Almost fifteen million Americans have lost their jobs since the coronavirus pandemic began.

As unemployment soars and job vacancies run dry, Resume.io found that online searches in the past 90 days for the following terms* have increased by:

  • Jobs near me - +88%
  • Hiring near me - +111%
  • Indeed - +139%

In a bid to help those hoping to stand out in a crowded job market, Resume.io’s spokesperson Menno Olsthoorn has provided his top tips for the perfect resume:

1. Show you can adapt as the situation does

The pandemic has proven that anything can happen. Emphasize any skills that prove you can adapt and work under constrained situations and you’ll stand a much better chance at landing a job. Using relevant work experience to draw links with the current climate will also raise this chance further.

2. A clear and concise resume is vital

Hiring managers will likely be sifting through resumes even faster than usual, so initial appearances mean everything - how a resume appears is just as important as the information it provides. Keep your resume concise with a mix of formats and the important information obvious - this visual balance will mean the reader focuses on what matters the most: your credentials.

3. Be visible and shout about your achievements

Make it easy for potential employers to find out more about you by creating a professional online profile; one easy way to do this is by via LinkedIn. Regularly update it by showcasing the latest research as well as personal achievements – shouting about your success is a sure-fire way to grab someone’s attention, especially if it’s in refreshing ways like promo videos, collaborations and more.

4. Highlight relevant work experience

The pub landlord recalled that he received applications from former stewards, restaurant managers and more. To snatch a job from experienced applicants, first and foremost highlight the skills you have that will transfer directly to the job at hand. This way, you could trump impressive candidates that don’t fit the role as well as you do.

5. Avoid bloating buzzwords

Contrary to popular belief, cutting down on bloat words doesn’t make your resume less interesting. Resumes should be tailored to each job, using only the relevant skills for the application. Research each vacancy beforehand to handpick the best skills to target and jumpstart you higher up in the list.

6. Include a professional summary

To grab attention from the get-go, start with a professional summary: a concise overview of you and your talents. Doing this means the hirer has everything they need in a clearly worded package, which they can request to expand on if necessary.

7. Network network network!

Most job applications are now online, but that doesn’t mean you have to rely on this. Also known as the Hidden Job Market, some research suggests as many as 70% of jobs aren’t posted online. So if you excel in word-of-mouth to secure a job, keep practicing this alongside online applications.