Adapting to the New Normal: How Covid Has Changed What Employers Look for in Your CV

CVs are one of the most subjective topics ever. If you show your CV to 20 people, you will get 20 almost completely different pieces of feedback.

What I want to talk about in this article, based off my vast experience working with career changers and speaking regularly with employers plus knowing what’s working in today’s employment market, is what does a CV look like in 2023, compared with say, 2020?

Firstly, a simple list of your job experience and education is meaningless to your prospective employer. They are looking for so much more. They want to know ‘how did you cope during the pandemic, working differently, and what skills did you gain during that time?’

A few years ago, having excellent communication and team-building skills were highly valued.

Now, in a world where remote work is the norm, employers want people who can work independently and are self-motivated. They want you to be able to demonstrate this in your application and tell stories at interview that leave them in no doubt you have lots of self-motivation and you are productive, forward thinking, and innovative when working on your own.

Adaptability is another key trait that employers are looking for. As we all know, many businesses pivoted and changed direction because of the pandemic, and it’s important for them that candidates can demonstrate their ability to adapt and be flexible in uncertainty.

And let’s not forget about technology. A few years ago, it was important to be proficient with Microsoft Office and perhaps a couple of other software programmes. Now, with the rise of remote working and virtual collaboration, employers want candidates who are comfortable with a range of digital tools and platforms. If you lack confidence in your ability to use technology, can I suggest you undertake some of the many FREE courses offered by Google Digital Garage?

What about your comfort zone around social media and the many platforms out there that are now used by businesses? When doing your research on a company, check their presence out on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok? How are they using these platforms? What are people engaging with them on? This will be further demonstration of you being productive and forward thinking, especially if you show them how you can add value with their evolution. Incorporate this new learning from research into your CV and definitely talk around it at interview, aligning yourself with the direction they're heading.

So, having said this above, what does it all mean for your CV?

Well, for starters, you need to highlight your adaptability and showcase your ability to work independently. Mention how you’ve up-skilled during the last few years, and these could be skills like virtual collaboration, project management, or remote communication.

And don't forget to show off your tech-savviness! Make sure to include any relevant experience with digital tools and platforms, as well as your proficiency with video conferencing software.

In conclusion, the last few years has changed the hiring landscape, and employers are looking for a new set of skills and traits in their candidates. I was speaking with an employer, only yesterday, who highlighted the problems he has with trying the change the attitude of some of his longer-standing managers.

With a little creativity and some smart positioning on your CV, you can show employers you have exactly what it takes to thrive in this new and constantly evolving world of work.

You do this by using powerful, strong Action Words in your CV and I have 102 of these ready for you to use, and the best bit is they’re FREE also. Once you sign up to my mailing list, you will hear from me at least weekly, via email, and I’ll be sharing with you lots of tips and advice to move your career transition forward productively.