The unemployment rate in the United States just hit 3.8%, the lowest since April 2000. 223,000 new jobs were created in May alone, and economists are confident that wages will keep climbing as competition for workers grows. So how can you take advantage of a healthy job market?
Evaluate your current position.
How long has it been since you received a raise? While businesses are hungry for more workers, they also want to retain their A+ employees – and that means may spend more to keep talent. Talk to your manager to schedule a mid-year performance review and see if you can initiate a conversation about salary negotiation.
Apply for the job in a field that you actually went to school for.
Many of us went to college and studied subjects we were passionate about, whether it was architecture, psychology or marketing. When we graduated, the job market couldn’t accommodate new workers in the fields we studied in, and as a result we ended up taking whatever job was available. Now’s the time to go out there and get the job you’ve always wanted! Companies in all sectors and industries are looking for specialized talent, especially those who have a degree in their field.
Now more than ever, staffing agencies can coach you for career success.
If you’ve been struggling in this job market, a staffing agency can help you get the edge you need to stand out from the competition. Maybe what’s holding you back is your resume or the way you interview. A staffing agency can assess your skills and coach you on how to present yourself in the best way possible when they send you out on interviews. Once you establish a relationship with your agency, getting a foot in the door may be an even quicker process in this great job market! By Jessica Prouty