How To Get Ready for a Competitive Job Market

 

The world of work can be tough and there are far fewer people out there doing job they love than there should be. Very often the desirable jobs are the most competitive and this often puts people off even trying, don’t be one of those people, here are some tips for getting ready for the blood and guts battle of a competitive job market.

Visualise

This may sound a little futile but believe me it isn’t, just take the time to visualise yourself in that dream role, of course it is important to be realistic. For example visualising yourself as a doctor if you are 35 with no qualifications will almost certainly prove futile but if there is a job out there that you are ready for then picture it. Take the time to think how you would feel, act, dress, how you would go about your daily tasks. In doing an exercise such as this you are mentally preparing yourself for any interviews and applications that come your way.

Show Some Spine

If you plan to take part in any competition on the planet you are going to need steely determination and backbone and the job market is no different, if you want that position then grit your teeth and go after it. There is no room in this battle for the spineless, law of averages states that there will be someone going for your job with the same skills as you so you have to stand out, determination and desire will do this. Remember to show passion and a take no crap attitude, don’t be rude of course, but a competitive attitude will put you in a far better position than those without it.

Only One Chance To Make A First Impression

It’s somewhat of a cliche but a good first impression can often be the difference between a prospective employer caring about what you do or say, and them switching off the moment they encounter you. This notion is also true for application forms and telephone interviews as much as face to face. You can arm yourself to the teeth with facts, figures and personal achievements but if you turn up looking shoddy or send a chewed up application from then you may as well have not bothered.

Believe That You Deserve The Job

This is akin to determination but determination is worthless without self belief, if you know that this is the job for you then believe that you should get it. Nobody will recognise you as a prospect if you fail to believe in yourself, if you have confidence issues now then what will you be like if you get the job.

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

It goes without saying that you must prepare for interviews etc. but if you really want to stand out in the market you need to have laid some groundwork. Boosting your CV is the best way to get a leg up on the opposition, considering things such as volunteering in the field you wish to work in. Freelance work can be a great tool as well prior to even applying for a job, this shows any employer that you truly want the to work in the industry. Working for free may not be your favourite thing to do but the long term rewards will be worthwhile.