5 strategies for navigating the job market - Right Now
What is going on in the job market?
Does the whole concept gives you a headache?
My aim is to strip it back for you and break it down into 5 strategies so you can navigate it without giving yourself a migraine.
Let’s get started
Be creative in your approach. As you are aware, the way you look at the job market is now different.
Ask yourself - -
What are businesses / organisations looking for?
How can you support them during this time?
What skills can you bring to the table that will help with the current market
Jobs will look different over the next little while – what does that mean for you?
Working from home scenarios - can you offer support or add value?
Look at different areas, industries, type of work that you may not have considered before
2. Research the current times and understand how to navigate systems and changes.
Knowledge is power and in this situation it is a good idea to understand what is happening and how business, organisations and people are responding to it for your benefit. This will support you in how to position yourself to adapt to the current market. It will build your confidence in clearly understanding and acknowledging the market. And it will demonstrate proactiveness and agility.
Amongst these strategies - be clear in your direction and what it is you want to achieve at this point RIGHT NOW. I’ll talk about this more in the coming weeks but felt it was important to mention now. Start to consider whether it is a short term goal to support you during this time? Is it a way you can build your employabilities skills? Are you still holding onto your long term goals?
Be aware of what is coming up for you in this space as it will support you immensely in navigating your next best steps.
3. Name it. When navigating the job market don’t beat around the bush from the current situation. To best support you during this process it is best to name it, understand it and process how it is (or has) affected you, your work and your work prospects. I believe it is best to be open and honest about this in a practical sense (ie, on your resume, linkedin profile) as well as a personal sense.
4. Call the organisation. If you are currently navigating your way around the job market, confused, unsure or nervous - give the organisation a call and have a chat about how they are managing their recruitment process.
Granted, it can be nerverecking.
The benefits out way the uncomfortableness you feel - I promise. Here is what you can do after introducing yourself…
** for 2 scenarios - if they have a job available or if you are finding out about any opportunities.
I am interested in the position [insert role] and keen to get a clear understanding of your recruitment process given our current situation. How are you managing it and is there anything I need to know to be able to support my application.
Or
I have experience in [name your background] and I am interested to know if you have any opportunities in this space [can elaborate] or I can offer my skills in these areas [again elaborate]. Would it be ok if I sent you my resume for your records or consideration?
5. Map out your job search strategy. Stay with me - I know, I know, it sounds boring, corporate and just meh (netflix is way more entertaining) - this IS KEY to be able to plan, assess, understand and be proactive in your approach. If you don't have a plan, how do you know what you are doing? It doesn't need to be elaborate or intense, it can be simple. What it needs to be is a diverse approach.
For example:
Where do you want to go?
What do you need to do to get there? Step-by-step.
How can you diversify your search? Job boards, online, networks, listing organizations.
Start there and build on it.
Hope this helps in navigating the current market and giving you some proactive tips on what your next steps can be - comment below if you have anything else you have found useful during this time