Getting a Job

Finding a Job in Today's Tight Market

Do you live in the best area to find a job? According to Executive Job Market Trends the top markets for well paying jobs are San Francisco, San Diego, Washington DC, Seattle, Boston and New York. The worst markets are in Tampa, Atlanta, Miami and Dallas. The worst of the worst is Detroit with 21 job seekers for every available job. Whereas San Francisco, which is difficult to believe since San Francisco is such an extraordinary city, has two job seekers for every upper tier job, Tampa has twelve seekers. If I had to be unemployed, I think I would rather be unemployed in San Francisco than in any other city in the US. Though, I must admit Seattle is a lovely, vibrant with a great market.

Here are some other things that you need to know to succeed in today's tight employment market.

Talk to the People You Know

If you are not in a good job market you will have to work harder to be noticed and certainly harder to be hired. The easiest way to be noticed is to network among your friends, acquaintances, former co-workers and anyone else you know. Many good companies rely heavily on referrals from current employees. Some sources say as many as 40 percent of new hirings are due to employee endorsements. Therefore, if there is a particular company for which you wish to work talk to employees you know in that company. You may not get the CEO position, but once you are on the payroll you can show them what you can accomplish. Maybe someday you will be CEO—I have faith in you.

Work for Free

If you know where you want to work, try volunteering for that organization. If you have a passion for a certain cause or issue volunteer to help out. This may be to save the whales, a political campaign or anything about which you want to learn more or become involved. Even if you do not get a paying job with that organization you are increasing your experience and skills and that will look great on your resume.

The Science of Getting a Job

While you are working toward getting that perfect job improve your "job getting" skills. Learn more about the interviewing process, what works and what will get you thrown out on your ear. There is a ton of research in that area. Learn more about it. While you are at it, take our Job Interview Test.

Also, can you write a resume that will get the HR department's attention? There are resumes that are an excellent representation of the applicant and there are resumes that do nothing to get one hired. Be sure you know the difference. There are professional resume writing services. You may want to consider one of those.

Before the Interview

Once you get that all important interview, research all you can about the company. Companies, much like people, want you to like and understand them. If you do your homework you will be able to ask intelligent questions about the job opening and the company. Knowing you took the time to do the research will impress the interviewer.

Showcase Your Abilities

Companies want to know what you can do to help them succeed. Even the most humanitarian employer wants the employee who can help the company grow and prosper. Therefore, when you answer the interviewer’s questions or write your resume keep that principle firmly in mind. The question is, as President John Kennedy said, "Ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country." President Kennedy's excellent advice also applies to companies.

Think about Your Skills, Abilities, Experience and Knowledge

Don't forget the office you held in college, or the volunteer work you did during the last election or your class in Ancient Roman Cultures. Every experience in your life has meaning and value. Sit down and think about what you have to offer from a wider perspective. Consolidate that information into a well considered representation of your overall potential as an employee. Don't sell yourself short—take the time to fully understand –and state--your value.

Now, go forth and conquer the world. Let me know when you do—I will applaud your success.

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