Whether you’ve been laid off, furloughed, are worried about losing your job, or need to find a new job, updating your resume is one of the first places to start. The coronavirus pandemic has created some major shifts in the job market and economy. Industries that at one time seemed stable – such as hospitality and food services – are now facing serious hardships. These changes have many people feeling concerned about their own careers and taking steps to make sure they’re prepared for whatever happens.
As you look to polish up your resume, here are a few areas to consider:
- Enhance your skills.
When scanning various job openings, pay attention to the key skills employers are looking for. If it’s been a while since you were in school or have taken any professional development, you may want to look into online courses where you can brush up on new technologies and methodologies. Broadening or deepening your skillset can give you an edge over other candidates and show that you’re not only committed to learning, but that you’re in touch with how the industry is changing. Get comfortable with remote technology such as online collaboration programs, video conferencing, and other tools that are surging in popularity.
- Change up the format.
If you’ve been using the same resume for the past 20 years and just adding new jobs to it, now is the time for an overhaul. Cut or consolidate experience from more than 10 years ago, especially if it is no longer relevant to what you are doing today or want to do. Switch up the font, update the style, and eliminate details such as graduation year and GPA, outdated technology, and “references available upon request” (or even worse, listing your references on your resume). Don’t forget to replace your objective statement with a strong summary of qualifications instead to show employers what you bring to the table.
- Adjust the focus.
Are you thinking about switching careers? Your resume should reflect your skills and experience as it relates to the type of job you’re pursuing. This may mean refocusing your summary, reprioritizing bullet points, or swapping out certain competencies or technologies. Spend time reading different job postings so you can align your updated resume with what employers want to see. Pay attention to what industries are performing well and where there is growing demand.
- Update LinkedIn.
Don’t forget to update your online presence as well. When you’ve finished polishing up your resume, also make changes to your LinkedIn profile so that recruiters, hiring managers, and your connections have the most up-to-date information available. Check your privacy settings to ensure that recruiters are able to find you, and start building out your connections. Networking is a great way to learn about job opportunities and have an in with a potential employer. Don’t rely solely on job boards.
Searching for a new job can be scary, but having a solid resume can boost your confidence and help you land interviews. Partner with the team at Grammar Chic to refresh your resume and ensure that it aligns with the types of positions you’re seeking. Contact us today at (803) 831-7444 or resumewriting@grammarchic.net to get started.
