1. LinkedIn Provides a Broader View of Your Professional Profile

A resume is typically one or two pages long and highlights your skills, experiences, and achievements. It’s typically tailored for the job you are applying for and has a set format. On the other hand, your LinkedIn profile acts as an extended version of your resume. It includes the same information as your resume while allowing you to showcase a range of other aspects that can be beneficial to your career. 

• Recommendations: LinkedIn allows colleagues, managers, and clients to recommend you easily to other individuals. This offers a level of credibility and social aspect that a resume cannot provide.
• Media: Your profile can have videos, presentations, articles, and other forms of media that help demonstrate your experiences and expertise. 
• Endorsement: LinkedIn allows your network to endorse your skills, validating your qualifications in ways a resume won’t allow. 

These features provide a greater view of who you are as a professional, beyond what a resume can provide. A LinkedIn profile enables potential employers to get a sense of personality, work ethic, and reputation in your industry.

2. Networking Goldmine for Professionals

One of the biggest advantages of LinkedIn is its ability to help you build your professional network. Unlike a resume, LinkedIn opens doors for networking and making connections with industry leaders, recruiters, and employers. Professional LinkedIn profile writing services offer help in this area to ensure you have an ample amount of opportunities available for you. 

• Relationship Building: On LinkedIn, you are able to reach out to individuals in your industry and join groups in your field. This helps you increase your visibility and relationships with others who share the same careers as you.
• Job Referrals: Recruiters and hiring managers often are actively searching on LinkedIn for potential candidates. Having a well-crafted profile can increase your chances of being discovered and sought out. 
• Recruiters: LinkedIn has a feature that allows you to let recruiters know you are open to opportunities. This makes you discoverable to people looking to hire in your field.

Instead of being a one-way communication tool like a resume, LinkedIn allows for two-way communication. It provides more opportunities to engage with similar people in your industry while being able to share your insights and connect with others who can help open career doors. Consider hiring a professional LinkedIn profile writing service to help you create a profile to build your professional network.

3. Standing Out with Keywords and SEO

Recruiters and hiring managers typically use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to filter out resumes that don’t match up to what they are looking for. If your resume doesn’t contain the right keywords or phrases, it could be overlooked, even if you are qualified for the job. LinkedIn, however, works as an alternative form of search engine optimization (SEO) 

• Profile Keywords: Like a resume, keywords are essential for your profile. Including relevant skills, job titles, and industry-specific terminology will help your profile surface when recruiters search for candidates. 
• Search Engine: Your LinkedIn profile is searchable on Google and isn’t just limited to the website. This makes it feasibly discoverable outside of the platform. Hiring someone for a professional LinkedIn profile writing will help increase your chances of showing up in search engine results when someone looks for your name or relevant information. 

LinkedIn’s SEO makes it easier for you to be found by recruiters and hiring managers which allows a higher likelihood of being approached for job opportunities. 

4. Demonstrating your Engagement and Continuous Learning

Recruiters are not just evaluating you on your skills and experience, they are also assessing your level of engagement with the industry and if you are continuing to prosper through more learning. LinkedIn provides a platform for you to showcase your commitment to your professional development. 

• Sharing Content: By sharing industry articles, writing your own posts, and commenting on others, you can demonstrate your leadership and engagement with current trends.
• Endorsements and Skills: LinkedIn’s skills section allows you to add specific skills you have gained throughout your career, and your network can endorse you for these skills. This serves as validation and gives you credibility on your profile.

LinkedIn’s continuous learning features, like online courses and certifications, further highlight your commitment to expanding your knowledge in your field. Professional LinkedIn profile writing is the perfect way of demonstrating your engagement and continuous learning in your career. 

5. Staying Ahead of the Curve

In the ever-evolving world of job searching, LinkedIn allows you to be proactive about your profession. It gives you real-time updates on trends, job postings, and connections, enabling you to stay ahead of the competition. Many companies use LinkedIn to announce job openings before they are posted anywhere else. LinkedIn also provides insights into company culture, employee reviews, and job requirements, giving you a more informed perspective on the job and if it is a right fit for you. 

Professional LinkedIn Profile Writing: Capstone Resume Services 

Networking is crucial to your profession and job search. LinkedIn allows you to present yourself in a way resumes are not able to. Using resources like LinkedIn helps set you aside from the competition, allowing you to jump on the opportunities available. Hiring a professional LinkedIn profile writing service will allow you to create a showstopping profile that recruiters and hiring managers won’t forget. Here at Capstone Resumes, we offer services to help set you aside from the competition. Contact us today to get your LinkedIn profile ready for job searching!

The end of 2022 saw extensive layoffs from numerous tech companies both small and as large as Twitter. As the industry moves into 2023, many tech companies are looking to fill holes from restructuring including brand new positions they never needed before or old positions they learned they couldn’t operate without after the layoffs.

