This is the first in a series of posts detailing conversations with actual hiring managers from different industries. We’ll be highlighting their concerns, requirements, and the things they might not be seeing in candidates that they wish were there. We hope that in picking their brains we make your job–getting hired–a bit easier.
The competition is stiff and growing stiffer as the economic downturn continues. It doesn’t take a degree in rocket science to know that times are tough; it’s hard to ignore actually, what with unemployment numbers being thrown at us in a nearly constant stream. A press release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics released last week states that approximately 15 million people are without work, putting the unemployment rate at around 10 percent, and this of course means the competition is going to be tougher and the openings fewer. The news is not all bad though; with the right preparation you can set yourself apart from the pack, and we aim to help you do just that.
While it’s true the job market isn’t as hospitable as in previous years, it’s not bad everywhere; there are jobs out there to be had. There might be an overall strain on the job market, but there are variations in industries. Our first conversation was with a manager representing the defense sector which, contrary to prevailing trends, has seen some increase in hiring.
A few things were made quite clear in our conversation. Recent candidates have been reported as seeming rushed and ultimately unprepared in not only their interviewing efforts, but resumes as well. This is thought to be a direct result of the increased competition level in the job hunt; the hunters are getting sloppy. It cannot be stressed enough, however, that one must master the basics, at least of the interview process, and have a flawless resume leading the way for them. Our hiring manager friend revealed that recent candidates have been lacking in the fundamentals of the interview process: dress, punctuality, and preparedness. Though this individual reported some increases for 2009, the outlook for 2010 doesn’t warrant excessive enthusiasm. Things might improve in the coming year, but this is no time to rest on your laurels.
Competition in today’s job market, as we’ve already said, is going to be fiercer than usual and where seemingly tiny imperfections in your job-hunter facade might have escaped notice before, the greater scrutiny each candidate will be subjected to might reveal opportunity-killing flaws.
