What You Need to do in This Job Market

Here are some interesting observations from someone who deals with job hunters on a daily basis. She is a full time resume/CV writer and correctly comments on how the job market is much less ‘scientific’ – ie predictable, organized, rule oriented than you may imagine. Anything can happen. Her name is Eve Nicholas and here’s the extract from her article:

I don’t need to tell you that the recession has caused a significant change in the job market. I’m sure that you read the monthly statistics on unemployment, and many of you have first-hand experience with layoffs and hiring freezes. But, as I mentioned, my work gives me a unique vantage point into employment trends (and into the lives of job hunters).

Here are a few of my observations:

• People land jobs in all economic conditions. Even this one. Every week clients talk to me about pending interviews, job offers and new positions. The hiring pace may be slower than it was in the past, but the market is alive and kicking.
• Job seekers have a lot of questions. Most of the time, they want to know the ‘rules’ of job searching, and the ‘right’ way to proceed on their career path. Here is my typical response: With only one exception, there are no hard-and-fast rules and no right answers in job hunting. Figure out what works best for your situation, and go with it. Here’s the one exception: Never lie.
• Most employers look for motivated, likeable people to join their teams. They also appreciate a good deal. Show them that you will bring a positive attitude to the workplace while improving the bottom line, and you’ll have a great shot at landing a new position.
• The more effort you put into your search, the faster you’ll land a new job. If you shuffle out your resume to every employer with an e-mail address, you can expect the process to last a very long time. On the other hand, if you research companies, network and improve your presentation, you’ll make an impact with hiring managers. Put in the effort. You’ll stand out from the crowd.

I think she’s on the money. And yet from what I’m seeing – CVs being sent to me for eg – is how people – maybe you? – aren’t really trying to do anything different. Quite likely they don’t know what to do differently. That ends now: go to my new ‘guerrilla’ job search coaching program where you get personal help with your job search.