriters.
18. Newspaper Classifieds (1930s): Personal ads seeking employment, where individuals would succinctly list their qualifications and desired job roles.
19. Photographic Resumes (1930s): Including a photograph with the resume, particularly common in professions where appearance was considered important.
20. Personal Data Sheets (1940s): Detailed lists of personal and work information, used to provide a comprehensive view of the applicant’s background.
21-30. Post-War Era (1940s-1950s):
21. Post-War Resume (1940s): Emphasising education and skills gained during and after World War II, with a focus on rebuilding industries.
22. Functional Resumes (1950s): Focused on skills rather than chronological work history, useful for career changers and those with gaps in employment.
23. Objective Statements (1950s): Adding a career objective at the top to clearly state the job seeker’s goals and aspirations.
24. Chronological Resumes (1950s): Listing jobs in reverse chronological order, emphasising steady employment history.
25. Combination Resumes (1950s): Merging functional and chronological formats to highlight both skills and consistent work history.
26. Corporate Resumes (1950s): Formal, conservative designs suitable for corporate job applications, emphasising professionalism.
27. Job Application Forms (1950s): Standardised employer-provided forms that applicants filled out to apply for jobs, ensuring uniformity.
28. Tabbed Resumes (1950s): Using tabs for different sections, making it easier to navigate the document.
29. Accomplishment-Based Resumes (1950s): Highlighting specific achievements and accomplishments in previous roles.
30. Skills Matrices (1950s): Tabular formats listing skills and proficiencies, often used in technical and engineering fields.
31-40. Modern Typewriter Era (1960s-1970s):
31. Modern Typewriter Resume (1960s): Clean, typewritten documents with standardised formats, improving readability.
32. Bullet Point Resumes (1960s): Using bullet points for clarity and to break down information into digestible chunks.
33. Two-Column Layouts (1960s): Splitting the page into two sections for a more organised and visually appealing presentation.
34. Professional Summaries (1960s): Brief summaries of qualifications at the beginning of the resume, providing a quick overview for employers.
35. Experience Focused Resumes (1970s): Emphasising work experience over other sections, particularly useful for those with extensive job histories.
36. Education Focused Resumes (1970s): Emphasising academic achievements, often used by recent graduates and those in academia.
37. One-Page Resumes (1970s): Condensing information into a single page to adhere to the brevity preferred by many employers.
38. Volunteer Experience Sections (1970s): Including volunteer work to showcase community involvement and diverse experience.
39. Professional Memberships (1970s): Highlighting professional affiliations and memberships in relevant organisations.
40. References Upon Request (1970s): Adding a standard phrase at the end to indicate that references are available if needed.
41-50. Digital Revolution (1980s-1990s):
41. Early Digital Resume (1980s): Created with word processors, allowing for easier editing and more polished presentations.
42. Personal Computers (1980s): Resumes formatted on PCs with enhanced design capabilities compared to typewriters.
43. Faxed Resumes (1980s): Sending resumes via fax machines, a faster alternative to mailing paper copies.
44. Basic Word Processing (1980s): Using early word processing software like WordPerfect to create and format resumes.
45. Mail Merge Resumes (1980s): Personalising resumes for mass distribution using mail merge features in word processors.
46. Colored Paper (1980s): Printing resumes on colored paper to stand out from the standard white paper used by most applicants.
47. Dot Matrix Printing (1980s): Early digital printing methods using dot matrix printers, which offered a more professional look than handwritten or typewritten resumes.
48. Scannable Resumes (1990s): Designed to be scanned by employers’ systems, using specific formatting to ensure machine readability.
49. HTML Resumes (1990s): Early online resumes coded in HTML, allowing for web-based presentation of job applications.
50. Email Resumes (1990s): Sending resumes via email attachments, a convenient and speedy method of job application.
51-60. Internet Age (2000s):
51. LinkedIn Profiles (2000s): Professional online profiles that serve as digital resumes, allowing for networking and endorsements.
52. Creative Resumes (2000s): Incorporating graphic design elements to make resumes visually appealing, especially in creative industries.
53. Infographic Resumes (2000s): Using visuals to represent skills, experiences, and achievements in a more engaging format.
54. Digital Portfolios (2000s): Online portfolios that include resume content along with work samples, projects, and case studies.
55. Video Resumes (2000s): Recorded video presentations where candidates introduce themselves and their qualifications.
56. Mobile-Friendly Resumes (2000s): Optimised for viewing on smartphones, with simplified designs and easily readable text.
57. SEO Resumes (2000s): Optimised with keywords to ensure higher visibility in online job searches and applicant tracking systems.
58. Blog Resumes (2000s): Personal blogs that showcase work, skills, and experiences, often integrating traditional resume information.
59. Online Resume Builders (2000s): Using online tools to create professional resumes with various templates and designs.
60. Social Media Integration (2000s): Including links to social media profiles, particularly LinkedIn, to provide a fuller picture of the candidate.
