How To Own Your Growth At Every Stage
Growth isn’t a straight line to the top. It also isn’t defined by job titles or degrees.
Growth begins the moment you decide to move forward.
If you’re working with a workforce development center to find your next step, growth might mean rebuilding your confidence or figuring out how to talk about everything you’ve learned outside of a traditional job. It might mean navigating a completely new direction. And no matter where you are in your journey, Hardly is here to help you take that next step.
Who Are The People Utilizing Workforce Development Centers?
- Recent High School Graduates
- Someone looking to pivot into a different industry
- Veterans readjusting to the job climate
- The ones who decided to forgo the college experience for real world experience
- Formerly incarcerated individuals
- Displaced workers
- Anyone rethinking what meaningful work looks like for them
- Parents getting back into the workforce after years
Everyone’s path is different, and that’s the point. Every experience teaches you something worth bringing to your next role.
The First Stage
This section is mostly for our high school graduates, but this advice applies to anyone without a degree looking further their careers without one.
Many of the most successful business men and women in the world don’t have a college degree. Their success didn’t come from a diploma. It came from the skills they built and the way they showed up.
Career success today depends far more on real-world experience than formal education. Every experience you have had has impacted you, whether that’s positively or negatively. It’s up to you to figure out how to channel the growth that each experience has sparked in you into your next steps.
Working in retail or at your local diner has value. It means you know how to work with people, even in difficult situations. If you had a side hustle in high school, it shows entrepreneurship and the ability to take risks responsibly. Volunteering at your local nursing home shows compassion, willingness to give back to the community, and most importantly, dedication.
These experiences matter and important to build true character alongside your foundation. You’ve already built the skills you need. Now it’s time to make sure employers see them.
Hardly works hand-in-hand with workforce development centers. Our tools, like our resume builder, help you tell your story clearly and professionally. If your experience doesn’t look traditional, that’s okay. Tell us where you’ve been, and we’ll help you present it in the best way possible.
Reentering The Workforce
Coming back to work after time away can feel overwhelming. Whether you’ve been raising a family, serving in the military, or navigating a major life change, reentering the workforce requires courage and support.
For some, it’s been years since they’ve had to update a resume or apply for a job. For others, like formerly incarcerated individuals, the gap in employment might feel like a wall. And for veterans, the transition into civilian life can be jarring.
You’ve developed highly valuable skills that aren’t always written in the language employers expect to see. These types of skills could never have been gained by someone in academia. That’s your advantage. You have lived a different life, and have grown skills that are necessary for our society.
If you’ve kept people safe, followed detailed protocols, or learned how to make fast decisions in unpredictable environments, you already have what so many employers are looking for. Adaptability. Leadership. Attention to detail. Teamwork.
Can you work well in a high-pressure environment? The question doesn’t even need to be asked with certain jobs under your belt.
The key is helping employers recognize those strengths. That is what Hardly does best. Our resume and cover letter builders help you translate your story into a format employers understand. And this time, you don’t have to spend hours staring at a blank screen.
Pivoting To A New Industry
The job search is grueling, especially when you’re trying to pivot into a new field without a traditional background.
It’s a time filled with uncertainty.
You apply to dozens of jobs, rewrite your resume over and over, tailor your cover letters and still hear nothing back. Eventually, it starts to feel personal. But it’s not.
Rejections left and right are NOT a commentary on the value you can bring to the table. Forbes states that 70% of people are finding it harder to get a job this year than in years past. You’re not imagining things. The market is tough.
Hardly lets you update your resume as you grow, build custom cover letters for every job you apply to, and track all your applications in one place. We help you stay organized and focused so your effort doesn’t go to waste. Our tools make your growth visible to employers.
Don’t make it harder than it needs to be, right?
Action Steps
Here’s a few steps to get you started:
1. Use Hardly’s resume builder to tell your story clearly and confidently.
A well-crafted resume is your first impression. Use our tools to highlight your strengths, your experiences, and your goals in a way that speaks to employers.
