If you are looking for a new job or thinking about changing jobs, be sure you’re familiar with the “new normal” of job searching. Keeping your expectations realistic will help you make good career decisions.
Accepting the new normal helps you make better decisions by forcing you to think not only outside the box but all around it, as well.
One thing you need to do is take a hard look at your financial plan. In the past, the rule was to have three to six months of living expenses saved cover your expenses while looking for a job. Now, it is recommended you have eight months of living expenses on hand, and the more senior the position you seek, the longer your search may take.
Don’t let the new normal keep you from reaching your career goals. Learn to adapt and understand what it takes to become more competitive in an ever-changing marketplace.
Here are some ways you can adapt to the new normal:
• Going back to school or taking courses to stay current in your field keep you competitive. In today’s job market, employers can be more selective, and candidates without the necessary certifications are at a disadvantage.
• Candidates who can leverage their experience to meet the employer’s needs have an advantage. Think in terms of connecting with the employer rather than trying to reinvent yourself with every interview.
• Resumes play a huge role in marketing your skills, so be flexible with your format. There are no absolute resume rules, but sticking with a one-page resume for all situations will not work in today’s constantly moving job market. Be open to using several formats .
• Take the time to acknowledge people. Job searching often feels technical and less human. Thank you notes and cards make a big difference.
• Networking – who you know and who knows you – plays a huge role in your career. For example, social networking sites make it easier to stay in touch with people. The key is to choose several networking paths and stay active.
• Downsizing and reorganization is part of the job market, but don’t let that keep you from job searching. When one company downsizes, another one hires.
• Interviewing can take longer than in the past, so be patient. It is just the way the process works these days, so don’t start to doubt yourself. Keep your attitude in check, and stay motivated.
• Focus your job search efforts. Being able to explain your career goals clearly will make your search more efficient and productive.
• Never quit job searching or networking. Even if you are in your dream job, never stop meeting new contacts and strengthening the ones you have.
• Networking and education go hand in hand and help you build a career as well as prepare for a new one.
• Stay open to taking contract or temporary jobs while looking for fulltime employment. This is a good way to keep current with the marketplace while adding to your skills.
How has the new job-search normal affected you? What have learned from it that’s made you a stronger candidate?
