Early-Year Job Hunter: The Numbers Are Working For You – Not Against You!
When you begin a job hunt, you always have questions:
- How likely are you to get hired?
- Are there enough jobs in your profession?
- Are there openings at the companies where you want to work?
The unemployment rate climbed sharply within the first two months of the pandemic, reaching 14.7% in April 2020. That figure surpassed the unemployment rate during the first two years of the Great Recession (2007-2009). However, compared to the two-and-a-half years that it took during the Great Recession, in 2020, it took only four months before the unemployment rate went below 9%.
So, what can you do to get your dream job?
Get going right now!
The beginning of the year (January – April) is a great time to get hired in most industries. In fact, it’s probably the best time to look for jobs all year in most industries.
January usually starts slowly as people come back from holiday vacations but by the second week of the month, things are running smoothly.
February is a peak hiring time. Most jobs have been updated and new jobs have been posted to the job boards in January.
February is the month to put the most effort into your application and to communicate with your network and with companies at which you want to work.
March and April is still a good time to look for a job!
Start with these easy steps:
Dust off that résumé and bring it up to date
Write down your job “must haves”
Create your targeted company lists
Set job alerts so you can be ready when your desired companies post openings
Create your contact and networking list and craft your email message to reach out and ask for a referral to your target companies
Send out your updated résumé
The later you apply for an open position, the stiffer the competition you will face.
Many jobs are posted on Tuesdays and many candidates jump right on the new listings and send in their applications and résumé promptly. This is one reason you should set alerts for jobs at your target companies and be ready to move (make a few final adaptations related to the job description to your résumé) and be able apply promptly.
Don’t overlook the opportunities and benefits of temporary positions.
Taking on a temporary role allows you to see a company from the inside, understand how it functions and to get to know hiring managers on the inside. Companies vary as to whether they offer permanent positions to those who have worked there temporarily. Many staffing agencies report that 70-90% of the temporary workers they place into companies, will get “converted” and get a permanent position in the company.
We at The Job Forum can help you get going on your early in the year plans and stay ahead of the competition. Come to The Job Forum to get your job search questions answered, add networking contacts and hear job search strategy ideas from our volunteers who are experienced in work at local businesses. Let’s get started with your early year job search and help you to get hired!
Cindy Fassler and Janet Beach
