Blog Post: Job Seekers Adapt New Strategies for Success

We all know there are a lot of people out of work right now. Consider this, today there are probably at least 10 times more applicants for a given job than there were for the same job even one year ago. That means that if you were one of 20 applicants for a job a year ago, then today you are one of 200 applicants for that job. This is not a time to get discouraged rather it is time for some really creative strategies!

So what are some strategies to set you apart from the others? To answer that question, let's look at it from the employer's perspective. Employers across all industries say they are looking for the "right fit" as their top priority. Right fit means, the applicant must meet the qualifications as well as have the passion to do the job. Skills may actually take a lower priority over passion because skills can be taught, passion cannot be. The employer is looking for someone with enthusiasm and excitement and believes in their mission, vision and values. Do you know it takes an employer between 3-12 months to train an employee depending on the level of skills, know-how and abilities needed to perform the job? This investment is one the employer does not take lightly. The higher their turnover, the higher their training costs and it has a direct impact on their bottom line.

To set yourself apart from others, apply for a job you are passionate about! If you love working with animals, consider applying in an animal shelter, with a pet groomer or somewhere there are animals. If you love plants and the outdoors, consider applying for a groundskeeper position or for work in a nursery. While these are just examples, first look deep into your passion and what you would love to do if you didn't have to worry about money or other logical things. If you have more than one passion, try to combine them into a unique opportunity.

Next start doing some research and determine what the job possibilities are. This is a place where your local Workforce Connection office may be able to help you. Do some research at the library or on the Internet. Have you ever thought about googling your passion just to see what comes up? If you have appropriate computer skills perhaps you can combine your passion with your computer skills. This process takes some real brainstorming, but the sky is the limit. Right now there are a large number of people choosing to start their own business. Look at this unemployment period as a period of opportunity that you may never have again.

This is the beginning of adapting new strategies for success. Get some help. Many professional coaches are willing to help you if you just ask. There are a lot of resources out there that can help. Check out various groups through the social networking sites. One I participate with is called, Coaches United for Success in America. You are not alone. By pulling together we can accomplish more than just one pulling alone.

Jane Emberty is a certified life/career coach and owner of Moving Thru Transition. More than 25 years of human resources management experience brings recruiting strategies to the table to help job seekers put their best foot forward. She is currently speaking to job seekers and providing group coaching through her program called "Hire Calling."For more information contact her at www.MovingThruTransition.com