hyrUP Hype

As Thanksgiving approaches, we’re taking a moment to reflect on what we’re grateful for—our incredible audience, clients, talented candidates, and the opportunity to help companies and careers thrive. Let’s dive into this special edition of HyrUP Hype to share some updates, insights, and a little holiday cheer.

Believe It or Not: The Holidays Are Hiring Season

You might think the holidays are all about turkey, tinsel, and avoiding your uncle’s political rants, but guess what? Companies are still hiring across Finance, Sales, and IT—and they’re not waiting for the ball to drop on New Year’s Eve to find top talent.

For Job Seekers:
While everyone else is busy Googling how to deep fry a turkey without burning down the house, you can shine in a less crowded talent pool. Employers are eager to wrap up their hiring before year-end, so polish that resume and consider this your chance to sleigh the job market. Get in touch.

For Employers:
Think of hiring during the holidays like shopping on Black Friday: if you snooze, you lose. Securing top talent now means they’ll be ready to hit the ground running in January, instead of still trying to figure out where the coffee machine is. Bonus: candidates reflecting on their next big career move over pumpkin pie are more motivated than ever. Get in touch

Whether you’re looking to advance your career or unwrap some incredible talent, hyrUP is here to help. Let’s make this holiday season about more than just gifts and awkward office parties—let’s build your dream team or dream job!

📰 Trending News: What’s Shaping the Industry?

• Macy’s “Oops” Moment: $154 Million in Hidden Expenses: Looks like Macy’s wasn’t just hiding deals this year—an accounting employee allegedly stashed up to $154 million in expenses in what the company is calling an “error in judgment.” While most of us are focused on finding the best Black Friday deals, Macy’s finance team is busy untangling how these expenses were swept under the proverbial rug.

  The issue came to light during an internal review, and while Macy’s says it’s confident in its overall financial health, it’s a reminder that even seasoned retailers can have skeletons lurking in their ledgers. The employee involved has been let go, and Macy’s is tightening up its accounting practices faster than a post-holiday belt.

  The lesson here? Whether you’re shopping or bookkeeping, what you try to hide will eventually come to light—especially when it’s $154 million. Read more

• President-elect Donald Trump is shaking up trade relations by announcing plans to impose a 25% tariff on all products from Mexico and Canada, and an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports. These moves aim to address issues like illegal immigration and drug smuggling, but they also risk disrupting the USMCA trade agreement and could lead to higher prices for U.S. consumers. Economists warn of potential negative consequences, including strained relations with key trading partners and increased consumer costs. Read more.

• Rivian Hits the (Electric) Jackpot: Rivian just scored a $6.6 billion loan from the U.S. Department of Energy to supercharge its EV production. The plan? Build a massive new plant in Georgia capable of cranking out 400,000 electric vehicles annually. This two-phase expansion aims to put Rivian in the fast lane of the EV market, giving Tesla some serious competition by 2030. Looks like Rivian’s not just driving electric—it’s driving growth, one billion-dollar boost at a time. Read more. Read more.

Career Strategies: Unlocking Hidden Opportunities

When it comes to building a successful career, thinking outside the box can lead to breakthroughs you never expected. Here are some lesser-known strategies to help you get ahead:

1. Create a “Career Portfolio”

Just like artists showcase their work, professionals can benefit from a portfolio.

• What to Include: Major projects, achievements, presentations, certifications, and recommendations.

• Why It Works: It provides tangible proof of your skills and gives you a unique edge in interviews. Platforms like Canva or Notion make creating a sleek portfolio easy.

2. Track Your Wins Weekly

It’s easy to forget your accomplishments when you’re in the daily grind.

• How: Dedicate a notebook or digital document to jot down weekly wins—big or small.

• The Benefit: When it’s time to update your resume, prep for a review, or request a promotion, you’ll have a ready list of achievements to reference.

3. Use Informational Interviews to Build Connections

Informational interviews aren’t just for job seekers—they’re career gold at any stage.

• How to Start: Reach out to professionals in roles or industries you’re curious about.

• What to Ask: Their career journey, advice for breaking into the field, and challenges they’ve faced.

• Pro Tip: Follow up with a thank-you note and stay in touch—you’ve just expanded your network.

4. Volunteer for High-Visibility Projects

Taking on extra work might not sound appealing, but strategic volunteering can be a game-changer.

• Target Projects: Choose initiatives aligned with company goals or involving leadership exposure.

• Why It Works: It demonstrates initiative, showcases your skills, and puts you on the radar for promotions or new roles.

5. Leverage Internal Job Shadowing

• Ask Your Manager: Request time to shadow colleagues in different roles or departments.

• The Advantage: You’ll gain a broader understanding of your company, build new relationships, and potentially uncover a path you hadn’t considered.

6. Reverse-Engineer Your Dream Role

Instead of waiting for opportunities, create a roadmap for where you want to go.

• How to Do It: Look up job postings for your dream role and note the required skills and experience.

• Next Steps: Start filling gaps through courses, side projects, or mentorship.

7. Build a Personal Advisory Board

Your career decisions don’t have to happen in isolation.

• Who to Include: A mix of mentors, peers, and even junior professionals for fresh perspectives.

• Purpose: Lean on them for advice, feedback, and brainstorming when making key career moves.

8. Master the Art of Subtle Self-Promotion

Nobody likes a braggart, but strategic self-promotion is key to career growth.

• How: Share your achievements through team updates, LinkedIn posts, or during one-on-one check-ins with your manager.

• The Goal: Keep your contributions top-of-mind without coming across as boastful.

9. Become a Thought Leader in Your Niche

You don’t have to wait to be an executive to build credibility.

• How to Start: Write LinkedIn articles, speak at industry events, or join podcasts discussing your field.

• Why It Works: It boosts your visibility and positions you as an expert, which can open doors to opportunities.

10. Invest in Career Insurance

Stay prepared for unexpected changes by building a safety net:

• Maintain Your Network: Regularly connect with former colleagues and mentors.

• Stay Marketable: Continuously upskill and stay informed on industry trends.

• Have a Side Hustle: Even a small side gig can provide stability and expand your skill set.

With these unique strategies, you can take control of your career trajectory, unlocking new opportunities and preparing yourself for the unexpected. The key is to stay proactive, curious, and open to new ways of growing. Our team at hyrUP would love to hear from you! Get in touch

Gobble Gobble, Gratitude, and Grit: Happy Thanksgiving!

As we close out this special Thanksgiving edition, we want to remind you that this holiday isn’t just about turkey, stuffing, and fighting for the last piece of pie (though those are definitely important). It’s about celebrating the wins, learning from the setbacks, and appreciating the people who make our lives richer—like your coworker who always brings donuts to meetings or the recruiter who found you your dream job (hint, hint). hyrUP!

So, whether you're spending the day in a chaotic kitchen, on the couch in a tryptophan coma, or dodging questions about your career from distant relatives, know that we’re thankful for you. You’re part of our journey, and we’re honored to be part of yours.

From all of us at hyrUP, we wish you a Thanksgiving filled with laughter, delicious food, and as few dishes to wash as possible. And remember: calories don’t count on holidays, and stretchy pants are always a good idea. 🍗🥧🦃

Happy Thanksgiving, and let’s make the rest of this year something to be truly thankful for! 🎉