What does it take to get a job in this economy?

In the age of unemployment at 16.7% in the United States and in reality even higher for people who are no longer included in any unemployment statistic because “they have fallen out of the workforce” to get a job you have to know somebody, or make yourself known.

Prior to the Michigan Talent Bank removing the number of posted resume seekers on its website compared to jobs available the job to worker ratio was a startling 1 to 42. Even this number is painting a bright picture as recent high school and college graduates are fighting for many of the same jobs that people in their parent’s age group are fighting for.

What does it take to get a job in this economy?

The short answer is being assertive; we want to show potential employers that we deserve the open position, or if we are really good they should make a new position in their organization and give it to us.  Don’t feel awkward about being assertive because it is not being aggressive if you do it right, think aggressive as holding an employer hostage until you are given a job, and assertive as showing you are seriously interested in the organization you wish to join.

An Example: I had a job in the bag or so I thought. I found the job on a Monday online like everything else these days, then I made my way to the business by Thursday to inquire.  So I went home and applied online then waited till Monday to go back to the business. I arrived and asked if they received my resume and I was promptly asked when I would like to interview for the position but it couldn’t be done that moment because the manager was in a business meeting. I said whatever is convenient so I was scheduled for that Thursday. Wednesday evening I received a phone call from the hiring manager to let me know that the position had been filled. When I asked about what I needed to do to improve my resume I was told that the person who stole the job out from under me had about 10 years of experience. Well as much as that irritates me I understand that you take the person with more experience. But had I been more assertive and said I would wait until the manager was out of a meeting or even said I want to interview the next day then I would have probably landed job.

Should I apply online or in person?

In this economy more than others you need to make yourself different or stand out. Ideally you need to apply in person. This shows more initiative than merely applying online like everyone else. If you go to apply in person and they tell you to apply online then obviously you have to do just that.

Don’t take our word for it

Bryan Cranston the star of Breaking Bad used a similar assertive strategy and was given the job.

“I called up my agent, who told me they were starting to read people the following week. I told him next week would be too late (emphasis ours). I knew if other actors saw this first, it would be all over for me. So I insisted on getting in immediately.”

Take home message is: Be assertive and if you don’t have a restraining order you’re not trying hard enough to get a job!