Despite some recovery since the 2008 economic downtown, today’s job market is still unstable—for both the unemployed and those who have jobs. Although this may leave many feeling helpless and frustrated, there are ways to adapt to the unstable job market that will help you stay positive about your employment situation. Here are some tips for navigating today’s unsteady economy for both the employed and unemployed.

For job seekers:

  1. Don’t apply to every job posting. Although it may be tempting to respond to every job listing, doing so will be a waste of your time. Resumes should be job-specific, so instead of sending 20 different employers the same, generic resume, spend more time on gearing your resume toward the one or two positions that really speak to you.
  2. Quantify your accomplishments. Your resume should let employers know what you’ve accomplished, and if you can’t speak of your accomplishments in one or two bulleted lines, employers might glance right past you. Put things in measurable terms.
  3. Create a personal brand. Know what you’re good at, and let employers know that you are an expert in that area. For more information, check out this article.
  4. Prepare for your interviews. Know what you’re getting yourself into before going for an interview by researching the company beforehand. Prepare for standard questions, like “Why should we hire you?” and “What are your strengths?”

For job holders:

  1. Communicate with your supervisor. Stay in touch with your supervisor throughout a project and make sure you are on the right track; if you aren’t, you’ll be able to correct your work then, rather than when you’ve completed the task.  
  2. Find a mentor. Even if you are the first person to hold a specific position within a workplace, there will probably be someone at work who is more experienced within that working environment.
  3. Learn the business. Knowing your company’s goals will help you understand your job better, even if those objectives don’t seem directly tied to your position.
  4. Treat everyday like it’s an interview. Some people get sloppy with their work once they are comfortable in their position. Treat everyday like you are interviewing for the job you have.

For more information on how to get by in an unstable job market, check out this article. 

 

Were you recently hired? What tips can you add to the list above?