61-70. Contemporary Trends (2010s):
61. Ats-Optimised Resumes (2010s): Designed to pass applicant tracking systems, focusing on keyword optimisation and simple formatting.
62. Interactive PDFs (2010s): Resumes with clickable links, interactive elements, and embedded media for a more dynamic presentation.
63. Personal Branding (2010s): Resumes reflecting personal brands, using unique designs and consistent branding elements.
64. Gig Economy Resumes (2010s): Highlighting freelance and contract work, showcasing versatility and a diverse skill set.
65. Functional Skills Resumes (2010s): Emphasising skill sets over job history, suitable for those with varied or non-linear career paths.
66. Remote Work Resumes (2010s): Focusing on remote job experience and the skills needed for virtual work environments.
67. Narrative Resumes (2010s): Storytelling formats that weave a narrative of the candidate’s career journey and achievements.
68. Photo Resumes (2010s): Including professional headshots to add a personal touch, popular in markets where appearance plays a role.
69. Custom Fonts (2010s): Using unique fonts to add personality and style, while ensuring readability.
70. Minimalist Resumes (2010s): Clean, simple designs focusing on essential information, often with ample white space.
71-80. Emerging Trends (2020s):
71. AI-Generated Resumes (2020s): Created with artificial intelligence, offering tailored content based on job descriptions and candidate profiles.
72. Interactive Resumes (2020s): Including multimedia elements like videos, interactive charts, and animations.
73. Augmented Reality Resumes (2020s): Using AR to create immersive resume experiences, allowing employers to explore candidates’ skills and experiences in a 3D space.
74. Eco-Friendly Resumes (2020s): Printed on recycled paper or entirely digital to reduce environmental impact.
75. Portfolio Resumes (2020s): Integrating resumes into digital portfolios that showcase work samples and detailed project descriptions.
76. Hybrid Resumes (2020s): Combining traditional resume elements with modern design and digital features.
77. Dynamic Resumes (2020s): Continuously updated online resumes that reflect the most current information and achievements.
78. Blockchain Verified Resumes (2020s): Using blockchain technology for verification of credentials and work history, ensuring authenticity.
79. Voice Resumes (2020s): Audio recordings of qualifications and experiences, offering a personal touch and showcasing communication skills.
80. VR Resumes (2020s): Virtual reality presentations of resumes, allowing employers to interact with candidates’ profiles in a virtual environment.
81-90. Specialised Formats (2020s):
81. Project-Based Resumes (2020s): Highlighting specific projects and detailing the candidate’s role, responsibilities, and outcomes.
82. Skill-Based Resumes (2020s): Focused entirely on skills, suitable for candidates with varied experiences or those re-entering the workforce.
83. Career Change Resumes (2020s): Tailored for those switching industries, emphasising transferable skills and relevant experiences.
84. Diversity and Inclusion Resumes (2020s): Emphasising inclusive language and diverse experiences, reflecting a commitment to diversity.
85. Startup Resumes (2020s): Tailored for startup environments, focusing on adaptability, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit.
86. Freelance Resumes (2020s): Highlighting gig economy work and showcasing a wide range of skills and experiences.
87. Tech Industry Resumes (2020s): Focused on technical skills, certifications, and projects relevant to the tech industry.
88. Healthcare Resumes (2020s): Tailored for healthcare professionals, emphasising clinical skills, certifications, and patient care experience.
89. Academic CVs (2020s): Detailed resumes for academia, including publications, research, and academic achievements.
90. Government Resumes (2020s): Following specific government formats and requirements, often more detailed and structured.
91-100. Future Innovations (2020s and Beyond):
Will these happen? What does the future hold for resumes? Anything could happen but my personal vote is that they get replaced with video.
91. AI-Assisted Writing (2020s): Using AI to craft tailored resumes that match job descriptions and highlight relevant skills.
92. 3D Printed Resumes (2020s): Creating tangible, 3D resumes that showcase design and engineering skills.
93. Holographic Resumes (2020s): Hologram-based presentations that add a futuristic touch to the job application process.
94. Neural Network Resumes (2020s): Using neural networks to optimise resume content and formatting for specific job applications.
95. Wearable Resumes (2020s): Integrating resumes into wearable technology, allowing for quick and easy sharing of professional information.
96. Biometric Resumes (2020s): Using biometric data for secure verification of identity and qualifications.
97. Adaptive Resumes (2020s): Resumes that change based on job descriptions, dynamically highlighting relevant skills and experiences.
98. Quantum Computing Resumes (2020s): Leveraging quantum computing to optimise job matches and tailor resumes in real-time.
99. Sentiment Analysis Resumes (2020s): Analysing the tone and sentiment of resume content to ensure positive and impactful language.
100. Ethical Resumes (2020s): Emphasising ethical values, social responsibility, and sustainable practices in personal branding and job applications.
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