Lessons from the current job market

According to The Smart Cookies Guide to Making More Dough by Jennifer Barrett, more than 4.4 million US Workers have lost their jobs since December 2007. And unemployment has hit a 25 year high. The news is dreary, but there are forecasts that show hiring increasing in the near future as it usually lags slightly behind other economic indicators which are already showing signs of improvement. You wouldn’t know that things were looking up if you looked at the want ads in our local newspaper. Ads are small and few in number. Most days the entire jobs section in our regional newspaper, The Mankato Free Press, takes up less than a page. “Professional” positions have dwindled down to restaurant managers and a few other loosely titled “professional” positions.


There are two things to learn from these bits of information. First, with so many people unemployed or just recovering from a period of unemployment, a lapse in your job timeline will not sink your chances in the job market. If you have a period of unemployment, be able to explain why you lost your position. If you can explain why you were chosen versus others in the company, that is helpful too. Also, have information about your success in your last position. Such things as letters of recommendation from the last employer or coworkers from the last position are helpful as are emails and thank you notes that indicate your good work. If you had written reviews, get a hold of them so you can show your solid work performance. Finally, be able to speak to what you have been doing with your time. Have you been volunteering, getting more education, sharpening your skills, etc. Those stories show drive and provide a view of a well-rounded professional.

The second lesson learned is that the want ads are not the primary or best source of opportunities in this market. Employers can practically reach their hand out the front door and grab someone who would be happy to join their team. They can send an email out to friends and family and get referrals of good candidates. You need to go to the employer to make it just as easy for them to find you. And, sometimes it means getting creative. Offer to come on part-time or as-needed or to volunteer for a couple of shifts or projects to show your worth and help the employer whose financial resources may still be tight. Think I am crazy? Well, so did my friend who wanted a bartending job near her home. She had no experience, but knew it was a job for her. A locally owned bar down the street didn’t advertise a need, but she went in and asked if they needed anyone. They said “no” but let her fill out an application. She did and thought that was all she could do. I recommended she stop back and talk with the owner. Let him get to know her and her interest in bartending. I even recommended she offer to volunteer for a couple shifts to gain experience and for him to learn about her. She thought I was nuts and in her financial situation she couldn’t see why she would ever volunteer. But, she gave it a shot and just worked her second shift yesterday.

There are few straight lines to the hidden job market of this strained economy. Be creative. Put yourself out there. And be prepared to bend at each turn. Good luck.