With hiring picking up throughout March and April, contractors are in demand as businesses start to scope the developing market. The impact of Covid-19 on the workplace has shifted the types of skills and attributes that businesses need, with adaptability and technology skills in demand across all sectors. A commitment to lifelong learning has also been identified as one of the most important factors in remaining relevant to the world of work. Updating your résumé with any newly-acquired expertise demonstrates your commitment to both independent learning and an ability to use free time productively. In order to optimise your CV for the current market, make sure you consider the following:

1. Change Management

Many businesses have had to react to the Covid-19 crisis with great agility, changing their operations and rebuilding their working processes from the ground up. This steep learning curve has required many employees to demonstrate adaptability in the way they work. Contractors will also need to show how they adapt to challenging situations in order to continue delivering objectives. If you’ve ever had to adapt your own working practices–such as implementing new technology or dealing with various stakeholders – then this should be highlighted on your CV.

The long-term reality of the Covid-19 crisis may mean continuous surges in demand, industry shifts and emerging trends. Demonstrating flexibility and openness to new opportunities on your CV may pay dividends, and lead you to gain experience in an area that you might not have considered before. Contractors who can transfer their skills to high demand areas also stand to increase their choice of contracts. When it comes to identifying current trends, your recruitment consultant can advise you on the skills you should try to capitalise on and where they’re most in demand.

2. Digital Technology

The influence of new technology at every level means that digital skills can add value to many roles. Be sure to highlight any knowledge of the following on your CV, or consider adding these digital skills to your repertoire:

• Coding: Regardless of the industry you’re working in, a basic knowledge of coding is a valuable addition to any résumé. Knowing your way around HTML, CSS, JavaScript, or jQuery can be invaluable for contractors as it increases their ability to perform certain tasks independently. General Assembly’s free Dash program gives you small HTML, CSS, and Javascript assignments and lets you see the effects of your code as you’re writing it.
• Data analytics: Data analytic techniques enable you to take raw data and uncover patterns to extract valuable insights. Analytics have become increasingly important as a means of analysing and shaping business processes and improving decision-making and business results. Try Google’s Analytics Academy for starters.
• SEO (Search Engine Optimisation): Search Engine Optimisation is one of the most sought-after skills, with many business owners looking to make sure their organisation’s websites are among the top search results. This makes SEO a great skill to add to your résumé. However, search engines keep on changing the algorithms they use to rank websites, so keep updating yourself in order to keep your SEO skill relevant.

3. Soft Skills

Whilst technical skills will always be important, soft skills are emerging as a key differentiator for prospective employers. These skills are even more relevant in the wake of the pandemic, as people must learn to operate outside their comfort zone and work under new pressures. Highlighting relevant experience and examples of times you’ve demonstrated excellent communication, emotional intelligence or a willingness to learn is a great way to provide insight into your personality and individuality. Other soft skills include:

• Creativity. The ability to use imaginative ways to solve problems and connect the dots is a valuable asset in just about every industry.
• Persuasion. When it comes to things like negotiation or leadership, the ability to convince others to follow your ideas is always useful.
• Collaboration. Working effectively and efficiently with others to deliver results is at the core of many organisations. Collaboration takes many forms and is an essential skill.
• Emotional intelligence. This skill is all about understanding and responding to emotions, both your own and those of the people you work with.

As the situation continues to evolve, those who demonstrate that they’re prepared for the post-Covid-19 work environment will be most attractive to hiring companies. If you’re starting a new contract, Umbrella Exchange work with industry leading providers for all your contracting needs, including a provider that can facilitate switches and enable you to continue to use your limited company after IR35 reform on 6 April 2021. Talk to a member of our team today on 0203 393 3881