However, with this massive market of new jobs in the new year, there’s an even larger market of tech professionals looking for work. With so much competition, there’s never been a more important time to prioritize the specifics of your technical resume and make your first impression truly stand out. When it comes to technical resume writing, Capstone Resume Services is here to help with its award-winning professional resume writing services. Keep reading to learn some of our tips to get hired in the 2023 technology industry.

Why Technology Workers Need to Update Their Resume and LinkedIn Right Away

If you haven’t updated your resume or LinkedIn before the layoffs, you need to do so immediately! Having an updated resume and linked in is crucial to finding a technical position in the 2023 technology market.

To ensure a solid first impression, it’s crucial to triple-check both your resume and your LinkedIn profile. Tech companies in particular heavily use LinkedIn and showing you are at least familiar with the website with a thorough profile and regular posts may help you stand out among the competition. Additionally, LinkedIn lets you highlight your own professional skills and assets in ways standard cover letters and technical resumes don’t.

Make sure your resume, LinkedIn profile, and any other portfolios or sites necessary are thoroughly up to date. If you’re a freelancer or contract worker, this means making sure every loose end and gig is represented, properly dated, and formatted. While resume formatting issues aren’t usually too problematic, they could dissuade potential employers in the tech industry who’d expect as much perfection in their work as you’d put on a one-page document.

Get Help Updating Your LinkedIn Profile

If you haven’t updated your LinkedIn profile in a while and aren’t sure what key specifics recruiters are looking for, you don’t need to worry. Capstone Resume Services can help you optimize your LinkedIn profile after they assist in writing your technical resume!

Before you pay for LinkedIn Premium, make sure that your profile is 100% optimized for recruiter and hiring manager searches. Capstone can help you draft a profile that matches your specific industry background and highlights your strengths and experiences. With a fully optimized LinkedIn profile, you will stand a much better chance of standing out against the competition for LinkedIn jobs, or getting discovered by a recruiter!

Contact our LinkedIn experts to get started discussing how to improve your LinkedIn profile.

How To Optimize Your Resume for Technical Job Interview

Having a standout technical resume is about more than having a solid job history or formatting everything in an alluring way. Particularly in the 2023 technology market, most employers will look for specific qualifications and keywords on technical resumes.

In fact, most resumes go through an Application Tracking System (ATS) that scans your resume for specific keywords that your potential employer is looking for. To make sure your resume gets past this initial scan, you need to ensure that your resume features the keywords that the software is looking for. Once you make it past this round, you need to make sure your resume is optimized for a hiring manager. Highlighting keywords and knowledge specific to your job in a cohesive manner is a great way to properly optimize your resume for human evaluation.

For example, if you were a “system operations technical lead” for a company, don’t just put “tech lead” or “operations tech” as the job title. Instead, highlight as much of the position as you can in the job title and description. This way, an employer looking to fill that exact tech position will identify you as perfect for the job right then and there.

We discuss how to use keywords in your resume in our Different Resume Optimization Strategies blog and our other recent blog, Navigating the Current Technology Market.

Hire Professional Technical Resume Writers

It’s human nature to spend hours staring at your technical resume without noticing typos, formatting issues, or missed opportunities for optimization. But while you are searching for hidden grammatical errors, you might be missing out on the keywords or current technology resume trends, especially if you have been out of the technology market for a while! Hiring a professional resume writer is recommended for any professional, but it’s particularly crucial for applicants in the current technology market.

At Capstone Resume Services, experienced resume writers compose and revamp resumes that are sure to help you stand out. Rather than just focusing on formatting, Capstone’s resume writing experts work with you one-on-one to learn your achievements, goals, and expertise to best adapt that to your resume and help get you to the interview stage of the hiring process.

Our industry experts help craft a resume that features the keywords and resume specifics that will get you past resume scanning software and land you a real interview. With professional technical resume writing services, you can help ensure that your resume will stand out from the competition in the technology market.

Research Technology Companies Hiring

With so many companies in the technology market hiring, researching the company you’re applying for is important; both to learn how to stand out and if the job would be worth your time.

By learning about the specific tech company that you’re interested in applying for, you can highlight certain attributes and skills in both your resume and cover letter that are relevant. By crafting a resume that speaks to industry specifics, your resume will seem more personal and direct than a resume that is written for a broader audience appeal.

Should you be offered an interview, you’ll be able to easily show off your knowledge of the company, which will prove to them you’re actually interested in the job. Finally, researching the company also helps you identify certain red flags, such as if this tech company just fired 90% of its staff. Work culture is a crucial factor in determining your next career move.

How to Find the Right Work Culture in the Technology Market

Workplaces are evolving and show no signs of stopping, especially in the technology market. For this reason, it’s more important to research a company’s work culture, both past, and present, than it is to research how the company currently operates.

