Resume Writing Tips – How to Stand Out.

With unemployment rates on the rise this year, due to the pandemic, having a great resume is crucial when standing out above other applicants and securing an interview.

As someone who has been hiring and interviewing for more than 10 years, and the founder of an executive search firm, I’ve noticed several changes in what employers are looking for in a resume today. 

Let’s drive right in. Thanks to the pandemic, companies have been given no choice but to adapt to some form of remote work which has made telecommunication skills more valuable than ever. Remember to use specific platform keywords, instead of wasting space with boring phrases like “very efficient at time-management” or “I’m tech-savvy.” Be sure to list your software skills at the bottom of your resume. 

The way we work has changed dramatically this year. Companies are looking for candidates who can adapt quickly to new policies, workplace norms, and shifting expectations. Showcase your adaptability. Try mentioning how you have taken on new roles, worked with modified budgets, implemented new platforms, or grew sales despite a downsized team all during the pandemic. This should go under the “Experience” section, specifically for your most recent job.

Add a title to your resume pertaining to your skillset. This will help grab the hiring managers attention. Most candidates think that adding a resume title is just repetitive, but this will allow them to see more into your value and how you can be an asset. Imagine a hiring manager reviewing dozens of applications to fill an Associate Tax Attorney role. All it takes is a relevant title, in bold at the very top, to immediately grab their attention and show that the candidate is a potential good fit for the job.

Adding a hyperlink to your LinkedIn profile has been the standard for some time, but so many candidates still miss this essential step. Recruiters want to learn more about you and your credentials, aside from what is already listed on your resume. This should go under your contact information at the top of your resume.

Creating an experience summary is a huge benefit. Think of this as your one opportunity to sell yourself by creating a summary of your professional life, core capabilities, and experience level — free of job titles and start dates. Use this space to highlight your career choices and most impressive achievements (or even to show off your personality). All of this will strengthen your first impression in a way that no other resume section can. You can add this below your resume title and above the “Experience” section. 

Lastly, include a brief description of your past employers. Unless you have held titles with major employers like Google, Apple or Amazon, it’s important to include a short description of the companies you worked for (especially if they are a small start-up).