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Balance of Power

Mar 10, 2009
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According to a BNet article, the balance of power between employers and job seekers has shifted -- towards employers. What does this mean for today's job seekers? Here are a few tips:

1. Give yourself time. If you're planning on changing jobs or graduating from college, start the job search early. Not all employers will be willing to wait several months, but you can make some good contacts.

2. Network your way to a job. Cast your net wide -- parents, friends, professors, co-workers, volunteer partners, church members, neighbors -- tell anyone and everyone that you're looking for a job in XYZ. You never know who might put in a good word on your behalf.

3. Make a stellar first impression. Polish your resume and your professional image. Make eye contact and give a firm handshake. Prepare your 2 minute infomercial. Competition is stiff right now, so cross your t's and dot your i's to make sure you get noticed -- and remembered -- in a positive way. Don't land in the reject pile because of a lack of attention to detail.

4. Do your research. Learn about companies -- read the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times, surf corporate blogs, read financial reports. Set up informational interviews at companies of interest and find out more about how they operate. Ask for other people you can talk to.

5. Stay focused and positive. It's tempting to apply for every job opening in a 20-mile radius just to hedge your bets. Don't! Know your strengths and focus on jobs for which you are best qualified. Demonstrate to the employer what you can do for them.

6. Think outside the box. You want a job in television but can't find any openings -- consider other media outlets where you could get started. You've been downsized from your managerial position and are having trouble matching your old salary -- negotiate perks instead of more money or ask for a raise in six months. Get your foot in the door with a temp agency. Be creative and check out the top 10 ning networks. Take a new approach to how you solve problems; you stand to gain opportunities.

7. Try new techniques. If you've been scouring Career Builder and other job boards or diligently checking the classifieds to no avail, branch out in your search. Everyone else is competing for the same posted opportunities. Try networking with alumni from your school. Follow Twitters who have good job advice. Look for the "careers" section on professional association web sites. Take a look at niche job sites specifically for your career field. Tap into social media. If what you've been doing isn't working, try something new.

8. Be flexible. Keep your mind open in terms of location, niche, salary, and other characteristics. Being too choosy will knock you out of the game. Graduates this year will have fewer job offers overall. Don't let a good job pass you by.

9. Negotiate strategically. Research your field and your potential company, and know what you're worth - but realize that if you turn down a job that falls short of your expectations, someone else will be happy to take it. Adjust your expectations to the current economy. Right now it's a buyer's market, not a seller's market!

10. Nurture your spirit and talents. Reaffirm your strengths and qualifications. Job searching is stressful and time-consuming, and sometimes it lacks positive rewards. Take time out to encourage yourself. A positive attitude is critically important. While you're searching, make a commitment to learn something new. Keep growing and learning.

Perseverance is of the utmost importance. Put your best foot forward and remember -- with the tortoise and the hare - endurance was the key.

Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”

(Dylan Thomas)