As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, spring is the perfect time to shake off the dust—literally and professionally. If it’s been a while since you updated your resume, now’s the time to give it a fresh look. Whether you’re actively job hunting or just keeping your materials current, these 2025 resume trends will help you stand out in a competitive job market.
In today’s job market, your resume layout matters just as much as what’s on it. Recruiters often rely on AI tools and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scanning resumes before a human ever sees them, formatting isn’t optional – it’s essential. (Indeed, LinkedIn, NovoResume, JobScan)
Here’s how to clean up your resume for 2025 – whether you’re in an office or on the warehouse floor.
7 Resume Layout Basics for Everyone
No matter your role, these formatting rules help you pass ATS filters and get noticed:
- Single-Column Layout
Clean structure, clear headings: Work Experience, Skills, Education. No sidebars. - Simple Fonts Only
Stick to Calibri, Helvetica, or Arial at 11-12 pt. Easy to read, ATS-friendly. - No Graphics or Tables
Many ATS can’t read images, icons, or text boxes. Avoid fancy formatting and use basic bullet points. - Save as .docx or Text-Based PDF
Scanned images or header/footer contact info often times won’t be read by parsing tools. - Use Bullet Points, Not Paragraphs
Start with action verbs. Keep it short and results-focused. - Keyword Optimization
Pull exact terms from the job post – naturally. Think: “forklift certified,” “QuickBooks,” etc. - Customize for Every Role
Generic resumes don’t work. Tailor layout and keywords to each job.
Office Professionals: Clean, Polished & Skills-Forward
Format Tips
Use clean bold headers and subtle dividers. Nothing flashy. Start with a Professional Summary: your title, years of experience, and top strengths. Add a Skills Section for both hard (Excel, QuickBooks) and soft skills (communication, time management).
What to Include in Skills
- Tools: Microsoft 365, CRMs, HRIS, scheduling platforms
- Certifications: PMP, SHRM-CP, MOS Excel
- Achievements: “Reduced invoice errors by 35%,” “Managed 100+ calls/day with 95% satisfaction”
Use a Hybrid Layout
Start with skills, then reverse-chronological (most recent first) job history. Show what you can do and where you did it.
Light Industrial Workers: Simple, Clear & Skill-Focused
Format Tips
Keep it basic: black-and-white text, bold section headers, no frills. Start with an Objective or Summary: years of hands-on experience and key certifications.
What to Include
- Skills & Tools: Forklifts (sit-down/stand-up), pallet jacks, CNC, welding, blueprints
- Certifications: OSHA 10/30, Forklift License, CDL
- Results: “Moved 15+ pallets/hour with zero damage,” “Zero safety incidents over 18 months”
Keep It Tight
Stick to one page unless you’ve got 10+ years of relevant experience. Focus on results – don’t just list responsibilities.
Make It Skim-Friendly for Recruiters
Recruiters spend seconds scanning. Make every one count:
- Put top skills and results near the top of each section
- Bold key metrics (“Increased output by 20%”)
- Keep formatting consistent across roles
- Use white space – avoid walls of text
Light Industrial Resume Sample
Final Takeaway
Whether you’re behind a desk or on the shop floor, your resume should clearly and quickly show your value. We recommend using Skills-first layouts: show what you can do before diving into your work history. With smart formatting, relevant keywords, and role-specific content, you’ll get past the bots and into the interview pile. Remember that employers are using AI and advanced searching to hunt for job-specific language – so tailor your resume to use that type of language.
Need a second set of eyes? Our team at Employ Partners is here to review your resume and help you find roles that match your skills. Reach out anytime!
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