However, many job seekers don’t bother applying during the holidays because they think companies aren’t hiring or that the process is slow. Some job seekers believe that potential employers take vacations during this time, and there is no point in submitting a resume.

But this isn’t always the case; research by Career Builder shows that about 43% of organizations plan to hire permanent employees before the year ends. That means nearly half of potential employers are seeking top talent at a time when many other people aren’t even bothering to apply. It’s your opportunity to craft a great professional resume and stand out from the competition!

This article will go through all the hiring myths that can hinder your end-of-year job-hunting process.

Myth #1: Employers Don’t Hire Until January

Many people believe the hiring myths that companies don’t hire at the end of the year. But that’s not true. To run a successful business, organizations need to plan. Therefore, many companies start planning for next year before January, which includes their hiring process. Some begin the job recruiting before the start of the year and shortlist potential candidates from the end-of-year job applications.

Many of these Q4 job applicants could become new Q1 hires!

So, don’t wait until January to start looking for a job; you’ll likely miss out on some great opportunities. Instead, be proactive and start preparing your resume now. Getting your resume in front of the hiring team now will increase your chances of being contacted for interviews in the coming months.

Additionally, using a professional resume writing service can provide an edge over the competition by highlighting your skills and experience to help you stand out on your resume. When less people are applying you have an even better chance to wow job recruiters.

Finally, don’t forget to keep an eye on job postings and networking events throughout the holiday season. There’s no guarantee that you’ll find your dream job immediately, but putting in the effort early (and year-round) will yield the best chance of success.

Myth #2: I don’t have to get my resume or LinkedIn done until January (Q1)

Many job seekers make the mistake of neglecting to prepare the required documents before applying. The best time to start working on your resume is now, even if you don’t have all the details finalized.

Finalizing your resume and LinkedIn profile before January is essential. That way, you’ll be well-positioned to take advantage of job opportunities in the fourth quarter. Many people miss out on jobs because their resume isn’t ready, so don’t wait until the last minute.

A majority of job seekers don’t have time to write a resume or lack confidence in their ability to represent their skills on paper. In that case, you can always ask for expert resume writing help to elevate your visibility to hiring managers with a professionally written resume.

Furthermore, having a well-optimized LinkedIn profile in place also increases your chances of getting hired because LinkedIn serves as a passive networking tool all year round. Leading resume writing services like Capstone Resume Services also offer Linkedin profile optimization services. So, take advantage of all the resources available to you and get your resume and LI profile ready for hiring managers!

Myth #3: Companies don’t have hiring budgets in Q4, so best to wait until January (Q1) to submit a resume

As the end of the year approaches, many job seekers wonder if it’s worth submitting their resumes or if companies hire during Q4. After all, shouldn’t companies be wrapping up their hiring for the year? It’s one of the popular hiring myths that simply aren’t true.

It’s a common misconception that companies don’t have hiring budgets in Q4, and it’s best to wait until January to submit a resume. However, this is not always the case. Many companies operate on a “use it or lose it” principle regarding the budget. So, at the end of the year, when heads of departments know they still have an available hiring budget in the company, they may be more inclined to utilize the available resources. Hiring managers would rather spend their recruiting budget than lose it for next year.

Moreover, managers assess organizational performance through annual progress reports and identify what talent they want to bring to fill the gaps or round out the team. This scenario means there may be more opportunities for job seekers during Q4 than at other times of the year.

Therefore, if you’re looking for a job, don’t let such hiring myths dissuade you from applying during Q4. You may find your dream job!

External Factors That Affect Q4 Hiring

While we’ve just debunked several popular hiring myths, there are external factors that can affect hiring during Q4 as well.

Take recent events for example, with the major layoffs at Twitter, Meta, and many other technology positions. Meta alone laid off more than 11,000 people during their workforce reduction measures. With all these major layoffs, a large pool of talented technology workers have re-entered the workforce.

Other companies that are seeking top talent will see this as a major hiring opportunity, and won’t be waiting until the first quarter to scoop up some of the top talents from these technology giants. Technology companies that are growing will be hiring technical workers quickly to make sure they get the best of the best.

