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.

Learn more about how organizations are identifying their next leaders and what it takes to rise above the executive job search competition in Capstone Resume Services’ latest blog.

Adaptability to New Technology

New technology has always tested a company’s ability to adapt and learn. In recent years, the rising popularity of new technologies such as big data, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence have changed the landscape of the business world.

Organizations going through an executive hiring process are looking for leaders with intimate knowledge of these new tech innovations. Businesses whose leadership team is able to implement these technologies successfully will have a competitive advantage in the market.

Companies that are able to adapt can easily ride the growth wave that accompanies integrating new tech into previous systems. Professionals who can contribute niche tech skill sets will be in higher demand than those who cannot. Having technical assets on your leadership resume is a must.

Emphasis on Leadership Attributes & A Cultural Fit

It’s obvious but it must be said. A company looking to hire a for a leadership role wants to see your leadership skills. Being able to produce results will always be highly valued by a company. But, now in addition to producing results, organizations want to know the type of leader a candidate is as well as their growth mindset. This is how they gauge a leader’s potential ability to not only adapt to their workplace culture but how the candidate will help establish and grow the company into a new culture they want for the future. This is why organizations across every industry emphasize the importance of leadership and the candidate’s brand. Having a leadership team with the ability to manage and motivate a team is essential for businesses as they look to scale and grow.

To be considered for team leadership roles, you need to develop and demonstrate an ability to:

• Inspire and motivate
• Think outside the box
• Lead by example
• Be flexible and adaptable
• Think strategically
• Be proactive

It is advisable to research a company’s values and mission before applying or going into an interview — understanding how your unique skills can be an asset to the team. Highlighting any leadership roles you have had in the past and how you utilized your skills to produce results can be beneficial as well. Try to align your leadership values and past experiences with the company’s values and priorities.

Evaluation of Past Leadership Role Performance

Not surprisingly, organizations looking to fill leadership roles want to evaluate a potential employee’s past performance. Executive searches require a history of success in your previous roles since businesses want you to bring that knowledge of success to their company.

When applying or interviewing for a leadership position, be prepared to discuss:

• How you made an impact in your previous positions
• How you changed the strategy or procedures of the position to improve results
• What statistics you can lean on to help demonstrate your leadership success

Specifically, think about what you have done in your previous roles to improve the performance of the team or company. When you go for the interview, prepare all the relevant examples and be ready to discuss them in detail. Statistics or numerical proof is a great way to demonstrate your past leadership roles’ success.

Ability to Make an Immediate Impact

The Great Resignation and pandemic have caused organizations to put a greater emphasis on finding leaders who can make an immediate impact. They want to see that you have the ability to come into the role and hit the ground running, producing results quickly.

A complete understanding of the company and what it intends to achieve will be your highest differentiator. Communicate to your interviewer your knowledge of the company so that they believe that you have the ability to produce immediately. Tailor your resume in a way that demonstrates this ability in past roles.

Creative Problem-Solving Skills

Rising costs, shipping issues, and high turnover have all plagued organizations over the last few years. The complexity of these problems has left organizations searching for people who can provide creative solutions.

Leaders who can think outside the box and come up with ways to adapt and implement their creative solutions will be in high demand. The next leaders of organizations will provide a fresh perspective on the company’s issues.

Conduct background research on the company and learn about the investors and partners. Moreover, determine the potential problems the company may be having, and brainstorm several creative ways to fix them. Make these points conversation pieces in your interview to prove you have what the company is looking for.

Expanding Inclusive Practices

Topics such as diversity and inclusivity have become part of larger conversations within organizations. Leaders who can help businesses create an inclusive environment that attracts and retains a talented, diverse workforce will be in high demand.

According to Mckinsey, more diverse and inclusive corporations have been found to outperform their competitors by 35%. A Harvard Business Review article states that diverse companies are 70% more likely to capture new markets in an industry.

