How to navigate the current job market

It’s no secret that the current job market is in a novel season. According to a recent article from Korn Ferry, millions of Americans are looking for jobs, but companies say they have the same number of positions open that they can’t fill. The article poses the question, “Why the disconnect, when job supply and demand seem to be equally matched?” 

Some workers are looking for positions in another industry while others are finding the company they worked for did not align with their goals during the pandemic. For those ready to take the dive into this current market pool, here are some tips to consider while navigating the current. 

Reframe your resume to fit 

A recent article from The Muse advises those job searching to tailor their resume to each company they apply to. Notice their lingo and rhetoric used, and try to weave it into the resume and application. Also take into consideration any experiences that could be reframed to show off and highlight your skills. 

The article asks, “Did you pick up a new skill during the pandemic, take a class, or take on new responsibilities due to a company restructuring or strategy pivot? Did you help your team meet or exceed goals during the crisis? If so, add these things to your resume and LinkedIn profile.” 

Fast Company also suggested something similar in a recent article, advising new graduate  job hunters to keep score of their experiences and how they can be applied in multiple situations. ”If the pandemic made it tough to find an internship, think about what other experiences may apply. Did you take a leadership role at school or volunteer with a nonprofit? Some professions or industries have opportunities for development and networking that can be helpful too,” the article says. 

Expand your geographic horizons 

With hybrid work-from-home models being a dominating trend, the office commute may not need to be factored into your options. Consider looking outside your current geographic location. 

According to Fast Company, many industries have adjusted their work-from-home policies, so it’s reasonable for someone in Texas to look for work in New York, and vice versa. 

According to Korn Ferry, “The pandemic accelerated trends such as digital commerce and automation, and many people are switching occupations as a result. Because of the faster pace of change in the market, certain jobs are projected to have higher growth rates than others. Perhaps unsurprisingly, tech jobs like data analysts, software developers, and roles creating and supporting artificial intelligence are on the rise, according to U.S. News and World Report. But there’s also a booming demand for mental health professionals, due to widely reported burnout and new online platforms that are making therapy more accessible.”

Be prepared for Pandemic-related interview questions 

How someone navigated the rough seas of 2020 can be insightful into not only how they handle work, but it can highlight some useful strengths too. 

The Muse offers these thoughts: “Be prepared to talk about what you learned about yourself and how you work, how you adapted to all the changes, how you quickly adjust to new situations, and how you cope with work-related stress. With many companies continuing to work remotely or taking a hybrid approach, you’ll likely be asked questions about your remote-work style and experiences, including how you figure things out as you go, how you communicate and collaborate from afar, and how you stay organized and motivated.” 

Use your network

Networking may have changed, but it definitely didn’t stop and the plethora of apps and social networking sites available keep people connected. 

According to Fast Company, “If you’re using texting apps such as GroupMe, you may belong to peer groups that include 30 to 50 people. Share that you’re looking for a job or ask if people know about the company you’re targeting. Alumni groups, former professors and instructors, and even your social media followers are part of your network. Begin building relationships and sharing what your goals are, she says. You never know who might be able to help.”

The Muse also suggests that looking into your existing network can help you stand out among the competition. Gather as many referrals and insights as you can. It will help you to know what questions to ask which skills to highlight for each interview. 

Whether you’re a recent graduate looking for full-time work, or you’re a seasoned professional scoping out a change, opportunities are cropping up all around. 

Onward,

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