Job Seekers Market (aka: Employees Market)
It TRULY is an employee’s market right now. That doesn’t mean everyone can and will find a new job. What it does mean is, if you’re not happy where you are, it is a very good time to look for something new.
Companies are trying to add staff, the unemployment rate is at an all-time low and very few people are actually submitting resumes. This means there is less competition for those of you who are nervous about rejection or afraid to even try to find a new job.
There is also more “wiggle room” in the requirements.
Wiggle Room Definition
Instead of a job description, salary range, working environment and benefits that are cast in stone…some areas have flexibility.
Job requirements may be way more flexible than they have in the past. For example:
- Some job seekers won’t apply if they don’t have everything listed as required. But in the current market, that may not make a difference. Show how your experience could be used instead of the requirements. Show your transferable skills and demonstrate how quickly you learn new things.
- If you don’t have the specific degree they are looking for, they may consider alternate majors.
- No degree, but loads of relevant experience, they may consider that.
- Shy of the number of years required? Show how the experience you do have relates to the job you want. Express your interest in the company and your desire to grow in your chosen career field.
- Too much experience? If they can swing your salary requirement or if you are willing and able to work for a salary that ties to less experience and works with their budget, it may not matter.
- Think you won’t find the salary you are seeking? Think again. I’m seeing bidding wars now for employees.
- Looking for an extra week of vacation? Could well be a possibility, if it is what you want and the hiring manager wants you.
- Looking for better benefits? Employers need to be competitive and offering better benefits is one way to do that. You may be surprised what is out there now.
- Is the commute crazy? For the right employee, some companies are loosening the “work from home” rules.
Just as it is a home owner’s market right now for selling your house, it’s an employee’s market now for finding a new job. List your house and it could be sold within a week. Apply for a new job and you could have an offer before you get home from the interview.