When 2020 forced many businesses to become remote, some companies had to completely overhaul their structure and staff. Alternatively, other companies in the technology market managed to maintain their staff throughout the pandemic era without losing efficiency or morale. Work culture plays a massive part in how tech companies handle change and what the business will look like a year from now, which is crucial for job stability in the current shifting market.

Learn more about how to align a work culture within the technology market that’s the right fit for your next position by reading our recent blog on building the right cultural fit with your technical resume.

Hire Professional Technical Resume Writing Services and Apply Quickly

The 2023 technology market is moving fast. Companies know that open positions can’t remain open for long, so it’s crucial for you to apply quickly but also apply with your best foot forward.

Technical resume writing is one of the most intricate parts of the application process, but it’s especially important for technology professionals. Without a top technical resume, you are likely to miss out on opportunities with all the current competition in the technology market.

Capstone Resume’s award-winning technical resume writers are prepared to help you right away so you can begin the application process. For technical resume writing help, visit our website and request a FREE consultation today.

Even corporate leaders who have recently called employees back to the office are accepting the inevitability of the hybrid work model. With major employers like Google, Apple, and Microsoft postponing office returns indefinitely, it is evident that flexible work is here to stay.

As a job seeker, how can you tailor your resumes for remote job positions and stay ahead of the curve? And what skills should you highlight to align yourself with these opportunities? At Capstone Resume Services, we know how important resume strategies are, which is why we’ve compiled valuable tips that will help you create an outstanding resume for remote job opportunities!

What Types of Remote Job Resumes Are There?

First, you need to understand that with the evolving workplace there are various ideal resumes for different work environments. Depending on your career goal, the first step in creating an outstanding resume for remote job opportunities is identifying which type of remote position you are targeting.

There are a few different ways to position yourself as a remote worker on your resume (and LinkedIn profile), depending on your work experience and the type of remote work you are looking for. Here are some different types of resumes for today’s work environment:

Creating an Outstanding Remote Job Resume

Many jobs have become fully remote. If the job you’re applying for is entirely remote, your resume should clearly reflect that. You need an outstanding remote resume to be considered for the position as competition for these types of positions is high.

Start by specifying that you’re seeking a remote position in your resume objective or summary statement. Then, focus on the skills and qualifications that highlight your personal ability to work independently and remotely. Past experience is great and should definitely be used to strengthen your remote work potential.

Creating an Outstanding Hybrid Job Resume

Hybrid workplaces come with different challenges, as they require both in-person and remote work skills. Your resume should, therefore, focus on your ability to be flexible. First, specify that you’re open to both remote and in-person work arrangements. Then, showcase your ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote setting.

LinkedIn Profile Page

Linkedin is another avenue that you should be leveraging to earn the remote or hybrid position you desire. Your LinkedIn profile is an excellent place to show hiring managers your skills related to remote work. Update your job title to reflect that you’re open to remote work opportunities and add relevant skills to your LinkedIn skills section, such as:

• Online collaboration
• Virtual team management
• Web conferencing

These additions to your Linkedin profile can help you stand out from the crowd and show up in more searches.

How to Write a Remote Job Resume That Will Get You Hired

Whether you’re looking for a fully remote position or a hybrid job model, a professionally written resume is essential for any successful application. Capstone Resume Services can help you create a resume that positions you as the ideal candidate for these opportunities.

These five tips for writing an outstanding remote job resume are only the beginning of what a professional resume can do for you:

Showcase Excellent Tech Skills

In a remote work setting, excellent tech skills are essential. In the work experience section, be sure to mention your experience with the most popular remote work communication tools, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Google Suite. In addition to showing your ability to communicate while working remotely, also include your project management software familiarity with programs like Asana, or Monday.

Demonstrating your familiarity with these platforms will show that you’re comfortable with the digital tools necessary to perform the job duties remotely.

Highlight Your Flexibility

Your resume should also highlight your ability to work independently. One way to do this is to include any relevant experience working from home. Another possibility is to showcase your ability to work independently by including examples of projects you’ve completed where you had a high degree of autonomy.

Emphasizing your ability to complete tasks on time without much oversight is essential to your proving yourself as a strong remote or hybrid candidate.

Demonstrate Organizational Skills

Another area of focus in the resume writing process is effectively demonstrating your organizational skills. As a remote worker, you need to stay on top of deadlines and manage your time effectively. For example, think about the times you had to juggle multiple projects and explain how you completed them successfully.

Showing these skills to employers will increase the likelihood of a callback for an interview.

Stress Independence and Self-Motivation

When working remotely, it’s critical to manage your time and stay on task without constant supervision. For this reason, time management and task prioritization are essential skills to include in your resume. The best way to demonstrate these skills is by providing specific examples of times when you’ve successfully managed your time and completed tasks on your own.

If you can demonstrate that you deliver the same, or improved results, while working independently this will go a long way in helping your resume stand out.

