At CareerCircle, we're always striving to make our platform more valuable and user-friendly for our community. Thanks to your insightful feedback, we've rolled out some new features designed to enhance your profile experience and help you stand out to employers.
Here's a closer look at what's new:
<h3 style="margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;">Multiple Resumes: Tailor Your Applications</h3>
One of the most requested features is finally here&mdash;multiple resume uploads! You can now upload different versions of your resume, making it easier to tailor your applications to specific job opportunities. Whether you're exploring roles in various industries or targeting different job functions, you can customize your approach and make each application count.
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<h3 style="margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;">Pronouns: Express Your Identity</h3>
We believe that everyone should be addressed the way they prefer. That's why we've added the option to include your pronouns on your profile. This feature helps ensure that you are respected and acknowledged in the workplace, fostering a more inclusive experience for everyone.
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<h3 style="margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;">Link Your Professional Presence: Showcase Your Full Story</h3>
Your online presence is a crucial part of your professional brand. Now, you can easily add not just your LinkedIn URL, but also links to your portfolios, personal websites, and other relevant platforms directly to your CareerCircle profile. This provides employers with a comprehensive view of your career journey and makes it easier for them to see all that you bring to the table across multiple platforms.
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<h3 style="margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;">Self-Reference: Highlight Your Unique Value</h3>
Your profile is your personal brand, and the new self-reference section allows you to showcase yourself and what makes you unique. Highlight your achievements, skills, and the value you bring to potential employers in your own words.
<h3 style="margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;">A Fresh Look: Navigate with Ease</h3>
Along with these new features, we&rsquo;ve refreshed our user interface to make navigating your profile and exploring opportunities smoother and more enjoyable. The updated design provides a clean, modern feel that enhances your overall experience on the platform.
<h2>We&rsquo;re Listening&mdash;and We Want to Hear More!</h2>
These updates are a direct result of your feedback. We are committed to listening to our community and continually improving the CareerCircle platform to better meet your needs. Did you know that profiles completed with all these new features get 4 times more views by employers? That&rsquo;s 4 times more opportunities to get noticed!
We&rsquo;re excited to see how you&rsquo;ll use these new tools to further your career goals. We&rsquo;d love to hear what you think and welcome any additional feedback you might have. Please share your thoughts with us via the <a rel="noreferrer" style="color: #000000;">Contact Us</a> link on our site.
Log in now to explore these new features and make the most of your CareerCircle profile. Your journey is important to us, and we&rsquo;re here to support you every step of the way.

Learn how these new features, inspired by user feedback, can help you stand out to employers and increase your profile views by 4 times.

Enhancing Your Profile Experience on CareerCircle

Discover the latest updates to your CareerCircle profile, including multiple resume uploads, pronoun options, LinkedIn and portfolio links, and more.

Exciting New Features on CareerCircle: Enhancing Your Profile Experience

<h2 style="margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;">Important Alert: Protect Yourself from Smishing Scams</h2>
We're reaching out with an important alert to help you stay safe from recent smishing scams. We've noticed that some individuals have received suspicious text messages from international numbers, pretending to be recruiters from CareerCircle. These texts are in French and claim to be from our team, but they are not legitimate.
<h3 style="margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;">What is Smishing?</h3>
"Smishing" combines "SMS" (short message service) with "phishing," the practice of tricking people into giving away personal information. Smishing uses text messages to scam you, often by pretending to be a trusted source. These messages might ask for sensitive information like Social Security numbers, bank details, or account passwords.
<h3 style="margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;">How to Spot a Smishing Attempt</h3>
Here are some red flags to watch out for:
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Unexpected Requests: CareerCircle will not request your personal information or passwords via text.
</li>
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Foreign Language: You will not receive messages from CareerCircle in a language other than English and you will not receive messages from non-U.S. numbers.
</li>
<li style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #000000;">
Urgent Calls to Action: Be suspicious of any messages that try to create a sense of urgency by asking you to click a link to fix an issue or claim a prize.
</li>
<li style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #000000;">
Suspicious Links: Avoid clicking on links from unknown numbers. If a message seems off, it's better to be safe and not click.
</li>
</ul>
<h3 style="margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;">What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Text</h3>
Your safety is our priority, and we're here to help. Here's what you can do if you get a smishing text:
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Don&rsquo;t Respond: Ignore messages from unknown numbers or anything that feels off.
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Verify with Us: If you're unsure, reach out to our team at team@careercircle.com. We're here to confirm if a message is truly from us.
</li>
<li style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #000000;">
Report the Scam: Forward any suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM) to report the scam to your mobile service provider.
</li>
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Block the Number: Block the sender to prevent further messages.
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</ul>
<h3 style="margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;">Remember, We're Here for You</h3>
CareerCircle will never ask for your personal information via text from a non-U.S. number or in a language other than English. If you ever have doubts or need assistance, please reach out to us at team@careercircle.com.
Stay safe and connected, and thank you for being a valued part of the CareerCircle community!
Warm regards, The CareerCircle Team