2. Track your applications with the job tracker.
Staying organized during your job search helps you stay focused. Hardly’s job tracker lets you see where you have applied, follow up with confidence, and celebrate each small win.
3. Set one new growth goal each week.
Small goals lead to big changes. Whether it is updating one section of your resume, learning a new digital tool, or attending a workshop, consistent progress builds momentum.
4. Keep showing up.
Growth is not about having everything figured out. It is about taking one step at a time, no matter what stage you are in.
Hardly makes those steps easier. We are here to help you stay on track and own your growth with clarity and purpose.
Growth Looks Different on Everyone
Here’s a fun fact about me: I’m a perfectionist at heart. However, being perfect is not what growth is about. We’re all running the same race but from different places. Your next step will look different from mine. The most important thing to keep in mind is that we’re both moving forward.
Feeling sad? Take a step forward. Feeling tired? Take another step forward.
Each step forward facilitates more growth and more character.
You have to own each step.
Hardly has your back every step of the way.
You Don't Need A Degree To Succeed, Just Skills
Today, employers are looking for skills over degrees.
Ask around. Chances are someone in your circle took an untraditional route from high school to their now successful career. If you don’t know someone like that yet, Hardly is here to help you become that person or support others.
The Job Market
The job market is challenging, even on its best day. You scroll through LinkedIn or Indeed and see job postings with qualifications for entry-level jobs like this:
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, or related field
- 5+ Years of relevant experience in digital marketing
- Proven track record of managing multi-million dollar ad campaigns
- Expertise in Google Analytics, SEO/SEM, CRM platforms, and Adobe Creative Suite
- Demonstrated leadership and team management skills
- Must be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays
- Salary: $40,000/year
That overwhelming spreadsheet of applications rejection emails and recruiter names that I know you have (don’t worry, we’ve all been there) can be simplified with an effortless job tracker designed by Hardly to keep you organized and focused.
Let’s dive into why skills are outweighing degrees these days.
When Everyone's Skills Look The Same on Paper
Some fields like medicine, law, or engineering will always require formal education and hard skills. That’s fair. In recent years, many qualified people have gravitated toward other paths, like those in the trades or other fields like marketing, business, entrepreneurship, and design.
The downside for hiring professionals? Thousands of applicants look nearly identical on paper. They have the same:
degree.
internships.
cover letter rewritten over and over to fit the qualifications.
How do you stand out and differentiate yourself when everyone checks the same boxes?
Skills Speak Louder Than Diplomas
Employers are shifting their focus from just degrees to actual experience. It’s heartening to see employers begin to focus on hiring the right skills, drive, and passion. Instead of where you went to school, they want to know what you can do.
What have you built, led, designed, managed, or solved? Experience and demonstrated capabilities are what matter in today’s job market. Hardly’s resume builder helps you highlight your skills clearly and use the right keywords to catch recruiters’ attention.
Companies like Google, IBM, and Delta have already removed degree requirements for many roles. Likewise, more are following, because they’ve realized what we’ve always believed:
💡 Your experience matters more than a diploma.
Organizations are finally starting to recognize that traditional education is not the only path to job readiness.
This change didn’t happen overnight. It’s driven by many factors. Here are the top 2 overall factors:
Technology Evolution
Tech evolves faster than most college programs, so degrees can become outdated in record time. Many new job positions today didn’t exist 10 years ago. Equity and access have become central conversations. College isn’t affordable or accessible for everyone. Employers are realizing that talent is everywhere but opportunity is not.
Changing Nature Of Work
Freelancing gig work side hustles remote jobs and entrepreneurship have expanded how people develop and prove their skills. Someone who started a small business managed a family schedule or ran social media for a nonprofit might bring more relevant experience than a recent graduate without hands-on training.
Why This Shift Is Happening
Skills-first hiring also changes how we think about career paths. Gone are the days of climbing one narrow ladder for forty years. Today’s workforce is built on pivots, growth, and reinvention. You can move between industries, start over in a new city, or explore a different role without returning to school each time. That freedom can feel intimidating but it is also incredibly empowering. Your career doesn’t need to follow anyone else’s template. You are allowed to build it your way.
