Crafting a resume and cover letter can tricky. To narrow down a list of candidates, many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to sort and process resumes. ATS software often utilizes automated keyword scanner bots as a first pass on all applications, meaning that getting the attention of hiring managers requires knowing what those specific keywords are and how to use them. In fact, 70 percent of applications are disqualified by ATS software without being reviewed by an actual human recruiter.

While keyword scanning is not a new development, there are yearly trends in these keywords and practices that you should understand. So, with a new year upon us, let’s look at the resume and cover letter keyword trends for 2021.

How To Determine 2021 Resume and Cover Letter Keywords

Every company uses ATS software a little differently. While there are many resources that provide master lists of keywords, these provide little help without context surrounding the job to which you are applying. That’s why experts are urging job seekers in 2021 to read the job description carefully and deduce what types of keywords a company might want.

This process is fairly straightforward. In fact, many job listings will actually include the keywords they’ll be looking for in certain areas of the posting. According to Indeed, these keywords are most commonly listed within the following sections:

• Education requirements,
• Duties and responsibilities
• Preferred qualifications

The keyword choices in your resume should echo the ones you see in the description. Because the ATS software isn’t human, your goal should be for identical phrasings. For example, if you see a job listing that lists “Bookkeeping software” as a requirement and you indicate you have experience in “Payroll software” or something more specific like “QuickBooks,” the software may not read that as a keyword match.

The same applies for industry keywords, which many experts are also including for their 2021 resume and cover letter trends. As we can see from this list of the most popular current resume keywords, recruiters are programming their ATS software to look for both broad and specific requirements. If we think about the keywords used in a sales position, for example, there are ultra-specific terms like:

• Channel Management
• Lead Management
• Post-Sales Support
• RFP / RFI / Bid Preparation
• Strategic Alliance Development

Look for these types of industry-related keywords in the job description. If you see anything that relates directly to this market, type of work, or company, it’s a good idea to optimize your resume or cover letter to reflect them.

Best Practices for Using Resume and Cover Letter Keywords

Once you’ve identified the best keywords for a specific job posting, it’s time to optimize your resume and cover letter. Because the ATS software is automated, there are a couple important rules of thumb to follow throughout your documents.

• Aim for identical spelling and grammar as you see in the job posting. Typos and grammatical errors are still the #1 mistake seen on resumes in 2020. This includes abbreviations and numbers; if a job listing abbreviates Customer Relationship Management software to “CRM,” make sure you’re using that shorthand; if the listing spells out “three years experience” make sure to spell out the number.
• Keywords should be evenly distributed throughout the document, not all dumped into a single section. In fact, according to Monster.com, keywords that only get used once may be flagged by the software. If you have a keyword used in your skill section, back that up by repeating it under your education or previous experience sections.
• Use these keywords naturally. Stuffing keywords into a resume might “hack” the ATS software, but once it’s reviewed by a recruiter, it could read as unnatural or even untruthful. Think about which keywords best reflect your actual skillset and then build sections around those.
• Always include a keyword-optimized cover letter. Though the job listing might not ask for one, this is a chance to speak about yourself in a much more colloquial fashion.

Lastly, do not lie in resumes and cover letters just for the sake of keywords. This practice might be enough to get past the software, but seasoned recruiters and human resources professionals will quickly see through those falsehoods. Not only could this disqualify you from a specific job posting, it could also damage your industry reputation, especially if you’re applying to similar positions in the same city or business community.

Regardless of the position or industry, remember that persistence is key. These keyword trends shouldn’t keep you from remembering what makes you unique. Whether you’re looking for a change in career path or just starting out after college, the process of optimizing your resumes will feel as natural as interviewing after some practice. Happy 2021 job hunting, everyone!

In the same way that the job market ebbs and flows, the same occurs with the components of a resume. How do you know you’ve put your best food forward? How do you know you’ve included the most important and compelling information to make a company choose your resume out of the dozens, if not hundreds, of similar applicants.

Luckily, there are some definite do’s and don’ts to follow to give your resume an advantage. Let’s look at a few of the good and not-so-great resume examples, and identify some of the most important features of each one.

The Best Resume Features 2020  

There are dozens of resume templates available online to download or use as a reference. Many of these are extremely helpful, but in the end, much of the layout and design will ultimately be your choice. In general, there are three big features that can make your resume stand out from the rest, or at least ensure that yours doesn’t fall to the bottom of the pile.

1. Choose the Right Format

Whether you’re starting from scratch, or simply revising and updating your resume, a good place to start is by considering how you want to communicate your experience to employers. One big decision is deciding between a chronological resume and a functional resume.