Emphasize Strong Communication Skills

And finally, don’t forget to emphasize strong interpersonal communication skills. In a remote work setting, you need to communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally, e.g., on video calls. Choose one or two examples that highlight effective communication with team members, clients, and customers, and use them to illustrate your interpersonal skills in the work experience section of your resume.

Build an Outstanding Professional Resume for Remote Work with Capstone Resume Services

A remote or hybrid job can be the perfect career move, but you need to make sure that your resume is up to the challenge. Remote work skills are in high demand, so it’s vital to concentrate on the skills, experiences, and qualifications that set you apart as the ideal candidate for these opportunities.

Are you unsure that you currently have an outstanding resume for remote work? Capstone Resume Services can help you create an expert-written resume that will get you hired for the remote and hybrid jobs that interest you. We work one on one with our clients to learn about their experiences, achievements, and goals so we can write a resume that highlights their unique skills and qualifications.

Contact us today for a FREE consultation to learn more about our professional resume writing services and start your next job search with confidence.

In 2022, the world’s future remains uncertain, but job seekers have the power to take control of their own futures. New opportunities, changing values, and a massive labor shortage have set up a year that promises to be impactful. It’s the perfect time for you to make your next career move.

The right job is out there. The year 2021 closed with almost 11 million job openings in the U.S., and the job growth rate has shown no sign of slowing down. In January, employers added 467,000 jobs. 

The job market is booming, and it’s a great time to take advantage of it. We’re sharing five reasons job seekers should celebrate in 2022.

5 Reasons Job Seekers Should Make Career Moves in 2022

The job search can be a source of anxiety, but this year, the ball is in your court. Keep these five things in mind as you look for your next position.

You Are in Demand

The U.S. currently suffers from a huge labor shortage. For every 100 job openings, there are only about 65 unemployed workers. 

Even as the economy recovers, the pandemic remains a very real concern. It kept some people at home for health or childcare reasons and led others to retire during the past couple of years. The labor force participation rate remains below 62%, which is significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels. A lot of people without jobs aren’t looking for them.

Employers need employees. They’re offering you higher wages, hiring bonuses, and better benefits because they have to. 

Your Future Employer Has Learned to Value You

These advantages result from more than simple supply and demand. They also reflect a cultural shift in attitudes toward work. 

The Great Resignation began in July 2021. In the midst of the tight labor shortage, millions of Americans started to quit their jobs in record numbers. They then turned around and found better jobs, creating a war for talent at all levels that have exhausted recruiters. 

Without a stable, contented workforce, company growth is impossible. Smart companies have done more than revamp compensation packages. They’ve invested in your happiness with better perks, conditions, and work culture. 

Flexible Work Options Have Become the Norm

One of the biggest changes is the shift towards flexible work options. The pandemic taught us how to accommodate remote work. A lot of companies have started offering completely remote working options or shifted to a hybrid model. Among other benefits, this change expands the geographic boundaries of your job search.

Even if an employer wants an on-site employee, they may be willing to compromise. You have the power to leverage, and flexible work options are a common bargaining point.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Goals Are a Top Priority

Today’s job seekers demand more of employers, particularly in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This younger workforce looks for equitable and inclusive workplaces that fit their values. And they’re more skeptical than ever of idealistic rhetoric that isn’t reflected in real hiring practices.

Social justice issues have come to the forefront over the last few years. When a company claims to want diverse candidates, there’s a good chance they mean it. The result is more opportunities for people of color, and healthier, more dynamic work environments for all.

Growing Industries and Job Roles Need Top Talent

If you’re entering the job market for the first time or looking to make a career change, know that a number of industries show significant job growth. These five display some of the highest recent numbers:

• Scenic and sightseeing transportation
• Magnetic media manufacturing and reproduction
• Couriers and messengers
• Motion picture and sound recording
• Data processing and related services

In terms of specific positions, there are also multiple job roles that are on the rise, many of them across sectors. 

Robotics, cloud and full-stack engineers are in demand, as are JavaScript developers. IT departments are looking to add more experts in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. 

Businesses aim to convert more customers with additional customer success specialists and sales development representatives. Data scientists are also in high demand.

For the more service-oriented job seekers, the number of behavioral health technicians is also growing. Plus, unlike most jobs in healthcare, this profession doesn’t require a specific degree.

Set Yourself Up for Success with Capstone Resume Services

Seize the day. No, seize the year. There are countless job openings, but the competition for the right job remains high. 

Position yourself as the capable professional you are with Capstone Resume Services. We can help you craft the perfect resume and job application. That way, you can take advantage of the job opportunities available in 2022.

The first step is to schedule a free consultation. Let’s work together to find the work that you love.

That’s where Capstone can help. After more than eight years in business, we’ve reached a national ranking: #4 out of all the resume writing services on the market. From executive to professional to entry-level, we’re the experts on professional resume, executive biography, and LinkedIn brand development.  

