Thinking of changing jobs? In hot pursuit of a new one already?
Here are some of the best tips I’ve come across for job seekers over the last month, with my own experience in the mix as well. Read on to find out how recruiters and hiring managers think about white fonting, when to submit your resume, and which jobs are hottest right now.
Unemployment Update
In the latest employment summary based on the August jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), it is evident that the U.S. job market experienced notable developments. During this period, U.S. employers exhibited a positive trend by adding 187,000 jobs to the workforce, demonstrating their commitment to economic growth and stability.
The national unemployment rate rose from 3.5% in July to 3.8% in August. This uptick in the unemployment rate is particularly noteworthy as it marks the highest level recorded since February 2022. The unemployment rate for college-degreed workers also experienced a slight increase during August, moving from 2.0% to 2.2%.
Delving into the industries contributing to job growth in August, the healthcare sector notably contributed by adding a substantial 71,000 jobs, indicating its continued importance within the U.S. economy. The leisure and hospitality industry also demonstrated resilience by contributing an additional 40,000 jobs. Moreover, the construction and manufacturing sectors saw a notable increase in employment, with the addition of 38,000 jobs, further strengthening the nation’s industrial landscape. Additionally, the professional and business services sector added 19,000 jobs, underlining its continued contribution to the workforce.
Referral Needed
ACCOUNTING
Controller
Accounting Degree
Certified Public Accountant
10+ years accounting (3+ restaurant/retail)
Treasury Manager
Accounting or Finance Degree
4+ years of related experience
13-week cash flow forecasting REQUIRED
Senior Financial Reporting Accountant (Hybrid)
Accounting Degree, CPA preferred
3+ years of Reporting experience
Current or previous public accounting experience preferred
Senior Auditor (Hybrid) – Low Travel
Degree in Accounting or Finance
CPA or CIA preferred
3 years internal or external audit
Senior Accountant
Public Accounting – 2+ busy seasons preferred
Open to Industry
Fund Accounting Analyst
Accounting Degree
2+ years of experience in public accounting (current or previous)
TAX
Tax Partner (Hybrid)- FTW
CPA required
10+ years of experience
Partnership and compliance experience
Tax Senior (Hybrid)
Accounting Degree
3+ years of tax accounting experience, partnerships required
Current or prior public accounting experience preferred
Tax Preparer (Hybrid)
Accounting Degree
1+ years Tax Firm Experience
One hack is called “white fonting,” and while a lot of recruiters hate it, the truth is — it might work. This is when you cut and paste a list of keywords from the job posting itself and include them in your resume in a white font. A person can’t actually see the keywords, but AI can.
As a recruiter at Benchmark Search, you probably won’t be surprised to hear I’m not a huge fan of this technique. Even if it gets you through an applicant tracking system’s first screen, if you aren’t the right fit for the job, you’re just wasting people’s time.
Now, do I think you should always apply for new jobs on Tuesdays? Hardly. The honest truth is, for entry-level jobs, getting your resume in ahead of the rest is probably smart. But as you move up the career chain, it’s less about winning the resume game and more about your whole strategy.
Assuming your resume makes the cut for a higher-level job — which it should, if you’re the right person for the role — then that strategy might include who you know, how you respond and whether you do well in initial interviewing. Having a recruiter at your back is, of course, also an advantage.
Not AI expert. Not even technologist. But customer service rep. Other hot jobs include meat cutters, bakers, personal shoppers, mental health specialists (!!) and, yes, AI engineers.
(And here’s the full lowdown on what jobs are trending, from LinkedIn, if you missed it.)
I rarely conduct restaurant-related searches, and mental health specialists are unfortunately out of my purview. But for accounting/finance roles, I am your person. Reach out if you’re ready to launch a proactive job search!
