Make no mistake, I’m not suggesting that you “Pad” your resume with exaggerated or misleading (false) accomplishments but if, like many people, you’re hoping to enhance your job prospects in 2021 then strengthening your resume should be at the top of your New Year’s resolutions list.

Here’s the catch – making your resume stronger requires you to do more than just tweaking a piece of paper. You need to be prepared to take actions that allow you to have a strong resume.

Here are three strategies to future-proof your resume for 2021 and beyond.

TAKE ON EXTRA RESPONSIBILITIES

If you don’t take on responsibilities above and beyond your current job, then how can you expect to be considered for more senior roles? If you want a promotion into that next-step role, then you need to show employers and recruiters you can perform them. Chances are, most hiring managers won’t take a chance on inexperienced staff if they can hire experienced candidates.

So, if you’re hoping to progress in 2021, reach out to your supervisor and ask if you can take on extra responsibility or special projects. Eventually, your boss will welcome your contribution, and you’ll learn new skills and pick up invaluable experience that you won’t get from just covering the basics in your role.

Once you’ve gained a wealth of skills from stepping up and taking on more senior duties, be sure to highlight them in your resume and show recruiters that you’re ready for career progression. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone when doing this. Challenge yourself and try to acquire some skills outside of the areas you already excel in.

STAY AHEAD OF THE TECH CURVE

Technology plays a huge role in almost every industry and profession, you can’t afford to get left behind. The tech landscape is continually changing, and if you don’t understand current tools and systems in your field, you’ll become a much less attractive hire than those who do.

To keep your tech skills sharp and stay in-demand, you need to be proactive in seeking out the latest technology in your field and ensure that your knowledge is up-to-date.

DRIVE TANGIBLE RESULTS

Hiring staff is a significant investment for employers, and, like any investment, they will eventually want to see a return on that investment. Naturally, hiring managers like to hire candidates who have delivered real results for previous employers.

If you want to showcase some impressive achievements on your resume in 2021, you need to start working toward them NOW. Strive to make contributions that can be directly related to saving costs, improving performance, or any other metric that adds real value. By achieving these results, you’ll have concrete evidence that proves your value to recruiters and hiring managers.

Making professional progress requires you take the initiative to go above and beyond what you are hired to do. By actively boosting your skills, taking extra responsibilities, and staying on top of technological trends, you can make 2021 your year.

Rick Christensen: Director, Career Transition Practice

Rick has been a career consultant for over 25 years, serving a very broad-based and diverse clientele. His specialties include effective group facilitation, one-on-one coaching and consultation at all levels including senior executives.

Rick’s passion is coaching individuals through career transitions, developing career management strategies and in identifying and sharpening competencies to open doors to new opportunities. His efforts have assisted thousands of individuals achieve their full potential.

Contact Rick at: Rick@CareerDevelopmentPartners.com