What’s behind our top national ranking? We put the client experience first. When you work with Capstone, you can expect personalized, one-on-one attention from industry experts who know what it takes to get your resume at the top of a recruiter’s list. 

Below, you’ll find out everything that sets us apart from other resume writing companies. 

We Work With You One-On-One 

At Capstone, the client comes first in every step of the process. Before we begin the process of creating a resume, we start with an in-depth phone or video resume writing consultation with the writer drafting your materials. 

The writer’s job is to act as a partner during the writing and revision process — asking all the right questions about your employment history, career goals, and achievements. From beginning to end, we’ll work with you one-on-one to make sure you have a voice in the process. 

We Hire Certified Resume Writers 

While some resume writing services boast low prices and quick turnaround, there’s no guarantee for quality. In fact, many professional resume writers don’t have any industry experience. 

At Capstone, we only hire certified resume writers from diverse professional backgrounds. No matter your goals, our writers are prepared to help you meet them. As certified resume experts with years of experience, they can leverage their in-depth industry knowledge to partner with clients. Our writers have personal experience working with anyone from mid-level professionals to C-level executives, including board members.

We Offer Personalized Assistance 

Unlike other resume service companies, we don’t use a generic template. You can expect personalized and customized attention from each resume writer as they craft your resume. 

Our writers start with a comprehensive understanding of your career goals and employment history to create a more innovative approach to marketing you as the best choice for the job. Each resume and cover letter is tailored to help you reach your unique goals. 

Our consultation service relies on consistent communication from start to finish. Your writer will keep in touch throughout the process to make sure that the goals and messaging are perfectly optimized. This way, your resume has the best chance at opening doors for your career. 

We Include Flexible Revisions in Price 

If you’re not 100% satisfied with every part of your first resume draft, we include flexible options for revisions in the initial price. There’s no additional fee for a second or third draft, so you can be sure that all your goals are met and your requests resolved. Our writers will address any concerns you have, even if it goes beyond one revision. 

We Have a High Success Rate 

Unlike some professional resume writing services, you can be sure that it’s not all just talk with Capstone. We have proven results — with a high success rate for all our clients. 

Our resumes are: 

• Written for every individual client (not template-based)
• Personalized to best capture each client’s unique value 
• Optimized to hit the right industry keywords, including ATS (applicant tracking system)
• Tailored to communicate the right skills for the job description 

Our resume writers take their time to get to know each client, and this care reflects in the quality of our resumes. The success stories speak for themselves, as do the many referrals clients send to friends, family, and colleagues. We take pride in delivering the best service to our clients. 

Why Capstone Resume Writing Services Ranks at #4

With the hundreds of resume writing services out there, why should you choose Capstone? The answer is simple. There might be other resume services out there with similar claims about success rates, turnaround times, and certifications. But we’re one of the few companies built around service first and foremost. We recognize that resume writing isn’t a product that you can sell, so we structured our company to focus on serving the needs of our clients. 

If you work with Capstone, you can expect personalized attention, an in-depth consultation, and a resume that takes your best qualities and frames them in an attractive package for your next job application. Ready to show hiring managers your best? Request a consultation with us today! 

While you can revamp your own resume for your next job search, it’s worth your while to have an expert prepare it for you. A resume is the most critical part of the job search toolkit. It showcases all of your professional strengths and helps you land an interview among dozens — if not hundreds — of top-level applicants. 

But a good resume isn’t easy to write. You need to capture your best attributes in a compelling and condensed way while also appealing to employers whose expectations are changing every day. A resume writing service can help you land the perfect mix of skill-based and culture-based elements they’re looking for in an employee — all in an attractive package. 

Before you put down any money — at a range of anywhere between $100 and $2,000 — you need to make sure you’re investing with the right service. We’re sharing a few facts that will help you assess a potential resume writing service and determine the best value for your money. 

Do They Have Experienced Writers & Staff  

Just like any other industry, experience speaks volumes. The right professional resume writing service will employ experienced writers who have worked in their industry for years. These writers should have a firm grasp of how each industry has changed over the years — and what it takes to succeed in today’s job search climate.

Don’t run if a service features some newer writers, however — those with a few years of experience can still have a firm grasp on what makes and breaks a resume, and will also have the added benefit of being up-to-date on the latest techniques and what to include.

What Value Can They Give? 

Before you commit to any service, you need to know what kind of value they can provide. Take a look at their website to get an understanding of what they promise with each resume. Do they offer a personalized consultation? Do you get a chance to make revision requests? Each resume review should be done according to your unique needs. 

Some services may also offer additional services to polish cover letters or LinkedIn profiles.  

Resume Writer Expertise 

Finding the right service isn’t just about their years of experience. The ideal professional resume writer will have an in-depth understanding of what it takes to build a resume that will not only get past an initial review but will also impress an employer at the highest level. 

