How to get a new job fast

Workers are living in challenging times because the pace of labor force growth is outstripping the pace of job creation.

In fact, between 2000 and 2014, the population grew over two times more than job vacancies.

Unfortunately, this problem will only get worse before it gets better.

To get that job that you have always wanted, you have to take a different approach to your job hunting strategies.

With many more job seekers going after fewer job vacancies, applying for jobs through resumes and cover letters, and eagerly but passively waiting for replies will no longer work.

The hope and pray passive job hunting strategy is dead and buried.

Everyone have bachelors’ degrees, volunteered somewhere, and did summer internships.

Everything and everyone looks the same on paper!

This Essential Guide seeks to give you a different perspective on various job hunting strategies so that you have a better success rate than your current experience.

The changing landscape of businesses

What we must realise is that businesses are trying to cut cost just to be competitive and stay above water.

Employers are requiring just-in-time, experienced workers who can immediately hit-the-ground-running and give or create value from day one of joining without any form of training.

As a result, employers are very selective in whom they hire just to contain their cost and to be productive to overcome the competition. They also prefer to use short-term contracts to manage their workforce cost, giving them the required flexibility to manage their workforce numbers.

So, what would you do if you are looking for your first job, or looking for another job?

You really have no choice but to be thinking about developing and implementing unique or creative job-hunting strategies that will get you to pass the selection process (and by-passing hundreds of job applicants), get you to that interview and presenting yourself to the hiring manager, and land that job to earn an income.

More job seekers going after fewer jobs

Let us go back in time.

From 1948 to 2000, jobs grew about 1.7 times over the rate of population growth. This means that there were more jobs available for people to dive into without any problems of finding work.

But from 2000 to 2014 (and beyond), something has shifted.

The population grew about 2.4 times more than jobs. This means that there are many more job seekers going after fewer jobs.

This trend will only get worse in the coming years. It will not be good news for job seekers as the world population is projected by the United Nations to reach 9.8 billion in 2050 and 11.2 billion in 2100.

With a growing number of people entering the labor market, the pace of labor force growth will outstrip job creation according to the International Labour Organization.

So, it’s no surprise that people do lie on their resumes just to get that job.

A 2014 poll by CareerBuilder found that 58% of hiring managers caught applicants exaggerating or fudging details about previous roles, skills, or awards. And entry- or mid-level workers aren’t the only ones guilty of fibbing. Top execs have done it too.