Finding a job and getting an offer is harder when each job has potentially hundreds of applicants.
So how can you stand out and secure your dream job in this competitive market?
And why is there so much competition, anyway?
Lets dive into the whys and hows of securing an offer in a competitive job market.
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Whats the Deal with the Competitive Job Market?
The overall job market is strong.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projectsemployment will grow by 6.7 million jobs from 2023 to 2033.
But layoffs have hit some industries especially hard.
And some companies have been using AI to downsize their workforces, leaving their employees out of work.
Thats a whole lot of job seekers applying for the same positions as you.
1. tune up your Resume
Your resume isnt a one-and-done document.
After all, layoffs often happen unexpectedly.
Check your resume every few months to ensure its updated.
Look for volunteer roles that relate to your career aspirations.
Contracting is another way to fill your time and reduce gaps on your resume while youre not working full-time.
Consider Further Education Courses
A layoff is the ideal time to reconsider more education.
You dont have to commit to a formal degree.
Instead, look for online courses that relate to your industry and would look impressive on your resume.
There are several places to look for relevant courses.
Local professional associations may offer continuing education.
Alternatively, check websites like Masterclass, Skillshare, Udemy and Coursera for applicable classes.
If you have to think about it, its been too long.
you might also ask for introductions to any mutual acquaintances that might be hiring.
Take a stack of business cards with you and collect business cards from professionals you meet for future follow-up.
Often, securing a new job is about who you know.
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From there, you could tailor the document to the job youre applying for.
Most job postings let you add a cover letter.
Join Professional Associations
Most industries have professional associations you’re free to join.
Though memberships often come with fees, you gain access to more opportunities for networking and professional development.
you could also list your membership in professional associations on your resume.
That can help you stand out to potential employers.
Prepare Thoroughly for Interviews
You should spend time preparing for every job interview you secure.
Doing so can help make you more memorable when competing for a job against multiple qualified applicants.
If your interview will be virtual, decide on a location to take the meeting.
Ideally, youll have good light, few distractions and no background noise.
Use your camera preview setting to test your setup and see what youll look like to your interviewer.
And no matter the interview location, dress professionally and maintain eye contact during the conversation.
That way, theyre not caught off guard if a potential employer contacts them.
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Be Patient and Flexible
Job hunting is stressful especially in a competitive job market.
Understand that job hunting takes time.
When the job market is strong, it can take much longer than you anticipate.
Be patient and take care of yourself.
Flexibility also is a helpful trait.
Additionally, dont limit your search to permanent roles.
Ohio-based contributor Catherine Hiles writes about finance, cars, pet ownership and parenting for The Penny Hoarder
