What Employers are Looking for When Hiring: Key Insights for Job Seekers
Employers in 2024 are increasingly focusing on candidates with relevant skills and experience tailored to the specific job roles they are hiring for. Skills like digital literacy, adaptability, and the ability to work in hybrid or remote environments are particularly valued. According to LinkedIn’s 2024 Workforce Learning Report, employers are prioritizing candidates who demonstrate continuous learning and adaptability in their careers .
Beyond skills, employers are also keen on finding candidates who align with their company culture. A study by Glassdoor found that 77% of hiring managers consider cultural fit as important as skills and experience when making hiring decisions .
In addition to culture fit considerations, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) highlights that employers seek soft skills more than ever in their hiring processes. Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities are critical. Employers are looking for candidates who can not only perform the technical aspects of their job but also contribute positively to the workplace environment.
Where to Find Resume and Cover Letter Resources
Need help building or editing your resume and cover letter? No problem, there are more resouces than ever available to you. Here’s just a few of those resources:
The Muse: This platform offers a wide range of resume and cover letter templates tailored to different industries. They also provide expert tips on how to tailor your resume and cover letter to specific job postings .
Zety: Zety offers an online resume builder with customizable templates. It also provides cover letter guides that help job seekers write compelling and personalized cover letters .
Resume Genius: Known for its comprehensive resume builder and extensive library of resume samples, Resume Genius is a go-to resource for those looking to create a standout resume .
Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL): Purdue OWL offers detailed guidance on resume and cover letter writing, including formatting tips and examples. It’s particularly useful for academic and technical fields .
Canva: Canva provides a wide range of creative resume and cover letter templates that help job seekers design visually appealing documents.
Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile: How to Stand Out and Network Effectively
Here are the ways to optimize your LinkedIn profile and how to get the most out of the platform as a job seeker but also as a business professional.
Profile Picture and Headline: Ensure your profile picture is professional and your headline clearly states what you do. This is the first thing people notice, so make it count.
Summary Section: Craft a compelling summary that showcases your experience, skills, and what you’re looking for in your next role. Use keywords that align with your industry and the roles you’re targeting.
Experience and Skills: Keep your experience section updated with detailed descriptions of your roles and accomplishments. Endorsements and recommendations from colleagues can also add credibility to your profile.
Networking on LinkedIn: Engage with industry-related content, join relevant groups, and connect with professionals in your field. Networking is key to finding job leads on LinkedIn.
Top 5 Elements of an Exceptional LinkedIn Profile:
Professional Headline: Clearly defines your role and value proposition.
Comprehensive Summary: Includes career highlights and key achievements.
Updated Experience Section: Reflects recent roles and responsibilities.
Skills and Endorsements: Accurately lists skills with endorsements from peers.
Recommendations: Provides testimonials from colleagues or clients.
References to help you optimizing your profile:
LinkedIn Official Blog: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/
HubSpot LinkedIn Profile Tips: https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/linkedin-profile-tips
Forbes on LinkedIn Best Practices: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2023/01/30
Top Interview Questions and How to Prepare for Them
Top 5 Interview Questions:
"Tell me about yourself.": This question is often used to break the ice. Your answer should be a concise summary of your professional background, key skills, and what you’re looking for in a new role.
"What are your strengths and weaknesses?": Employers want to see self-awareness. Be honest but strategic, mentioning a weakness that you’re actively working on.
"Why do you want to work here?": Research the company thoroughly and tailor your answer to show alignment with the company’s values and mission.
"Can you describe a challenging situation and how you handled it?": Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answer, demonstrating your problem-solving abilities.
"Where do you see yourself in five years?": Employers are looking for candidates with long-term goals. Your answer should show ambition but also align with the role you’re applying for.
Top 5 Ways to Prepare for an Interview:
Research the Company: Understand its culture, products/services, and recent news.
Practice Common Questions: Use the questions above to prepare your answers.
Plan Your Attire: Dress appropriately for the company’s environment.
Prepare Your Questions: Have a list of questions ready to ask the interviewer.
Mock Interviews: Conduct mock interviews with friends or career coaches to build confidence.
External References for More Insights:
Indeed Career Guide: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing
The Balance Careers Interview Tips: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/top-interview-questions-and-best-answers-2061225
In today's rapidly evolving job market, the expectations of employers have shifted significantly. The emphasis on relevant skills, cultural fit, and continuous learning underscores the importance of staying adaptable and aligned with industry demands. As you navigate your career path, leveraging the available resources to refine your resume, knowing how to optimize and utilize your LinkedIn profile, and preparing for interviews can greatly enhance your prospect for success. By understanding and meeting these expectations, you position yourself not just as a candidate but as a valuable contributor ready to thrive in any workplace environment.
Our team at Tidewater is here to support you in your journey as we have access to companies looking for talent just like you! Check out our job board and submit your resume here.