Getting back to work after months of being furloughed or laid off can seem daunting.

With so many others in the job pool, how do you find the right job for you and also make sure you stand out?

This month, NACE – Charlotte Chapter invited Megan Applegate to touch on these topics in their monthly webinar.

Topics Covered:

• Importance of a complete LinkedIn profile
• Resume tips
• In-Person interview tips
• Video interview tips
• Working with a recruiter

Watch the webinar here and visit our resume builder today!

 

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Getting Back to Work With Confidence: A Practical Tutorial for Business Owners and Job Seekers

After months of furloughs, layoffs, or business disruption, returning to work—or helping your team members do so—can feel overwhelming. The job market has changed, competition is fierce, and the rules of recruiting have evolved. Yet opportunity is everywhere for those who know how to stand out, position themselves strategically, and make meaningful professional connections.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) – Charlotte Chapter recently hosted a webinar featuring Megan Applegate, an experienced recruiter and career strategist, who shared actionable insights for professionals re-entering the workforce. The strategies she discussed aren’t just for job seekers—they’re equally valuable for business owners and managers who want to build stronger teams and attract the best talent.

Below is a condensed, step-by-step tutorial based on the topics Megan covered—refocused for leaders and professionals who want to thrive in the post-crisis job market.

1. Build a Complete and Credible LinkedIn Profile

Your online presence is now your first impression. Whether you’re seeking work, building partnerships, or hiring, LinkedIn is your professional storefront—and it must look open for business.

For job seekers:

• Complete every section of your profile—photo, headline, summary, and experience. A fully completed profile gets 21x more profile views and 36x more messages, according to LinkedIn.

• Write a headline that communicates your strengths and goals (e.g., “Restaurant General Manager | Driving Guest Satisfaction and Operational Excellence”).

• Use your About section to tell your story—not just what you do, but how you do it. Focus on results, leadership, and value.

• Post industry insights, share articles, and comment on others’ content to stay visible and active.

For business owners:

• Make sure your company page is updated and engaging. This signals stability and professionalism to both clients and potential hires.

• Encourage your employees to update their profiles and connect with the company page to build credibility and attract organic attention.

2. Create a Results-Oriented Resume

A great resume is more than a summary—it’s a business case for your value. Today’s hiring managers and recruiters are scanning for measurable results, leadership qualities, and adaptability.

For job seekers:

• Lead with impact. Replace job duties with achievements. For example: “Reduced food costs by 12% while increasing guest satisfaction scores by 20% in one year.”

• Keep it concise. Two pages maximum for most professionals, one page for early-career roles.

• Use clear formatting—bold section titles, bullet points, and action verbs (e.g., “led,” “achieved,” “implemented”).

• Tailor your resume to each role. Automated Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) look for keyword alignment with the job description.

For business owners:

• Ensure your company’s job postings clearly describe measurable outcomes. Candidates want to know what success looks like before applying.

• Offer resume review sessions or mentorship programs internally to help team members grow into new roles—this boosts retention and internal mobility.

3. Master the In-Person Interview

As workplaces reopen, face-to-face interviews are returning. Strong interpersonal communication and authenticity make a lasting impression.

For job seekers:

• Research the company thoroughly—know its mission, recent news, and competitors.

• Dress to match the company’s culture but err on the side of professional.

• Bring copies of your resume, a notepad, and a few thoughtful questions about the company’s goals or challenges.

• Be ready to discuss how you adapted during uncertainty—employers are looking for resilience and problem-solving ability.

For business owners:

• Structure your interviews. Unstructured interviews lead to inconsistent hiring decisions. Create a scoring rubric based on skills, values, and cultural fit.

• Train your managers on behavioral interviewing techniques (“Tell me about a time when…”).

• Provide interview feedback to candidates, even if they’re not selected—this builds your reputation as a people-first employer.

4. Succeed in Video Interviews and Virtual Meetings

Remote hiring and hybrid workplaces are here to stay. Mastering digital communication is now a professional necessity.

For job seekers:

• Test your technology beforehand—camera, lighting, and sound. Choose a neutral background and eliminate distractions.

• Maintain eye contact by looking into the camera, not the screen.

• Keep notes nearby but avoid reading directly from them.

• Show enthusiasm through body language and tone—digital fatigue makes energy and confidence stand out.

For business owners:

• Use consistent video platforms and provide candidates with clear login instructions.

• Record (with consent) and review interviews with your hiring team to ensure fair evaluation.

• Treat virtual interviews with the same professionalism as in-person meetings—your digital presence is part of your employer brand.

5. Build Strong Relationships With Recruiters

Recruiters aren’t just gatekeepers—they’re strategic partners. Working with a professional recruiter helps both individuals and employers cut through noise, save time, and make better matches.

For job seekers:

• Be transparent about your goals, compensation expectations, and preferred company culture. Recruiters can’t advocate for you if they don’t know what you value.

• Stay in touch, even when you’re not actively looking—recruiters often contact candidates first when new opportunities open.

For business owners:

• Collaborate with recruiters who specialize in your industry. Niche recruiters like Gecko Hospitality understand market trends, salary benchmarks, and leadership qualities that drive long-term success.

• Provide timely feedback on candidates. Clear communication strengthens your partnership and ensures better results.

Final Thought: Opportunity Favors the Prepared

Getting back to work—or rebuilding a team after disruption—isn’t just about filling jobs. It’s about aligning values, skills, and purpose in a new business landscape that rewards adaptability and professionalism.

Whether you’re a job seeker eager to reenter the workforce or a business owner looking to attract top talent, these principles apply equally: be proactive, be visible, and build relationships grounded in authenticity and consistency.