Even as unemployment has remained relatively low in recent years, younger professionals have found the job market to be as competitive as ever. Many employers now use automated systems to cull resumes, making it difficult to stand out. Writing resumes requires a delicate balance: If you get too creative with your resume, you risk not making it past the artificial intelligence (AI) screeners, but if you aren’t creative enough, the human ultimately reviewing your application may be unable to see the person behind the resume.12
How can you make your CV or resume pop in a pile of many? The answer could lie in whether and how you highlight your technical skills—those abilities employers look for in today’s digital workplaces. Gone are the days when resumes merely rehash your previous employers and responsibilities. They are better seen as tools for showcasing the skills you have so you can hit the ground running if hired.
But what should you highlight that not only gets your resume past an AI screener but also impresses those making hiring decisions? Should you emphasize your talents in programming languages like Python or focus on your expertise in data analysis tools such as Tableau or Power BI? Perhaps your mastery of project management software like Asana or Trello deserves the spotlight, or your ability to navigate complex CRM systems like Salesforce or HubSpot? In this article, we’ll explore some of the most sought-after abilities in various industries and roles. We’ll explain how to identify your own technical strengths and highlight them on your resume to help you increase your chances of landing the job you want.
