Alter vs. Centerville
Beckett Park nearly finished
Marshall vs. Valley View
Tough times: 4 job seekers for every opening
Sunday, February 08, 2009
If you sense that finding a job continues to get tougher and you're discovering crowds swarming whenever employers hang a "hiring" sign, you're right on! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were about 40 people looking for jobs for every 10 openings in November. That ratio doubles the roughly 19 job seekers for every 10 openings back in January 2008, BLS reports indicated.
The numbers should convey a clear message to the many downsized and displaced workers struggling to find that next opportunity. Everyone is gathering at the well. Everyone is snatching the low fruit on the tree. Everyone is casting in shallow waters.
The news admittedly puts a damper on the job search for those looking for work, but it shouldn't radically discourage efforts. For those wanting to find opportunities and get hired, it's imperative nowadays to think and act differently — and innovatively.
Consider three maneuvers:
— Look beyond your regular gig. Prepare a list of jobs you've held the past 10-15 years and itemize as many of the work activities you can recall. List the skills involved in these efforts. You've probably acquired a number of collateral skills you're not aware of. Spotting those skills can help you think about other jobs that could be right for you.
— Blitz the market. Research companies that appear to employ skills you have. Identify decision makers in the functional areas that correlate with your skills. Send e-mails to those managers inquiring about needs they may have that you might fulfill. Explain you will call later to discuss the matter in more detail. E-mails enable you to cover a lot of territory.
— Establish a network. Build your own board of directors from family members, friends, neighbors, current and former workers and others. A broad base of contacts can help facilitate the search by connecting you with job market principals and boosting your morale.
Bellbrook resident Steve Stromp is a professional career consultant, lecturer and writer. Contact Steve Stromp: sstromp@sbcglobal.net.