Each industry and job will look out for specific skill sets. They may expect to see certain certifications, jargon, or phrases in your application to make sure it’s a good fit. In these cases, employers may use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to sift through applications. These programs will rank applications based on how they use these keywords and even eliminate applications that don’t use the right ones. 

To avoid your resume being dismissed — even if you’re a good fit for the role — a good resume writer will be able to identify the right keywords and make sure they’re included. They can optimize your resume to pass these ATS tests with flying colors. 

Specialized & Niche Resume Writers

While you may not be able to find a resume writer who has worked in your particular industry, the right service will have writers from a wide range of backgrounds. 

A resume writing service company should be able to offer professionals who have worked on resumes in your line of work — and have an intimate understanding of what works in that industry, from language to trends to employer expectations. Someone with experience and specialization can give you the edge that another generic resume writer can’t provide. 

Choosing the Right Resume Writing Service for Job Search Success

Deciding to invest in a professionally written resume can give you an advantage in a competitive job market. But before you offer up your hard-earned money, it’s important to ensure that the resume writing service is giving you the value you deserve. 

The best way to test out a potential resume writing service is to get a consultation. Most of the time they are free, giving you a sense of their expertise and what they can offer for your resume. Ready to invest in your career with a powerful resume? Request a free consultation with our writers today. 

Image Credit: Ben Kolde

Did you know, including a hyperlink to your LinkedIn profile, can greatly increase the chance your resume will get noticed by hiring managers? It’s true. Better yet — it’s quick and easy!

‌A job search can feel daunting. Many aspects of the process are out of the job hunter’s control, so it’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed and a little mystified about what actually happens once you hit the send button. ‌

Don’t worry. While every organization is unique, there are a few things you can count on when your resume lands at its destination (often a very busy hiring manager or assistant’s inbox — sometimes an AI-driven bot):

Your online presence matters (so make sure you have one)
LinkedIn is the preferred professional platform (so make sure you have a great profile there). Hiring managers and their assistants are busy (so make their lives easier by including hyperlinks that take them directly to your online assets)

Why LinkedIn Matters

LinkedIn is one of the most well-trafficked sites on the internet, but the breakdown is staggering. LinkedIn boasts over 720 million users, including 171 million from the US. LinkedIn users include highly educated, highly successful professionals — 50 percent of all online users with a bachelor’s degree or higher have a LinkedIn profile.

‌Those successful professionals include many people who may be directly involved in evaluating your application when you apply for a job. Currently, 63 million LinkedIn members hold decision-making positions.

It’s really no surprise to imagine the numbers involved when you consider how many job listings are posted directly to the site. Recent figures put active job postings on LinkedIn somewhere around the 20 million mark.

Hyperlinks will help you leverage your LinkedIn profile and help hiring managers find out more about what you have to offer.

How to Create and Use LinkedIn Hyperlinks

Once you’ve created a rich, detailed LinkedIn profile, it’s time to share it with the world, or at least with the right hiring managers and talent recruiters. Here are a few tips to keep in mind before you start sharing your link.

Customize your LinkedIn URL

When you create a LinkedIn account, the platform assigns a less-than streamlined URL. You might see your auto-generated hyperlink look something like https://linkedin.com/in/amyjones/193523/Q/356 — that’s not exactly eye-catching.

Take advantage of LinkedIn’s free customization option, which will result in a short, much more visually appealing link. Here’s how:

1. Click your icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage.
2. Click “View Profile.”
3. Click “Edit Public Profile & URL.”
4. Click the Edit pencil icon (next to your public profile URL).
5. Change the last part of the URL to include your first and last name (you may have to tinker a bit if the URL is already taken)
6. Don’t forget to save.

Where to Use LinkedIn Hyperlinks

Once you’ve created a customized hyperlink and feel confident your profile is in top shape, it’s time to share it. Here are a few places you can use your new hyperlink:

• On your resume (typed out and linked on your digital resume)
• Within your email signature
• In cover letters and messages with recruiters and other hiring professionals
• On your social platform profiles
• On your personal and professional websites
• As part of social media posts
• On networking materials, like physical or digital business cards

‌How to Create a Contact Info Line for your Resume

Be sure to include a concise, easy-to-find contact information line on your resume. Try this style:

City, ST | janedoe@domain.com | 555.555.1212 | LinkedIn‌

To make your digital resume organized, hyperlink your profile to the word “LinkedIn” and avoid typing out the full URL (don’t forget to hyperlink your email address, too). Making your information accessible with a single click is a win-win scenario. Hiring managers won’t have to dig for your information — or worse, give up trying when it becomes too time-consuming. Do yourself and hiring managers a favor by including a clickable link that takes them straight to your LinkedIn profile, where they can learn more about your background, interests, memberships, and achievements.