Important Alert: Protect Yourself from Smishing Scams We're reaching out with an important alert to help you stay safe from recent smishing

Important Alert: Protect Yourself from Smishing Scams

Smishing uses text messages to scam you, often by pretending to be a trusted source. These messages might ask for sensitive information like Social Security numbers, bank details, or account passwords.

Gone are the days when a college degree was the sole gatekeeper to a promising career. Every day, innovative companies are waking up to a profound truth: real skills aren&rsquo;t stamped on a diploma. It&rsquo;s built through life&rsquo;s hands-on experiences. This shift opens doors for many capable individuals who choose not to pursue traditional college paths but are equally skilled and deserving of opportunities. It&rsquo;s a powerful truth: when we choose to value skills and experience over college degrees, we don't just open doors for the overlooked&mdash;we revolutionize our businesses. By prioritizing experience and potential over formal education, businesses can address the systemic barriers keeping brilliant individuals from underserved communities out of the workforce.&nbsp;
<h2 style="margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;">Why Move Away from Degree-Dependent Hiring? </h2>
When we cling to college degrees as the primary hiring criterion, we inadvertently sideline a vast pool of talent. Many individuals from underserved communities face significant barriers to higher education, from prohibitive costs to systemic socio-economic challenges. By prioritizing degrees, we perpetuate these inequalities but also deprive our businesses of diverse perspectives and innovative solutions.&nbsp;
 Moreover, the high cost of education and a dynamic job market have prompted many to skip the degree path and directly develop specific skills through alternative routes such as certifications, apprenticeships, and self-directed learning.
 Focusing on what people can do rather than where they studied can build stronger, more diverse teams. Turning our backs on degree-centric hiring can transform workplaces and bring about profound social change.
<h2 style="margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;">The Business Case for Skills over Degrees</h2>
Think about the last time you were truly impressed by someone's work. Was it because they listed a prestigious university on their resume? Or was it because they delivered something spectacular, something that demonstrated ingenuity and skill? The world is full of self-taught innovators, tireless achievers, and imaginative thinkers. These are the people who bring fresh perspectives to challenges&mdash;yet, traditional hiring practices often leave them on the sidelines and it&rsquo;s almost always to the detriment of the business. 
According to Robinson, McKinsey research shows that over a several-year timeframe, <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/why-diversity-matters">racially diverse companies are 35% more likely to outperform their less diverse counterparts</a>, while from a gender standpoint, companies with strong women representation are 25% more likely to outperform. It&rsquo;s clear&mdash;the future of business is inclusive. 
Surveys and studies increasingly show that <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2023/01/12/survey-finds-recent-grads-emotionally-unprepared-work">many graduates feel underprepared for the workplace</a>, and the skills they acquired in college may not align with what is needed in today's jobs.&nbsp; 
A staggering number of capable individuals from lower-income backgrounds are sidestepped by the degree demand. With the rising costs of education, organizations that are still adhering to this strict requirement are actively contributing to a cycle of inequality.&nbsp; 
 It's time to recalibrate our focus towards skills and actual job performance potential. How to Scout for Skills: Strategies That Work
Sifting through resumes flush with academic accolades tell us little about the person behind the paper. As we embrace a new era of talent discovery, we focus on uncovering the raw, untapped skills that can spark real change.&nbsp; Here&rsquo;s our blueprint for identifying those abilities, ensuring that a team is skilled and every candidate gets the opportunity to showcase their abilities.&nbsp; Zero In on What Really Matters
<a href="https://go.careercircle.com/skills-centric-job-descriptions-visual-roadmap" rel="follow">Before you post that job listing, ask: What skills are absolutely essential for this role?</a> Strip away the fluff about degrees and focus on the real meat of the job. This clarity will help you spot the real performers who can walk the talk. 
Put Them to the Test
Don't just take their word for it&mdash;see them in action. Implement task-based assessments that mimic real job challenges. Whether it&rsquo;s a coding exercise, a sales pitch simulation, or a design challenge, these tests speak louder than any diploma could. 
