COVID-19 has disrupted many people’s career plans and has forced them to think and work creatively. For some people, they may have gained new skills by implementing innovative strategies, technology and services. Others may have been furloughed or may have lost their jobs. In that case, they may have volunteered, took freelance roles, or started their own ventures. These are also great ways to gain new skills.
Wherever you fall, you gained transferable skills from your experience. Here’s how you would write it on a resume!
Tailor your resume to the job position: It is always important to prioritize the skills and jobs as it relates to a job employer. Use it as your guide. The first few bullet points of your resume should mirror the first few bullet points of the job description. Pay attention the verbs that they used. Is the employer looking for a candidate to implement new processes? Think about how you may have implemented new services to adapt to the COVID-19 changes and formulate that into a bullet that articulates your results.
Example:
Job Description Responsibilities: Implement new programs that will benefit the everchanging needs of our clients
Your Resume Bullet: Implemented a feedback system that allowed clients to provide advice on ways to make remote work more efficient
Update your skill section: You have new skills, so add them! What technological platforms have you become more knowledgeable and more proficient in? Have your social and engagement skills increased as you’ve tried to build connection with clients, staff or customers or students online? Do you know have more social media skills as you’ve marketed and communicated solely through online channels and used online platforms like Canva? Do you have a YouTube channel and now have editing skills?
Add them!
Consider adding or updating a summary: A summary can be useful if you’re making a pivot in your career or if you’re trying to articulate COVID-19’s impact on your career. Ultimately, your summary is just a brief description of your experience, accomplishments and skillset relevant to the position.
Here is a great example from Career Side Kick:
Human Resources Generalist with progressive experience managing employee benefits & compliance, employee hiring & onboarding, performance management processes, licensure tracking and HR records. Dependable and organized team player with the ability to communicate effectively and efficiently. Skilled at building relationships with employees across all levels of an organization. Proficient with HRIS, applicant tracking and benefits management.
Address your Work Gap: If you are in a situation in which you lost your position or you’re furloughed, feel free to add that to your resume. According to Fast Company, those who address a work gap on their resume have a 60% increased chance of getting an interview than those who have not. You can also fill this gap with volunteer and freelance work.
Finally, be sure to review your formatting, check for grammar and use our services for additional advice or a resume review.
BU + Beyond 