Whether you're <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/a-new-wave-in-recruiting-how-returnships-help-employers-and-candidates-get-ahead" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/a-new-wave-in-recruiting-how-returnships-help-employers-and-candidates-get-ahead" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">returning to work</a> after some time off, looking for a fresh start, or planning to make a strategic switch into a new industry, assessing and presenting your holistic skill set is an essential part of the job search process.
You're much more than your professional resume, but it can be challenging to communicate your complete set of skills and unique personality traits before you step into an interview.
So how can you effectively inventory your professional skills, ensure they align with potential jobs, and communicate the 360&deg; view of you to recruiters and hiring managers? 
Developing a job skill inventory profile can help at every stage in your career journey. Here are some ways you can get started:
<h2>Consider Hard and Soft Skills</h2>
It's easy to get caught up in the technical details of open roles as you browse job boards or explore potential career paths. However, technical skills aren't the only things that make someone the right fit for the job, and they aren't the only part of your professional bio that matters to future employers.
In fact, many employers are moving away from resume-based evaluations in favor of <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/getting-ahead-of-the-talent-deficit-5-ways-to-improve-your-staffing-and-recruiting-efforts" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/getting-ahead-of-the-talent-deficit-5-ways-to-improve-your-staffing-and-recruiting-efforts" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">a more human approach to hiring</a>. Instead of ranking candidates based on keywords in a resume, years of experience, or work history alone, they're taking a look at candidates' work ethic, flexibility, and real-world experience.
As you start evaluating your experience and "hard" skills, be sure to consider the intangibles, too. Your ability to problem solve, multi-task, or resolve conflicts may be just as valuable as your experience with Salesforce or Microsoft tools, especially if you're planning to move into a leadership role in the future.
Think about your passions, volunteer work, and what motivates you in and out of your 9-5. Then, find ways to highlight your soft skills and personality traits in your LinkedIn bio, resume, or candidate profile. For example, CareerCircle's platform allows candidates to record personalized video introductions so recruiters can see the person behind the resume right away. 
Tip: Not sure where to start? Personality assessments can help! We partnered with Traitify to develop a <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/traitify" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/traitify" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">90-second personality assessment </a>for candidates. After taking the assessment, you'll learn more about your unique personality blend as well as your most represented and least represented traits.
<h2>Keep Your LinkedIn Profile Up to Date</h2>
Your LinkedIn profile is a valuable asset in the job market. Whether or not you apply to jobs directly through the platform, recruiters will likely check out your profile when reviewing your resume and application.
However, LinkedIn can also be a helpful tool before you click "apply." If you're looking for new opportunities or planning to change industries, you can leverage your LinkedIn profile to connect your past experience to your <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/navigating-your-career-journey-5-ways-to-reach-your-career-development-goals" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/navigating-your-career-journey-5-ways-to-reach-your-career-development-goals" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">career development goals</a>.
Review the responsibilities listed under your previous roles, and keep an eye out for transferrable skills and skill adjacencies that could apply to various careers. For example, almost every job includes some level of customer service, a central skill set for IT support. The customer service experience you may have gained in a retail store, at a doctor's office, or a bank still plays a vital role in your resume and contributes to your skillset, regardless of how you'll apply it in your next position.
Next, look through your "Skills &amp; endorsements" section to see what skills you've been endorsed for by connections in your network. You can <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/five-ways-to-level-up-your-resume" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/five-ways-to-level-up-your-resume" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">add these skills to your resume</a>, then re-order or show/hide endorsements on LinkedIn to highlight the skills that are most applicable to your career path.
If you have applicable skills that don't appear on your profile, you can add them and ask for endorsements from your connections. Consider reviewing any recommendations you've received to see if you can identify any additional skills to add to your profile or resume.
Tip: Having trouble identifying which skills you need for your next role? Review the LinkedIn profiles of people in the jobs you want to see what skills they have listed &mdash; they may match your current strengths and make great additions to your profile.
<h2>Add Relevant Job Skills to Your Resume</h2>
While your resume shouldn't be the only asset you present to potential employers, it's still a vital part of your candidate profile. Keeping it updated can help you set yourself apart during the application and evaluation process.
Resume creation can be confusing, especially with many templates, tips, and unofficial rules for building the "perfect" snapshot of your career history. Just as no two candidates are alike, there's no one-size-fits-all resume format. Instead of worrying about word count or page length, focus on crafting a resume that best showcases your candidate profile.
Consider creating role-specific resumes for each position you're targeting, especially if they span across industries. For example, if you're applying to an IT job, you'll want to showcase your <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/upskilling-yourself-for-tomorrows-economy" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/upskilling-yourself-for-tomorrows-economy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">relevant certifications and upskilling courses</a>. Alternatively, if you're applying for a creative writing role, you may include links to various writing samples rather than a list of technical qualifications.
These tailored resumes allow you to highlight the most relevant information for each job and comply with each employer's requirements rather than trying to fit everything into one document.
Above all, we recommend avoiding automated resume generators that turn your LinkedIn profile or list of key terms into a generic resume. It's usually easy for recruiters to spot these types of resumes, plus you'll miss out on the chance to add the human touch that an AI program can't replicate.
Tip: <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/resume-builder" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/resume-builder" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CareerCircle's Resume Builder</a> can help you craft a standout resume in minutes, then upload it directly to your candidate profile or save a copy to your device for future use.
-
At CareerCircle, we believe candidates are much more than their resumes. We support job seekers with personalized online profiles, connect them with upskilling opportunities, and give them the tools they need to succeed in today's job market. On the flip side, we challenge employers to rethink qualified by connecting them with recently upskilled talent in our professional network.
Find out how we can help you turn your holistic skill set into an exciting new career.
<a href="https://www.careercircle.com/candidates/signup" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/candidates/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Become a CareerCircle member today!</a>

