As always, demonstrating a clear value proposition for the employer, will be essential. Competition will be fierce with about 7 million unemployed people looking. Employers will have a heightened interest in skills like crisis management, remote team leadership and business continuity. If you’ve built or enhanced skills like these, it’s important to include them into your resume. 

Yes! Emphasize your problem-solving skills and positive results against substantial challenges. Employers always need agile workers adaptable to industry changes, but the COVID-19 situation has demanded even more resourcefulness. Add wins to your resume showing positive outcomes, especially if the stakes are high and others have failed. Include metrics to illustrate results exceeding expectations.

Think about what concerns your target employers will have. Will they need you to work productively from home? Will they want you to strategize on how to reduce the risk of infection spreading among employees, guests, or customers? What about crisis management or change management? On your resume, highlight relevant examples pertaining to skills they need.

Adaptability will be a valued soft skill during these ever-changing times. Do you work remotely? Are you self-driven to get the job done while still meeting deadlines? Do you adapt easily to changes in processes? By putting that adaptability in context on your resume, you will make yourself quite marketable.

Don’t wait. Start now. Companies are gearing up to get back to some sense of normalcy. No matter the industry, employers are looking for problem solvers, people who can produce, save money through efficiencies, provide exceptional customer service, and lead/coach employees to eliminate fear with a caring employee-centric approach. Show these qualities on your resume with examples of past success.

View your preparation as a multi-pronged strategy; a resume is just one piece. 1) Network on LinkedIn–connecting with industry leaders & fellow college alumni. 2) Begin researching companies in your desired industry and compile a list of roles you might seek. 3) Utilize this time for professional development. 4) Update your references, LI, and resume. Keywords and transferrable skills are key!