If you are over a certain age, you might remember a time when looking for a new job involved searching the classified ads in your local paper and mailing your resume to a physical address—then waiting for acknowledgment in the form of a phone call or letter. Well, we don’t need to tell you that a lot has changed since then.

Technology has completely transformed the way we search for and apply to jobs. So, if you haven’t had to seek out a new position in the last few decades, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the current landscape before you start applying.

Here are the top four keys to a successful job search in today’s market:
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• 1. Online job search platforms have become key resources for job seekers and recruiters alike. TheLadders.com, Indeed.com, Monster.com,  Linkedin.com, CareerBuilder.com, ZipRecruiter.com, GlassDoor.com, and FlexJobs.com are most popular for general job searching, and many industries also have specialized websites where they offer members-only job searching and recruiting functions. On the recruiting side, these same online platforms — especially LinkedIn — are used to identify candidates who might be interested in current or upcoming job openings. That’s why it’s important to create and maintain an effective, eye-catching LinkedIn profile.

 

• 2. Attention to detail is very important when it comes to your resume, now more than ever. Most companies and hiring managers are looking for job candidates to demonstrate the value they will bring to the company. Depending on the current economic condition and unemployment rates, job seekers could find themselves in a very competitive environment. Showcasing your achievements with specific details in an eloquent-yet-concise format will be essential to catching the attention of your next boss. For more specific resume-writing tips, check out our industry pages.

 

• 3. Key words and SEO optimization are the most important changes to become familiar with to navigate the digital recruiting environment. Though you might get the rare opportunity to email your resume directly to a hiring manager, it’s much more likely that you will be asked to upload the file to an online job search platform or the company’s own recruiting page. In those more common cases, a computer will read your resume before any human being lays eyes on it. Making sure that you have the right words embedded throughout your resume will be imperative to getting through the first round of cuts. And, when your resume makes it to a hiring manager’s inbox, you will want those key words and phrases to jump off the page at them.

 

• 4. Effective resume formatting is key to catching the attention of recruiters as they skim through dozens — sometimes even hundreds — of applicants at a time. First impressions are important, so make sure that you provide an easy-to-read document with the most relevant information front and center. Not sure what to include, or how to present your work history? Schedule a free consultation with one of our expert resume writers to learn more.​

By Julia Randall, StandOut Resumes

One of the most common questions we get from job hunters is, "What's the difference between a CV and a resume?" Though the two terms are used interchangeably abroad, in the US, they have very different purposes and formats.

​If you are returning to the workforce after being a stay-at-home parent for a long period of time, you’re probably obsessing over the gap in your career and wondering how your resume could possibly compete with other professionals in your job search. 

Thankfully, it’s less complicated than you think. A stay-at-home mom or dad resume can be just as appealing, as long as you follow a few simple guidelines. Here are some of our expert tips for explaining the "mommy/daddy gap" in your resume — and starting a new chapter in your professional career.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 8.4 million Americans were classified as unemployed as of September 2021, yet there were more than 10 million job openings reported just a few months prior. So why are so many people still out of work when there are 2 million–plus more jobs than there are job seekers? Unpopular opinion: Many job seekers have unrealistic expectations.
 
If you are one of the many people who aren’t getting interviews, let alone job offers, no matter how hard you try, maybe it’s time to reevaluate your approach. Here are three changes you can make right now to increase your odds of getting hired:

by Tammy S. Robbins

Emotional intelligence—the ability to recognize, understand, and utilize emotions in a healthy, constructive manner—has significant impact in the workplace. In fact, research shows it is the strongest predictor of performance, as well as a crucial characteristic of successful and authentic leaders.

by StandOut Resumes

Core competencies (sometimes referred to as core qualifications) are the skills, certifications, knowledge, and personality traits that make you a desirable candidate for a specific job. Though it may seem redundant to include a core competencies or qualifications section at the top of your resume, this section can be very useful. A well-placed, well-written list of specific qualifications can grab the attention of recruiters who often judge resumes after mere seconds of scanning. ​

According to a CareerBuilder survey, 70% of employers use social networking sites to research job candidates, and 57% found content that caused them not to hire candidates. Also, a study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that 36% of companies have decided not to give people jobs because of what they discovered through online searches and social media.
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Your social media accounts are an extension of who you are. Therefore, the content you post on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other platforms could have serious repercussions on your professional life. Here are some important steps to take to clean up your online presence before conducting a job search:

​You’ve successfully submitted a resume, aced your interviews, and landed an exciting new job. You’re eager to prove yourself as a valuable employee. But, as you’re packing lunch for your first day, you can’t help wondering—how do you demonstrate your worth to those around you on day one?

​Haven’t interviewed in a while? Worried that you’ll choke under pressure or bungle your responses to the hiring manager’s questions? You might be surprised to know that the majority of all candidates are nervous, even anxious, before an interview.