Here Are 3 Reasons Why Formal Resumes May Be Obsolete in 25 Years Guest Post by Samantha Gray

Resumes have been an important part of the job search process since the early 20th century. Functioning as a sort of “mini-biography” for job seekers, at present resumes are the most effective way for employers to screen candidates and select the ones best suited for an in-person interview.

Ever since the resume first became a necessary part of the job search, its format and purpose has remained, for the most part, unchanged. However, there are a few things happening in today’s world that just may make this popular employment tool unnecessary in the future. Below are three reasons why the formal resume could be obsolete in 25 years.

Online Applications
Although online applications are already in wide use today, most companies who utilize this tool still require their applicants to submit a digital copy of their resume, as well as bring a paper copy to the interview. However, over the years, we may see this part of the process negated, as employers begin using the information job seekers provide in the online application as the “resume.” This means that employees would no longer have to create a resume in Word, or any other resume building program, and attach it to an email or online application. They would simply fill out the online application, which would include sections for education, experience, skills and references.

Social Media
Professional social media websites, like LinkedIn, are highly functional hiring tools, because they provide a platform for job seekers and employers to network with each other on many different levels. Job seekers can post their resumes, apply for open positions, network with former and potential employers and join groups to make further professional connections. Employers can post jobs, review applications and instantly learn more about an applicant by viewing individual profiles. These sites provide a more efficient, smarter way to search and hire for jobs, because job seekers and hiring managers can find each other through a simple site search. And because Millenials prefer to do just about everything online, professional social media sites may take the place of the traditional resume in the future.

New Tools for Determining Qualification and Fit
Over the years, hiring managers have learned that resumes are not always the best way to choose applicants for interview. Someone who looks great on paper can end up being a bad choice for the company. The main downsides to hiring via resume include the time it takes to sort through them and the difficulty in choosing between similar resumes. This is why many companies are looking to change the way they hire, using a variety of different computer tools to narrow down the applicant pool. For example, some employers now require applicants to complete a qualification questionnaire or personality test after they fill out their online application. In the future, tools like these will take the place of the resume as the main way employers choose candidates for interview.

To prepare for this change, future job seekers and hiring managers should stay informed of all new technologies, especially social media and other Internet tools. As for preparing a resume; even if the formal paper resume becomes obsolete, employees should still keep a record of their education, professional experience and references. This information will still be asked for in job applications and should be recorded for easy access.

About the author:

Samantha Gray is a freelance writer by day and a high school and college tutor by night (well, in the evening, really). Samantha enjoys giving readers advice about the ins and outs of getting a bachelor's degree online.

Samantha welcomes questions and feedback at samanthagray024@gmail.com