While there are certain keys to a successful job search that are unlikely ever to change — e.g., researching the position and employer, being proactive, networking — experts say there are a few trends to take note of in 2018.

According to an article on The Job Network website, titled “Resume and Job Search Trends That Will Dominate in 2018,” there will be a focus on professionally prepared resumes, personality and social media reputation.

Below is helpful information on each:

Professionally Prepared Resumes Ever since results of a 2012 study by The Ladders showed that, “on an average, recruiters spend only six seconds reviewing a candidate’s resume,” it has become essential for resumes to be focused, succinct and error-free. But it’s not enough to simply avoid having any typos, you also need to avoid being too generic. So make sure your resume is targeted to the specific job you’re applying for. And while you’ll want to include some keywords, hiring managers warn against including blocks of text that are copied directly from the actual job description.

If you’re not a strong writer (or grammarian), there are professionals you can hire to write your resume — people who know what various industries are looking for on candidates’ CVs. You can also utilize some of Cancer and Careers’ tips for writing your best resume. And once you’ve written it, get tailored feedback by submitting it to our free Resume Review Service.

Personality Obviously, employers look to hire individuals who they believe are qualified for the position. As the Job Network article states, a “hiring manager will look for the candidates with the core skills needed for the specific job. However, “personality traits…are just as important” — especially during times when unemployment rates are high and there are a lot of applicants competing for the same job.

Employers want to make sure that the person they hire is going to be a good fit in that particular environment, that he/she will get along and work well with the rest of the staff. Therefore, you’ll want to demonstrate that you are personable, professional, adaptable and engaging. It’s also important to communicate your interest in and enthusiasm for the position you’re going after. One way to do both is to follow up. You can do so by email or phone, but be sure to reach out to the employer in some way after you apply and/or interview. Otherwise, they are likely to assume you no longer want the job.

Social Media Reputation Experts say that another factor that will play a part in job-hunting in 2018 is an applicant’s online brand. According to the results of a 2017 survey by Career Builder, “70% of employers are screening candidates via social media before hiring them. 54% have decided not to hire a candidate after screening” their profiles. That means it’s vital that you think about what you share via your Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts before you actually share it. 

For some best practices on contributing to the online space, check out our articles on protecting your online image and managing your digital reputation.

For information on creating a professional LinkedIn profile, click here.

And for everything you need to know about landing the job you want, order or download a free copy of our Job Search Toolkit.