Developing a job skill inventory profile can help at every stage in your career journey. Here are some ways you can get started:

How to Develop a Job Skills Inventory

Whether you're returning to work after some time off, looking for a fresh start, or planning to make a strategic switch to a new industry, assessing and presenting your holistic skill set is an essential part of the job search process.

Building the 360° View of You: How to Develop a Job Skills Inventory

Interviewing can be stressful, especially if you are just starting your career, rejoining the workforce after an extended period, or transitioning into a new industry. Below are five tips you should think about as you begin your journey.
<h2>Before Your Job Interview</h2>
Searching for and applying to open roles typically takes significant time and effort. It's essential to prepare for your job interview before the day it's scheduled, despite balancing your persistent job search, personal life, and the demands of your current position.
Spending a couple of hours on prep ahead of your job interview will help you walk in feeling confident and prepared. Prior preparation is the not-so-secret key to impressing your potential employer and presenting the best version of yourself to everyone&mdash;in the room, or on your computer screen.
<h3>#1 Research your potential employer</h3>
Research is one of the most valuable pre-interview activities out there. It equips you to provide informed answers to interview questions and to show your potential employer that you're genuinely invested in becoming part of their company.
Take some time to read up on the company. Browse their website, social profiles, and any other content you can find online to learn about who they are and how you could contribute to their efforts. Before you walk into your interview, you should familiarize yourself with several key facts and answer questions like:
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">What is the organization's mission?</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Who are their target customers?</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">What products, services, or solutions do they provide?</li>
</ul>
This research also allows you to identify what you'd like to learn during the interview. Even though some of us imagine an interview as a one-way interrogation, it should actually be a two-way conversation that allows you to learn about your potential employer as they learn about you. Consider how well the company's values and culture align with your own, as well as how the role you're interviewing for complements your skillset and past experience. 
Jot down any questions you have about the company or the specific role you're applying for. Your curiosity will show interviewers that you've done your research, and it gives you a chance to learn more about the company during the initial stages of the hiring process.
<h3>#2 Practice, practice, practice</h3>
Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, but practice can help you kick the nerves and put your best foot forward on interview day. Start by reviewing typical interview questions and practice your answers. You'll want to use each question as an opportunity to <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/five-ways-to-level-up-your-resume" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/five-ways-to-level-up-your-resume" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">highlight relevant skills from your resume </a>and give interviewers more insight into your previous experiences. They have your resume and application materials. They've read it. Now, tell them what it means for them. Be prepared to describe what about your approach led to the accolades on the page in front of them.
Steer clear of writing a script or memorizing your responses word-for-word. Instead, spend some time thinking deeply about your answers and practicing them out loud to lower your risk of freezing up when you're on the spot. 
Practice runs are another great way to get comfortable with the interview process. Ask a friend or family member to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MyCareerCircle/videos/399820568501452" data-gc-link="https://www.facebook.com/MyCareerCircle/videos/399820568501452" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">conduct a simulated interview</a> with you based on the questions you uncovered in your research. Do it as many times as you can until you feel confident.
<h2>On the Day of Your Job Interview</h2>
You'll have a lot on your mind the day of your interview, but keeping a few tried-and-true tips in mind will help you stay cool, calm, and collected throughout the process.
<h3>#3 Arrive on time</h3>
Everyone's time is valuable, including yours! Arriving at your interview on time and ready to begin right away makes a great first impression with employers and helps ensure the discussion flows smoothly.
In this case, timeliness doesn't just mean beating the clock but also giving yourself some time to work out technical difficulties on Zoom or find the correct suite number in a large office building.
