This week the U.S. Labor Department said there are more jobs available in the U.S. now than at any point in the last 15 years.
So, why are you still having a hard time finding a job?
Experts say employers are not just looking for new hires, they are taking their time finding the right new hires.
Labor Department reports say the number of open jobs jumped 5.2 percent to 5.4 million, reports the Christian Science Monitor. Experts, the Monitor says, believe this means employers see the recent sales slump as a result of a miserable winter, not an overall trend.
As a result, they are opening more positions to prepare for higher customer demand during summer months.
Even with all those jobs, hiring in the same month fell.
The Monitor reports that experts say this means employers are looking for more than a warm body to fill these spots. In fact, the paper reports that employers say they are having a hard time finding qualified workers.
And that tosses the ball firmly into our court.
Are you looking for a job? You now need to consider that process to be your fulltime job.
Look over your resume, consider hiring a professional resume writer to proof it or even re-write it for you.
Reconsider your skill sets. Were you a substitute teacher at your last duty station? Look at the skills you have and how those can be applied to other fields and jobs. Tailor your resume and cover letter to every single job you apply for rather than blanket every employer with a bland, one-size-fits-all approach.
Do you need to go back to school? You might. What additional certifications or credentials might put you ahead of the pack?
Swallow your pride. Be an intern. If you have the right skill set to switch fields, but not the experience, you may have to spend a year volunteering or serving as an intern, without pay. The experience you gain will help boost your resume and may be invaluable when it comes to finding a job in the future.
Employers are hiring. Jobs are there.
It is time to take a hard look at yourself and prepare yourself to stand out from the stack of resumes on their desk.
