Moving into the post-COVID-19 era (or at the very least, the next ‘new normal’), companies will likely be on the hunt for resumes that demonstrate experience with in-demand technology tools which can meet the digital needs of the business. This also means that knowledge and skills in areas such as collaboration platforms, remote learning, file sharing and virtual events will become essential for a majority of employees in the future.
Promoting tech literacy on a resume in a way that is brief yet concise can be a challenge, particularly to keep up with the pace at which technology changes and influences job responsibilities. Here are some tips for how to update a resume effectively:
Don’t overdo it - With technology, it is common for candidates to believe that the more technical terms they include, the better they’ll come across. Almost always, it’s better to stick to the most essential keywords that are directly relevant to the advertised job description.
Categorise - Separate your skills into categories that will be familiar to employers, such as operating systems, programming tools, databases and networks.
Order by importance - Rather than listing them alphabetically, it’s better to list skills in order of relevance to the role you are applying for or have in mind as your primary career objective.
Include soft skills - With companies increasingly aiming to build a resilient, adaptable, and agile workforce, non-technical skills such as creative thinking, emotional intelligence, a positive mindset as well as the ability to adapt to change are among the top traits employers will be focusing on.
Delete outdated skills - Remember to remove any skills that aren’t relevant, are obsolete, or ‘obvious’ skills (such as email) to the type of job you are pursuing, as they can make your resume too long and harder to scan.
Businesses have had to learn and adapt quickly throughout the current crisis and will be even more focused on recruiting the best talent. Demonstrating that you are actively keeping up with technological change, and are ready for the future of work, will help make your application shine.
Whether you’re in the process of upskilling for a new career or actively searching for a new job, regularly updating your resume will help to ensure you’re ready when the right job opportunity appears.