To take advantage of this, individuals in technology need to make sure they have an updated technical resume to stand out in the crowd of talent. With so many workers re-entering the workforce, there is going to be stiff competition for technology positions.

That is why it will be more important than ever for technology workers to review and update technical resumes, or find a certified technical resume writer who can improve your resume. With a top technical resume writing service, you can create a resume that highlights your technical skills, talent, and experience in a way that your competitors do not. With a resume written by a technical resume writer, you can be sure that your resume will differentiate you from other candidates, and get you to your first technical interview.

Hire the Best Resume Writing Service, Capstone Resume Services!

If you’re looking for a new job or want to spruce up your resume for future prospects, the CPRW-certified resume writers Capstone Resume Services can help. Our professional resume writers work one-on-one with our clients to learn about their experiences, achievements, and goals so that we can create a resume that best represents them.

At Capstone, a team of professional resume writers optimizes your credentials for entry- to executive-level, federal, technical, and financial job seekers with LinkedIn optimization service, making it easier for you to land your next dream job.

So if you’re ready to take the next step in your career, give Capstone Resume Services a try — we promise you won’t be disappointed!

Set up your FREE consultation with our top resume writers today!

With 756 million members worldwide, Linkedin is the largest networking platform. People use the site to keep in touch with employers, coworkers, associates, and clients — but it can do much more than just keep you up-to-date with what someone’s doing at work. As a professional networking tool, Linkedin can help you unlock new opportunities, foster your professional relationships, and build credibility in your field.

Whether it’s laying the foundation for a successful career or closing a job search, there’s more to networking on Linkedin than just adding contacts. Over the past year, the platform saw a 43% increase in conversations between connections. As more people focus on connecting and engaging with people in their online community, you could be missing out on critical networking opportunities. 

‌So how do you develop relationships on LinkedIn that can boost your career? We’re sharing the best ways you can network on LinkedIn.

Create Strong Professional Connections With LinkedIn 

Websites like LinkedIn can serve as powerful networking tools, providing you with the ability to connect with employers and leave a lasting impression. 

‌Instead of waiting for the next in-person marketing event, LinkedIn allows you to network any time or place from the convenience of your smartphone or laptop. You can connect with people you’d never have the chance to meet before, including the biggest and most influential names in your industry. 

‌This kind of networking can get you concrete results. More and more, hiring managers and employers are turning to LinkedIn to find their next recruit. Three people are hired through LinkedIn every minute. 

‌Just by having a solid presence on this network, LinkedIn allows hiring managers to approach you for a potential opportunity — instead of the other way around. If you’re invited to connect with a hiring manager or recruiter, you want to make sure your profile and professional presence are in top shape. They may come to you with a job opportunity and ask for your resume, so it’s important that you’re on your A-game.

How to Use LinkedIn as a Networking Platform‌

LinkedIn offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with others in your industry — so you should treat LinkedIn like you would any other networking opportunity. This means you need to go in prepared and have an effective strategy in mind. 

‌Here are a few of the top three tips for leveraging the networking opportunities Linkedin can provide: 

Perfect Your LinkedIn Profile 

Everyone has a LinkedIn profile, but not every user takes the time that’s necessary to build it out properly. There are a few things potential employers and connections will see when they come across your profile, and it’s important to have it tailored to your professional goals. The algorithm also boosts profiles that are fully filled out. 

‌Here are a few things you need before your LinkedIn profile is polished and ready to go: 

• Add a high-quality, professional photo of yourself (preferably smiling).
• Add a background or cover image that reflects your industry.
• Mention your industry and location in the headline.
• Include a concise but attention-grabbing summary of who you are and what you have to offer.
• Include a strong resume or CV that backs up your expertise.

Think of Your Personal Brand As Your Professional Brand 

If you’re a working professional or executive leader, you have your own personal brand, that includes your personality, industry, and skills. It’s based on your personality, your identity, and your industry. Even though it’s personal to you, you should still treat it like any professional company’s branding. 

You should approach your career like a professional branding opportunity. Your presence on LinkedIn is a form of social media marketing — but instead of promoting a product, you’re promoting yourself. 

‌In addition to “promoting” yourself, you should focus on offering a consistent brand experience. Your image, personality, and even the way you talk and engage with others should align under your personal branding.

