Every time you hire a new employee, you're investing in the ongoing success of your company. But sometimes, finding the ideal fit for each open role is much easier said than done. If you have trouble finding qualified, motivated candidates, you aren't alone. Seventy-five percent of hiring managers <a href="https://www.shrm.org/hr-today/trends-and-forecasting/research-and-surveys/Documents/SHRM%20Skills%20Gap%202019.pdf" data-gc-link="https://www.shrm.org/hr-today/trends-and-forecasting/research-and-surveys/Documents/SHRM%20Skills%20Gap%202019.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">credit hiring challenges to skill shortages</a> in their applicant pools.
Fortunately, these skill shortages don't necessarily mean that the right candidate doesn't exist. Instead, perceived talent shortages often tie back to how employers source, evaluate, and hire employees.
Rather than using resumes or years of experience as penultimate qualifiers for a job applicant, employers should open opportunities to candidates with non-traditional qualifications, such as the candidate's recent completion of an upskill course in their field or industry.
But what exactly does that mean? And how do employers benefit from recently upskilled hires instead of those with a lengthy track record of success?
<h2>What is Upskilling?</h2>
Employee upskilling is the process of learning a new professional skill or advancing an existing one. It typically involves an <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/courses" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/courses" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">online training course</a> with a certification or award upon completion.
Upskilling gives working professionals the opportunity to <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/acing-the-modern-workplace-how-upskilling-promotes-personal-career-development" rel="follow">get certified in relevant skillsets</a>, ramp up in a new industry, or expand upon their existing technical skills. It also enables them to evolve their skills alongside new technologies and industry-specific best practices.
On the other side of the aisle, upskilling allows potential employers to evaluate candidates on acquired skills and performance instead of their limited work history or the experience listed on their resume.
<h2>How Does Upskilling Benefit Employers? </h2>
Employee upskilling gives candidates a chance to advance their careers and increases employers' odds of bringing the right talent into open roles.
Sourcing recently upskilled talent isn't a nice-to-have hiring tactic. In fact, the practice is quickly becoming a necessity to <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">improve recruiting efforts</a> and source qualified employees with in-demand skills.
Here are several reasons your organization should consider hiring recently upskilled candidates:
<h3>1. Gain access to a larger talent pool.</h3>
Upskilling is an invaluable tool for professionals without extensive experience in their desired field. When employers provide upskilling opportunities to underserved communities, like veterans and workforce returners, they're equitably expanding the talent marketplace. This means driving more qualified, diverse candidates into your talent pipeline.
Rather than limiting yourself to candidates who've been in the industry for a while or those with a robust resume, you can connect with upskilled candidates to expand your reach and bring new talent to your organization. You might even take it a step further by working with talent partners to <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/equity-in-hiring-introducing-careercircles-employ-1000-challenge" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/equity-in-hiring-introducing-careercircles-employ-1000-challenge" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">provide upskilling opportunities</a> and scholarships to underrepresented groups.
<h3>2. Bring new perspectives to the team.</h3>
Employee upskilling can bring an array of perspectives and experiences to your workforce. Perhaps their experience as a stay-at-home parent gave them unparalleled multi-tasking skills, or they excelled in teamwork during military service that could revolutionize the way your teams work together.
More than their unique skills, these employees will also bring new perspectives and diverse backgrounds to DE&amp;I, culture, and team morale discussions. It's easy to get lost in the corporate shuffle and get used to "the way things have always been done." <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">Improving thought diversity across your organization</a> can help you rethink your approach to people operations and address any conscious or unconscious biases that exist amongst your employees.
<h3>3. Add motivated, teachable employees to your workforce.</h3>
Employee upskilling is a great way to learn relevant skills and earn impressive certifications in their target industry. But more than the specific accolades they earn, candidate upskilling experience reflects an <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/learnability-todays-it-factor" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/learnability-todays-it-factor" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ability to learn new skills</a> that will benefit their career, and your organization, over time.
Staffing based on technical skills alone can lead to challenges down the line; it&rsquo;s much easier to upskill a passionate employee than it is to retain an unmotivated one. As an employer, you can feel confident that your upskilled new hires are teachable, trainable, and can take direction from other working professionals. What's more, their willingness to upskill demonstrates motivation and work ethic, which means they'll likely perform well in their new role and take advantage of any continued learning or development opportunities you send their way.
<h3>Connect with Qualified Candidates Through CareerCircle</h3>
CareerCircle's <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/employers/signup" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/employers/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">online platform</a> is designed to help candidates upskill while simultaneously connecting employers with qualified talent.
We provide candidates with career development resources, upskilling courses, and professional tools that enable their career growth and align their skillsets to employers' needs. By partnering with leading brands like Google and Salesforce, we offer job seekers unique learning experiences in data science, cybersecurity, full-stack development, and other in-demand fields.
From there, our recruiters support your staffing and recruiting needs by carefully vetting each of our member candidates and connecting you with the professionals who best align with your technical requirements, company culture, and immediate hiring needs. We holistically support your talent pipeline, from <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/the-power-of-partnership-how-staffing-agencies-promote-equitable-workforce-development" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/the-power-of-partnership-how-staffing-agencies-promote-equitable-workforce-development" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">workforce planning</a> to job placements and every step in between.
Ready to see how CareerCircle can support your long-term talent development needs?
<a href="https://www.careercircle.com/employers/signup" data-gc-link="https://www.careercircle.com/employers/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Join the CareerCircle platform</a> for free to start connecting with diverse, recently upskilled candidates in your field.

Skill shortages don't mean that the right candidate doesn't exist. It often relates to how employers source, evaluate, and hire employees.

How Employee Upskilling Helps Employers Grow Their Workforce

Skill shortages don't mean that the right candidate doesn't exist. Instead, perceived talent shortages often relate to how employers source, evaluate, and hire employees.

Connecting Candidates to Careers: How Employee Upskilling Helps Employers Grow Their Workforce

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.
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.
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.
<blockquote>How can employees stay valuable in their current role? How can candidates overcome skill deficits and progress their careers? </blockquote>
<blockquote>The answer is upskilling.</blockquote>
In this post, we'll explore the value of upskilling and share several ways it can set you up for long-term career success.
<h2>Four Ways Upskilling Supports Personal Career Development</h2>
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.
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 and demonstrate your aptitude to employers.
<h3>1. Pave the Way for Career Advancement</h3>
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.
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.
<h3>2. Expand Your Professional Network</h3>
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.
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!
<h3>3. Add Relevant Skills to Your Resume </h3>
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.
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.
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.
<h3>4. Keep Up with Industry Trends</h3>
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.
As you browse upskilling courses, keep your specific industry in mind and ask questions like:
<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>
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. 
<h2>Dive into Upskilling with CareerCircle</h2>
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.
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.
Ready to power your personal career development with upskilling?
<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>!

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

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

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141 Articles

Connecting Candidates to Careers: How Employee Upskilling Helps Employers Grow Their Workforce

Acing the Modern Workplace: How Upskilling Promotes Personal Career Development

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

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