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 Never
before has the job market been more competitive nor has it been more
difficult to strategize and manage a successful job search. Not only has
the economy and world events had a negative impact on the job search, but
the Internet has had a major impact too. At any given time, there are
millions of job hunters identifying and competing for all the jobs being
advertised on the internet. Many employers can’t even handle the large
volumes of resumes and emails received every day. Some even resort to
computerized screening of resumes. The resultant probability of conducting
an effective job search by “reacting” to these advertised, posted, or
listed jobs is extremely low; it’s a real numbers game and very
frustrating.
In recent surveys conducted on how individuals are finding new jobs, a few
statistics stand out. Only 2% find a job with the help of recruiters,
placement firms or employment agencies. This is less than ever before due
mostly to the internet. Only 8% find a job from an Internet posting or
listing on websites, job boards, etc.
If you are in a mid to senior level management, professional or technical
career, the vast majority of you will be most successful by conducting a
well strategized proactive job search. Getting to the right decision-makers who can value your skills, education and experience is the key to
success today. The “me too” job hunting efforts of chasing posted, listed
jobs is almost a waste of time.
A fact today, as it has been for decades, is that most of the best jobs
are never advertised, especially at the higher income ranges. A successful
job search today hinges on information and research, knowing your value,
being able to sell it well, and getting to decision makers who need your
added value to their business. This is not a simple formula for success
and often difficult to accomplish on your own.
Job hunting has to be viewed as a business transition and a sales process.
You are a product to sell to a business and you are the selling agent. You
must project where your skills are needed and used, who needs and/or uses
the skills you have and effect a marketing design to make an interview and
an eventual job offer happen.
Also, job security in today’s world no longer depends on the employer. It
depends on the job hunter’s ability to constantly promote his/her value to
the employer. Your verifiable productivity is the key. Those that have the
best career growth may not always be the best educated, the most
intelligent, or even the most competent. What is true, however, is that
they sold and/or promoted their value to the company better than their
subordinates. Many are not promoted or even laid off, not because they did
not do a good job, but because management was not as aware of their value
or contributions as they should have been. Whose fault was that? It is
necessary for you to compete proactively for real career growth.
Even if your job looks secure today, you should always have a current
career plan in place and be looking forward to your next opportunity. This
is important today more than ever before.
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