Just get a job
Why it’s tough getting a job even when unemployment is low.
With the national unemployment rate sitting around 3.6%, you’d think it be a breeze to find a new job, especially if you listen to the news. Stories of companies desperate to hire workers are everywhere. That may be true in industries like hospitality, retail, and general labor, but for someone who’s reached the “middle manager” level of their career, finding opportunities are still really tough.
“I applied to 20 different companies and couldn’t even get an interview,” stated Doug Morrisan of Berks County, Pennsylvania. “There always seems to be a reason why I don’t qualify for the job. They say things like ‘you have too much experience’ or ‘your skills are out of date for this position’, so it’s tough to find a meaningful position. Everything I do get offered is entry-level.”
It’s not just rural areas where people are struggling to find work. Jennifer Crumbly, who lives in downtown NY, is seeing the same issues. “It seems that employers want you to have as many skills as possible now. With the minimum wage rising across the country, companies are under pressure to raise mid-level pay as well. This means companies are trying to do more work with fewer people.”
Companies need fewer people to complete the same amount of work. They want people with a diverse set of skills. It’s not uncommon for a company to headhunt qualified candidates on LinkedIn rather than sort through resumes. With this in mind, how exactly do you go about landing that dream job?
Here are three tips to help you find a job you’ll actually want:
Tip #1: Add a few new skills. If you haven’t added anything new to your Curriculum Vital lately, it’s time to find something. One of the first things that hiring managers look for is new skills. They want to know you’re continually learning and adapting to the business environment. This doesn’t mean you need to go back to college; it can be as simple as taking an online course. The business environment changes quickly now, so keeping up with the latest trends is essential.
Tip #2: Search for skills, not jobs. If there’s a specific type of job you’re looking for, search for a skill related to that job. For example, if you’re looking for a management position, search for industries like “Call Center” or “Healthcare.” You can also search for terms like “administrative” or “supervisor.” By casting a wider net, you’ll see more positions. Searching for jobs can take skill and patience, don't be afraid to experiment.
Tip #3: Be aggressive. If there’s a company you want to work with, you need to pursue them. Don’t be afraid to check LinkedIn and find the hiring manager for the department you’re interested in. Reach out to them directly to see if you can meet with them. Companies get thousands of resumes every month, so you can easily be skipped over, even if you are qualified.