Make Personal Connections 

Once your profile is complete, it’s time to connect. Instead of sending out a flood of invitations, focus on making high-quality, personal connections. A personal touch can go a long way. 

‌When you do connect, take the time to send a personal message instead of the automated one suggested by the platform. Show them you’re thinking about your connections and you’re meaningfully engaged with your network. 

Follow up with connections on a regular basis. This could mean checking in on their job search, celebrating a new promotion, wishing them well, or even just saying happy birthday. 

‌These personal touches will help you strengthen your connections, and help you appear more authentic and trustworthy.

Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile To Network Successfully

‌LinkedIn isn’t just an obligation for professionals and executive leaders. It’s a powerful networking resource that you should use to its full potential. 

‌Once you start making connections, you can build a strong network of professional relationships and take advantage of everything the platform has to offer — including new job opportunities. It might take time and dedication to get there, but the results are well worth the effort. 

‌First impressions are important, and to make the most of these opportunities you’ll want to highlight the value you can bring to a company. However, that isn’t always easy — especially in an oversaturated job-seeking market, but that’s where having your LinkedIn profile built out and your personal brand well-established helps.

Capstone Resume Services can help you showcase the best of what you have to offer with our writing services. No matter your career goals, we can help you get there with a powerful resume. Take a look at our success stories or schedule a one-on-one consultation today. 

In today’s competitive job market, there’s more to getting hired than just matching the qualifications.

Whether it’s interpersonal qualities, specific job skills, or personality characteristics, employers look for a blend in the ideal candidate. When you’re immersed in the job search alongside hundreds or even thousands of other candidates, highlighting the right qualities can help you stand out from the crowd.

What Skills Do Employers Look For?

Highlighting your strongest and most marketable skills on a resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile can help create a powerful impression that gets you through the door. While each industry and job requires a different set of skills, certain core qualities are essential to prove yourself as the right fit.

We’ve shared five of the most sought-after skills that employers look for in candidates.

Leadership

One of the many soft skills that employers look for is leadership. Whether you’re managing a team or taking a head role in a collaborative project, leadership involves keeping others on task and accountable. When you demonstrate great leadership, you’re also accepting responsibility for outcomes, volunteering to take on assignments, and being prepared to take charge in challenging situations, and employers love to see that skill in potential employees.

To demonstrate leadership on a resume, you can emphasize skills like dedication, dependability, active listening, integrity, communication, delegation, responsibility, and decisiveness.

Problem-Solving

Problem-solving skills allow you to objectively assess a situation and determine how to move forward. It means seeking solutions despite challenges and setbacks in the workplace.

Employers look for candidates who can take action and brainstorm solutions to some of the problems the company faces. Skills to highlight include communication, decision making, research, creativity, critical thinking, and analytic thinking.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Regardless of the role, teamwork skills are critical. Even in positions that rely heavily on independent work, you’ll still be expected to connect with other roles, teams, and departments.

Cross-functional collaboration means being able to cooperate with colleagues who may each specialize in different areas. Despite having different areas of expertise, the team members need to be able to work toward a common goal and implement new strategies to improve operations.

To show your collaborative skills, you can highlight communication, openness, the ability to give and receive feedback, flexibility, empathy, and responsibility.

Self-Management

In fast-paced work environments, self-management is crucial. Employers want to know that their staff can manage their own time effectively and stay on track, without anyone looking over their shoulder.

Self-management skills allow you to manage your own time, keep track of your progress, and maximize your productivity. In addition to contributing to the company’s growth, you should focus on your own professional growth day by day.

There are some skills to feature on your resume include time management, organization, motivation, goal setting, multitasking, strategic thinking, and prioritization, that will show great self-management.

Initiative

Employers look for candidates who will take initiative in the workplace instead of waiting for their boss to direct them. This means being proactive about opportunities and finding new ways to move the company toward its goals.

Demonstrating this kind of inner drive can prove that you’ll add a lot of value to the company. Skills to highlight include initiative, self-motivation, organization, persistence, and diligence.

