Position yourself for the long-term Whether you are currently in a permanent, temporary, contract or volunteer employment position think about the long-term impact of your current position on your career goals. Does the expertise you are acquiring from your current job complement the career of your choice? Does your immediate position leave room to you to branch out and build and easily transfer your skills? Is the skills you are learning generalized or specific to your area of interest and will they become an asset or building block in your future?
Target Markets that provide growth and create new opportunities
Search for industries with a high projected job growth. Industries that are projected to grow according to the U.S bureau of labor statistics between now and 2018 are:
1. Securities, commodity contracts, and other financial investments and related activities
2. Computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing
3. Retail trade
4. Telecommunications
5. Wholesale trade
6. Management of companies and enterprises
7. Offices of health practitioners
8. Construction
9. Software publishers
10. Owner-occupied dwellings
11. Data processing, hosting, related services, and other information services
12. Real estate
13. Hospitals
14. Scientific research and development services
15. Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing
16. Computer systems design and related services
17. General State and Local government except compensation and consumption of fixed capital
18. Truck transportation
19. Management, scientific, and technical consulting services
Outperform Your Peers
Results speak louder than words. Your best friend in your job search may not be your resume but your capability to execute your accomplishments. Lets say you are applying for an Account Executive position, this is a position driven by results and incentives. Instead of quoting a generic experience such as: "4-5 years product sales experience, proven and quantifiable successful sales track record." Demonstrate your experience by using a performance based description such as: "4-5 years product sales experience, Increased customer base and retention by 1.5%." You'll be a step ahead by defining your track record. Every company is searching for candidates that can provide long-term value.
Your Competition Level
Develop direct company relationships more so than third-party relations. Direct relationships with employers are more cost-effective. Employers have more influence in the hiring process. In contrast forming relationships with recruiters may be more time-consuming and less effective because of the amount of candidates working with individual recruiters.
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| Develop a Business Strategy for Your Job Search |
You may find it is time-consuming to find a great recruiter. Your training and education will definitely put you in a position for a better job. Below are different degrees as well as on the job training accompanied by a career example: Short-term on-the-job training such as home health aides Moderate-term on-the-job training such as customer service Bachelor's degree such as accountants Post-secondary vocational award such as nursing aides Associate degree such as registered nurses Doctoral degree such as post secondary teachers Your personal and business network is also a big factor in your job search. Your network is comprised of your professional contacts such as previous employer, alumni contacts such as university or high school career counselors, your immediate circle of friends if they work for companies you envision working for. Company referrals are worth their weight in gold.
Your social media presence is important if you are applying to jobs online. LinkedIn is one of the foremost sites to establish your online network. It's a one stop shop to search for employers and recruiters connect with them and note your interest in their company on your profile.
Ability vs Inability to Compete
Your ability to communicate effectively with your employer and your ability to blend into the company culture and deliver on expectations is important. To compete better in a saturated job market you may need additional training it will increase your job performance. Since the job market is more competitive than ever. Employers have their top pick of the best talent available because many talented employees have been laid off or are searching for better opportunities. Adapt to the current job market by being aware of the employers needs such as company growth presentation and production.