Resume Statistics 2021

Does your resume meet today’s rigid application standards? Will it show what recruiters and hiring managers are looking for in a candidate? Can it clear a scan from an applicant tracking system (ATS) that many organizations use today to screen candidates? You can find the answers to these questions by knowing some of the pertinent resume statistics 2021. Learn if your resume has what it takes to land you that elusive job interview and take you one step closer to career success with these key resume stats 2021.

Here are resume statistics from Resumeble 2021 database

Only the biggest issues that we’ve uncovered:

4000+ resumes analyzed

Average length: 3.2 pages – too long, should be shorter 1.5-2 pages tops

Average ATS score: 39% with the lowest score going 11% and highest 99%. The majority of resumes falls under 25-39%

Clients not filling their LinkedIn profile URL: 63%, down 13% from last year which means that applicants started paying more attention to networking via LinkedIn

Clients with Location field not filled: 23%

Top Three Grammar mistakes: (1) capitalization; (2) spelling and grammar mistakes; (3) overly complicated writing like run-one sentences, adjectives, and articles

Top Three Visual Presentation mistakes: (1) lack of measurable accomplishments; (2) improper font formatting and underutilized document capacity; (3) listing too many responsibilities

Top Three Branding mistakes: (1) redundant information like hobbies and interests, secondary education details, references, and personal details like passport data; (2) mentioning soft skills like time management, critical thinking, or work ethic; (3) adding objective instead of a career summary

Top Five Industries: IT, Hospitality, Logistics, Business, Customer Service

...and here are Industry average statistics

Only about 2% of resumes sent land an interview

Simply put, 2 percent is just a dismal number. With so many resumes getting rejected, this is one of the resume statistics that should give you pause before you send your application document to recruiters. So what are the biggest mistakes being committed by today’s applicants? Here are some of them:

• Typo and grammatical errors – as your professional representation, your resume deserves to be pitch-perfect and free of any errors. One single mistake can be costly, as it could imply that you don’t know how to write, or worse, you don’t care enough about the job. So before you send out your resume, review it, and review it again. It can also help to have a friend with capable language skills go over your resume for you.
• Information too general – according to statistics about resumes, if your resume simply states the obvious, it’s not going to impress anybody. Employers want to know your accomplishments at your previous job/s, so instead of simply listing your responsibilities, you need to show them measurable results. For example, if you worked as an HR staff, don’t just say you helped evaluate applicants and employees—show your reader how many employees you interview in a month, how your evaluations helped improve their productivity and morale, and by how much (e.g, improved employee retention by 7%, zero-incident of employee conflict during your time with the company, 12% improvement in productivity, etc.)
• Failing to customize the resume – when sending your resume out to multiple recipients, you may be tempted to take the “one-size-fits-all” approach. Statistics on resumes reveal that seasoned recruiters will be quick to notice this, and it tells them that you are not willing to invest your time to learn more about the company and the job in question. To get your resume noticed instead of ignored, make sure you tailor its contents and make the information relevant to the job position, the company, and the industry at large.

By being meticulous with your resume’s appearance, style and wording, you will have a document that you would be proud to represent you in the professional arena.

10% of resume senders never receive a reply

One of the more significant resume stats 2021. Not getting a reply after sending a resume out can certainly make you wonder what you did wrong. We can always assume that recruiters are busy people, fortunately, most are decent enough to let you know if they selected someone else for the job. But one thing to remember is that many companies today use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes, which means that even if you’re highly qualified for the job, your resume still won’t reach the recruiter’s table because it isn’t optimized with the right keywords.

Before writing your resume, read the job posting carefully, and take note of standout keywords and phrases, as these will likely be what ATS will look for. Use them in your resume in an organic and natural way. As resume stats reveal, you don’t want to have a resume with words that appear forced or out of place.

A professionally written resume improves earning potential by 7%

Writing your own resume may be considerably cheaper than having it done by a professional, but a survey reveals that in the long run, you’re better off having your resume professionally done because it delivers a 7 percent boost to your earning potential. A professionally written resume is designed to impress recruiters and hiring managers, and when they like what they see, they will be more inclined to offer a candidate a salary on the higher side of the spectrum.

70% of job hunters found a new job with help from a professional resume writer

Not only does a professional resume writer help with potential earnings, but it also increases your chances of getting hired in the more immediate future. According to a resume statistics survey, more than two-thirds of applicants who acquired the services of a professional resume writer got signed within 90 days of sending out their resume. Needless to say, if your self-written resume isn’t getting the right responses, it’s time to look into having it done by an expert.

Recruiters prefer two-page resumes for managerial roles by 3%

While a one-page resume is a universally accepted format, the trend has been veering toward two-page resumes, especially for higher-up positions and those requiring years of experience. Resume statistics 2021 states that a two-page resume will be enough for all the relevant keywords, skills, and experience required for a managerial job. That said, regarding how long should a resume be in 2021, a one-page resume is still the more viable option for entry- and mid-level positions.

Resume stats 2021: 3 resume tips to improve your hiring chances

With these resume-related numbers in mind, here are three tips to boost your resume’s quality along with its chances of getting the nod of approval from recruiters and hiring managers.

1. Tailor your resume to the job

A generic approach is the easiest way to get your resume rejected. Employers want to see enthusiastic applicants, and you can show that by customizing your resume uniquely for the position and company you’re sending it to.

2. Showcase your biggest achievements

Your achievements are your resume’s biggest selling points, but it’s not enough that you list them. You have to find a way to make your successes appear more appealing, and more importantly, relevant to the job position you’re applying for. Doing these can make all the difference between your resume standing out or being just your run-of-the-mill application.

3. Proofread your resume numerous times before sending

As mentioned, in an earlier resume statistics section, recruiters and hiring managers don’t like seeing errors on an applicant’s resume. You can’t expect to be taken seriously if you can’t be bothered with ensuring an error-free resume. Some of the most common errors include wrong/improper capitalization, overuse of the passive voice, and complicated wording.

Take advantage of Resumeble’s interview guarantee

Resumeble’s professional resume writing services ensure you get one foot in the door with our interview guarantee within 60 days of finalizing your resume. Work with someone who knows how to harness resume stats effectively to your benefit. We also offer a free, no-obligation evaluation resume so you can have your own statistics on resumes to see where you can improve. Send us your resume today or contact us to learn more about our services.