Looking for a job in a tough market
The markets have changed recently and we now have a situation where there are fewer jobs and a lot more people applying for them as unemployment caused by the global economic crisis impacts.
There are still some sectors that have a skills shortage and if you are lucky enough to have gained experience in the health sector, some IT and engineering roles, then this market will not affect you adversely.
However, for the majority of people looking for work in the current climate where your skill set is more common place, you need to consider how you go about seeking a new job.
The first thing to do is not panic. We see only too often qualified individuals applying for any role they see just so that they get a job. We understand that financial circumstances may make you consider such action but you need to think longer term. If you apply for a role that is more junior than you are qualified for, at a lower salary than you are worth, it will take time to get back on track and your current role acts as the benchmark for your next role in most cases.
You should also consider your salary expectations. In this market with more applicants than jobs you need to be realistic in your salary expectations and should take advice from your recruitment agent or the research you can do on various job boards to see what salaries are being paid. There is also a number of salary surveys published that gives you an idea of market rates for current jobs. If your expectation is at the top end of the salary range you must ensure that you back it up with experience, the relevant skills and achievements that make you stand out.
If you get an interview for any role make sure that you come across as interested, qualified and deal with the interview in a confident and positive way. In markets like this we often see people who are desperate to get work and come across that way at interview which is off putting to the interviewer.
This market will not last forever and there are already signs that things will pick up. Australia is in a good position economically and expectations are that 2010 will be a much better market for job seekers.
In the mean time, if you have to look for work now, think about who you are, what you have achieved and ensure that you put yourself in the best position to get the role that you are qualified for with a salary that you are worth.
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