Unlock the Hidden Job Market

I had the opportunity to attend the National Career Development conference in San Antonio last week and naturally there was a lot of buzz about the current job market. The experts have many theories but they all agree that changes in the global market are significantly impacting our job market. 

How does globalization affect the average worker like you who lives in Abington or the rest of Montgomery County? 

Products and services can now be produced, distributed and sold anywhere around the world regardless of the company’s headquarters. This means that work is more project-based and often can be performed anywhere around the world. Advancements in technology have increased our ability to communicate locally and internationally. In response to these shifts, to remain employable it essential that you stay on top on the rapid ebb and flow taking place on the Web and become adept at using social media tools.

What exactly are employers looking for?

With the corporate world shrinking and competition more intense than ever, jobs are primarily created based on unmet needs.  In light of this, you, the job applicant, have to show a prospective employer how you can benefit the organization emphasizing ways the employer can save time, money or capitalize on your talents.

A highly effective way of grabbing a prospective employer’s attention might be to proactively conduct your own market research on the industry or field. Conversations with people in the industry and gathering information online are ideal ways to become educated on current trends and challenges. What you discover in your research can be highlighted in a cover letter or network meeting. It’s also an opportunity to demonstrate how beneficial you would be to the field, by connecting the dots that point to your experience, skills and talents.

How do you really find a job in this market?

The latest surveys report that 80 percent of people who were hired in the past year found their job through contacts. Employers like to hire people who come highly recommended by colleagues in their field as opposed to looking for the needle in the haystack pile of resumes. Not only do you need to learn as much as you can about a field or organization, but it is equally important to build a robust professional network and create an online presence using LinkedIn and/or Twitter. Many employers are scouting for talent using key work searches on LinkedIn and will often “Google” you for additional information.

What’s the best way to create an opportunity in today’s competitive job market?

Self Marketing

Create and write convincing and polished marketing pieces including resume, online profiles cover letters and bios. Develop a 30 Second Elevator speech reflecting your interests, skills experience and accomplishments that you can use during a network or informational meeting.

Research

Read local business journals, industry publications and professional or trade association newsletters to contemplate opportunities. Think like a private investigator; be curious and questioning

Look for Problems You Can Fix

Employers want to address issues quickly and innovatively. If you can come up with a solution or a creative way to expand services and products, you just might create an opportunity for yourself.

Leverage LinkedIn and Twitter

Let employers easily discover your talents and experience online via your profile and build a strong professional network. 

Networking, Networking, Networking

Enough said.   Take advantage of the Eastern Montgomery Chamber of Commerce’s Business Card Exchange event coming up on July 20.  For more information click here.

The best advice I can offer about the changing landscape of the job market is to be self directed, informed, resilient, along with a splash of persistence.  And in the face of a challenging, stressful and complex work world, it doesn’t hurt to maintain some level of optimism.