<h4>In-person interviews</h4>
Most working professionals follow the mantra: to be early is to be on time&hellip;to be on time is to be late.
When attending an interview, you might need a few extra minutes to account for the train schedule, find a parking space, navigate the building, etc. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Look up the location and how long it will take to get there. Include a buffer for traffic if needed.</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Plan to arrive five to ten minutes early for the interview.</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Give yourself extra time to pull yourself together, gather your thoughts, and calm your nerves.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Virtual interviews</h4>
Virtual interviews have become increasingly popular in recent years. This interview format eliminates your commute and, for some people, adds an extra level of comfort since they can take the call from their own home. And while you don't have to worry about traffic or sit in a crowded waiting room, there are still a few ways to demonstrate punctuality and preparedness:
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Download the necessary tools (like Zoom or Teams) in advance, not five minutes before the call.</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Test your audio and video settings to ensure everyone can see and hear you.</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Join the interviewer's virtual waiting room 3-5 minutes before the scheduled interview time.</li>
</ul>
<h3>#4 Engage with the interviewer(s)</h3>
 Interviews can be daunting, especially if you're in front of several people. Remember to make eye contact with the interviewer(s) asking the questions, keep an eye on body language, and engage with everyone in attendance, whether you're in a 1-1 interview or meeting with a panel. Employers are looking for unspoken clues about you, the candidate, through various means.
Body language speaks volumes and can help communicate a positive message to your interviewer. You don't want to come off as sloppy or stiff. Think about your posture. Sitting straight conveys you are comfortable and confident, while slouching or being hunched over may give an impression of nervousness or even of low self-esteem.
Know your audience and carefully read the room. Be energetic but not overconfident. Employ active listening techniques to pay attention to all questions. Tips for active listening include:
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Strive to make a relatable connection with your interviewer, especially in a virtual setting.</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Summarize and repeat back what you heard to ensure accuracy and alignment.</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Concentrate on the message and value behind each comment your interviewer makes.</li>
</ul>
A surge in virtual connections has created a presence of humanity in the historically polished video landscape. If your dog or child unexpectedly enters the room during your interview, or a loud background noise comes through, don't let it fluster you too much. It's ok to simply address what is happening with the understanding that a culture of empathy is prevailing in the world of video conferencing.
<h2>After Your Interview</h2>
You made it! You just crushed an interview with your potential employer, but that doesn't mean you should step back and wait to hear from them. Staying engaged and communicating proactively with the interviewer or your primary contact will help you progress to the next steps in your evaluation.
<h3>#5 Say "thank you" and pursue next steps</h3>
Sending over a thank you note is a quick and easy post-interview activity that will leave a lasting impression on your interviewer.
Write a short email to the person or group you interviewed with and send it within 24 hours of your interview, simply thanking them for their time and letting them know you look forward to learning more about the next stage in the hiring process. For bonus points, include something you found interesting during the interview, or that you look forward to discussing further during your next interaction.
This message gives you a chance to express your gratitude and seamlessly transition into the "next steps" conversation. Plus, it keeps your name at the top of employers' minds and shows them that you're excited by the prospect of working for them.
-
Looking for more guidance on how to ace an upcoming job interview? 
CareerCircle's free Interview Prep Tool has you covered! Our personalized quizzes walk you through every phase of the interview process, from assessing job fit to following up with potential employers after your interview concludes.
[<a href="https://www.careercircle.com/quizzes/interview-prep" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/quizzes/interview-prep" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Explore the Interview Prep Tool</a>]

