Best Resume-Builders from a Former CEO
Individuals who have sadly lost their jobs amid COVID-19 now have extra time to think about what they want their next job to be, and how they plan to stand out amid the other candidates. Although applying for any job right now that is non-essential is likely to yield little fruit, this is still an excellent season to sharpen one’s resume, making it application-ready for when the job market picks up pace.
As a former CEO, I’ve seen countless resumes in my time, and I know what makes a resume stand out vs. what mistakes could get it tossed right away. To help you advance your career during this strange season, I have compiled some of the most valuable resume-builders and distinctives that resume with me when I review resumes that can hopefully help your resume stand out among the crowd when you’re ready to apply for that next position.
1. Show Skills Built During Unemployment.
It’s scary for many reasons to be laid off, one of the biggest being that it could lead to a long gap in employment that may not look favorable. Fortunately, most current lay-offs are caused by COVID-19, something future employers will be aware of. But what those same employers also realize is that anyone can make use of unemployment if they choose rather than just sitting idle.
These days, we have the ability to learn so many skills through the technology we have at our fingertips. Perhaps you could get a beginner’s grasp on a new language, or learn a new skill like how to code, or teach yourself Adobe Photoshop. With social media platforms like YouTube, we can learn so much if we choose to. There are also many volunteer opportunities available to support those impacted by Covid-19, and there are also positions available currently in businesses that are open. Don’t look at it as a job that you will be stuck in--look at it as an opportunity to learn something new, even if the skill level required for the job is less than the next job you aspire to. There are also many free classes available online where you can learn a new skill, like www.coursera.org. I encourage you to utilize this time to learn a new skill to include on your resume. The important thing is that showing you were actively pursuing something to further develop your skills during your gaps in employment rather than sitting around idle will help your resume stand out from the crowd.
2. Format it for the Job.
While it may be a priority to you to have an aesthetically-pleasing resume, perhaps with a pastel-colored sheet of paper or creative fonts, it is best to format your resume according to the job for which you are applying. A position in a creative field such as advertising or communications might be pleased to see creativity in a uniquely-formatted resume. However, a more technical position would likely prefer a simple, straightforward layout. A great rule of thumb is to format your resume according to the dress code at the industry or company to which you are applying. If they dress casually or creatively, a more fun resume may be appropriate. Likewise, if the company is more formal or traditional, you will need a more traditional resume.
3. Incorporate Keywords.
When you find that job position about which you are particularly passionate, be sure to thoroughly peruse the company’s website, taking note of any keywords or phrases that they use to define their work. As is appropriate, incorporate those keywords into the descriptions of your previous roles or in a paragraph in your cover letter or at the top of your resume describing the job you are interested in. This has a two-fold benefit as it proves to the employer that you have a particular interest in their company and understand what they are searching for in a candidate and why you feel you would be a great fit.
4. Proofread. Several Times.
It happens to the best of us. We’ve read a document for what feels like a dozen times, but then as soon as we print it or hit “send,” we notice a typo. It’s frustrating but can be circumvented. In addition to printing out your resume and reading it aloud, consider having a friend or family member with a good grammar-sense read it also. Be sure to use a service such as spell-check or Grammarly for good measure. There are few things more disappointing than having an otherwise perfect resume be dismissed by the employer because of a single typo that communicates carelessness to them.
5. Keep it to One Page.
Most people, unless they have a decades-long career with many jobs, can summarize their previous accomplishments on one page. This is crucial because many employers do not spend a lot of time reviewing a resume, and if it extends longer than a page, they are even less likely to do so. It can be difficult, but by widening margins, decreasing font size and using more concise language, you can easily keep your resume to one page.
My heart goes out to all the individuals who are newly unemployed because of COVID-19. In all my years as a working professional, I have never lived through anything quite like this, and I can only imagine what it must be like to be a recent college grad or family bread-winner with no steady paycheck. My prayer is that building up your resume during this season will not only give you a better chance of securing the job you want in the future but that it will fill you with hope for the better things to come.