As competition in the U.S. job market remains intense, job seekers are increasingly focused on finding ways to differentiate themselves during the hiring process. New research from Express Employment Professionals and The Harris Poll highlights a growing disconnect between the strategies candidates use to stand out and the factors they believe employers value most.
According to the survey, job seekers believe employers place the highest value on credibility and demonstrable achievements rather than presentation tactics alone. The strongest differentiators identified by respondents were directly tied to verifiable skills and professional validation.
Among the top responses:
The findings suggest that job seekers increasingly recognize the importance of measurable accomplishments and professional endorsements during recruitment processes.
Additional strategies candidates use to improve visibility include optimizing resumes for applicant tracking systems (ATS), researching prospective employers, maintaining concise resumes, and proactively following up with hiring managers.
While respondents expressed varying opinions on what helps them get hired, there was stronger consensus around behaviors that could negatively impact hiring outcomes.
The most commonly cited dealbreakers included:
Candidates also pointed to concerns surrounding job-hopping, lack of preparation, unexplained employment gaps, and limited references as factors that could reduce hiring opportunities.
Compared to findings from 2023, more job seekers now believe that appearance, body language, and frequent job changes may significantly impact employer perceptions during recruitment evaluations.
The survey also found that some job seekers admit to exaggerating qualifications in an effort to compete more effectively in a crowded employment market.
Approximately 22% of respondents said they had listed skills on their resumes that they did not actually possess. The trend was more prevalent among younger workers:
Examples shared by respondents ranged from overstating language proficiency and technical skills to inventing professional experience entirely.
"Many job seekers believe standing out comes down to polishing their resume, but employers are looking for something deeper," said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, president and chairman of Express Employment International. "Candidates who can point to real achievements and confidently demonstrate their skills bring a level of credibility that goes beyond words. When that proof is paired with the right cultural fit, that combination defines the strongest hires."
The findings highlight how employers continue prioritizing professionalism, authenticity, and demonstrated capabilities amid ongoing workforce changes. As hiring processes become increasingly competitive and technology-driven, candidates are placing greater emphasis on building credibility through measurable achievements, referrals, and skills validation.
The Job Seeker Report was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between Nov. 7 and Nov. 20, 2025, among 1,003 adults ages 18 and older.
Robert (Bob) Funk Jr. is the Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of Express Employment International, a global staffing franchisor founded and headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He leads a portfolio of workforce solution brands, including the flagship Express Employment Professionals franchise, along with several affiliated brands serving specialized markets. The Express franchise brand is an industry-leading, international staffing company with franchise locations across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
At Express Employment Professionals, we're in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, employing more than 11 million people globally since its inception.
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