More than anything, this movement puts the spotlight back on people. It recognizes that value does not come from a piece of paper. It comes from action. Value comes from showing up, figuring things out, making progress and learning as you go. That mindset matters more than a transcript ever could.
Let's Talk About the Trades
Electricians, welders, plumbers, and carpenters are all professionals with serious skill sets, and their work is more essential than ever. These are smart, valuable, and often high-paying career paths that deserve the same level of respect as any corporate job. People in the trades build and maintain the world we all rely on. And right now, there is real opportunity. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, skilled trades are among the industries most impacted by the labor shortage, which means demand is high and growing.
Hardly was built with that in mind. Whether you are fixing engines, framing houses, designing websites, or running your own landscaping business, your work has real impact.
Final Words
Hardly helps you turn hands-on experience into language that speaks to employers. Whether you have been working for twenty years or you are just starting out, Hardly makes it easier to identify your skills, frame your story, and stay organized throughout your search. You don’t need a business degree to prove that you are capable and ready. You just need the right words.
Workforce development nonprofits play a crucial role in bridging the gap between job seekers and employment opportunities. Between helping job seekers overcome barriers to employment, gain new skills, and secure meaningful careers, they often have their plates full to the brim. Add in other challenges such as limited staff capacity and/or outdated processes, and things really get dicey.
That’s where Hardly comes in. Our AI-powered career platform helps workforce development organizations automate job search tools, streamline resume and cover letter creation, track application progress, and provide career assessments—freeing up staff to focus on personalized coaching and long-term career success.
Let’s explore the different types of workforce development nonprofits that can benefit from Hardly’s technology.
1. Job Centers
Who They Are: Non-profits that provide job search assistance, skills training, and employer connections to job seekers in their communities.
How Hardly Helps:
✅ Automates resume and cover letter optimization for job seekers
✅ Offers job seekers AI-driven career recommendations and job tracking tools
✅ Reduces administrative burden, allowing staff to focus on coaching
📍 Example: A job center in Indiana uses Hardly to help job seekers quickly generate ATS-friendly resumes, ensuring they stand out to employers. Check out their website here.
2. Reentry Programs for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals
Who They Are: Organizations that help individuals transitioning from incarceration rebuild their lives and find stable employment.
How Hardly Helps:
✅ Translates nontraditional work experience (prison jobs, training programs) into professional resumes
✅ Provides AI-assisted career tools to reduce stigma in applications
✅ Helps reentry case managers track job applications and employment outcomes
📍 Example: A nonprofit supporting justice-involved individuals uses Hardly to create skill-based resumes, helping participants secure jobs in industries open to second-chance hiring. Check out their website here.
3. Youth Workforce Development & Job Readiness Programs
Who They Are: Organizations that help young adults (ages 16–24), especially those facing barriers like poverty or homelessness, enter the workforce.
How Hardly Helps:
✅ Provides easy-to-use resume builders for first-time job seekers
✅ Helps career coaches guide youth through job searches with structured tools
✅ Tracks job applications and progress, making it easier to report success metrics
📍 Example: A youth employment program uses Hardly to help teens with no prior job experience create professional resumes as they train in a variety of tech fields.
4. Workforce Development Organizations Supporting Immigrants & Refugees
Who They Are: Nonprofits that assist immigrants and refugees in securing employment by helping them navigate language barriers, credential recognition, and cultural differences.
How Hardly Helps:
✅ Helps those that may have a tough time “bragging” about themselves in a professional way
✅ Simplifies cover letter writing for non-native English speakers
✅ Generates applicable skills for job titles
📍 Example: A refugee assistance program uses Hardly to help newcomers tailor resumes for U.S. employers, making their overseas experience more marketable in the American job market.
5. Veteran Transition and other Military Workforce Development Programs
Who They Are: Organizations that assist military veterans in transitioning to civilian careers by translating their skills and experience into job-ready applications.
