How to be Aggressive during a Timid Job Market
Scouring online job search engines and the employment ads in the Sunday paper remain today's most popular methods for finding employment. However, in a timid market job seekers can't afford to let opportunity pass them by. Although the economy has taken a dive, it hasn't crashed according to some experts.
By Tiffani Whitehead, Thingamajob.com Staff
The average online job posting can receive more than 100 responses in just one day.
Going, going, gone
Yet, success stories about sending resumes out on Sunday and getting a call back on Monday have ceased, leaving many scrambling and scheming for work. And you should, too. It's time to put away the nice guy?or girl and roll up your sleeves and get employed.
Two Heads are Better than One
With the help of a professional recruiter, some job seekers are running to the employment finish line.
Why?
They say two heads are better than one for a reason. Recruiters are job market gurus. Because they work directly with companies both large and small they know how to work with the H.R. managers at the companies at which you're dying to work. Their relationship and experienced background allow them to relay insider information to you. This gives job seekers an advantage because the recruiter wants you in the employment seat just as much as you.
Now is not the time to wait for opportunity to come knocking. Don't be mistaken. The jobs are still out there, just less than before. In addition, unlike in previous years, many employers aren't throwing open houses, hiring and promoting, and inviting you to play Ping-Pong in the lobby. Those days have died?for now let's hope.
Work the Resume
Unless you're a celebrity, no one knows you outside of the resume they receive across their desk or on their computer. Therefore, a strong document could push you ahead of the rest. Don't be intimidated by the lack of experience, education, and background. You never know for what someone may be looking. While concentrating solely on pretty bullets, icons, and font many people make some of the most common mistakes on their resume.
ASK YOURSELF:
If two of my team members were absent from the office, could I do their job?
- Grammar errors
- Misspellings
- Wrong e-mail address or other contact information
- References that are no longer reachable
- No dates showing duration of employment
The message here is simple: you can't afford to be sloppy.
Are you Indispensable?
If you currently have a job and your future employment status is questionable, consider a self-evaluation. Many employers are looking to their staff to carry their weight and in some cases the weight of those who were laid off. To understand their new model a bit better, ask yourself the following questions:
- If two of my team members were absent from the office, could I do their job?
- Do I produce what's expected of me or exceed expectations?
- Do my current skills allow me to work within another department if desired or necessary?
On a Happier Note
Don't take it personally. You can still be the best at what you do. However, circumstances resulting from layoffs, career transitions, and other factors have caused a steady increase in how many other people are applying for the same position as you. You can decrease these odds, however. Keep your resume online and have a recruiter work with you to determine how your skill sets can complement your future employer!
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