Now that diversity and inclusion have been shown to have a monetary impact, organizations are finding ways to change their practices. When applying or interviewing for a leadership position, show your efforts toward inclusion and your understanding of how it can help an organization.

The Future Leaders

You can position your talent and leadership skills to impress organizations but knowing exactly what they are looking for will give you the advantage.

Understanding these market trends in leadership roles will help you be one step ahead in your executive job search. Use this information to adapt your resume, application, and interview strategy to match what organizations are looking for in their next leadership role.

Contact the Experts in Executive Resume Writing Services

Looking to move into a new leadership role or join the leadership ranks, but not sure what your resume needs to stand out? Contact the resume writing experts at Capstone Resume Services for a Free Consultation. Our team of resume experts will help you determine what your resume needs to stand out from the crowd and get you the leadership role you deserve.

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. 

The most appropriate time — or season — to apply for jobs is fall. This time of the year is when many companies are the most active and are currently hiring. In other words, as the leaves change, your chances of getting hired by the company of your choosing increase. 

The Pandemic and the Resignation Boom

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected nearly everyone’s career potential in one way or another. The current increase in the demand and, more importantly, preference for remote work is expected to result in a resignation boom, where many people will leave jobs refusing to return to their regular 9-to-5 in-office job.

‌As the pandemic is starting to lessen its grip all over the world, people are starting to return to a sense of normalcy. As a result, hiring companies have started seeing the effects of that already. Many companies are calling back their remote employees to the office, but the benefits of working from home have had such a grip on the American workforce that they are refusing to return to the office and thus refusing to continue their work.

‌The silver lining here is that this resignation boom gives job seekers a chance to pick up those deserted opportunities. If you are willing to work from an office rather than from home, you will be able to have your pick of the job pool when it comes to hiring companies looking for committed employees this fall.

The Rise in Remote Work

‌On the other hand, many companies are shifting entirely to remote work because of the pandemic and the convenience it provides. The demand for remote work — among not only job seekers but also hiring companies — is ever-increasing currently. A prime example of this is how since the beginning of 2021, many job seeker platforms have doubled or tripled their remote work opportunities. 

Fall is the perfect time to apply to the hiring companies that are making this drastic shift. During the pandemic, many companies stopped using physical office spaces for work and were forced to adopt working from home. This made them realize how work from home can benefit their companies in the most lucrative way — by saving money.

Most companies assess their finances in the fall. This is the time when these companies will see how working from home equals no more need to pay an expensive lease for office spaces. That is, they’ll have funds readily available to bring in new employees who can work remotely.

Some workers even value remote work higher than an actual pay raise, and most companies won’t bat an eye at that. 

A Booming Market

A common misconception is that hiring companies slow down in the fall, and are getting ready to relax over the holidays to come. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

‌As the fiscal year comes to an end, hiring companies look to spend the money they have left on something useful as well as try to get an additional tax break for their business. That’s where you come in. 

‌Companies looking to bring on a larger workforce will shell out a good amount of money on their recruitment ads and campaigns. This translates to a fierce and competitive market for job seekers looking to expand their career potential — This is your time to shine and there’s no time to waste on not sending out your resume. 

‌Better yet, applying in the fall means getting a jump start on those job seekers that apply in the New Year — as part of their New Year’s Resolutions. You do not want to get lost in the pile of applications that may not be seen by the hiring manager.

How Capstone Resume Services Can Help You Navigate The Search For a Job

Don’t waste any more time figuring out when the best time to apply is. You have all the information you need and all that’s left for you to do is to fix up that resume so that hiring companies know you mean business.

If you need help tailoring your resume to look just right, consider looking into Capstone Resume Services, our resume services are all you need to ensure that you look good on paper and potentially land you your dream job. Contact us today to schedule a resume consultation.

Most of us experience some struggle when trying to figure out how to market ourselves during the job-hunting process — even if we find it natural to sell. An outstanding resume presentation is the best tool you have to overcome that difficulty and successfully sell yourself when job hunting. 

