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Everywhere you turn, it seems like people are talking abut how bad the economy is. From business analysts to your next door neighbor, people are worried about their future and even more worried about their present day situations. A job today may not be there tomorrow, that´s all that´s certain. So, if you find a pink slip in your future, is there anything you can do to find more work?

The Truth about the Job Market

If you open up a newspaper or go online to start your job hunt, you will notice a few things. One, there are still many jobs listed in your area. Two, these jobs are still well-paying. And three, there are jobs you are qualified to do. So, it begs the question, why are people so worried about getting a job right now? It all comes down to the applicant pool which is available. Since so many more people are looking for jobs, you have a lot more competition for every job to which you send your application. Instead of ´battling´ 25 other people for a potential position, you´re going to be in a sea of hundreds, if not more, of applications.

Becoming the Applicant with a Chance

In order to get that job you want, you will need to make yourself stand out from the rest of the pack. You will need to create an immediate interest in your resume and in your skill set. You need to be sneakier than the rest of the applicants in the pile on the hiring manager´s desk. First of all, make sure you read the job classified ad to ensure you have included all of the necessary information. If the job advertisement asks for a cover letter with salary requirements as well as your resume, make sure you include both. One of the easiest ways to get taken out of the running for a job is to ignore the list of materials you need to send in. Next, you need to make sure you are available for a job interview on a moment´s notice. This means your contact information needs to be up to date and you need to answer your phone when someone calls. Make sure to always answer your phone as though you were already at a place of employment, in a professional and confident manner. This way, you´re already creating a strong first impression with your (potentially) new employer.

Making the Most of Your Interview

As you continue to field calls from prospective employers, offer a time when you can come in for an interview. Not only does this show enthusiasm, but it also helps the hiring manager in their job of scheduling applicants to come in. You will also want to bring all of your application materials with you (i.e. resume, certificates, etc.) in order to make sure you and the interviewer have the same resources at your fingertips. Finally, one of the best ways to increase your chances of getting that job is to make sure to ask a lot of questions of the interviewer. This will show your interest in the job, while also helping to engage the interviewer with your personality and your intelligence. After all, you are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you.