These themes appear consistently across recent articles and career research.
Personal branding and narrative
Begin with a short professional summary that communicates your “career story.”
Example structure:
- Who you are
- What skills you bring
- What you want to do
Clean, ATS-friendly formatting
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) continue to screen resumes. Modern guidance emphasizes simple formatting and standard headings.
Expected:
- Standard headings (Education, Experience, Skills)
- Reverse chronological order
- Minimal graphics
Avoid:
- Columns
- Icons
- Infographic resumes – no self portraits (unless applying for acting or modeling positions)
Skills-based resumes
Employers focus on demonstrated skills rather than job titles alone. Give details of your skills throughout your resume (summary, experience points, projects); don’t just provide list of skills without explanation.
Your job is to
- Emphasize transferable skills
- Connect experiences to specific abilities
- Avoid vague traits like “hard-working”
Example – how to shift your content:
Weak:
- Responsible for social media
Stronger:
- Designed Instagram campaigns increasing engagement 40%
Evidence of impact (quantifiable results)
Recruiters increasingly want measurable outcomes rather than job duties.
Structure for achievement statements in position description: Action verb + task & skill = measurable result
Example:
- Organized campus volunteer program serving 200+ community members
Authenticity over AI-generated applications
Generic AI-generated resumes are flooding recruiters! Your personalized materials will stand out and matter in your job search.
Best practice:
- Use AI to brainstorm or edit
- Do not submit generic AI-written resumes
The resume is only one part of your professional profile
Recruiters will review LinkedIn and digital presence alongside the resume.
Ensure that your resume, LinkedIn, and Portfolio/GitHub (if applicable) tell a consistent professional story.
Formatting Best Practices for Job Search Resumes (2026)
Length
- 1 page typical for new graduates
- 2 pages acceptable if strong experiences exist
Structure
Typical modern resume sections:
- Header: Name | Email | Phone | LinkedIn
- Professional summary (optional but increasingly common)
- Education (college only)Degree and Major, Berea College, Berea, KY | Graduation Date: Month YearHonors & Awards (if applicable)Relevant CourseworkStudy Abroad Experience
- Career Related Experience
- Professional Skills & Technical Skills
- Projects / Research / Service/ Leadership (optional)
Translate work-learning-service experiences
Highlight career competencies and workplace skills.
Example:
- project management – create actionable steps, effectively delegate tasks, manage work to meet timelines
- research – analyzing information to find patterns, assessing data for bias, drawing logical conclusions
- communication – motivate team members, event planning and implementation, promotions, providing customer service, mediating disagreements
Tailor every resume
Customize your resume for each position.
Methods:
- Use keywords from position description
- Highlight relevant experiences
- Reorder sections to mirror what the employer needs
This resource summarizes and adapts key insights from the articles listed below, with additional guidance for Berea College students by Amanda Clemens Tudor, Director of Career Development.
Top Resume Trends You Need to Know for 2026 – CV Chackr
Current Trends for Resumes for 2026
‘Don’t Let AI Write Your Resume’, Career Expert Warns New Grads – Investopedia
Resume Trends for 2026 – What Works and What to Retire- HispanicPro [Hispanic Professional Network]
