I keep an eye on hiring trends across the world relating data from my vast network of career decision makers and senior executive clients across all continents. In my two and a half decades of business, I have never seen recruitment across all functions and industries, except oil and gas, as hot as it is right now. Statistics from country-based governments support my deep understanding of trends with unemployment reaching 50-year lows in some western countries and wage growth reaching records.
Job search used to be highly competitive. The worse the economy, the more people there are competing for each job. Today, that is turned in the other direction in favour of you, the candidate. You hold the keys to steer your career laterally into another function or industry or to seek a promotion upwards. Despite the bubbling economy and robust hiring, you still need to make yourself stand out from the others in the race for the trophy. Jobs don’t fall into your lap. They must be searched out through in-person networking, online networking, building and retaining relationships with executive recruiters, and lastly, replying to adverts.
Now is the time to leap to your next challenge, but it is also a time to reflect and recession-proof your career as much as you can. This good economy, according to experts, won’t last for much longer. Look for sectors that service the economy, including government, education, food, retail and health care. It is prudent to do extensive research to uncover opportunities where you can make an impact and, of course, be happy. Do not be a procrastinator and put off a job search that can dramatically help you with spin offs to your family life.
Finding a new job is a little bit like dating. You must attract other audiences. One way is to craft, stick to, and express your personal brand, clearly communicating your value to your next employer. Understand what makes you unique. Do a self-audit to decipher your differentiator from your peers. Ask friends and colleagues what words and phrases describe you. Use this information to create a resonating personal brand statement, emphasizing the value you will bring. This statement can then be used on all your marketing collateral, resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile and networking card. To make yourself stand out further, actively engage in social media, be proactive on Facebook, Twitter and concentrate on LinkedIn. Blogging also brings deep value as you can share your expertise and thoughts.
Job search doesn’t happen overnight, and the available time horizon has been considerably reduced by the buoyant global economy. Are you ready to accept a new challenge? Are you ready to leap? If so, go for it!
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