How Hardly Helps:
✅ Translates military experience into civilian job qualifications
✅ Helps veterans articulate leadership, teamwork, and technical skills in applications
✅ Connects job seekers with employers actively hiring veterans
📍 Example: A veteran career center partners with Hardly to create skill-based resumes that showcase military leadership in ways that appeal to civilian employers.
Why Workforce Development Nonprofits Choose Hardly
Workforce nonprofits are on the front lines of economic mobility, and Hardly ensures they have the right tools to support job seekers faster and more effectively. By automating tedious career preparation tasks, providing AI-driven job search support, and streamlining case management workflows, Hardly helps nonprofits scale their impact without overburdening staff.
Ready to Empower More Job Seekers?
If your organization is dedicated to helping people find, secure, and grow in their careers, Hardly can help. Let’s transform workforce development together.
In the evolving landscape of workforce development, technology is no longer a nice-to-have—it’s a necessity. From AI-powered career tools to virtual coaching platforms, tech innovations are revolutionizing how organizations support job seekers. But with this shift comes a challenge: how do workforce development organizations integrate cutting-edge technology while maintaining the personal, human-centered approach that drives meaningful connections and outcomes?
Here’s how organizations can strike the perfect balance:
1. Start with Empathy, Not Algorithms
Before diving into new tech solutions, it’s essential to understand the unique needs of the communities you serve. What challenges are job seekers facing? What barriers do career staff encounter? By centering your workforce development technology adoption around these insights, you ensure that the tools enhance, rather than hinder, the human experience.
2. Choose Tech That Amplifies Connection
The best technologies don’t replace human interaction; they enhance it. Look for tools that streamline administrative tasks, provide actionable insights, or facilitate communication—freeing up staff to focus on high-value, personalized support. Also, consider adopting workforce development technology that enables better asynchronous collaboration so your staff can add more value when job seekers are not in-person.
Example: AI-driven platforms like Hardly can help job seekers optimize resumes and cover letters, enabling career coaches to spend more time offering tailored guidance instead of editing documents. Request a free trial for your organization here.
3. Train Your Team to Be Tech-Confident
Technology is only as effective as the people using it. Spend the time to ensure staff feel confident and empowered to integrate new tools into their workflows. This not only improves adoption rates but also fosters trust among job seekers who rely on their guidance.
Tip: Make training ongoing, with opportunities for staff to provide feedback on what’s working and where they need more support. Hardly offers monthly staff training for anyone to join, or you can schedule an onboarding session specifically for your team by emailing allison@hardly-work.com.
4. Blend Digital and In-Person Experiences
While virtual tools offer convenience, there’s no substitute for face-to-face connection. Create hybrid models that combine the efficiency of technology with the relational power of in-person interactions.
Example: Offer virtual career assessments and online workshops, paired with in-person coaching sessions to discuss results and develop action plans.
5. Measure Impact, Not Just Adoption
Adopting workforce development technology is just the first step. The real question is: Is it making a difference? Track metrics that reflect outcomes, such as job placements, retention rates, and satisfaction levels among job seekers and staff.
Tip: Use this data to refine your approach. If a tool isn’t delivering value, don’t hesitate to pivot.
6. Communicate the ‘Why’ Behind Technology
Change can be daunting, especially when it involves technology. Be transparent with both staff and job seekers about why you’re adopting new tools and how they will benefit everyone involved. This fosters buy-in and reduces resistance.
Example: Host informational sessions or create easy-to-understand materials that explain how the technology works and the value it brings to the organization’s mission.
Technology has the power to transform workforce development organizations, making them more efficient, scalable, and impactful. But its greatest potential lies in its ability to augment the human touch, not replace it. By thoughtfully integrating technology, organizations can create a future where every job seeker receives the support they need to succeed—without sacrificing the empathy and care that make workforce development truly effective.
At Hardly, we believe in the power of human-centered innovation. Ready to explore how our AI-powered career tools can help your organization? Let’s build the future of workforce development together.