Immediately displaying the value you bring to your employer in your resume presentation and backing it up by showcasing your accomplishments and skill set allows a prospective employer to see a cultural fit immediately. You gain maximum leverage in obtaining the job and the benefits package you want. 

‌Why a Value-Based Professional Brand Helps the Employer See a Cultural Fit 

Recruiters and employers may view hundreds of resumes while seeking to fill just one position. You might be the best candidate, but if your resume does not immediately display the value you bring to the organization, your application may get lost in the paper stack. Your resume presentation won’t attract the attention you deserve — and therefore you’ll miss out on the job opportunity.

Research The Position & Company

Before you begin resume writing, discover the accomplishments and skillsets the prospective employer is looking for. Read the job description carefully. You can also read similar job descriptions posted on job boards and the LinkedIn profiles of people the organization has already hired.

When you know precisely what the organization you’re targeting wants, you can write your value-based brand statement using the keywords — not the buzzwords — that will enable your resume presentation to stand out.  

Highlighting Your Accomplishments 

Employers quickly get a good idea of what they can expect you to do for them when you showcase your job accomplishments after your value-based brand statement. Hiring managers can see how you have handled your responsibilities. Demonstrating that your accomplishment continues generating value until today is essential.

Two different questions you can ask yourself to find strengths to showcase on your resume are:

• Which accomplishments were your idea to launch or create?
• What direction did you take the role from your first day on the job to where it is currently?

Here are a few examples of specific achievements that showcase growth and accomplishments on a resume: 

• Founded an aquaculture club that grew 2 million hatchlings, generating enough income to send 12 members to the state aquaculture convention on the Queen Mary which provided an inspiring path for future students. 
• Improved data processing time by 67% through building a new cloud data infrastructure, creating a benchmark that still stands. 
• Increased B2B sales by 83%, resulting in an additional $355 million in revenue through implementing SalesForce. 

Your accomplishments create a more significant impact when they have produced measurable results. 

Why Displaying a Diverse Skill Set in Your Resume Presentation is Crucial ‌

Exhibiting a diverse skill set, including hard and soft skills, helps potential employers understand how you will drive your role to facilitate growth for the organization. Your goal in displaying your expertise is to show that you have the necessary skillset to produce the results the organization needs.

Hard skills demonstrate that you have the ability to do the job. Soft skills show how you perform while doing the job. Finding the right combination of both is magical for hiring managers. You can discover that right combination by thoroughly researching job descriptions and Linkedin profiles.

Hard Skills are Expertise and Knowledge

The tools you’ll need to use to get the job done are hard skills. They include your: 

• Academic degree
• Certifications
• Foreign languages
• Ability to use computer programs
• Design, marketing, and management skills  

Soft Skills are Problem Solving and People Skills 

The Yale Job Outlook 2021 Spring Update rated these soft skills as the most sought-after by employers in 2021. Here are the five most important soft skills and how much importance employers placed on them:

1. The ability to work in a team: 81%
2. Problem-solving skills: 79%
3. Communication skills: 73%
4. Initiative: 68%
5. Leadership: 68%

Employers regard the ability to work with others, solve problems, and communicate above all other skills. Displaying how you have used your soft skills to produce quantifiable results impresses hiring managers.

Showing Your Value and Skills Gives You Leverage 

When writing your resume, placing your personal brand value proposition first enables resume presentation readers to identify candidates that match their needs quickly. Displaying your accomplishments demonstrates that you can do your job. Presenting your hard and soft skills tells employers that you have the qualifications needed to bring them success. 

‌Showcasing these in the proper order will grab attention, hold interest, and help build leverage with a potential employer during the job interview process. You gain an advantage that enables you successfully negotiate the finer points of an offer — including your salary, time off, and other benefits. 

