By Judit Price, MS, CDFI, IJCTC, CCM, CPRW
I have long been receiving job availability information from HR managers, recruiters and various organizations and state agencies. This year the number of positions sent to me has dramatically grown. When I saw an article in the Boston Business Journal that stated over 50 thousand jobs are vacant in Massachusetts, and a significant number are defined as “middle-skill”, I realized that a large proportion of the open position I receive fit that description.
Middle skills jobs are defined as requiring more than a high school education and less than a 4 year degree. These jobs, according to the Journal, make up “the largest part of our state and national market.” These are also positions that tend to be full time, permanent with good wages and opportunities for growth. They are difficult to outsource and provide long-term stability. Generally, a 2-year associates program or vocational certificate in a specialty is sufficient.
I raise this issue because when I present to groups the audience is almost entirely professional or managerial and I rarely get calls from this middle-skill workforce. As a result I fear that too many do not understand that the principles of career planning are fundamental to a successful job search for almost everyone. This includes assessments, job search strategies and networking training, solid documentation including resume, cover letters and other documents, and good interviewing skills.
The job hunt takes much longer than in the past, and that probably will not change. In addition, recruiters and hiring managers look for some other factors that help determine which candidates fits their needs as they move through the process. There are a number of you who have given up, at least temporarily. To those people I would say you need to ask yourself what are you are doing that is right and what are you doing that is wrong?
Middle Skill Job Seekers Take Note
- Virtually 100% of the job openings that are advertised are available are online.
That means intense research. Look for the popular job boards as well as those in your industry. Trust me, they are everywhere. Check them out for openings and when you find openings that match, develop a strategy for getting that interview. Do not just send out a resume and cover letter and hope.
- When responding to ads, whether online or not, take a good look at the criteria for the job and respond to the specifics. Response letters filled with vague generalities will not work. I suggest two columns, one labeled “You need” and one labeled “I have”, with a point-by-point response that is easily readable and on point. Job screeners see thousands of inquiry letters and have neither the patience nor endurance to wade through a letter and try to figure out the substance of your response.
- Take your resume more seriously. We live in a very dynamic business environment, subject to enormous competitive stresses. That calls for an organization that is highly flexible, capable of changing direction quickly to respond to whatever is required to survive and grow. Consequently, finding employees that exhibit these qualities of flexibility, responsiveness and innovation is prized. It is important to showcase on the resume accomplishments that demonstrate these areas of concerns. Too many view the resume as a laundry list with the company, relevant dates and a job description or even just the job title.
- Initiating a networking program must never be casual. I noted above that virtually all advertised jobs are available online. However, those positions represent only a portion of the total. Many are never advertised. Therefore, networking is essential. We network to gather information, to create connections and to solicit sponsorships. Gathering information is the easiest, but effective gathering requires solid preparation.
Keep in mind; if an interview results from networking, the job has to be compatible with all your needs. This means the chances that an opportunity really fits should be as certain as possible. You can accomplish this by properly developing a job search strategy with a well thought out personal business plan that clearly outlines the parameters of your next move. This enables you to understand quickly whether that networking event or group and the participants really present genuine promise in uncovering those hidden gems.
- Finally, preparation for the interview is crucial. Remember, everything that preceded that interview was dedicated to one thing…getting that interview. Interviewers also want to be sure they are making the best choice. So they will surely challenge a candidate to convince them you are the best. Here, humility is not recommended. Think of your brand as we covered the importance of personal branding in previous articles. Reemphasize your qualities and accomplishments, dwelling on projects that were particularly effective in adding value, with numbers if possible. Finally, spend a considerable amount of time explaining how your strengths, the company and the job requirements are compatible.
If you have done your homework, and researching the company is a critical part of the homework, this can be an especially powerful response since you can discuss your virtues, impress the interviewer with knowledge of the company and job, and communicate strong commitment and interest. Remember your attitude, no matter how angry or disenchanted you are about the employment picture you need to demonstrate a very positive attitude.
We know that there are jobs. Solid preparation and renewed motivation will deliver.
About Judit Price
Judit is an employment and career transition consultant and coach in private practice with over 30 years experience. She holds a Masters Degree in counseling and is a Masters level certified career guidance professional, Career Development Facilitator Instructor, International Job and Career Coach, Certified Career Master, Certified Professional Resume Writer and a Certified Personal Branding Specialist.
Judit is a senior consultant for outplacement and career marketing firms and has a private practice, Berke & Price, a full service career counseling firm, in Chelmsford, MA. She counsels individuals in career direction and job search strategies from entry and mid level professionals to senior level management.
Ensure you are dressed appropriately, arrive on time and give a confident interview as opposed to a cocky one and I completely concur with Judith that a positive attitude will stand you in good stead once the interview begins.
Great article, thanks for sharing and I’ve boomarked this page.