What Employers Want To See From You

If you ask recruiters what they look for in an applicant, you’ll hear a lot of similar answers: efficiency, dedication, honesty, leadership, and motivation. These qualities can prove that you’re the right fit, but there’s more to the ideal candidate than technical or soft skills. There are certain traits employers look for that might not be as visible.

These elements of the hiring process are often overlooked, but they can help you stand out among equally qualified or even more experienced candidates.

Thinking and Problem-Solving on the Job

It’s not just about the skills you possess on your resume. It’s also about how you’re going to use those skills and apply them to your work.

Employers value critical reasoning, problem-solving, and solution-oriented thinking because these elements are key to almost any role. You want to demonstrate your ability to assess a situation, analyze the information, recognize what needs to be done, and take action to implement efficient and creative solutions.

Positioning yourself as a creative, practical, and innovative thinker takes more than just the right keywords on your resume. You need to prove that you have faced challenges in the past and come up with a successful solution. Highlight these experiences on your resume and cover letter, and have a few examples prepared for your interview.

Cultural Fit vs. Skills-Based Fit: What’s the Difference?

In the world of recruiting, hiring managers debate between two qualities: cultural fit and skills-based fit.

A cultural fit refers to your ability to fit seamlessly with your team members. You want to have the right cultural alignment, get along well with coworkers, collaborate with different teams, and inspire others in the workplace.

While culture can mean a lot in a workplace environment, skills are just as important. If you bring the right skills, you can hit the ground running on new tasks and projects. You might not require as big of an up-front investment of time and resources.

Finding the Right Balance

While the cultural vs. skills-based fit continues to be hotly debated, you don’t need to choose between the two. You can strike a balance between fitting into workplace culture and bringing the right skills to the role.

While the required skill set might be laid out in the job description, it’s harder to seek out a good cultural fit. Before applying, take a moment to research the kind of work environment at the company you’re applying to. Use resources like Glassdoor, Fishbowl, and other career sites to get a sense of what the company might be like behind closed doors.

How Capstone Resumes Can Help

The best skills and qualities to put on a resume will depend on the industry, job type, and career level. Before you apply for a job, take a moment to assess the skills that the employer might consider the most valuable.

Anticipating what an employer might look for can allow you to fine-tune your resume to highlight the personal strengths that align with the company’s goals. Identifying these connections between the company’s needs and your strengths will help you make a solid impression.

If you’re looking to stand out with your resume, contact us to schedule a personal resume consultation. Our experts will work with you to highlight your strengths and showcase the value you can bring to the table.

If you’re looking for a job during the COVID-19 era, you’re probably eager for things to get back to “normal,” whatever that may look like. The global crisis has had a massive impact on the job market. Unemployment rates have spiked, some companies have shut down altogether, and many offices have transitioned to a completely virtual setup.

In June 2020, a poll found that approximately 42% of Americans were working remotely, 26% were working in-person, and 33% were not working. Regardless of what comes next, it’s clear there has been a significant shift in the workforce — and workplaces may never look the same.

Even if you feel anxious about employment, you shouldn’t give up hope. While the job market may be uncertain at the moment, new opportunities are emerging every day. Remote jobs, new career paths, and unexpected employment opportunities are out there — you just need to know how to find them.

Here are a few strategies you can use to make the most of your pandemic-era job search and prepare for the future of employment.

Navigating Your Job Search

Finding the right job is a challenge even in the best of times, and a pandemic can make it feel impossible. Searching for employment during these times may require changing your mindset and opening up to new possibilities. We have a few strategies that may help make your job search easier.

Look For New Opportunities

After COVID-19 hit, some industries started drying up. But even if a few opportunities fell through, new ones may have emerged due to the pandemic. Take a moment to consider what kinds of new roles are out there.

This might mean broadening your search and stepping out of your comfort zone. Job seekers are now more likely to transition to another industry than they were before the pandemic. We suggest reflecting on how your skills, experience, and interests could open up new possibilities in different roles — within your industry or even outside of it.

Expand Your Location Preferences

When expanding your job search, don’t forget about location. While the opportunities in your area might be scarce, the rise of remote work and work-from-home positions means that you don’t need to limit yourself to the local market.