• A chronological resume takes readers through your work history in reverse chronological order. Beginning with your most recent position first, the resume often goes back ten years, with each entry including your job title, the dates you worked there, and the responsibilities you held.
• A functional resume, on the other hand, focuses instead on industry or job-specific skills. Rather than listing jobs and responsibilities, and then summarizing the skills you used for those positions, functional resumes begin with a long and in-depth description of your talents, skills, and interests.

So, which one is right for you? A chronological resume is most effective if you have a long or impressive work history. If you have perhaps a series of entry level positions or internships, a functional resume can highlight what makes you qualified.

1. Hard Skills vs Soft Skills: Why Not Both?

Resumes are designed to communicate your value. Employers should be able to read your resume and get a feel for your strengths, characteristics, and qualities that make you unique. That’s why communicating your identity in the workplace is about balancing your hard skills and soft skills to illustrate an accurate self-portrait.

Hard skills are the technical experiences that show the employer you have the knowledge and ability to hit the ground running immediately. Examples of hard skills include:

• Coding language proficiency
• Social media management
• Language skills
• Certifications in cybersecurity
• Specific graphic design skills and program-mastery

Soft skills show what working with you will feel like. Think of these as your “people skills,” or your personality. Often, these are the same skills you’d bring to any job in any industry. If hard skills are the left side of your brain, soft skills fall on the creative, right side. Examples include:

• Problem solving
• Communication styles
• Leadership qualities
• Empathy and interpersonal skills
• Collaboration

Just remember to balance these! Employers want to see both sides of the coin. Here is an example of a hard skills-dominant resume template, and another that focuses more on soft skills.

1. Use Keywords

It’s sad, but true: if you don’t have the right keywords in your resume, it’s likely to go unnoticed. To cut down on the time spent reading every single application, employers generally utilize applicant tracking systems. In fact, 99 percent of Fortune 500 companies have these technologies in place. While it might feel daunting or impersonal, having a good grip on what keywords are ranking and which to use in your resume simply ensures you will pass the first round of tests and make it in front of a hiring manager.

Check out this great example of resume keyword usage gone right.

The Worst Resume Mistakes 2020 

There are some common mistakes that can potentially decrease your chances of being seen for a job that could have been your perfect fit. According to a survey by TopResume, 70 percent of hiring managers say there are certain “deal-breakers” that would potentially cause them to stop reading mid-resume and return it to the pile without finishing.

1. Poor Organization

There’s a reason we started out with the organization element of resumes! Your resume should be laid out in a pleasing and easy-to-read format. Avoid flashy fonts and colors and be sure to use a consistent font throughout. That being said, there’s no reason to settle simply for the bare minimum of design.

Another issue to consider is length. You’ve no doubt heard the one-page rule for a resume, but even when abiding by this length, it’s possible to pack in too much information. An analysis by TalentWorks found that the most successful resumes were around 475-600 words long. Make sure you say what you need to and cut out anything superfluous.

1. Spelling and Grammatical Errors

Nothing is more cringeworthy than seeing a professional resume submitted with mistakes in spelling or grammar. Even if the job you’re applying for is completely unrelated to writing, typos communicate a lack of focus, clarity, and hard work. It also could cause you to misrepresent or miscommunicate your abilities altogether.

Some common errors include:

• Misspelled words
• Missing words from sentences or paragraphs
• Writing in passive voice
• Issues with tenses (i.e. talking about previous jobs in present voice)
• Vague language

Check out this woeful resume submitted with dozens of typos.

1. General Lack of Passion 

Perhaps the biggest flaw of a poor resume is the lack of personality and passion that comes with generic templates. You want to stand out and make sure that everyone recognizes your unique qualities. But, in general, you want to infuse your resume with everything that makes you, you. Be sure to speak from the heart, as well as the head, unlike these poor folks.

Your resume could be a simple summary of your experience and skills, but to an employer facing a stack of applications, you want it to be so much more than that. Only 10 percent of resumes result in a single interview. There is no room for error or poor choices when drafting yours. That’s why it’s always a good idea to ask a friend or peer to read over it. Getting that extra set of eyes on the document could be the difference between the call that never comes, and the job you know is right for you.

It’s Friday morning. Everyone else in the office is finishing up projects, filling out timesheets, planning a lunch with coworkers, and looking forward to the weekend. But not you. No, you are anxious and worrisome, staring at the appointment on your calendar scheduled for 2 PM – you’ve got a tough conversation coming up.

Maybe you’re in a management role and you have plans to discipline or even fire an employee. Perhaps you had a disagreement with a coworker and need to squash it. Or maybe you’ve had a tough quarter and have a one-on-one with your boss that you know will be difficult. Tough conversations are part of the workplace and everyday life. Though they are uncomfortable, speaking your mind and communicating needs to others can be incredibly valuable.

So, in order to bust through the anxiety that accompanies these conversations, it’s a good idea to prepare accordingly. Here are some examples of common tough conversations and some great ways to keep the chat on track.

