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!
