A New Kind of Job Market

I am not old. I am only 24 years old. However, I feel like I am old when I say that job searching is not the same as it used to be! The last time I was actively engaged in searching for a job was about 3 years ago before I landed my job working for the library.

One of the interesting things that I notice during my current job search is that a lot of places tell you that after you apply: DO NOT CONTACT US WE WILL CONTACT YOU. ouch....that is not the way it used to be. To call and check up on your application status used to show your initiative and could potentially move you to the top of the pile. Now this is looked down upon and could potentially move your application to the trash bin for not following explicit instructions. They often say there are too many applicants and if everyone called they would be overwhelmed. The last thing you want to do is call and bug someone who is considering you for employment.

Another thing they are saying now is if you have questions before you apply: DO NOT CALL ABOUT THIS JOB; EMAIL OR WEB APPLICATION ONLY. ouch...I guess there are so many jobless people out there they don't want to be bombarded with our pathetic pleas of "please give me a chance I really need this job". Yes, some places had you apply online. But most places liked you to send in a paper copy of your resume. Now that is also discouraged. So much for all the time you spend formatting your resume, they want it cut and pasted in plain text into an email or web application. There is almost nothing you can do to put yourself in a favorable position unless you are already there.

What do you do if the only areas you need to improve on are "experience"? Well it's a little late for that now... Many entry level jobs I am seeing now, even those listed for $8-10 an hour say they want 2 years of experience in the field. I guess we should redefine what "entry level" means. Unless you volunteer your time to get experience you are pretty much screwed.

Some people say it's very competitive out there in the job market. I feel like it is less competitive. Competition implies that everyone has somewhat of a chance and that there are things you can do to give yourself an edge over the other competitors. It's not a competition anymore. In the present day, I feel like the ball is entirely in the employer's court. We are at their will. There is almost nothing you can do now to make that personal connection that could give you an advantage unless you already happen to know the employers personally. My guess is that nepotism is at an all-time high. What employer has the time to search through all of the resumes that are out there now? More of us are jobless than ever, especially in California, and we are all applying everywhere. I guess I don't blame them that they would save themselves some time by hiring based on reputable referrals from their employees, friends or relatives.
This brings up a very good point--networking. It is actually something a job hunter can control. I think that is a good place to end for now. I definitely need to talk to more people and make more friends ASAP!