<h2>What is the Opportunity Divide?</h2>
The term "Opportunity Divide" was coined several years ago to define the longstanding challenges associated with traditional, resume-based hiring processes.
Millions of hard-working, deserving job seekers lack access to valuable opportunities and career resources. At the same time, many <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">employers struggle to source and hire the talent they need</a> to fill open roles and grow their organizations.
This dynamic threatens the U.S. economy as a whole but takes an especially devastating toll on the individuals looking to further their careers. A lack of access to training, coaching, and human-focused hiring teams excludes many qualified, deserving candidates from opportunities to build a long-term career and financial security.
While this disparity may sound like a sweeping challenge at first read, it's important to note that the opportunity divide does not affect candidates and job seekers equally.
So, before we can answer "What is the opportunity divide," we must first understand the people most affected by its presence, from underserved communities to veterans to parents looking to return to the workforce after some time off. The unfortunate truth of the traditional hiring process is that it most often negatively impacts candidates who have historically been held back, unheard, or overlooked.
These candidates often possess unique skill sets and personality traits that make them perfect for an open role. However, resume-based hiring and a lack of available resources can leave them at a significant disadvantage when applying for jobs.
Candidates may lack the conventional skills in the field they're applying for, or they may not meet every technical qualification on paper. Yet, when you take a closer look at the full view of their potential, it just may exceed that of a candidate with a picture-perfect resume. These are the people we love to support and advocate for.
<h2>How Does CareerCircle Help Bridge the Divide?</h2>
We take a full view of the candidate when we begin the process of advocating for them. What does that mean?
We do everything we can to get a true understanding of each candidate's skill set, background, capabilities, and the unique ways that they can be perfect for the job they want, even if that position may be traditionally outside of their reach. 
From there, we <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">help candidates reflect the 360&deg; view of themselves</a> through our holistic member profiles, complete with customizable bios and video introductions. We connect them with upskilling opportunities like training and certification courses to help them re-enter the workforce or transition into a new industry with the skills they need to succeed.
Our platform and career development services help candidates reframe their job search and connect with the resources they need to <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/youve-got-skills-the-importance-of-upskilling-in-todays-job-market" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/youve-got-skills-the-importance-of-upskilling-in-todays-job-market" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">upskill</a> and obtain relevant certifications in IT, data analysis, and other high-demand fields.
On the other side of the aisle, we help educate employers on the importance of viewing their hiring processes through this same filter&mdash;the 360&deg; view. We want them to be mindful of this opportunity divide and do everything they can to view each candidate as a well-rounded person, not just checkmarks on a resume.
We help employers understand that when they approach hiring with the same human touch that we bring to our own operations, they'll begin developing a workforce of capable, hungry, talented people that are ready for anything tomorrow's economy can throw in their way.
<h2>How Can Employers Promote Workforce Equity?</h2>
The first step toward improving workforce equity is <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">championing equitable hiring in your own organization</a>.
At CareerCircle, we don't see the opportunity divide as an impasse that we can't push past. We see it as a chance to build bridges and give more chances to underrepresented people.
Erasing the opportunity divide takes work. It takes effort from all parties to make it click. But above all of these things, it takes heart. It takes a genuine passion for doing better and improving people's lives to achieve measurable results. This motivation to help underrepresented people enter the workforce with confidence lies at the heart of everything we do&hellip;and we love doing it.
Join us in <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/impact" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/impact" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">our mission</a> to erase the opportunity divide by creating an account on the CareerCircle platform. As an employer partner, you'll be able to share open opportunities with our talent pool and connect with diverse, recently upskilled job seekers from our member network.

The term "Opportunity Divide" is used to define the longstanding challenges associated with traditional, resume-based hiring processes.

What is the Opportunity Divide in the Workforce?

The term "Opportunity Divide" was coined several years ago to define the longstanding challenges associated with traditional, resume-based hiring processes.

Advocacy in Action: What is the Opportunity Divide in the Workforce?

