January 3, 2012

Four Employment Trends in 2012 – and What They Mean to You

Recently, Career Builder reported on four employment trends they’re seeing for 2012. They are as follows:

Compensation Getting More Competitive for Skilled Positions
Voluntary Turnover on the Rise
Training Employed/Unemployed
Employers Targeting Hispanic Workers, African American Workers and Women

Let’s take a closer look at what these trends in employment mean for you as a job hunter.

The Opportunity to Make More Money

Employers are starting to learn top employees will leave if they aren’t being paid enough. This is good news for you! While you do need the skills, education, and experience to earn a six-figure salary, don’t be afraid to ask for the salary you deserve. You can make more money – you just have to be worth it.

Complacency is a Problem

Once you land the position you want, you job isn’t over. If you’re complacent you can – and will – be replaced. With a market full of unemployed candidates who are ambitious and would love your positions. You need to exceed your employer’s expectations if you want to keep your job.

Education = Jobs

It should come as no surprise to you that more career education will lead to better job opportunities. More and more employers are offering training for their employees – if yours does, take those opportunities to advance in your skills for free! If you’re unemployed, you can also take advantage of state resource to help you get more education for free.

Playing Up Your Advantages

Lastly, don’t be afraid to play up your advantages. Employers aren’t technically allowed to hire based on things like race and gender, but you can talk about skills and advances you have relating to your minority status. For example, if you’re Hispanic, can you speak Spanish? Being bilingual is a definitely advantage for working with customers. Or maybe your experiences as a mother makes you a more patient and able to deal with stressful situations. Talk about the advantages to hiring you, no matter who you are.