<p>It's no secret that technology advances fast, especially in the professional world. New technology paves the way for innovation in many industries, but only when it's backed by employees who understand how to leverage it.</p>
<p>Many employees fear falling behind in their current roles without the proper skills or training. At the same time, hopeful job seekers struggle to make new career connections without relevant industry certifications.</p>
<p>These scenarios are commonly referred to as skill deficits. And even though the concept of a skill deficit is simple, these gaps can hold many candidates back from their desired industry or position.</p>
<blockquote><strong>How can employees stay valuable in their current role? How can candidates overcome skill deficits and progress their careers? </strong></blockquote>
<blockquote>The answer is <strong>upskilling.</strong></blockquote>
<p>In this post, we'll explore the value of upskilling and share several ways it can set you up for long-term career success.</p>
<h2>Four Ways Upskilling Supports Personal Career Development</h2>
<p>As the name suggests, upskilling is the process of learning a new skill or advancing upon existing ones. Upskilling typically includes online training courses with a certification or award upon completion.</p>
<p>Upskilling allows you to invest in your personal career development and evolve alongside new technology. Whether you want to break into a new industry or advance within your current one, upskilling can help you master technical skills and achieve certifications that will prepare you for your next role <em>and </em>demonstrate your aptitude to employers.</p>
<h3>1. Pave the Way for Career Advancement</h3>
<p>While it is true that we learn on the job, continually upskilling is one of the best ways 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">stay relevant in the job market</a>. Mastering new skills can extend the shelf life of your current career and show your employer that you're ready for that next big promotion.</p>
<p>If you're actively looking to change career paths, upskilling can help you get a foot in the door even without a ton of on-the-job experience. Your upskilling certifications show potential employers that you've recently acquired relevant skills and that you're keeping up with trends and innovations in their industry.</p>
<h3>2. Expand Your Professional Network</h3>
<p>Upskilling courses don't just help you learn new skills; they also create invaluable opportunities to meet people with <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> similar to your own. Each time you enroll in a course, you'll meet other upskillers and forge connections with instructors, trainers, and mentors.</p>
<p>Be sure to add your classmates and instructors on LinkedIn or ask for contact information so you can keep in touch after the course ends. Any of these connections could lead you to a new career!</p>
<h3>3. Add Relevant Skills to Your Resume </h3>
<p>Upskilling gives you a tangible way 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">present your skills on a resume</a> or job application. And while resumes aren't everything in the job market, they're often the first thing a recruiter sees when searching for new talent.</p>
<p>Each time you complete an upskilling course or earn a new technical certification, add your credentials to your resume, LinkedIn, and any other online tools you're using to power your job search&mdash;like your CareerCircle candidate 360 profile! This critical step ensures each interested employer can see the full depth of your skills.</p>
<p>Having these items listed on your resume also makes it easier to bring them up in an interview and demonstrate your relevant competencies to each hiring manager.</p>
<h3>4. Keep Up with Industry Trends</h3>
<p>Upskilling helps you keep up with advancements in software and technology, even if you aren't actively searching for a new career. Many employers offer continued learning and upskilling opportunities to their employees. In fact, <a href="https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/workplace/upskilling-2025" data-gc-link="https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/workplace/upskilling-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Amazon is investing $700M in its upskilling program by 2025</a> to help its workforce master the latest industry innovations.</p>
<p>As you browse upskilling courses, keep your specific industry in mind and ask questions like:</p>
<ul>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Which skills are most valuable in the field you work in or want to work in?</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">What required qualifications do you see listed most often on open job postings?</li>
<li data-gc-list-depth="1" data-gc-list-style="bullet">Which tools and platforms do professionals in your field use the most?</li>
</ul>
<p>Use the answers to questions like these to identify which skills are trending or in high demand, then go after upskilling opportunities that align with them. </p>
<h2>Dive into Upskilling with CareerCircle</h2>
<p>At CareerCircle, we see upskilling as an invaluable tool for candidates across industries and experience levels. That's why we partner with technology brands like Google and <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/future-proof-your-career-with-a-salesforce-developer-course" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/future-proof-your-career-with-a-salesforce-developer-course" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Salesforce</a> to connect our members with high-value upskilling opportunities.</p>
<p>Through exclusive access to <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/courses" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/courses" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">digital upskilling and certification programs</a>, we help job seekers like you explore new career paths, advance in their industry, or take the next steps toward their dream job. Plus, CareerCircle offers career advocacy services, job search resources, and more to help you put your best foot forward on your resume or in a job interview.</p>
<p>Ready to power your personal career development with upskilling?</p>
<p><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>!</p>

Explore the value of upskilling and learn several ways you can set your career for long-term success.

How Upskilling Promotes Personal Career Development

Acing the Modern Workplace: How Upskilling Promotes Personal Career Development

<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong>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? </strong></p>
<p>Developing a job skill inventory profile can help at every stage in your career journey. Here are some ways you can get started:</p>
<h2>Consider Hard and Soft Skills</h2>
<p>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, <strong>technical skills aren't the only things that make someone the right fit for the job</strong>, and they aren't the only part of your professional bio that matters to future employers.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Think about your passions, volunteer work, and what motivates you in and out of your 9-5. Then, find ways to <strong>highlight your soft skills and personality traits in your LinkedIn bio, resume, or candidate profile</strong>. For example, CareerCircle's platform allows candidates to record personalized video introductions so recruiters can see the person behind the resume right away. </p>
<p><strong>Tip: </strong>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.</p>
<h2>Keep Your LinkedIn Profile Up to Date</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong>However, LinkedIn can also be a helpful tool <em>before</em> you click "apply." </strong>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>.</p>
<p>Review the responsibilities listed under your previous roles, and <strong>keep an eye out for</strong> <strong>transferrable skills and skill adjacencies</strong> that could apply to various careers<em>.</em> 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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>If you have applicable skills that don't appear on your profile, you can add them and <strong>ask for endorsements from your connections</strong>. Consider reviewing any recommendations you've received to see if you can identify any additional skills to add to your profile or resume.</p>
<p><strong>Tip: </strong>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.</p>
<h2>Add Relevant Job Skills to Your Resume</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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, <strong>there's no one-size-fits-all resume format</strong>. Instead of worrying about word count or page length, focus on crafting a resume that best showcases your candidate profile.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong>Tip:</strong> <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.</p>
<p>-</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Find out how we can help you turn your holistic skill set into an exciting new career.</p>
<p><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></p>

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

<p>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.</p>
<h2>Before Your Job Interview</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<h3>#1 Research your potential employer</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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:</p>
<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>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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.</p>
<h3>#2 Practice, practice, practice</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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.</p>
<h2>On the Day of Your Job Interview</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<h3>#3 Arrive on time</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<h4>In-person interviews</h4>
<p>Most working professionals follow the mantra: to be early is to be on time&hellip;to be on time is to be late.</p>
<p>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:</p>
<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>
<p>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:</p>
<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>
<p><br />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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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:</p>
<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>
<p>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.</p>
<h2>After Your Interview</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<h3>#5 Say "thank you" and pursue next steps</h3>
<p>Sending over a thank you note is a quick and easy post-interview activity that will leave a lasting impression on your interviewer.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>-</p>
<p><mark class="conversation-format" data-conversations="8519970d-5eee-8396-1506-2fafbb6c063a">Looking for more guidance on how to ace an upcoming job interview? </mark></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>[<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>]</p>

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.

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142 Articles

Acing the Modern Workplace: How Upskilling Promotes Personal Career Development

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

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