Employers are not able to be as selective as they once were. In the past, companies had piles of qualified applicants. They could really narrow down their candidates based on criteria such as years of experience, knowledge of programs such as Excel, Word, POS (point of sale) systems, and/or experience in a warehouse that uses forklifts.
However, today’s pool of qualified applicants – people who want to work and have good track records – are scarce. Companies are having a harder and harder time filling positions with their ideal candidate.
Especially in industrial sectors, employers are searching for reliable, punctual employees who have good work ethics. Because of the current market conditions, hiring managers are willing to overlook the absence of certain attributes such as computer skills and technical knowledge. Instead, they are favoring those “unteachable” characteristics such as punctuality and a positive attitude toward learning.
Simply put, employers want to hire someone who is looking for a career, not a job.
Get Help to Find the Right Job
Using sites such as Indeed, Monster, and Craigslist can yield mediocre results at best. These job search sites can be cumbersome to navigate because of the long winded job descriptions and ambiguous corporate speak. Using these sites is heavily dependent on your resume, a bit of luck and using the right keywords to describe your ideal job. These few factors can make or break your ability to get an interview.
A more productive approach may be working with an employment firm.
For starters, these kinds of companies often have access to jobs you cannot find on the Internet. Your best opportunity may be one that only such a firm has access to.
More importantly though; working through a staffing agency will give you a better shot at landing a given job. The best employment firms will put you through a vetting process that includes a background check, personality tests and several in-person meetings. Because employers have relationships with employment firms (and are familiar with their selection processes) they will see you as a more qualified candidate if presented by that agency. More or less, you are the star actor and you need a good agent to help you get the best rate and best fit.
Consider a Temporary Position
Sometimes, the best opportunity for your career is a temporary job. Especially if you’re having trouble finding the job you want the most, taking a chance on a temp job could be the perfect move if it leads to your dream job. Additionally, most temporary positions can become full-time roles, giving you the opportunity to get a feel for your fit within a company.
If you can manage working as a temporary employee for a few months (or even weeks), it could be a great decision for your future. Especially if you’re not passionate about other opportunities or your current job, strongly consider opening your possibilities to a temporary role in a line of work you do have a passion for.
The job search can be tough, especially if you’re a faceless applicant. Set yourself up for the future and get the help you need to take advantage of your opportunities.
Looking to take the next step in your career?