How Looking for a Job Has Changed in the Last Five Years

John Scott
Posted by in Career Advice


Searching for a new job has become easier in some ways, but it is also more complex in others. Job seekers must recognize the factors affecting the job search process and learn how to handle these factors to secure employment. If you are seeking a job, consider the following suggestions.

Increased Job Competition

In times when the economy is turbulent, job seekers can expect to experience increased competition when looking for employment in all types of positions. A single position can have hundreds of job applicants, so employers have a huge base of candidates to choose from for every position. As a result, companies are becoming more selective when choosing an employee to fill a position.

Searching Online

Mastering the online job search is imperative for increasing your chances of employment. Most employers offer an online application portal for job seekers to use, and this makes it easier for you to apply for an open position online at any time. Those who fail to take advantage of online employment opportunities severely limit their chances of finding work. An online job search makes it easier to find work, and using multiple job search sites to find compatible positions is highly recommended.

Maintaining a Social Media Profile

Your public life on social media can be openly investigated by potential employers who are evaluating job candidates. Your social media profile is more subject to review for jobs in mid- to upper-level positions. Job seekers are encouraged to maintain decent social media profiles to avoid ruining job opportunities. In addition, signing up for professional networking sites like LinkedIn and Ecademy can help forge valuable business connections to facilitate career advancement.

Dodging Resume-Screening Software

Resume screening software eliminates many job applicants before their resume is even reviewed by a hiring manager. Learning how to dodge resume screening software is helpful for getting an employer’s attention during a job search. Optimizing your resume with relevant keywords associated with the position gets you noticed and grants you a visible edge over uninformed applicants.

Need for Higher Education

Gone are the days when one could flunk out of high school and still find a suitable job. Job seekers who obtain a college degree find it easier to get noticed in the job market in recent years. Many employers are looking for individuals with at least an associate’s degree or a technical certificate to fill company spots. Some do not even consider applicants who did not finish high school.

Demand for Specialized Skills

The demand for workers with specialized skills has soared in recent years. Statistics show that the majority of job openings require an individual with a special set of skills. You can increase your chances of employment by taking special training classes and improving weak skills.

If you prepare yourself for the new rules of job searching, you are more likely to succeed. A solid, optimized resume is a tool to champion the recent changes affecting the employment search. Job seekers can expect technology, online reputation, education and special skills to play a greater role in making them more attractive to companies in the future.

 

(Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles / freedigitalphotos.net)

Comment

Become a member to take advantage of more features, like commenting and voting.

  • You Might Also Be Interested In

article posted by Staff Editor in Career Advice

Jobs to Watch