According to Glassdoor.com, the following Hard and Soft skills are what employers are currently looking for in a variety of industries and and occupations.

Hard Skills

1. Data Collection and Analysis: With increased technology usage and the ability to track data and information more easily than ever before, employers are not only seeing this skill set appear more often on resumes but are eager to see how a candidate has been able to use this skill to their advantage. Whether you are marketing professional, working in logistics or operations, try and think of ways in which you have gathered and analyzed data. In fact, Glassdoor even recommends that if you can’t come up with examples from your previous employment, try taking a free online analytics course to get you going in the right direction.
2. Social Media: As many hiring managers are still reluctant to hire a full-time individual to manage their social media, they may be looking for someone who can supplement the need. However, when listing out specific experience in managing social media profiles, be sure to only touch on professional experience when it relates to social media management.
3. Content Management Systems: Creating websites and writing blogs are not just for professional designers and coders anymore. With the introduction of a number of free, easy to use websites such as WordPress, Blogger, etc., anyone can learn how to create/design a website or blog. Glassdoor recommends to check out one or more of these free sites and become knowledgeable in the platform. Looking to really make an impact? Create your own industry specific blog or online portfolio.

Soft Skills

1. Communication: As long as their have been companies and positions to be filled, employers have always valued someone with strong communication skills. In fact, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 73.4% of employers are looking for this very trait! The easiest way to display this skill on your resume is quite simple. Go over your resume and be sure to check for any grammatical or spelling errors. You want your resume to be written in a clear and concise format, give enough detail but not so much as to be overwhelming. Also, when speaking with a Recruiter, be sure to be brief when answering questions but also warm and conversational.
2. Problem Solving: All employers are looking for someone who can not only help to solve problems but have the ability to come up with creative ways in which to do. On your resume when explaining your job duties for previous positions, be sure to express those points in a way that focuses on you finding a solution. For example: “Increased monthly sales by 15%.”
3. Positive Attitude: Having a positive attitude is crucial for so many reasons in the workplace. This trait can make it easier to collaborate with co-workers and allow for creative solutions to be implemented, not to mention making the workplace a much more enjoyable atmosphere. When outlining your ability to have a positive attitude on your resume include words such as “overcame”, “determined”, “succeeded”, etc., to give an overall feeling of having a positive outlook.

Making just a few of these changes on your resume could, in fact, help you stand out just enough from your peers when applying for positions. Above all else, be confident in your skill set and make sure the Recruiter or Hiring Manager understands what you can bring to the table.

The Trillium brand of companies is privately owned by René Poch and provides more than 30 years of industry leading recruitment and staffing services through its divisions including: Trillium Staffing, Trillium Construction Services, Trillium Driver Solutions, Trillium Marine, Trillium Technical, Trillium Environmental, Trillium Hospitality and Trillium Techs. With approximately 98 offices nationwide and nearly 400 internal recruitment professionals, the Trillium brand is proud to be recognized by Staffing Industry Analysts as a Top 25 Largest Industrial Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Largest Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Fastest Growing Staffing Firm in the U.S., and a winner of National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. For more information please visit www.trilliumstaffing.com.

Are you ready to begin a job search? Before spending hours completing the perfect resume, locating interview attire, and searching the countless job boards, take some time to clean up your online presence first. According to behiring.com, as many as 68% of employers will locate you on Facebook alone. Does your Facebook profile resemble the same person you are trying to portray in an interview?

About 1 in 3 employers have rejected a candidate based upon what they learned about them online. Often times your professional strengths, accomplishments, and skill set can be overshadowed by content or photographs located online; quickly costing you your dream job. So what can you do to protect yourself?

• ·         Make your non-professional profiles private. Create separate profiles for your professional and non-professional social networks and keep non-professional profiles private.

• Make sure your professional profiles sell you. Do you have a LinkedIn profile? Make sure it is complete with endorsements, a professional photo, detailed information about your duties and accomplishments, and is connected to others in your field.

• Network. Network. Network. Take advantage of social networks. Connect and more importantly interact with others in your line of work. Participating in groups, answering questions, and posting content that is relevant to your line of business will all help you gain professional rapport and be seen as a knowledgeable in your field. Let those around you know that you are open to career opportunities and let your social networks work for you.

• Check and re-check your online presence. Before you make the assumption that you have cleaned up your social profiles, test it. Have others search for you and see what they are able to view on your profile. Don’t forget about profiles that may exist on sites that you no longer use such as Myspace. Lastly, don’t forget to run an online search including an image search for yourself. This is a great way to locate any forgotten profiles, tagged photos, etc.

While companies are struggling nationwide to obtain the top talent in their industry, most are not willing to take a chance on someone with an online presence that could damage their professional image. Taking a few moments to prepare before marketing yourself could make the difference between yourself and another candidate landing your dream job.

Are you a stand out professional, skilled trades person, or technical professional seeking contingent, temporary, or long term career opportunities?  Visit our job seekers section for more information!  Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of professionals and skilled workers? Contact us today!

Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 5,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.