5 Resume Updates to Implement Now: The Impact of COVID-19
Professionals are trying to wrap our heads around COVID-19 and the impact on the workplace. If you are one of the people currently working from home, you may start noticing a shift in communication. Welcome to connecting on virtual platforms. Now is not the time to shy away or wait for the change to take hold. Instead, follow these proactive tips and be prepared!
- Technical Skills and Virtual Platforms
Do you use WebEx, Zoom, Skype, and other tools for virtual meetings? Review your resume and bullets; you can add these platforms. Virtual communication is critical for every business. Have you created presentations/training/web-based modules? Again, make sure you list the platform and the delivery method in your experience bullets. Highlight any experience you have.
- Remote and Freelance Experience
Experience working remotely or in a freelance capacity is an asset. Employers are nervous about reductions in productivity due to remote work. However, if you’ve excelled in this realm, it is your time to shine. Highlight how you tracked KPIs and delivered reports.
- Education – Highlight Online Aspects
Last week one of my client’s made a great point – “Let’s highlight the fact I completed my degree online.” He and I completed our degrees through Ashford University. We discussed the irony of previously feeling the need to “dismiss” the online portion of our degree, and now it is our advantage. Can we work remotely, absolutely! Do we understand using web-based platforms, yes!
If you completed your degree online, or had an online component, highlight it on your resume!
- Update Transferable Skills to Get Past ATS (Applicant Tracking System)
What is a transferable skill? According to the career advice blog from indeed.com, “Transferable skills are any skills you possess that are useful to employers across various jobs and industries. These might include skills like adaptability, organization, teamwork, or other qualities employers seek in strong candidates. Transferable skills provide context from your previous experiences when applying for a new job—especially if it’s in a different industry.”
What are employers looking for on your resumé? Employers want you to explain how your skills will benefit their needs.
PRO TIP
- Review Job Postings/Descriptions: I recommend com and LinkedIn Jobs for detailed descriptions.
- Pick three job postings/descriptions and review for common Keywords
- Next, write down the keywords. For each one, write a sentence describing a time you used this skill to complete a task, accomplish a goal, trained or coached another employee to use the ability.
- Create a Work History or Relevant Experience Section
Does your experience mentioned in the above tips fall outside of the “ten-year” resume parameter? You can solve the problem by creating a “Relevant Experience” section. Avoid dating yourself by omitting dates of tenure from this section. Think about it this way – Job Descriptions rarely ask for more than ten years of experience. Creating this section allows you to meet ATS requirements from a keyword perspective and show the human eye that you have experience. In place of dates, put “x” years.
Next week I share – How to Capitalize on LinkedIn During COVID-19.
Until next Tuesday…