Examples of Tough Conversations 

Tough conversations can come in many forms, especially in the workplace. While conversations should be a two-way street, with both or all parties having the chance to be heard, most discussions will be fairly direct. For example, you might be discussing:

• Poor overall job performance
• Issues on a specific project
• HR issues, such as attendance or workplace ethics
• Interpersonal issues
• Disciplinary action, like suspensions or probation
• Employment termination

Just looking over that list is enough to give anyone a sense of mild panic. However, when you know these discussions are on the horizon, there are some excellent ways to prepare.

Tips for Tough Conversations

At work, it’s rare to be truly blindsided by tough convos. Sure, being fired abruptly does happen, or you may have offended someone in a workplace dispute without even realizing it. But generally, you’ll be able to prepare for the upcoming talk whether you scheduled it or were invited to the conversation.

1. Identify Your Objective

What do you want to accomplish with this discussion? Are you looking for someone else to take responsibility for their words or actions? Do you want to see a specific behavior change? Do you need to let someone go? Whatever your goal, these talks are best if they’re kept short and sweet, and guided toward a single point. Otherwise, it’s likely to turn into a back-and-forth argument

2. Plan Ahead

Scheduling a conversation is far superior to surprising someone with a tense discussion in the middle of the workday.You can speak to them about it, but their curiosity or anxiety may lead to questions, and therefore lead you to having the discussion right at that moment. Send an email invite with a brief description. Not only will this help to nail down a time, it also creates documentation in case management or HR needs it for later uses. This also ties back to the idea of identifying an objective, as some conversations like firing someone should happen later in the week, and others such as one-on-ones are better suited for Mondays so that the recipient can apply the feedback to their work immediately.

3. Center Your Emotions

There’s no space in effective conversations for yelling, crying, or otherwise emotional expressions. You’re already going up against another party who will likely want to argue or at least express their rebuttals. Before beginning a conversation, check in on your emotions and keep them from entering the dialogue. Now, that doesn’t mean speak to them like a robot; empathy and kindness can go a long way, especially when you’re trying to convince someone of a change. However, be aware that these feelings can also make you susceptible to manipulation.

4. Speak Clearly and Concisely

“I don’t quite know how to say this, so I think I will just drag it out…since the dawn of time…” – Michael Scott

During the conversation, it’s important that you don’t mince words. Unlike Michael Scott in the above quote, get right to the point. Though the topic might be delicate and you feel as though it deserves a wind-up, you’ve already scheduled the conversation. This means everyone involved has been agonizing over the discussion, and a straightforward manner will be much more appreciated. Additionally, when we start to ramble on or let conversations go longer than needed, it’s more likely we will backtrack or start to negotiate with ourselves. Say what you mean in as few words as needed, and then let the other person speak or be comfortable in the silence.

Make the Most of Difficult Conversations

They say the devil is in the details. While this adage might cast a negative light on difficult conversations, the truth is that preparing for these discussions is essential to making them productive. By taking time to consider your objectives and centering yourself emotionally, you ensure that chats will accomplish goals, not become a fight or argument.

College is a social experience, through and through. Though your journey to graduation is very much your own, most of your time on campus is spent engaging in real-world interactions, collaboration, and group work. In fact, educational studies performed at Vanderbilt showed a direct correlation between collaborative learning and a higher level of understanding in students.

The question is: What if your learning isn’t happening inside a classroom at all this year? The COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, leaving universities with a tough decision to make, namely whether students will return to campus or continue with online classes. Even if your school opens its campus, there’s a strong chance that a portion of your courses with be digital. However, online classes will require the same level of group work, even without meeting in-person. Before your college semester kicks off, let’s review a few important tips for collaborating across virtual classes.

Explore the Course Software 

When classes start, students can expect overview of the curriculum, a week-by-week schedule of relevant assignments, and usually some specific instructions for success. The same is certainly true in digital classrooms, but a wrinkle is added when new software is involved.

There’s a good chance your college already has Blackboard or another familiar online hub where professors can post assignments, offer additional materials, calculate grades, and generally keep the virtual work by students all in one, set place. But this software also is where the conversations and discussions live. You might use forums, shared docs, or web chat, all depending on your teacher’s preferences. Take some time before coursework gets underway to navigate around and make note of where all relevant work lives online.

Engage in Online Discussions

In-class discussions are a great form of collaborative learning, as they allow students to talk through their understanding of topics under the guidance of an instructor. However, when that same discussion is happening in a chat room or open forum, the academic experience can feel unnatural and even leave students disengaged with the process. But just like in front of your peers in college, the only way to get better is simply to trust yourself and try.

If class discussions are held in messaging platforms like Slack, or a course-specific web forum, it’s important to ensure your messages do not send the wrong impression. If you’ve ever felt attacked in a Facebook comment section, you know how easily tone can be misconstrued, or used purposely to insult others. Virtual classrooms should be a safe space for discussion, so do not use vulgar or insulting terms. Remember, these are new classmates, and your conversations will only get easier as you become acquainted online.