‌If you are in need of assistance with resume writing and marketing yourself, Capstone Resume Services can help. Capstone has highly experienced professionals who can answer your questions, rewrite your resume or create an entirely new resume presentation for you.  Schedule your consultation or contact us for more information.

If you’re one of the millions laid off in the midst of COVID-19 and the aftermath, you’re not alone. 

With the lasting economic damage from the pandemic, unemployment claims are at an all-time high. While companies are trying to recover, layoffs and furloughs are still an unfortunate reality of the job market today. 

For a hard-working employee, a layoff can feel devastating. But don’t give in to despair — layoffs are due to company restructuring, and not a lack of your skills and expertise. With the right strategies, you can use your resume to your advantage and highlight your most important job skills and showcase the value you can bring to the table. 

Below are some of the ways you can leverage your resume to make the most of your job search.

Don’t Panic — But Don’t Hesitate

When you get laid off, it’s critical that you don’t panic. A layoff can be a setback, but it isn’t the end of your career. You have time to get back on your feet.

However, it’s also important to get back into the job search as soon as possible. Depending on how long you worked at your prior job, your resume is probably out of date. Take the time to update it and get it polished for your next job application. You might even be approached about an opportunity on LinkedIn — so you want to make sure your resume is ready to go for any new opportunity that comes along.

Focus on Your Value ‌

Layoffs can come from a variety of reasons — an economic downturn, cost-cutting, relocation, mergers, and more. If you’ve been laid off as opposed to being fired, it means that it wasn’t about you or your work performance — it was about the structure of the company. Even top-performing workers can get laid off, especially in the post-pandemic economy. 

That means when you’re looking for your next position, you need to highlight all the job contributions you brought to the table. When reflecting on your prior work experience, don’t just talk about your job and what you did in the role. Think deeper about the value you brought to the company. 

Here are some more specific questions to consider: 

• In what ways did you exceed your employer’s expectations? 
• Are there any measurable outcomes that you were responsible for? 
• Did you handle multiple projects while still delivering high quality? 
• Did you take on new responsibilities or learn new skills on the job? 
• How did you go above and beyond to get results? 
• What kind of challenges did you face and how did you overcome them? 
• Did you implement any procedures that improved productivity or efficiency? 
• Were you recognized with any awards, accolades, or commendations from your coworkers or employers? ‌

Whether you took the initiative to improve workplace efficiency or you successfully led a team to complete a project, be specific about how you created value for your employer while in your role. Instead of coming across as a red flag, this will make it clear to your new employer that this layoff was purely organizational — and that you can are a powerful asset. 

Make Sure Your Resume is Comprehensive ‌

A resume shouldn’t just showcase your work experience. You also need to include all of your skills. This includes both the hard and soft skills that your employer is looking for. 

‌Hard skills tend to be more job-specific. They include direct experience or knowledge, like:

• Speaking another language
• Handling a certain type of computer software
• Having a particular certification‌

Soft skills, on the other hand, are harder to pin down. They show your interpersonal skills, including how you operate in the workplace.

This might include things like:

• Creative problem-solving skills
• Being a team player
• Acting as a leader in the workplace
• Being an expert at time management

W‌hile soft skills are more subjective, they’re just as important as hard skills. Soft skills show the employer that you’ll fit into their workplace culture. 

When crafting your resume, you need to perfectly balance both soft and hard skills. You also need to target the specific skills needed in your industry — and, more specifically, the ones needed by your employer. 

Getting Back Into the Job Search With a Strong Resume 

‌Getting laid off might feel like a significant setback. No matter the industry you work in — or if you’re looking to branch into a new one — you know that you can bring valuable contributions to the table. It’s just a matter of showcasing those contributions.

With the right resume in hand, you can highlight all your best attributes and make a powerful impression in your job search. 

Whether you’re updating your old resume or starting completely from scratch, Capstone Resume Services can help you meet your career goals during uncertain times. Our resume consultation can give you the edge you need to get to the top of a hiring manager’s list. Learn more about what we offer or schedule a resume consultation today. 