Bonus Tip: Create and Link to a Professional Portfolio

Your LinkedIn profile is a must-have when it comes to job seeking, but it’s one of many tools you can keep in your arsenal. Take advantage of the many easy-to-use online tools available to create a bright, modern online portfolio and link to it on your resume and social platforms.

‌A portfolio allows you to paint a more in-depth picture of who you are and what you’ve accomplished beyond a list. Sharing testimonials from happy clients and co-workers and showcasing some of your proudest professional moments on your portfolio can give hiring managers the confidence to bring you in for the next step in the application process.

LinkedIn Hyperlinks Make Hiring Managers Smile

Including a LinkedIn URL to your professional resume and other online assets will help to put you in the good graces of hiring managers. Be sure to routinely update your LinkedIn profile when important information changes or when you do something notable.

‌Thanks to your LinkedIn hyperlink, by the time a hiring manager reaches out to you, they should feel like they already have a good handle on who you are and what you have to offer.

Is your resume showcase ready? Capstone Resume Services certified resume writers are here to help! Reach out to learn how to create a gold-standard resume that will get results. Schedule your resume writing consultation today!‌

When it comes to getting hired, first impressions matter.

‌Fortunately, there are several ways to make a positive first impression on your future employer both online and in person. Whether you use your resume, LinkedIn profile, or biography, you should consider these application materials as value propositions — because essentially they are.

A value proposition is a business term that encompasses materials used to market a service or product. Companies use value propositions to persuade prospective clients to choose them based on the value they can bring to the client’s life or business. You can use this strategy in your application materials. Aim to persuade potential employers by demonstrating the value you can bring to their brand.

What Values Should You Highlight?

When you begin your job search, it can be challenging to know what qualities to highlight in your application materials. Editing your resume and LinkedIn profile to list your most up-to-date technical skills and qualities is an ongoing process, but there are some essential skills you can use to improve your resume at any stage:

‌‌Candidate Skills

Once you’ve homed in on the jobs you want, one of the first steps toward demonstrating your worth is including the right hard skills. These are technical abilities you’ve gained through education or experience — such as computer skills, data analysis, or editing.‌

How do you know which hard skills to include? Start by considering the company goals of the organization you’re interested in. Gaining an understanding of the work it does and the ways you can concretely contribute to its goals will put you on the right track when crafting your resume and professional profiles.

‌When listing your hard skills, the goal is to demonstrate why you would provide a skill-based fit for the company. Craft your resume to include your most relevant work experience. Make sure to go into detail about the hard skills you have, how you’ve earned them, and the ways you have amassed a proven track record of using them in a professional setting.

Cultural Skills

While hard skills are certainly valuable, cultural skills can be equally as important during the hiring process. How can you demonstrate to your prospective employer that you will be a great cultural fit for their organization? You can highlight an awesome cultural fit by clearly emphasizing the right soft skills — such as time management, organization, initiative, and leadership.

‌One way to tailor the soft skills on your resume to match the needs of your employer is to clearly display that your employee goals align with the company’s goals. A cultural fit is based on the way you will mesh with other employees, contribute to positive workplace culture, and inspire continued productivity. When your goals and values as an employee align with the goals of your employer, a cultural fit is natural.

Value-Added Statements

To paint an undeniable picture of the benefit you will bring to your prospective employer, it’s important to use value-add statements — also known as value-added statements — to your resume, profile, and bios.

‌In business, value-added statements are documents that outline the positive outcome a product or service can bring to its customers, often monetarily. When crafting your resume and profiles, using a value-added strategy can quickly elevate your application materials. ‌

On your resume, you can incorporate value-added statements in the description of your work experience. For example, rather than simply mention that you’ve improved sales at your previous companies, include specific examples with strong action words. “Boosted sales by 3% over six months” provides a concrete example of the value you bring to a company.

Whenever possible, use specific details to describe your soft skills, too. For example, “managed a team of 20 professionals with collaboration and leadership skills” is more persuasive than simply listing “collaborative” or “strong leadership skills.”

Once you’ve crafted value-added skills for your resume, you can easily weave them into your professional profiles and bio to paint a vivid picture of the worth you will bring to an employer.

How Capstone Resumes Can Help

The way you craft your resume, LinkedIn profile, and professional biography will depend on the industry and type of job you’re vying for. No matter what your professional goals are, it is important to illustrate the concrete ways you can help employers reach their goals.

It can be challenging to identify which of your skills and qualities align most with potential employers. Making these connections can help you land among the top applicants at your ideal company. Fortunately, Capstone Resume Services can help you zero in on your most important strengths and showcase them to prospective employers.

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.

Let’s face it, starting your job search can be daunting. Especially when you’re currently employed. You want to search for a job privately, without alerting your boss or coworkers that you’ve rebooted your job search, but you don’t know how. Well, we have good news!