Some companies may transition back to in-person work, but many organizations will likely embrace remote work permanently.

Stay Informed

Keep an eye on the news in your industry as the pandemic unfolds. Stay informed by reading news articles and online conversations, along with following leaders in your industry on social platforms like LinkedIn.

How are companies adapting to the pandemic and recession? While some businesses may suffer during COVID, others may be innovating and thriving. Knowing this information can help you find the right opportunity and market yourself as a valuable addition.

How To Prepare For a Virtual Interview

Just as many workplaces have gone completely online, interviews have also transitioned to the digital realm. This creates new challenges that force candidates to acclimate to the less-personal Zoom interview.

On top of technical issues, the lack of face-to-face connection can make it difficult to sell your skills and make a solid first impression. We’ve shared a few tips to help you land the job by phone or video chat.

Make the Right Digital Impression

In a digital interview, you won’t get the chance to make that in-person first impression. This means that your supporting documents need to be perfect. Refresh your resume and cover letter to make them sharp, engaging, and full of the right skills and keywords your potential employer is looking for.

Now that so much has shifted online, your internet presence is also more important than ever. Before the interview even starts, take another look at your LinkedIn and other social media profiles, to ensure your digital self is well-represented.

Improve Your Skills

In a job interview during or post-pandemic, an employer might ask what you’ve been doing during the lockdown. This is your chance to show them how you’ve been building up your skillset, whether this means taking classes, keeping up with industry news, or teaching yourself new skills.

Practice Your Interview Presence

One of the challenges of the virtual interview is that you might appear distanced from the employer. You can’t make eye contact, give them a handshake, or demonstrate the engaged and attentive presence you might normally.

Do your best to present yourself as you would in a normal interview. Practice your questions ahead of time, focus on sitting up straight and pulling your shoulders back, and make eye contact with the camera.

Check Your Connection & Devices

The last thing you want in an interview is a lagging internet connection or a sudden technical malfunction. Make sure your laptop is fully charged and that your Wi-Fi is working properly.

Pick an area free of distractions with a clean and simple background. We suggest dressing professionally from head to toe, even if you’re only visible from waist up.

A few minutes before the interview, pull up your Zoom camera to double-check your posture and make sure you’re centered on the screen.

Moving Forward With Your Search

While things may seem difficult right now, it won’t feel that way for long. With the distribution of the vaccine, more businesses will likely start hiring again, creating more job openings and reviving industries.

Even as things start to improve, some recent shifts might be here to stay, like remote work opportunities. As you move forward in your job search, look toward the future and embrace the new opportunities that are headed your way.

Looking to step up your resume for the next stage of your job search? In an increasingly competitive market, a professional resume service can help you stand out from the crowd. Take a look at Capstone’s services and schedule a consultation to learn more about how we can take your resume to the next level.

Get Acclimated To LinkedIn’s Features

LinkedIn is adding and removing features all of the time. If you haven’t been on the site in awhile, set aside some time to peruse the various features and settings. See how your profile looks to others and check out how your connections are using theirs. LinkedIn also has a company blog where it provides current information and announcements for users.

Know Your Privacy Settings

Is your job search public or private? If you currently have a job, then you probably want to keep a lid on the fact that you’re looking for other opportunities. LinkedIn allows customization of your privacy settings to control how much of your activity others (like your boss and colleagues) can see.  To keep your job search private, pay special attention to these settings: activity broadcasts and activity feed,  those that show you’ve viewed someone’s profile,  and the visibility of your groups. Note that even if a group is not visible on your profile, your activity in a group can be seen by other group members. You can, however, respond privately to another group member’s post.  Finally, if you purchased a premium subscription, note that LinkedIn adds a “badge” to your profile. You can hide this badge (a briefcase icon) so others will not know that you have purchased the premium subscription.

Strut Your Stuff

What better way to showcase your abilities than providing specific examples?  The summary, experience and education sections of your LinkedIn profile allow you to either “Add a link” or “Upload a file.”  Use these features to create a visual portfolio and include samples of your best work for others to see.  These examples bring your job description to life and enable hiring managers to see how you’ve gone above and beyond your stated job duties.

