Gauging the Labor Market

Job seekers can become easily discouraged listening to the daily news.¬†¬†Escalating unemployment rates, political wranglings causing small businesses to hold off on hiring, all the negative press, it can cause one to throw up their hands and settle for less.¬† But not so fast.¬† Don’t let the news get you down because like a lot of statistics and “breaking reports,” accuracy can be questionable.

When a local recruiter recently sent an email to inform me and other colleagues of several executive and middle management openings, I was hardly surprised.  There are always jobs to be filled; employers are continually seeking qualified talent.

It takes research and investigation, networking and time to uncover these jobs.   And it does demand patience and a willingness to delay gratification.  As we like to say in the career transition business, looking for a job is a full-time job.  Emphasis is always on the right job!    

That’s why when¬†an employer offers a severed employee an outplacement package, it is considered¬†a gift.¬† The process is a thoughtful, purposeful one that allows for¬†adequate space and time to tap into what we refer to as the “hidden job market.”¬† These are often positions that are not yet public knowledge; it may be with¬†a recruiter or¬†a newly created¬†position that resulted from¬†a reorganization.¬†¬†It may even be a position upcoming in anticipation of a retirement.

Today there are online sites and social networking resources as well.  Websites like indeed.com and simply hired generate many leads for professional positions.  LinkedIn allows you to check on how close you might be to obtaining a lead or connection that can result in tapping into the hidden market on a timely basis.

Armed with information and good work through networking, the labor market will prove to be¬†as good as the individual’s efforts.

About the author, Saleh

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