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Many millennials have been caught off guard by the rapid pace of the digital age, and as a result, a majority of college-educated Millennials are underemployed or in jobs that don’t require their degree. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go after your career aspirations; It just means that you need to be smart about it. The job market is competitive, and it’s not getting any easier. But with the right strategy and preparation, you can get the edge on your competition and land that perfect job for you. Here are 5 tips for how to stand out in a competitive job market.
Build a strong resume that stands out
Your resume is your first impression with a potential employer, and it will either make or break you. Your resume should be tailored to the job you want and reflect your skills, experience, and education. Employers will scan your resume for keywords that are specified in the job description, so make sure to include these in your resume. You may have to play around with your resume a couple of times to make sure it’s the best it can be, but it’s worth it.
Network like crazy
The job market is competitive, and job seekers are competing not only against their peers, but also against people in retirement, lateral movement, and people who are coming out of retirement. So, how can you possibly make a difference when you’re up against so many other people? Networking. Networking is one of the most overlooked and underestimated strategies when it comes to getting a job. Having a strong network will put you in touch with people who can help you get a job, offer you advice, and find opportunities you otherwise wouldn’t be able to access. Your network can also be a support system for you during your job hunt and provide you with emotional support and encouragement. Don’t be shy about networking. You never know who you might meet or whose path you might cross. Becoming a part of your industry’s professional associations and joining relevant groups is a great place to start.
Show off your flexibility and versatility
In a competitive job market, companies are looking for candidates who are versatile, have a wide range of skills, and are easy to train. Employers want to hire someone who will be a good business investment, and hiring someone who is an easy fit is a great way to minimize hiring costs and keep costs low. Your resume and cover letter should show off your versatility and how your skills and experience can be applied to different industries and positions. If you were a waitress, don’t list waitress as your experience; list serving and customer service as your skills.
Go after the jobs you really want
The job market isn’t getting any easier, and the competition will only get more intense as time goes on. Employers are expecting you to have some sort of training in their specific industry, and they’re expecting you to have the skill set to back it up. A lot of people are applying for the same jobs as you are, so you need to make sure that your application is standing out. You’re going to have to do your research, network, and find ways to get your name out there. If you really want a job, then you have to make it happen for yourself. You can’t rely on someone else to give you a job. You have to go after it yourself, and you have to do it with gusto!
Conclusion
The job market is competitive, and it’s not getting any easier. If you’ve been underemployed or in a job that doesn’t require your degree, you may be feeling frustrated and unsure of what to do next. The good news is that you can do something about it. By following these 5 tips, you can make yourself a more attractive candidate, stand out from the crowd, and get the job you really want.Now is the time to be proactive and Strategic. You can’t just throw your resume into a black hole and hope for the best. You have to be present in the conversation and be sure that your resume is seen. The best way to do this is to hire a recruiter to help you navigate the process and make sure that your resume gets seen by all the right people.
