Easy ways to be more competitive in obtaining employment.

By: Marinda Bean, NorthOrion Editor (www.NorthOrion.com)

In today’s highly-competitive job market, it’s essential for job hunters to set themselves apart from their competition in order to obtain highly-competitive positions. This is an employer’s market, with dozens of well-qualified applicants for each opening, so job hunters would do well to make a concerted effort to stand out from the pack, so to speak. And it’s simpler than you might think. By implementing the following easy techniques, you can set yourself heads and shoulders above your closest competition.

1. Stay Current
One of the smartest moves for anyone seeking employment opportunities is to receive on-going education related to their field, including continuing education in industry standards, software and applicable skill sets. This shows prospective employers that you are interested and involved in the field, up to current standards and motivated to improve yourself and your job performance.  Regular, on-going classes, workshops, seminars and certifications are an excellent way to bolster your resume and keep you on the competitive edge. Check community colleges in your area for offerings in your field, or take online classes at your own pace. NorthOrion.com is an excellent source for researching and choosing appropriate employment-advancing education options in your field, both locally and online.

2. Branch Out
It’s essential to not only improve your job skills, but also to branch out into related areas of study to increase your general industry-related knowledge. This will increase your reputation as a professional and help you excel in your field. Plus, you’ll be able to cross over to related fields more easily. With an ever-increasing and far-reaching knowledge base, you will be far more competitive in obtaining employment and climbing the corporate ladder. Employers who see you as versatile will feel like they are getting a better deal for their money by hiring someone who can not only do the job at hand, but perhaps other job duties that may overlap as well.

3. Volunteer at Local Charities
Not only will volunteer work help you feel more fulfilled, positive and optimistic, which will translate into more confident and memorable job interviews, but you will find many opportunities for networking with like-minded people who are interested in helping you succeed.  Additionally, prospective employers will be more likely to trust and have confidence in you from the start since you have already demonstrated work ethic by working for free as a volunteer. When employers are considering job applicants, you will stand out from your competition because not only do you have solid education and work experience, but you make helping others a priority in your life. Whether anyone wants to admit it or not, a person who is dedicated to volunteering for worthy causes is almost automatically endearing to others. UnitedWay.org is a great resource for finding worthy volunteer opportunities in your area.

4. Be Positive
Corporate America is all-too-often a cut-throat endeavor. While some people may believe this ruthlessness is the fastest way to climb the corporate ladder, the old adage, “You catch more bees with honey than with vinegar,” usually proves true. Those willing to do anything, including stepping over others, to climb the ladder, will make as many enemies as allies and always be suspect in others’ eyes.  Conversely, those who are optimistic, uplifting and courteous will be trusted and remembered for their positive qualities. They will be more able to take on managerial roles because they don’t bring personal baggage with them and can handle business in a professional manner. Everyone appreciates a team player, and being identified as such, without going to the extreme and being considered a doormat, will only open more doors for you. In job interviews, being positive and optimistic will set you apart bringing positive feelings to the exchange, whether your interviewers consciously realize it or not.

5. Work Hard and Show Your Appreciation
There is no replacement for good, old-fashioned hard work. In this day and age of frequent job hopping and instant access to everything, some people fall into the trap of thinking quality is less important – as long as a job gets done and quickly. But conscientious employees will have greater success by ensuring absolutely quality in their work and demonstrating dedication to the company through their work ethic. Arriving to work on time, respecting workplace rules and giving an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay will always be viewed with great appreciation by supervisors, and such a work ethic will ensure more safety in your retaining your position over someone who does the bare minimum. You should emphasize these beliefs to your interviewers, as it will set you apart from the typical employee jumping from one opportunity to the next. During job hunting, express gratitude for the opportunity, address every employee with respect (you never know if the receptionist is the owner’s granddaughter), show your dedication, work ethic and quality by researching the company, and be sure to follow up any interaction, be it an interview or even a simple phone or email conversation, with heart-felt thanks.

With just a few simple changes like these, you will be able to gain the competitive edge in your search for employment opportunities and, equally importantly, you will develop better interpersonal skills and fulfillment that will help you in every part of your life.