In today's talent marketplace, finding the right candidate for the job is more challenging than ever. In fact, <a href="https://jobadder.com/blog/how-can-a-talent-pool-improve-your-recruitment" data-gc-link="https://jobadder.com/blog/how-can-a-talent-pool-improve-your-recruitment" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">over 72% of recruiters</a> are struggling to find relevant candidates. Combine this with the fact that <a href="https://about-content.glassdoor.com/en-us/workplace-culture-over-salary/?_gl=1*1fyt23h*_ga*MzY3MDUxMi4xNjM1ODYyMzky*_ga_RC95PMVB3H*MTYzNTg2MjM5MS4xLjAuMTYzNTg2MjM5MS42MA.." data-gc-link="https://about-content.glassdoor.com/en-us/workplace-culture-over-salary/?_gl=1*1fyt23h*_ga*MzY3MDUxMi4xNjM1ODYyMzky*_ga_RC95PMVB3H*MTYzNTg2MjM5MS4xLjAuMTYzNTg2MjM5MS42MA.." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">candidate expectations around job fit and company culture</a> are at an all-time high, and your internal talent teams are in a tough spot.
To keep up with demand and attract the right candidates, employers must adopt hiring practices that are equal parts efficient and equitable.
Staffing and recruiting companies can help organizations reduce time-to-hire without compromising on candidate quality. Plus, they give internal talent teams the resources they need to strategically source and evaluate job seekers rather than rely on an automated resume tool or an outdated list of job requirements.
But how does <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/equity-vs-equality-a-slight-but-crucial-difference-in-the-workforce" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/equity-vs-equality-a-slight-but-crucial-difference-in-the-workforce" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">equitable sourcing and staffing</a> work behind the scenes?
<h2>Diverse Sourcing Strategies</h2>
Many organizations turn to online job boards or even branded microsites to bring awareness to open positions. And while these tools have the potential to reach a large audience, they don't give employers much control over their talent pools.
Although these sites often produce long lists of applicants, they're not guaranteed to be the right fit for your role &mdash; despite having the "right" phrases in their resume. As a result, your internal teams take on extra work during the interview and assessment process to weed out these poor-fit candidates.
Unlike a resume-sorting algorithm or generic job site that pulls in hundreds of unqualified applicants, staffing and recruiting companies develop networks and processes that are proven to <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/hiring-vs-workforce-development-stop-patching-holes-start-preparing-for-tomorrow" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/hiring-vs-workforce-development-stop-patching-holes-start-preparing-for-tomorrow" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">bring the right-fit candidates to your open roles</a>.
These companies source talent proactively by partnering with non-profits and career-mentoring programs to fill your talent pipeline with great candidates.
Rather than asking internal teams to spend months identifying non-profit partners, building trust, and reaching out for candidate recommendations, you can lean on the networks developed by your staffing and recruiting partner.
You'll gain access to a new pool of candidates and enable your teams to <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/advocacy-in-action-erasing-the-opportunity-divide-in-the-workforce" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/advocacy-in-action-erasing-the-opportunity-divide-in-the-workforce" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">source candidates for open roles from underserved communities</a> &ndash; like veterans, BIPOC, or moms re-entering the workforce. When you work with an equitable staffing and recruiting company, you'll make more candidate connections as your staffing partner expands its network among these communities. 
<h2>Career Development Resources</h2>
When it comes time to fill an open role, your internal recruiters likely evaluate candidates on a list of technical qualifications or job requirements. This approach helps teams keep up with fast-paced hiring needs, but it can lead to poor retention rates if new hires aren't a good cultural fit. Plus, it limits your ability to connect with candidates who may have the perfect soft skills to thrive at your organization just because they're missing a certification.
Equitable staffing and recruiting companies <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">get ahead of the talent deficit</a> by giving candidates the resources they need to succeed in a highly competitive marketplace. They partner with leaders in IT and other high-demand fields to <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">create upskilling opportunities</a> through online courses, technical certifications, and more.
These staffing companies also offer career-mentoring services and other high-value tools to help candidates <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">connect the dots between their new certification and their next career move</a>. This proactive, purpose-driven approach to talent acquisition benefits both sides of the hiring process, opening new doors for deserving candidates and providing employers with a diverse, qualified talent funnel.
<h2>360&deg; Candidate Profiles</h2>
As the global talent marketplace evolves, many employers are looking to shift from strictly resume-based evaluations in order to source right-fit candidates and promote workplace diversity. <a href="https://business.linkedin.com/content/dam/me/business/en-us/talent-solutions/resources/pdfs/global_talent_trends_2019_emea.pdf" data-gc-link="https://business.linkedin.com/content/dam/me/business/en-us/talent-solutions/resources/pdfs/global_talent_trends_2019_emea.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Eighty percent of talent professionals</a> believe soft skills like creativity, adaptability, and collaboration are vital to company success.
The good news is, staffing and recruiting companies provide a scalable evaluation framework that benefits employers and candidates alike. Rather than aggregating hundreds of cookie-cutter resumes for your teams to skim through, they can evaluate candidates through:
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Interactive video introductions</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Personality and career assessments</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Bios that create a 360&deg; view of each candidate</li>
</ul>
This holistic approach to hiring <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/from-promises-to-progress-how-to-promote-equity-in-staffing-and-recruiting" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/from-promises-to-progress-how-to-promote-equity-in-staffing-and-recruiting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">promotes workforce equity</a>, creates new opportunities for underserved candidates, and even helps your hiring teams step away from piles of paperwork in favor of personal connections with job applicants.
Instead, they can use qualitative tools to evaluate characteristics like work ethic, past experiences, and motivations alongside industry expertise and technical skills. This approach also supports diversity, equity, and inclusion by giving candidates a chance to present the complete picture of who they are as a person, not just a number on screen or a name on a sheet of paper. 
-
CareerCircle gives you access to a diverse talent pipeline and holistic candidate-to-career matching tools to help you <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">develop an equitable workforce</a> and drive ongoing value for your organization.
Plus, we support job seekers and employers alike through our talent management platform and upskilling resources designed to promote DE&amp;I and create lasting connections between candidates and careers.
<a href="https://www.careercircle.com/contact" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/contact">Reach out to our team today</a> to learn more about our talent marketplace and <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/impact" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/impact" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">our commitment to creating equity</a> in the workforce.

