Certifications gain edge over degrees in modern resumes – Zety survey
GUAYNABO, PUERTO RICO — A comprehensive analysis of 9 million resumes by Zety reveals certifications increasingly outweigh traditional education credentials in 2025.
“Resumes in 2025 are not just a reflection of skills and experience—they represent the evolving priorities of the workforce,” said Jasmine Escalera, career expert at Zety.
“Job seekers today are focused on conciseness and relevance, yet still ensuring their individuality shines through.”
The certification revolution
Perhaps the most striking finding is the diminishing emphasis on formal education. While 22% of resumes showcase professional certifications like project management professional (PMP) and certified public accountant (CPA), only 14% highlight educational backgrounds. This contrasts with just 14% of resumes highlighting educational degrees such as Bachelor of Science or Master in Business Administration (MBA).
“It’s evident from this analysis that applicants are embracing a more streamlined approach while also adapting to industry demands,” Escalera added.
“What’s striking is how modern resumes are now integrating diverse skills, certifications, and even personal attributes that go beyond the basics, providing a fuller picture of the candidate’s capabilities and potential.”
Focus on skills and experience
The modern job seeker lists an average of 10 skills, with senior candidates including up to 12. The skills highlighted are predominantly soft skills, including teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication. Work experience listed averages at 75.4 months, with less experienced workers often showing less than three years.
The evolution of resume structure
Analyzing resumes from January 1 through November 30, 2024, Zety finds that the traditional one-page resume appears to be a thing of the past. The average resume now stretches to 2.59 pages. Entry-level candidates typically submit 1.5 pages, while senior professionals extend their credentials to 4.1 pages.
Century Gothic has emerged as the preferred font choice, though Times New Roman and Arial remain popular alternatives.
Industry-specific patterns
Project Managers lead with the longest resumes at 5.28 pages, while IT professionals complete their resumes most quickly, averaging just 11.2 minutes. Teachers and drivers demonstrate the highest job stability, reporting the lowest number of career changes.
Modern job seekers are increasingly personalizing their applications, with 43% including additional sections beyond the traditional format. Surprisingly, one in eight candidates includes a photo, and approximately 10% showcase language skills, with Spanish, French, Hindi, Arabic, and Mandarin being the most common.
Despite the rise of remote work, only 6% of resumes mention virtual positions, suggesting a potential missed opportunity in highlighting flexible working capabilities.
