1. Understand the market

Everyone is talking about the “great resignation” and it’s not over yet. Workers are quitting their jobs in record numbers, and businesses are hiring more people than ever. That means that workers are able to quit their jobs, but then immediately move into a new job, often one with higher pay, better perks, or both.

In every way, this is an employee’s market. With more job opportunities available than ever before, workers can be pickier about the positions they accept. They can also afford to be choosier about the companies they work for, and may be more likely to leave if they’re not happy with their current situation.

 A Pew Research Center study looked at why people quit their jobs in 2021 and what they’re doing now.  

“A majority of those who quit a job in 2021 and are not retired say they are now employed, either full-time (55%) or part-time (23%),” the report found. “Of those, 61% say it was at least somewhat easy for them to find their current job, with 33% saying it was very easy.”

2. Know what you want 

Like we said, as an employee, you’re in a great position right now. The job market is strong, which means there are plenty of opportunities out there. If you want to take advantage of this situation, you need to know what you want so you can go out and get it.

First, it’s important to get clear on your desired salary. What are you worth, and what are you willing to work for? Next, consider your dream job.  Are you doing what you want to be doing right now? What type of company do you want to work for, and what role do you see yourself playing? 

If you don’t love where you work, take some time to research your dream company. What do they look for in employees, and what can you do to stand out from the crowd? By taking these steps, you’ll be in a great position to take advantage of the employee’s job market and land your dream job.

3. Network 

You’ve heard the old saying “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” 
You probably already know that networking can be a valuable tool for all types of individuals and businesses, as it is a powerful way to connect with others and find new opportunities. Whether you are just starting out in your career and looking to build your professional network, or you are an entrepreneur looking to grow your business, networking can help unlock the keys to success.

At its core, networking involves forming meaningful connections with other people by engaging in thoughtful conversation, listening to others’ perspectives, sharing ideas and insights, and providing support when needed. Many people tend to focus solely on self-promotion in their networking efforts without realizing that this approach is not always authentic or effective. In order to truly benefit from networking in this market, it is important to make connections that relate to the job you want in the future.  In person interactions are great but follow them on Twitter, YouTube, or Instagram and make meaningful contributions to the conversation around key issues in your field.  

4. Supercharge your resume + cover letter 

If you’re looking for a job in today’s employee’s market, the sky’s the limit but you have to know what kind of job you want and show you’re able to deliver what’s required of you on your resume and in your cover letter.  You should make sure your resume and cover letter stands out from the crowd. To do this, be sure to include relevant keywords that will grab the attention of the right kind of employers. You should also tailor your resume and cover letter specifically to each individual job opening you are applying for. Additionally, it is important to remain professional and concise throughout your application materials while also highlighting your unique skills and accomplishments in a way that shows off your strengths as an employee. You also need to sharpen your LinkedIn profile as potential networking contacts and employers often scan your profile first.  By employing these tips, you can help ensure that your resume and cover letter are primed for success in today’s competitive job market.

5. Leverage and Negotiate

Without a doubt, job seekers are currently in a very advantageous position.  Thanks to the pandemic and recent economic conditions and trends in the job market, we have an unprecedented amount of leverage as employees. But it is up to you how you use it.  Whether you want to switch industries entirely or negotiate for more flexible working arrangements, now is the perfect time to make your voice heard. With such a strong demand for skilled workers, companies are willing to go above and beyond in order to attract top talent. And this means that you have unprecedented control over the terms of your employment and can leverage your skills and experience like never before. So if you’re ready to take your career to the next level, there has never been a better time than right now. With the power of being in an employee’s market on your side, you can truly shape the way you work.  

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If you’re ready to use your leverage to land yourself your dream job, let’s talk.  We are helping great companies find great employees everyday.  Send your CV to [email protected] or check out our latest roles here.