Staffing and recruiting companies can help organizations reduce time-to-hire without compromising on candidate quality.

How Equitable Staffing and Recruiting Companies Match Candidates to Careers

In today's talent marketplace, finding the right candidate for the job is more challenging than ever. In fact, over 72% of recruiters are struggling to find relevant candidates.

Navigating a job search can be &mdash; to put it mildly &mdash; a bit daunting. It's completely normal to have a level of stress and anxiety when looking for the right position, especially when you're going at it alone or balancing a job search while still employed elsewhere.
Partnering with a recruiter or similar career advocate can help you manage the workload associated with job hunting. Their guidance can help you make more informed decisions on how, where, and when you apply for open roles.
Here are four benefits of using a recruiter that can make finding the right job that much easier.
<h2>#1 Save Yourself Some Time</h2>
When you're in the process of finding a job, time is everything. Chances are, you're already balancing a lot. The time you spend searching for a new job can easily cut into the valuable hours you need to spend working or taking care of your family.
Reduce those hours spent clicking around on job boards by pairing up with someone whose entire workday is dedicated to finding the right match for you. Benefits of using a recruiter include that they can take on traditionally time-consuming tasks like:
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Reviewing postings on online job boards</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Matching your resume to relevant positions</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Putting your name in front of hiring managers</li>
</ul>
Your recruiter will dive in on your behalf, leveraging their network connections and resources to multiply your chances of finding a job while reducing your time spent hunting for one. Not only do they have expert <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/jobs" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">resources to streamline your job search</a>, but they also have years of experience matching candidates to right-fit jobs and identifying the most valuable opportunities on the market.
<h2>#2 Connect to a Larger Network</h2>
Speaking of industry resources, your recruiter or career advocate likely has a diverse network of partners and potential employers. The right recruiter should have deep-rooted connections in your target industry. They'll know everyone from non-profit partners to enterprise corporations looking to fill open positions and expand their workforce.
Pairing up with a recruiter expands your network and gives you more credibility through their willingness to vouch for you. Not only do they know just about everyone in the business, but they also maintain a positive rapport with partners across their network.
Unlike a Google search that will bring you generic contact information for an employer's HR or talent department, your recruiter can advocate for you by name and facilitate personal introductions with potential employers.
A recruiter can act as an advocate, positioning you as an ideal candidate with a voice that will be taken seriously by hiring managers. Your recruiter should step up to the plate for you with various network contacts and establish connections that have real weight behind them.
<h2>#3 Access Relevant Training Resources</h2>
Many recruiters offer time-saving services and invaluable connections, but did you know they can also help you strengthen your resume or reach your long-term <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>?
Sometimes, landing your dream job requires more than a standout resume or flawless job interview. You may need to step back and polish your skillset to prepare for your next role or move up within your desired industry.
The good news is, a top-tier recruiter will go beyond standard job search support to advocate for you throughout your entire career journey. They'll likely offer various resources to 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">polish your resume</a> and prepare for milestones in your job search, like an interview or skill evaluation.
They should also be committed to helping you reach your career goals, offering training resources and <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">upskilling opportunities </a>designed to give you the skills you need to succeed in your new position. Look for recruiters that provide digital tools like online certification courses, industry-focused upskilling, and virtual boot camps that enable you to build or refine your skillset to match potential job roles.
<h2>#4 Search With Confidence</h2>
Confidence is key when searching for the right job, whether it's confidence in your abilities, confidence in an interview, or simply the confidence in knowing that you're making the right decision in your life.
Benefits of using a recruiter include an instant confidence boost. They are experienced professionals that can offer that bit of extra help, motivation, and guidance you need to <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/your-career-transition-how-to-conquer-change-with-confidence" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/your-career-transition-how-to-conquer-change-with-confidence" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">approach your career transition with confidence</a> and get the tools you need to succeed in your job search.
At CareerCircle, our career advocates and recruiters bring a human element to the job search. We are truly driven by our mission to see your professional dreams come to life and <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/impact" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/impact" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">support workforce equity</a> at every turn.
Rather than leading with your resume or technical experience, we get to know the 360&deg; view of you and offer proven strategies to present your complete skillset to potential employers.

Ready to power your job search with help from a dedicated team of recruiters and career advocates?

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Here are four benefits of using a recruiter that can make finding the right job that much easier.

Navigating Your Career Journey: 4 Benefits of Using a Recruiter

Navigating a job search can be — to put it mildly — a bit daunting. It's completely normal to have a level of stress and anxiety when looking for the right position, especially when you're going at it alone or balancing a job search while still employed elsewhere.

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144 Articles

Advocacy in Action: What is the Opportunity Divide in the Workforce?

How Equitable Staffing and Recruiting Companies Match Candidates to Careers

Navigating Your Career Journey: 4 Benefits of Using a Recruiter