Interviewing can be stressful. Below are five tips you should think about as you begin your journey.

Making a Great First Impression: Five Tips for a Successful Interview

Interviewing can be stressful, especially if you are just starting your career, rejoining the workforce after an extended period, or transitioning into a new industry. Below are five tips you should think about as you begin your journey.

CareerCircle has always supported underserved communities with upskilling resources, mentoring, and exposure to open roles that align with their passions and skillsets. Now, we're taking <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/impact" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/impact" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">our mission </a>to new heights and asking employers to help us connect 1,000 job seekers with new career opportunities during 2022.
<h2>Helping Employers Source Right-Fit Talent</h2>
Turning DE&amp;I commitments into measurable change requires leadership to tackle several efforts simultaneously, like <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/building-the-workforce-of-the-future-the-value-of-equitable-hiring-practices" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/building-the-workforce-of-the-future-the-value-of-equitable-hiring-practices" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">building a diverse talent funnel</a>, providing access to new technology training, and vetting job seekers as they enter the talent pipeline.
Hiring diverse, recently upskilled job seekers brings new perspectives and emerging skillsets to an organization. DE&amp;I hiring helps fulfill strategic initiatives and connects employers with candidates who bring the right mix of past experience and new skills to the table.

<blockquote>&ldquo;I was blown away by the level of talent CareerCircle presented. I would have hired every candidate I interviewed if I could.&rdquo; &mdash; Director of IT, Bvlgari</blockquote>
Bvlgari's Director of IT chose CareerCircle because they loved our mission of supporting underserved/underrepresented communities, women re-entering the workforce, and veterans. CareerCircle has been helping Bvlgari hire IT Support Technicians for the brand's high-end luxury goods stores in New York City and Miami, and the results they've seen from our partnership speak for themselves!

Our work with Bvlgari illustrates the value our member candidates bring to their new workplaces, as well as the long-term benefits we bring to organizations' <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/how-equitable-staffing-recruiting-companies-match-candidates-careers" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/how-equitable-staffing-recruiting-companies-match-candidates-careers" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">staffing and recruiting strategies</a>. Our Employ 1000 challenge will enable us to match more candidates to open roles, effectively changing job seekers' lives and putting more employers in touch with certified, highly motivated employees who will positively impact their bottom line.
<h2>Creating New Opportunities for Candidates </h2>
At CareerCircle, we help employers develop end-to-end talent ecosystems and access new pipelines to <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/building-proactive-talent-partnerships-4-reasons-companies-use-staffing-agencies" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/building-proactive-talent-partnerships-4-reasons-companies-use-staffing-agencies" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">overcome the traditional barriers</a> their internal staffing teams often face.&nbsp;
How? By looking at the whole person first to find the hidden attributes that people wouldn't typically apply to their resume or job search. We help candidates present a 360&ordm; view of themselves, uncovering the skills, interests, and passions that build their confidence. Then, we offer training to fill skills gaps and champion equity in hiring by connecting them with some of the country's leading employers.