LinkedIn is making the process much easier with its new “Open Candidates” feature. LinkedIn Open Candidates allows you to turn on a signal that alerts recruiters that you’re open to potential job opportunities. The best part of Open Candidates is the level of discretion. Your LinkedIn connections will have no idea you’ve turned on Open Candidates, and neither will recruiters at your company or affiliated companies. Recruiters are privately notified that you’ve turned on Open Candidates, and when you turn the option on, you get the opportunity to specify the types of position you’re interested in and potential companies you’d like to work for.

To enable Open Candidates, go to the “Preferences” tab within the LinkedIn Jobs homepage and simply click “On.” From there, you can customize it to ensure you get job recommendations that are tailored to you. LinkedIn Open Candidates allows you to specify the cities you’re open to working in, the level of experience you have, the size company that is ideal for you, and the industries you’re pursuing. From there, when recruiters view your profile, they will see it flagged as “open to new opportunities.” According to their website, LinkedIn will also feature your profile in a special section that is exclusively for Open Candidate members.

Before you turn on Open Candidates, it’s important to be sure your profile is up to date. Since the Open Candidate feature makes it easier for recruiters to reach you and for opportunities to knock on your door, it’s important to show yourself in the best light. An outdated profile that doesn’t paint the full picture of your accomplishments and skills is not going to bring in the same opportunities as a fully optimized profile.

As you get your LinkedIn profile ready for the Open Candidates feature, keep these LinkedIn tips in mind:

Keep it professional. LinkedIn is not Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. It’s important to post things that are relevant to your profession, industry, etc. Avoid mentioning anything related to political, religious, or personal beliefs. Treat it the same way you’d treat a cover letter, resume or job interview. If you wouldn’t say it to a potential employer, it’s best to keep it off LinkedIn.

Keep it updated. Before you turn on LinkedIn Open Candidates, take some time to review your profile with a critical eye and ask yourself a few questions. Is it updated with your current position, company, and the amount of time you’ve worked there? Are your relevant skills complete and current? Is your experience updated with what you’ve learned and accomplished in your current position? If you answered no to any of these questions, it’s important to set aside some time to update your profile and make sure it’s relevant for the types of positions you’re currently interested in.

Skills are important. According to LinkedIn, those that have 5 or more skills listed on their profile get 17 times more profile views than those with little to no skills. That being said, it’s important to think about the skills you’ve gained as you’ve progressed through your career and be sure they’re all included in your LinkedIn profile. If a skill is listed on your resume, it should be on your LinkedIn profile as well.

Go beyond your resume. LinkedIn is the perfect way to include everything you wish you could mention on your resume, but don’t have space for. It allows you to go into more detail, providing context and evidence to support the claims you make in your resume. You can also include examples of your work, certifications you may have, courses you’ve taken, and organizations you’re involved with, such as nonprofits or professional networking groups. LinkedIn allows you to paint a full picture of who you are and what you achieved, so it’s important that your profile is complete and detailed.

Keywords are ‘key.’ Recruiters on LinkedIn use keywords to search for applicants and find qualified candidates. Determine the keywords for your industry, including core competencies, skills, industry terms, etc, and be sure those keywords are included in your profile. This will make your profile more effective and ensure you’re found by both recruiters and automated search tools.

Learn New Skills with LinkedIn Learning

If you’re interested in a new role or are looking to move up in your career, LinkedIn also has a new LinkedIn Learning platform that makes it easier to learn the skills that are most important to your industry and/or profession. LinkedIn Learning suggests online courses that are recommended for you based off of your profile, and also highlights courses that are trending for those within your field. For example, if you’re a marketing manager, LinkedIn will show you a selection of the courses that are currently trending for Marketing Specialists, such as “Writing a Marketing Plan,” “Lead Generation Fundamentals,” and “Top 10 Marketing Challenges.” It will also show you courses trending in your industry, as well as the courses that are trending on LinkedIn Learning in general. Courses vary in length and the amount of time and commitment they take, but are provided by industry experts to help you learn new skills while enhancing your LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn is currently offering a free month trial for all LinkedIn members. To learn more about LinkedIn Learning, visit the LinkedIn Learning section of the job search platform.

If you’re interested in using LinkedIn’s Open Candidate feature but aren’t sure your LinkedIn profile is as effective as it could be, check out some of the past blogs we’ve written on the subject:

• Use LinkedIn to Maximize Your Job Search
• Launching a Proactive Job Search on LinkedIn
• LinkedIn Etiquette
• How the New LinkedIn Job App Can Help You Land Your Next Job
• Get Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile Noticed with Keyword Optimization

If you don’t currently have a LinkedIn profile or are struggling to update your existing one, Capstone Resume Services can help! We offer LinkedIn profile creation, and our Certified Professional Resume Writers will work with you to create an optimized profile that highlights your skills, experience, and achievements.

To jumpstart your job search and take the next step in your career, contact Capstone Resume Services today, or request a personal resume consultation.