The COVID-19 pandemic has stepped up several new skills and requirements in the business world. In view of this development, companies are looking for candidates efficient in new skills and capabilities. Therefore, it is important for the resumes of candidates to clearly reflect necessary skills and talents.

According to Anjali Samuel, managing partner, Mindfield Resources, a number of companies are going global or working with remote teams across different regions. Therefore, it is important to know two or more languages to have distinguished resume for better hiring prospects.

"In addition, highlighting one’s projects and freelance gigs can help them make up for any lack of experience in a certain field as well as display their passion for the job at the same time,” she added.

Candidates can also highlight their management skills and ability to effectively handle complex situations during the initial period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Samuel said that companies are looking for professionals with flexibility, adaptability, critical thinking, digital literacy, maturity and courage among other factors for executive positions to take the business in the right direction, particularly during tough pandemic days.

Deepa Sud, CEO of Dubai based HR business transformation and executive search consultancy Plum Jobs, noted that hiring stakeholders are under immense pressure due to the urgency to fill vacancies with a wide abundance of available candidates. They are sifting through a high volume of unnecessary resumes which sometimes results in the hiring of wrong candidates.

Sud further affirmed that there is no stigma attached to being laid off due of COVID-19, advising candidates to not try and hide the reason behind their unemployment.

"Many candidates fail to see the significance of being honest about their employment gaps because it may be to their advantage when a company is looking to hire someone who is available immediately," Sud added.