🌟 Editor's Note: Welcome to the First Issue!
Welcome to the very first issue of Hire Expectations! After much thought, I'm thrilled to finally bring this to life. Over the past few years, I’ve watched so many people navigate layoffs, inflation, and the AI shake-up in the workplace.
That’s why I created Hire Expectations - to bring you the latest job market insights, career tips, and real talk about what’s happening out there. Whether you’re job hunting, making a career move, or just curious about the evolving workplace, I want this newsletter to be a source of info, support, and maybe even a little hope.
Thank you for coming along!
Jen
⚡️ In This Issue:
Job market update
Resume tips to get hired
News roundup
Employee of the month
📉 Job Market Update
Unemployment Ticks Up Slightly
The latest jobs report shows unemployment at 4.1%, up 0.1 percentage points from January. February job gains were 151,000, falling short of projections, NerdWallet reports. Growth was seen in health care, finance, transportation, and social assistance, while federal government jobs declined due to workforce cuts.
A significant indicator of a shifting labor market: the number of individuals working part-time for economic reasons has risen by 460,000, suggesting a more challenging job landscape for many.
Despite this uptick, the persistence of 7.7 million job openings and low layoff rates offer a more nuanced picture. The next jobs report, set for April 4, will give further insights into where the market is headed. Read more here.
💼 Get Hired
Make Your Resume Work in 20 Seconds
Count to 7.
That’s about how long a hiring manager looks at your resume before determining whether or not you might be a fit for a particular role, according to Indeed.
So, your need to deliver the right message fast. Jessica Hernandez, an executive resume writer, breaks down the four key questions your resume must answer at a glance:
1️⃣ What role are you targeting?
2️⃣ What results prove you're the right fit?
3️⃣ What skills and qualifications back it up?
4️⃣ What past achievements predict future success?
🔹 The bottom line: Your resume isn’t just a summary, it’s a pitch. Make it clear, compelling, and results-driven.
⬇️ Read the full post here:
🔥 News Roundup
The ‘Figure It Out’ Factor: A Workplace Superpower
Employees who embrace curiosity, adaptability, and creative problem-solving—the "figure it out" factor—give companies a competitive edge by thriving in uncertainty, driving innovation, and overcoming challenges with a proactive mindset. Read the full article here.
Why Cover Letters Still Matter — And How to Make Yours Stand Out
Despite claims that recruiters ignore cover letters, research shows they can significantly boost your chances of landing an interview. A well-crafted cover letter offers a unique opportunity to showcase your personality, explain career transitions, and demonstrate strong communication skills — giving you an edge in a crowded job market. Read the full article here.
Why You Should Spread ‘Positive Gossip’ at Work
Sharing uplifting news about colleagues and company successes fosters a culture of pride, support, and optimism. By intentionally spreading positive gossip, organizations can strengthen morale, boost engagement, and create a more productive and encouraging workplace. Read the full article here.
🏆 Employee of the Month
Looking for your next great hire? Or maybe you are the one ready for a new opportunity? Each month, I’ll be spotlighting a talented job seeker who’s actively looking—because great people deserve to be seen.
If you're on the hunt for a new role and want to be featured, apply to be our “Employee of the Month”! Whether you're a marketer, engineer, strategist, or creative powerhouse, let’s get your name in front of the right people.
📩 Interested? Reply to this email with a few lines about your expertise and what you're looking for next!
Did You Know? Healthcare is the largest employer globally, with the sector accounting for 20% of new jobs in 2024, driven by aging populations and public health initiatives.
Till next time,