In a recent article by Jeffrey Bartash, he says wage gains for private-sector workers are at a 10 year high. With unemployment at its lowest in 50 years, workers across the board are enjoying greater wage and benefit increases than ever before.
On average, compensation increased 3.1% in the last 12-months with manufacturing trailing at 1.9% and public relations and entertainment positions leading at 4.8%.
Since 2016, the economy has been on steroids and so has the creation of new jobs. The result is a shortage of workers with wage increases being business’s solution to increase their access to good candidates.
Recent surveys indicate the greatest wage increases are enjoyed by those leaving positions for new ones. Either way, this is good news for those looking for a job, to change their job, or needing a job upgrade.
There is no better time to find a job than now. With labor shortages at an all-time high, even trainable unskilled people are at a premium. Companies need people.
Now, more than ever, companies are eager to train entry-level people. If you have a passion to learn with an employment history suggesting job stability, jobs are waiting for you.
This is good news for job seekers! Your ability to out-shine your competition for the job just became easier!
Why? In today’s ranks of the unemployed, many job seekers lack even the most basic work ethics.
When completing your application, consider how the person comparing your app might interpret the information you entered or the lack thereof. Imagine you are the recruiter comparing a dozen different applications against yours. Realistically, what skills or attributes would you be looking for in a person if you were spending your own money?
- Did you take this opening serious enough to complete all areas on the application?
- Do you include anything in your job history demonstrating desirable attributes such as a strong work ethic or job stability?
- Does your listed employment history reflect job duties and skills required for the job?
- After comparing applications, why would someone choose you over the other eleven other people?
This is an easy competition to win if you take the time to do it correctly. Company hiring managers do analyze and compare applications against one another. They either get them directly from a job seeker or they get them through a staffing firm. Either way, it is your application that earns you an audience. The advantage of using a staffing agency is only one application is needed. One great application will get you introduced to a multitude of companies, many of which only go through agencies to hire.
No job yet? Ask your agency for a consultation. Revisit the condition of your application and update it where necessary to achieve “Killer App” status. Do this, and people will quickly be congratulating you on your new job!
“He only landed the job because he knew someone who knew the owner.” While “who you know” gave him the upper-hand in getting an interview, he would not have been hired if he did not have the skills. While it is likely others had similar or even better skills, he got the job because he was referred by a trusted source. Connections through networking are no accident.
Networking takes thought, planning, and diligence. For people to stick to a networking plan, it requires discipline. It is a long-term daily project. However, you too can be awarded that lucrative position if you do your networking homework.
While professional expertise matters, employed people you know matter as much because friends can fast-track you into interviewing for unadvertised opportunities. No competition! Employers love hiring through trusted sources. These could be from their own employees, other business acquaintances, or personal friends.
From professionals to the construction workers, opportunities are available for networking. You only have to find them, plan the work, and work the plan. Your rewards can easily be doubled through networking. And if you look, you can find them. Good Luck!
