In 2022, job seekers will need to pay close attention to what employers are looking for on resumes. Some things remain the same, however, the pandemic and the emergence of new technologies has not only impacted our personal lives, but has also shaped the modern workplace.
Keep reading to learn what employers want to see on resumes in 2022 and how you can adapt your resume to meet their expectations.
1. Work from home skills
Virtual meetings and online communication became the norm during the pandemic, and many companies decided to keep work from home policies in place even after lockdowns ended.
To convince employers that you’re comfortable navigating the digital workplace, add the following work from home skills on your resume:
- Online communication tools (Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc)
- Discipline
- Time management
- Organization
- Problem solving
- Flexibility
Employers like work from home policies because they can save money on office space while offering their employees increased flexibility. So, if you demonstrate work from home skills on your resume, it puts you in a good position when it comes to finding employment.
2. A clear resume layout
A well-formatted resume signals that you’re organized and professional while giving employers a clear overview of your skills and experience.
The overall format of your resume should be simple and straightforward. A resume with headers and bullet points is easier to read than a cluttered resume without clearly divided sections.
Depending on your previous employment history and amount of relevant experience, you should choose one of the following resume formats:
- Chronological (also known as a reverse-chronological resume)
- Functional (also known as a skills-based resume)
- Hybrid (also known as a combination resume)
A chronological resume format is a good choice for most job applicants. However, if you have career gaps in your employment history or you’re an expert in your field, a functional or hybrid resume format will better showcase your qualifications.
3. An eye-catching resume objective
These days, hiring managers spend just seven seconds on each resume before deciding if a candidate is qualified for the role. Because of this, one of the most important steps to making a good resume that maximizes your chances of getting invited to an interview is writing an eye-catching resume introduction.
There are four different types of resume introductions, and which one you should choose depends on your professional background:
Career objective – This type of introduction is ideal if you lack experience in the field you’re applying for work in.
Resume summary – A resume summary is a good choice regardless of whether you’re changing careers or applying for a different job in the same field.
Summary of qualifications – Opt for a summary of qualifications if you’re a candidate with a significant amount of industry expertise.
Resume profile – A professional profile is a combination of a career objective and a qualifications summary.
Choosing a suitable resume introduction helps you emphasize the qualities that make you a good candidate.
4. Resume keywords
Resume keywords are words and phrases relevant to the position you’re applying for, such as skills, specific experience, or certifications. Employers look for resume keywords on your resume because they prove you’re qualified for the job.
For example, common skills hiring managers look for in a UX designer include visual storytelling and CSS, so if you’re applying for a job in this field, these are keywords you should highlight.
The best place to find keywords for your resume is in the job ad. Carefully go through the job description and make note of keywords that describe the employer’s ideal candidate. Then, incorporate them naturally throughout your resume.
Besides showing hiring managers that you’ve read the job description and thought about what makes you suitable for the position, adding keywords to your resume and when you write your cover letter makes your application ATS-friendly.
An ATS, or an Applicants Tracking System, is a software used to scan, evaluate, and rate your application before an HR manager checks it. Unless it detects relevant keywords, the ATS will automatically reject it.
5. Relevant certifications
If you’re applying for work in a field that calls for specialized knowledge or training, displaying certifications on your resume is a must. It lets hiring managers know that you’re legally allowed to perform the duties of the job.
However, even if your target job doesn’t typically require certifications, including them can help set you apart from other candidates. Just make sure they’re relevant for the position in question.
When listing certifications on your resume, include the following information:
- Name of the degree
- Name of the awarding institution
- Date earned
- If it was completed in person or online
If you have more than three certifications to list, place them in a separate section on your resume. Otherwise, you can include them in your skills section.
