Gen Z members are making resumes like Instagram, Tinder profiles
Now that the elder members of Generation Z or Gen Z are old enough to become working professionals, employers are witnessing a strange new pattern. Reportedly, members of Gen Z (born between 1995-2015; age 4-24) are now making resumes with Bitmojis in them. Apparently, the traditional (read: professional) black-and-white resumes just didn't bring out enough flair. Here are more details.
For generations, job seekers have been looking to make their resumes stand out from the pile, but for the longest time, that was hard with the traditional bullet-point, B/W format. According to The Wall Street Journal, the Gen Z's resume now keeps its Instagram-esque color palette in check, and includes logos of past employers, icons to denote hobbies and even Bitmojis!
Tellingly, Georgia Institute of Technology student Stephanie Webster told WSJ that her resume bears a color photo of her clutching a coffee mug. Under "Experiences," Webster added a paw icon and an illustration of a swimmer to depict her previous jobs as a dog day-care worker and swim instructor. "Resume design has been getting way more diverse and way more exciting," she said.
Reportedly, managers who have been hiring have also been receiving resumes with "Instagram-friendly palettes of mint green and pastel pink," or spiral-bound corporate brochures. One applicant even shared personal details like "spin aficionado, dog lover, foodie, outdoor enthusiast," the publication reported.
Interestingly, some employers actually like these new, personalized resumes. Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams LLC, a gourmet-dessert chain based in Ohio, received an application for a finance job with an avatar of the applicant sweating. Apparently, this depicted that the applicant could "hustle like no one else," said John Lowe, the company's chief executive. Although the applicant wasn't hired, Lowe said they value such creativity.
On the other hand, New York City-based fitness start-up Mirror recently rejected an applicant whose resume displayed a series of photos showing them in a suit, hiking, walking a dog, etc. Mirror's chief executive said the resume "looked more like a Tinder profile." Apparently, for some, resumes with such gimmicks are "too distracting." Basically, it's a gamble. It all depends on your profession and, of course, the employer.