At Capstone Resume Services, our number one priority is you. We want to help you land your dream job or finally pursue that executive level position you’ve been eyeing. The best way for us to do that is to get to know you to ensure your resume paints a full picture of who you are and what you have to offer a company. This dedication to understanding the goals, skills, and achievements of our clients has gained us national recognition as one of the best resume writing companies in the country.

As we’ve mentioned in previous blogs, Capstone Resume Services is ranked as the third best resume writing service in the United States. We are honored to be recognized by Best 10 Resume Writers as one of the Top 10 Resume Writing Services in the nation, and wanted to take this opportunity to explain why Capstone is different from a lot of other resume writing companies out there.

The Capstone process centers around getting to know our clients. For each new client, we schedule a personal one-on-one resume consultation where our Certified Professional Resume Writers ask in-depth questions unique to your experience. This serves as a pre-interview process, and allows us to collect information that will help us create engaging and highly coveted skills/attributes looked for by employers in your industry. Once we’ve learned more about your skills, achievements, and personal goals, you will have the option to order a resume service and we will begin the writing process.

When you work with us, you aren’t just putting your resume out there without knowing who is writing it or if they understand your needs. As career professionals with certifications, degrees, and connections to hiring personnel at key U.S. companies, we take the time to learn your experience inside out. By the end of the consultation, you will be able to rest easy with the knowledge that we know you. Moreover, we’ll have developed a detailed strategy for aligning you with the opportunities you want in your career.

This approach has allowed us to not only help tens of thousands of clients, but has also earned us national recognition on “best of” lists, as well as industry awards.

Don’t just take our word for it! Capstone Resume Services has been lucky enough to receive some great reviews and testimonials from past clients who have benefited from our services.

Check out some of our client reviews below to learn how we can help you stand out from the crowd with professional resume services, including: professional resume writing, KSA response writing, cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile creation, and more!

Capstone Resume Services Client Testimonials

Rick, a Sr. Application Systems Administrator from San Francisco wrote:

Capstone Resume Services did a really outstanding job with crafting a cover letter and resume for me within an aggressive timeline. I was really blown away by the relevance and quality. Excellent job of capturing the essence of the position requirements and articulating how my skills, experience and interests apply. Amy was very professional, responsive and really took the time to understand me and my interests and background. An absolute pleasure to work with her. I also appreciated her sharing some helpful job search advice separately from the resume writing for which I contracted her. With her background as a recruiter herself she has really good insights into how prospective employers and other recruiters would think.

Definitely recommend engaging Capstone Resume Services whether you need to create a cover letter and resume from scratch or if you just want a professional review and touch-up of your resume as I did. I would not have realized how much my resume could be improved had I not contacted Gies.

Jenny G. wrote on Google:

What impressed me the most about Capstone is that they took the time to talk with me and really understand my work history to develop a results-oriented resume. My original resume listed my job duties, but it didn’t show my achievements or results. Capstone helped me look at things from an employer’s perspective. They created a resume that focused not only on my responsibilities, but what problems I solved and the results that came from solving those problems. They also created a professional profile at the top of my resume which gives an at-a-glance summary of my diverse skills and experience. I was very pleased with that! I can’t imagine how long it would have taken me to create a resume like this for myself. Hiring Capstone to help me with my resume was worth every penny. They had my resume and a cover letter done in a couple of days, and after I started using them, I finally started getting calls for job interviews.