Recognize the Power of Certifications
In many fields, certifications can be as telling as degrees, if not more. These often require specific skills and a practical understanding of the field, making them a solid indicator of a candidate's readiness and expertise. These qualifications demonstrate a focused mastery of specific skill sets and are frequently more accessible to individuals from underserved communities. 
Dive Into Their Real-World Experience
Portfolios, past projects, freelance gigs&mdash;these are gold mines for assessing a candidate's capabilities. They provide a tangible track record of what the candidate can achieve and are often more relevant than theoretical knowledge. 
Value the Builders
Look for those who&rsquo;ve taken initiative: internships, volunteer work, or community projects. These experiences often build skills that are perfectly transferable to professional settings but are overlooked in traditional resumes. 
Turn Interviews Into Storytelling Sessions 
Invite candidates to share the story of a project they&rsquo;re proud of, a complex problem they solved, or an innovative idea they brought to life. This approach does more than surface their skills&mdash;it brings to light their passion, creativity, and problem-solving prowess. Importantly, it provides a powerful platform for candidates from underserved communities who may not have traditional career paths but have rich experiences and unique perspectives to share. 
These stories allow them to illustrate their resourcefulness and resilience, invaluable qualities often overlooked in standard interviews. By listening to their experiences, we gain insight into how they&rsquo;ve navigated challenges with limited resources, showcasing their potential to contribute meaningfully to our teams. 
Valuing the Roads Less Traveled
Give due credit to the unconventional paths. Freelance projects, volunteer roles, and even personal passions can hone skills just as effectively as formal jobs. These experiences often forge resilience, adaptability, and a drive that can&rsquo;t be taught in a classroom. 
Expand Recruitment Channels
To reach non-degree holders with high potential, broaden your recruitment efforts to include industry forums, <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.careercircle.com/jobs">niche job boards,</a> vocational training centers, and online communities where these candidates like to spend their time. 
Investing in People
When you come across a candidate who sparks interest but may lack some skills, consider the potential of on-the-job training. This investment can pay dividends in loyalty and innovation. Stop looking for the &lsquo;unicorn&rsquo; candidate and build the workforce you need by nurturing the talent you find. 
Building a Learning Culture
Finally, foster an environment that values continuous learning. Encourage all employees, regardless of their educational background, to pursue growth through new experiences and ongoing education. This not only enhances their skills but also keeps your team at the cutting edge of industry developments.
<h2 style="margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;">The Future is Skills, Not Degrees</h2>
In the near future, the most successful companies will be those that can recognize and harness talent in all its forms. By embracing a skills-first hiring model, businesses can prepare for the future&mdash;equipped with a team that&rsquo;s diverse, dynamic, and driven by more than academic achievements. 
After all, the next industry leader, tech innovator, or creative genius might not come from an Ivy League school but could instead be the self-taught coder who has spent hours every day after school, problem solving and tinkering with complex coding challenges. Or perhaps the future leader in sustainable business isn&rsquo;t coming from a top-tier business school, but from the grassroots environmental activist who has been making changes in their community with little more than sheer determination and a deep passion for the planet. It&rsquo;s time to reassess how we definite qualified human potential and cultivate an environment that acknowledges and advances genuine skill and creativity.

When we choose to value skills and experience over college degrees, we don't just open doors for the overlooked—we revolutionize our businesses.

Assessing Skills Without a College Degree

Gone are the days when a college degree was the sole gatekeeper to a promising career. Every day, innovative companies are waking up to a profound truth: real skills aren’t stamped on a diploma. It’s built through life’s hands-on experiences. This shift opens doors for many capable individuals who choose ...

Assessing Skills Without a College Degree: A Practical Guide for Employers

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Kyndall Elliott

26 Articles

Exciting New Features on CareerCircle: Enhancing Your Profile Experience

Important Alert: Protect Yourself from Smishing Scams

Assessing Skills Without a College Degree: A Practical Guide for Employers