Prepare for Group Projects Online

Love them or hate them, group projects are a regular part of college courses. These collaborative efforts can be highly contentious, specifically when certain group members don’t pull their own weight. Vickie Cook, executive director of the Center for Teaching, Learning & Service at the University of Illinois at Springfield, agrees. “Group projects can be really great, and they can be a disaster. The most important thing is that they have a purpose,” she said.

Completing group projects in online classes can be even more trying because you’re unable to meet and discuss in-person. That’s why succeeding in group work during online classes requires careful planning and organization to enable everyone to complete their part. First, choose a leader for the group. This person should assemble and organize all the work, set meeting times, and maintain momentum for the project. From there, establish all tasks that need to be accomplished, and then try to align each of those with group members’ individual strengths. Also, it would help to use a preferred method of communication, whether that’s through Facebook Messenger, Skype, Gchat, or text messaging; keeping all discussions in one place will help with organization and record-keeping.

Make Virtual Learning Feel Just Like Real Life

The possibility of no in-person classes for the 2020-2021 school year is truly disappointing. However, virtual classrooms can still provide you with knowledge and insights from talented professors and peers at your college. It will take some adjustment, but by staying positive and trusting the instructors, you can get the most out of this year of college.

How are you?

Living with anxiety or depression isn’t easy. It’s about self-awareness, self-management, and knowing when to ask for help. Advocating for your mental health is hugely important. But even those with a long-time diagnosis will tell you that things have a way of sneaking up on you. That’s why daily check-ins with yourself are vital, because when negative thoughts or feelings start to pile up, the way back can seem like too difficult a feat.

The following is an unofficial mental health checklist for your daily routine. While this is a great way to actualize your feelings and spot trends or concerns, this is not a substitute for seeking help from mental health professionals. Use this short survey whenever you find time, but when in doubt, always consult with a doctor.

 Part 1: Charting Your Anxiety and Depression Symptoms

 The feelings caused by anxiety and depression come in many forms and differ greatly between individuals. They can rise and fall over the course of days or weeks, making it difficult for the person suffering through those feelings to keep track of their progress. The following two checklists are questionnaires for some of the most common symptoms associated with depression and anxiety. There are entries for today, the past week, and the past two weeks, so you can identify trends.

 Depression Symptom Checklist

 Mark from 1-5, with 1 being no symptoms at all.

                                                                         Today             The Last Week          Last 2 Weeks

I feel sad or pessimistic

I’m not sleeping enough

I’m sleeping more than usual.

I feel irritable and frustrated.

I am having trouble concentrating or focusing.

I have little to no appetite.

I am uninterested in my usual hobbies or friends

I have new physical pain, like headaches, back pain, or nausea.

I have feelings of self-harm or suicide

Anxiety Symptom Checklist

 Mark from 1-5, with 1 being no symptoms at all.

                                                                         Today             The Last Week          Last 2 Weeks

I feel nervous or anxious.

I feel worried about more than one thing at a time.

I have new things I am worrying about today.

Feelings of anxiety and worry are always with me.

I am unable to relax or sit still without feeling worse.

I’m feeling on edge or irritable.

I have physical symptoms like

Palpitations

Shortness of breath

Sweating

Tingling in extremities

Panic attacks

I feel consumed by the feeling that something bad is about to happen.

Part 2: Continuing Mentally Healthy Activities

 Now that you’ve established baseline trends of anxiety and depression, it’s time to be proactive and practice self-care. Before panicking or letting negative thoughts overwhelm you, try to complete a few of these items. It might feel like a chore, but you’ll be busy distracting yourself while learning to feel comfortable, healthy, and happy.

Healthy Activities for Anxiety and Depression

• Exercise for 1 hour.
• Eat something, healthy if possible.
• Drink a full glass of water.
• Practice deep breathing.
• Take a bath or long shower.
• Make sure to wear comfortable and clean clothes.
• Take out trash or recycling.
• Clean up messes and do dishes.
• Read a book for 30 minutes.
• Go for a walk outside.
• Play with a pet at home.
• Watch a show or movie I love, even if I’ve already seen it.
• Call a family member.
• Call a friend or partner.
• Journal your feelings or draw pictures of them.

How to Use the Anxiety and Depression Checklist

 Tracking your feelings of anxiety and depression, as well as your daily activities, is a good first step toward understanding your mental health. If you have already received a diagnosis from a doctor, this can be used in conjunction with your existing treatment plan. If not, the information you fill out can be used to provide a snapshot of your ongoing mental health, as well as provide detailed information to a doctor should you ever choose to see one. Take care of yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. For resources and help, visit SAMHSA.