<blockquote>&ldquo;I give a lot of credit, praise, and appreciation to CareerCircle and the Google IT Support Certification. The CareerCircle team gave me incredible support and confidence at every step." &mdash; Brielle Sims</blockquote>
Brielle is an opera singer, but she needed a second career to support herself financially. Since she had no previous IT experience, Brielle's mom shared the Google IT Support certification with her.
After completing the upskilling course, Brielle partnered with CareerCircle to land a brand new, fully remote IT Support position at Mechdyne.

Our platform and career development services help candidates in underserved communities to <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/how-to-uncover-the-hidden-soft-skills-you-already-own" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/how-to-uncover-the-hidden-soft-skills-you-already-own" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reframe their job search</a>. We connect them with the resources and partners they need to turn their existing skills and passions into relevant certifications in IT, data analysis, and other high-demand fields.
<h2>Ways Employers Can Participate</h2>
As a partner, you'll support equity in hiring, and you'll change the lives of deserving job seekers. In return, you'll be connected with recently qualified candidates. Here are a few ways to get involved:
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Join the CareerCircle Platform: Share open roles on our job board and obtain licenses to source candidates directly from our talent pool.</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Source Certified Candidates: Connect with recently upskilled members and fill open roles with the support of the CareerCircle recruiting team.</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Fund Member-Focused Initiatives: Support career readiness programs and provide upskilling scholarships to CareerCircle members.</li>
</ul>
We guarantee you'll be surprised by the unique, in-demand skillsets our candidates bring to the table, along with the intangible qualities that will make them valuable assets to your organization in the long term.
<h2>Ways Candidates Can Participate</h2>
If you're not already a CareerCircle member, now is the time to join our circle! As our Employ 1000 Challenge continues throughout the year, we'll be adding more open positions, intern and apprenticeship opportunities, and upskilling courses to our website. Here are a few ways to get involved in and support our challenge:
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Join the CareerCircle Platform: Create your candidate 360&ordm; profile, upload your resume, and start connecting with employers through our free member platform.</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Follow Us on Social: Get the latest updates on the Employ1000 challenge by following CareerCircle on social media.</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Spread the Word: Share our posts or create your own using the #Employ1000 hashtag to bring awareness to this exciting new challenge!</li>
</ul>
As a member, you'll get exposure to employers who are interested in hiring recently upskilled candidates like you! Plus, our mentorship team can help you <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/five-ways-to-level-up-your-resume" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/five-ways-to-level-up-your-resume" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">revamp your resume</a>, map out <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/navigating-your-career-journey-5-ways-to-reach-your-career-development-goals" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/navigating-your-career-journey-5-ways-to-reach-your-career-development-goals" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">your career development goals</a>, <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/quizzes/interview-prep" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/quizzes/interview-prep" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">prepare for job interviews</a>, and much more, all through our free, candidate-focused online platform.

Ready to get started?
<a href="https://www.careercircle.com/candidates/signup" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/candidates/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Create a Candidate Account</a>
<a href="https://www.careercircle.com/employers/signup" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/employers/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Create an Employer Account</a>

We're taking our mission to new heights and asking employers to help us connect 1,000 job seekers with new career opportunities in 2022.

CareerCircle's Employ 1000 Challenge

Equity in Hiring: Introducing CareerCircle's Employ 1000 Challenge

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144 Articles

Building the 360° View of You: How to Develop a Job Skills Inventory

Making a Great First Impression: Five Tips for a Successful Interview

Equity in Hiring: Introducing CareerCircle's Employ 1000 Challenge