Competition is Healthy

I think we all know that it’s a tough time to find a job right now – especially those of you in the same boat as me.  I just saw this blog post and wanted to share it with you.  The graph really puts the job market in perspective doesn’t it?

This brings to my mind two things.  First, the great depth of the talent pool from which employers have to draw.  Due to the number of applicants, employers are able to find a very specific type of person to fill their vacancies.  I have found this to be true firsthand.  I have been told directly that although I have the qualifications, other qualified applicants had experience in a certain industry or with a specific product, etc.

The second point is that since we know the challenge before us, it is important to differentiate ourselves from the competition.  So maybe the automotive industry is struggling.  And maybe steel companies aren’t looking to hire new people.  We need to find new ways to set ourselves apart from other applicants.  Here are some tips from a job coach that I met at a recent job fair and has given me some great advice.  She also happens to be the job coach on Fox 2 Detroit.