Ask For Advice Or Information, But Don’t Ask For A Job

Networking is about building relationships, and relationships are built in steps and over time. The first step is not asking someone for a job, or asking them to pass along your resume. They might not tell you so, but your contact could be offended if they haven’t heard from you in ages and now you’re there to ask for a job. Find ways to continually engage and stay connected. We provide some tips for that below. Approach a contact to ask for their opinion or advice, or ask them if they’ll share information with you. If you’ve spent time getting to know others and provide value, in time you might not have to ask for a job or a referral, you’ll be the first to come to mind when the right opportunity arises.

Be An Active Participant

LinkedIn provides many opportunities for active involvement. Status updates provide a blank canvas for connecting with your LinkedIn contacts and staying visible in their activity feeds. You can share interesting articles, information, job opportunities, events and inspiration, or ask questions or ask for advice.

You’ll also see in your activity feed what your connections are posting and updates such as new positions or work anniversaries. You can comment on any of these posts, share your support and expertise with your network and celebrate their accomplishments with them.

Groups provide another avenue for being active on LinkedIn. You can participate in alumni groups, groups based on professional interests or specific fields.  Engage in discussions and ask or answer questions. Groups are a great way to meet, network with and stay connected to others who share your interests.

Capstone resume writers with recruiting and hiring backgrounds create affordable resumes, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles that get results. Get started today!

Expand Your Professional Network

LinkedIn is foremost an online professional networking forum. Networking is critical to your job search, and the site allows you to do it from the privacy of your home and the convenience of your computer or mobile device.

LinkedIn lets you to connect with people you already know, see who they are connected with, and if desired, request introductions. This is a great way to grow your network, and LinkedIn makes it easy to facilitate these introductions.

You also can use LinkedIn to seek out people in your target industry who you might not otherwise know. When you invite someone to connect through LinkedIn, the site provides a generic personal note template to send with your request. If you do not know the person you are trying to connect with, take the time to write a personal note explaining why you would like to connect with him or her. Many people will be happy to connect with you when they know how you can help one another.

Find Employment Opportunities

LinkedIn is an essential tool for your online job search.  You will find many job postings on LinkedIn, and keep in mind that employers are often searching LinkedIn for qualified candidates to fill positions they have open, which might not be posted. It’s critical to have a complete and current profile so they can find you.

Utilize LinkedIn’s jobs section to search for employment opportunities, save job search parameters and job postings, and set up email alerts.  In some instances, you can apply directly to a job by clicking the “Apply with LinkedIn” button.  Your profile then serves as your resume, which again underscores the importance that you have a recent and comprehensive profile.

It’s imperative to remember that recruiters and managers are also using LinkedIn to critique you.  It’s common for employers to look at your LinkedIn profile to validate the information on your resume or to confirm what you say in an interview.

Demonstrate Your Skills

It’s easy to list skills on your resume, but to get the job, you have to prove that you can walk the talk. Your LinkedIn connections can endorse you for specific skills and provide personal recommendations for work you have done. This third party validation is a nice feature that a potential employer is not going to find on your resume.

You can also demonstrate your skills by including examples of your work, in some cases doubling your LinkedIn profile as an online portfolio. To demonstrate skills that you’re not using in your job, consider adding the volunteer work section to your profile to highlight additional skills you’ve developed outside of traditional employment.

Stand Out From The Crowd

LinkedIn is always adding features to make it more interactive and engaging. With millions of users, your LinkedIn profile alone may not always be enough to get you out in front of potential employers, but there are actions you can take to get noticed.

Try participating in the groups that are available on LinkedIn. You can find groups for college and company alumni, and groups based on interests, skills or industry.  Not only are groups a great source of information for your job search, being an active participant in them can help your profile get noticed.

Another way to stand out is to regularly publish content.  The “Share an update” feature is your opportunity to ask questions, share your thoughts and ideas, and distribute interesting articles or other information that your contacts can see in the activity feed on their LinkedIn home page. Engaging with the content your contacts are publishing also gets you out there.

Plenty of tools and resources are available online to help you create a stellar LinkedIn profile. To save time, you could hire the professionals at Capstone Resume Services to get you started with your LinkedIn profile writing so you can remain focused on being an engaged participant.