Rick G. wrote on Yelp:

I initially made a mistake by going with an online resume writing service. They did not want to talk to me and when I finally got someone on the phone they did not ask relevant qualifying questions to figure out exactly what my work experience was. Not to mention their fee was outrageous. Luckily I got my money back from that mistake and found Capstone Resume Services on Yelp and got in touch with Amy. Amy had a phone meeting with me to learn more about me, my situation, work experience, and future work goals. I felt that she really cared and wasn’t just doing this to quickly capture another client and move on to the next. She really learned what is it that I do and within a quick timeframe gave me an amazing resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile. I was amazed how she was able to capture in writing what it is that I do. I felt that was one of my biggest challenges trying to write my own documents. I am so impressed by Amy’s work as well as others. I was also appreciative for the quick turnaround. Thank you Amy for providing professional, high quality work for a very reasonable price. I highly recommend Capstone Resume Services!

Now that you’ve learned more about our process and approach to resume writing, request your personal resume consultation today. Your dream job is waiting for you!

Now that summer has finally arrived, it is the perfect time to start thinking about your professional and life goals. Employers typically hire more during the summer, and are searching a lot more frequently during these next few months.

As you unwind and relax while on vacation, take the time to think about whether you’re happy in your current position. Reflect on whether you’re looking for more growth or development, or perhaps you crave stability. Now is the perfect time to consider a change, as summer is the prime season to start your job search.

In the United States, unemployment is the lowest it has been since 2008, at 5%. That being said, it’s getting harder for employers to hire experienced, qualified candidates. It’s important to stay on top of the hiring trends to know how to effectively stand out from the crowd. After considering the hiring trends of 2016, we’ve compiled some tips to consider as you begin your job search this summer.

Social media is important.

More and more, recruiters are using social media to find and research candidates. According to a survey conducted by Jobvite, around 92% of recruiters use or plan to use social media, and that number is expected to grow. That being said, it’s important to make sure your social media sites are updated, professional, and free of anything that could negatively impact your professional reputation. A strong, impressive social media presence is more crucial than ever in today’s job search.

It is also crucial to have an up-to-date LinkedIn profile, as 94% of recruiters use LinkedIn to vet candidates, and there are 6.5 million job listings on the professional networking site. If you don’t currently have a LinkedIn, or think your profile might not be up to par, Capstone Resume Services can create a professional LinkedIn profile for you.

Don’t rule out remote options.

More and more companies are incorporating virtual and remote options into their positions. Reduced costs and a wider applicant pool make virtual work options an attractive option for employers, and it also helps you expand your search, as you are no longer limited by your location. So, if you’re someone who wouldn’t mind working remotely, consider applying for a virtual position.

Skills trump education.

While a college degree is still valuable, recruiters are beginning to place skills above everything else. It is important to continue to develop and enhance your skills as you gain more experience. Staying ahead by taking online classes or special training courses is essential, as it will help you stand out from the pack and make you much more attractive to hiring managers.

It is also important that you effectively list your skills, as well as what you have been able to achieve with those skills, on your resume. While your work experience and online presence can paint a good picture of who you are, the skills you possess are what will decide if you are a viable candidate.

Adaptability is essential.

Work environments are now changing, as new trends come into the workplace and technology develops. It’s important that you’re adaptable and open to these changes. Embrace them and make sure you stay up-to-date to show employers you can easily adapt to their new work environment and will be an asset, rather than a liability.

Consider growing industries.

While the technology and healthcare fields are growing rapidly, they aren’t the only industries experiencing growth. According to recent studies, the Top 10 fastest growing occupations are: nurses, software developers and network and computer system administrators, marketing managers, sales managers, industrial engineers, construction professionals, and financial managers. If you work in one of those fields, or have been considering a career change, now is the time to start applying.

As you dive into your job search and begin applying for open positions, take a look at your resume. Has it been awhile since it has been updated? Is it still relevant? Does it reflect the trends listed above? If not, Capstone Resume Services can help! Our experienced certified resume writers can craft a professional resume that is sure to get you noticed by hiring managers. We offer a variety of resume services, including: cover letter writing, entry-level resume writing, executive resume writing, technical resume writing, technology management resume writing, and federal resume writing.

To stand out to recruiters this summer, request a consultation with Capstone Resume Services today!