A "buyers' market" exists when there are more applicants than openings. Then, employers appear to have a distinct advantage. Associated Press (AP) writer Christopher S. Rugaber discussed this situation in a recent Associated Press article.
Searching for a job in this sort of competitive environment may require special considerations. When there appears to be far more people ready to work in comparison to the number of jobs available, it's easy to feel discouraged. What follows are five tried and true points to think about. One or more of them may help make your job search feel more grounded, give you direction that will strengthen your ability to present yourself more confidently and get you back into the workforce as soon as possible.
Be Strategic in Your Search
"Strategic" means having a definite goal or objective. That's more specific than "I'll take anything I can get." Strategic thinking means you're being deliberate about factors like travel time and distance, previous work experience, willingness to be re-trained, your ability to move, as well as minimums for wages and benefits, and more.
Strategic thinking factors into your training and education, but also allows for your particular interests and your willingness to take on new ventures. Family considerations are important in your strategic planning, too. Make a list of your priorities. Mark which ones are "needs" and which are "wants."
Be Cautious About Statistics
Numbers can be scary. For example, when you read a news story that notes there are three million new jobs being advertised compared with 15 million people unemployed, you might create a picture in your mind of you and five or more other people standing in line for a job interview. Don't be discouraged.
Be realistic. Engineers hoping to be hired when Ford Motor Company announced it plans to add 7,000 workers in the next two years are probably not the same ones who are going to apply for assembly line jobs at Ford, or for one of the 6,000 jobs Dollar General expects to create with the opening of 625 new stores. Union Pacific, the country's largest railroad, intends to take on board as many 4,000 diesel mechanics, track workers, conductors and engineers. What does that have to do with your job search?
Be Careful About Potential Risks
Wages and benefits offered with job openings may not be as much as you used to get. You may have to think about what's commonly called "shift work." You may see jobs listed in the "Help Wanted" columns that you wouldn't have looked at in the past, and may even be tempted to ignore...right now. Check your list of strategic decision-making factors. What's important to you and your family? Being too selective or choosy might be risky.
A part-time metal artist, who had worked in the Circulation Department of a Michigan daily newspaper at a comparatively high rate of pay, told me he now has a different attitude about work and wages than when the paper first closed. "Even though there are jobs I could get in other parts of the country, in this housing market, there's no way we can sell our house without a big loss. Foreclosure is out of the question. So, while I try to find work that's up to my resume, I'll do almost anything that's legal from clearing snow to roofing homes for my father-in-law. I didn't think that way a year ago."
Be Serious About Building a Network
Trying to find work by yourself can be a lonely and, perhaps a longer, pursuit. This tactic can involve relatives, friends and even strangers. Spreading your resume and business cards around, along with sharing your hoes and objectives, may yield unexpected benefits. Don't be shy about asking for help. I've personally used this method myself and have coached many others who have returned to declare with a big grin, "Dr. Bob, I got the job!"
A long time ago, over a 30-day period, in Washington, D.C., I had contacts with 110 people who I asked to be part of my network. No one said they wouldn't participate. I got two job offers that were entry level (compared to my education, age and work experience) and one that was just right. The referral to the organization that eagerly wanted to include my capabilities came after my resume was passed along four times by people in my extended network, three of whom I'd never met or spoken to during my month-long search.
Be Ready to Offer a Competitive Edge
This may be the most important factor. Regardless of whether an interviewer is considering you and five or 500 other applicants, they're looking for a distinctive difference, something that tells them which ones may be better hires. What could possibly give you that competitive edge? Attitude. In fact, attitude may trump education, skills and experience every time. What's yours like?
Imagine a hiring committee evaluating the applications or resumes and written interview comments spread out on the conference room table in front of them. Which applicants are sincerely eager? Which ones came to their interview with what seemed to be a chip on their shoulder or are dragging a bag of anger from their last job? How many seem indifferent? Which ones stand out as potentially adding value to the organization, and which ones seem a little risky? Does your competitive edge need sharpening?
Job Search Evaluation and Preparation
Yes, looking for work can be an emotionally draining, even discouraging experience. Keeping yourself up and running with a positive outlook can be a humongous challenge. That may be especially so when it's a buyers' market. Be encouraged. Doing your job search strategically, with a well-sharpened competitive edge, may make the difference for you.
