How To Compete in a Tough Job Market

With the unemployment rate at its highest level in over 40 years and companies shedding jobs by the hundreds of thousands on a monthly basis, the job market is becoming more competitive than ever. Just yesterday alone, almost 75,000 jobs were cut. As a result, more and more people are competing for the few jobs that exist.

Because the job market is so saturated, each available position has even more qualified candidates applying. If you find yourself in the position of looking for a new job in this tough job market, it is important that you distinguish yourself from the competition. How do you do this you ask? Here, Is the several tips and strategies that will help you stand out from the crowd, get the interview and get the job.

Network, Network, Network

The first and most important thing is to get the interview. More important than having a solid resume, is having an extensive network of colleagues in your field. Many times it not what you know but who you know that helps you get your foot in the door. If you don't have a large network of colleagues, consider joining a networking site. If networking is not an option, the next thing to focus on is making sure that you have a great resume and cover letter. There are several examples of resumes for different positions available on the internet. If writing is not one of your strong suits, then you might consider hiring a professional resume writing service.

Create a great resume

One of the key things to remember about a resume and cover letter is that they give potential employers an introductory glance at who you are, your professional and educational background, and detail how your experience and skills match what they are looking for in an employee. Therefore, it is extremely important that your resume be complete, free of errors, and professional. It is also a good idea to tailor your resume to the position you are applying for. Because this is often the first impression an employer has of a candidate, it is important to put your best foot forward.

Research the company

Once you've gotten the interview, you should prepare by researching the company you will be interviewing with. Most companies have an About Us or Careers link on their website that will give insight into the company's mission and values. It is also a good idea to search for commonly asked interview questions, prepare and practice your own answers to them, and compile a list of questions to ask the interviewer. Interviewers like candidates who have done their research.

Lasting first impressions

Remember, you never get a second chance to make a first impression and while the resume represents the first impression on paper, the interview is the first time you will get to formally introduce yourself to the employer. Many companies are now doing a preliminary phone screen in order to narrow down the number of prospects for an in person interview. It is important that you treat this initial screening as if it were an in person interview. Be available at the time you scheduled to speak with them. If speaking on a cell phone, ensure that you are in a quiet area with a good signal and that your battery is fully charged so that you don't have any interruptions during the interview. There may be multiple phone screens before you are invited to come in for an in person interview. However, if you get that invitation, it is a good sign that the employer is interested in learning even more about you.

Dress for Success

When you prepare for the interview, it is important to make sure that your clothes are clean and neat. A suit is preferable but if you don't have one available, you should at least wear a shirt and tie if you are man and a blouse or dress if you are a woman. If you are a woman and choose to wear a skirt, pantyhose should be worn. Finally, shoe selection is also important. Shoes should be professional. Leather is always a good choice. Stay away from anything flashy when it comes to how you dress, your jewelry selection and how you wear your hair. If you have extra piercings beyond the single one in each ear, remove all jewelry as it can pose a distraction.

Follow up

Within 24 hours of the interview, it is a good idea to send the interviewer a thank you note. Hopefully, you were given one of the interviewer's business cards during the interview. Use the contact information from their card to send an email or handwritten note. Email is immediate but there is something to be said for a handwritten note. Many employers say that a follow up note leaves a lasting impression and that it makes the candidate stand out but still don't receive them from almost half of the candidates they interview.

If you find yourself out in the crowd of the many job seekers, follow these tips to improve your chances of getting the interview and getting the job.
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