ATTN: Job Seekers - How to Make the Most of the Job Boom

January’s jobs report came in fast and strong with a whopping 304,000 new jobs. That number far surpassed economists’ estimates of 185,000. While the numbers from the January jobs report may undergo revisions, as it did in December’s report, it’s still an indicator that the U.S. is undergoing a tremendous job boom! This is the 100th consecutive month that businesses have added to their payrolls. If you’re a job seeker, you may wonder what these figures mean and how they impact your job hunt.

While all industries have seen an uptick in the number of jobs being added to company payrolls, there are particular industries where the growth is more pronounced. These industries include professional services, healthcare, leisure and hospitality, construction, and manufacturing. If you are seeking work in any of these industries, you’re likely to see more job opportunities. In terms of specific jobs, Glassdoor has a list of the 50 Best Jobs in America in 2019, with salary, job satisfaction, and current job openings. By the way, many of these jobs revolve around data science, devops, or data engineering. If you’ve got a hunger for data, you’re in luck!

As a job seeker, you may wonder how you can make the most of our nation’s current job boom. If you already have a sure sense of the field and type of job you fit well in, then half of the work you must do to prepare for the application process is already done. You will just need to do your research on the companies you’d like to work for to make certain their values and yours align well. Of course, you’ll also need to complete the application and interview process successfully.

If, though, you are in the process of changing careers or you’re re-entering the workforce or entering it for the first time, there are a few things you need to consider before you begin looking for specific job openings. The more effort you put into this part of the process, the more likely you’ll find the right job in the right career field that will allow you to flourish.

I’m a huge proponent of the concept of flow. When we are passionate about our work, we love not only our job – even when we face deadlines or other quotidian stressors – but we also feel truly fulfilled. This fulfillment spills over into all facets of our lives. When we are not passionate about our work, we sense that our lives are adrift. We lack purpose, which is something we need to be able to get up and conquer the day. Without purpose, the days become a grind and meaninglessness sets in. It’s very important to be able to leverage your innate talents and to go with the flow of life. When we open up to possibilities, we find the career that gives us a sense of purpose. While the current job boom is excellent news, it’s important to find the career you need to thrive.

From my own experience, I’ve found the following tips to be incredibly helpful when job seeking:

·        Know Thyself: If you know who you are, you also know what you are worth. The concept of worth is not limited to the definition tied to paychecks. Our worth is related to the value we bring to the company we work for as well as to the people within our lives. Knowing yourself goes beyond even this. If you’re in touch with your authentic self, you’ll find that you gravitate towards the work you love automatically. 

·        Do Not Limit Yourself: When we box ourselves in with limitations, we are essentially closing down a world of possibilities. If you’re good at fine arts, defining yourself solely as an artist and refusing to use your creative abilities beyond that narrowly defined identity will keep you from reaching your true potential. Your skills and talents can be used in a way that you may not have even considered. Think outside the limitations box.

·        Stay Open to Possibilities: Just because you’re not a data scientist does not mean you cannot work for data-oriented companies. Many technology companies and startups are seeking individuals who can fulfill a number of non-STEM related roles. Another option is to work for a staffing company that provides temporary consultants to clients. These positions will give you the opportunity to experience working for a variety of companies while amassing skills to advance your career. 

·        Keep Learning: Education does not stop once you enter the workforce. Continue to upskill or reskill so that you can move onward and upward on your path to career success. This will allow you to build on what you already know and show that you’re willing to take on challenges to benefit your employer and your career.

·        Be Selective: Even with the abundance of jobs available now, you’ll want to be selective. Make certain you research companies before applying to them. Many people do research to prepare for the interview. But knowing if a company is the right fit for you before you apply is much better than applying to a job and then trying to fit yourself to what they want. The hiring process is a two-way street.

With so many new jobs being created, you have numerous opportunities to find the job that resonates with you. Follow the above advice and see where your life takes you. It may far surpass your original expectations! Go forth, make the most of this job boom, and find your dream job!