In honor of Father’s Day, let us discuss a few ways that resumes and the job market have changed since 1966, 50 years ago.
For example, switching jobs is now an indication of flexibility and dedication to getting ahead, though it was once considered a symptom of disloyalty or poor performance. You still want to establish a career for at least a year or two before looking elsewhere. But job changes are expected.
In your father’s day, any lengthy unemployment meant you were unemployable. It is still better to hunt for a new job while you are employed. However, most employers are fine with a period of unemployment if you maintain your skills by consulting, volunteering or returning to school.
Social media has created more ways to reach out to potential employers than ever before. If you are job hunting, make sure you are online at LinkedIn and other professional sites. Also make sure that your personal social media (Facebook, Twitter) sounds professional and shows you at your best. In your father’s day, you could disparage a former employer or fellow employee to trusted friends and know your employer would never hear about it. Now anything you—or those trusted friends—post on social media is known to the world.
Job titles are more fluid now than in your father’s day. Individuals may go from Vice President in a national company to CEO of a local company and back to Vice President in an international company while still gaining in prestige and pay. Before deciding against a job on the basis of a title, look for a match with your skills and education and consider the experience you will gain.
Demographics have changed. According to the U.S. Census, women represented 14.8% of the workforce in 1966 but now represent well over 40%. The workforce consists more and more of individuals of different religions, national origins, abilities, ages, and races. Tolerance and respect are not only morally correct; they are mandated by law.
Whether these changes are good or bad is irrelevant—they are facts of life. Your resume should reflect your flexibility, pride in your career, understanding of social media, skills, education, accomplishments, and ability to work with a diverse team. Robin’s Resumes® can help.