Job Market 2008: Now and Then

The job market is always in a state of change, but not many compare to the one we are experiencing right now in 2008.

As little as twenty years ago, all you needed was a good trade, vocational training or a college degree and you knew you could find work with a decent company. Resume writing and the job application process were relatively simple task to accomplish. The economy had its ups and downs, but it was nothing like the full-fledged downturn or recession of today. The statistics reveal corporate layoffs, mergers and bankruptcies are happening in record numbers.

All that bad news can be depressing for job seekers in 2008. But we’re a resilient bunch and always manage to change with the times. There’s an interesting article called Dealing with a Layoff in an Economic Downturn that offers some helpful ideas about being career proactive in the current economy.

There is also a list of 2008 “must know” tips that can help make navigating the current job market easier. A little research can be helpful too, if any of the ideas seem foreign. Whether you’ve been out of the market for a while or in search of that first job, these are some of those things you must know:

Technology is king. It rules every aspect of almost every industry.

Social networking isn’t just for socializing; employers have started to rely on it for filling positions and smart job seekers are using it to expand their contact base and to stay connected.

Personal branding is an effective tool job seekers use to make their skills stand out and stay competitive.

Basic computer skills are mandatory, not optional.

Electronic resume distribution services are now as important as snail mail.

Internet job and career websites are quickly replacing traditional printed classified advertisements.

Understanding those six concepts alone will help bring you into the 2008 job market. Learning how to implement them and make them work for you will increase your chances of getting and staying employed.