Job confidence in the economy waxes and wanes at different times, seen most recently when Covid-19 struck out of nowhere. Many businesses and whole industries have been affected, which had a flow on effect to the whole economy.

When employers lose confidence, the results are a halt to jobs growth and investment, and an increase in job redundancies. Employees lose confidence, even if they have a job, because they wonder if they will be the next casualty.

However, this cycle of job market ups and downs is part of the normal fluctuation that is always present. The truth is there are always challenges faced by job seekers, however there are strategies you can undertake to overcome these universal challenges. There are common questions that job seekers ask when job seeking, particularly in difficult economic times.

1. Which industries are in most demand?

• Job advertisements are a good source of information on which industries are hiring strongly. During Covid, we all heard about the vast decrease in Airline and travel industry jobs and the increase in need in the health sector to help deal with the pandemic response. Other industries also had to adapt, for example restaurants moved to a take away model and supermarkets had to rapidly deal with increases in demand.
• Seek the advice of recruiters or job coaches to find out about in demand industries.

2. How do you to take advantage of any opportunities?

• You can increase your chances in gaining work by identifying specific skills or training that you may be able to undertake to make yourself more desirable to an employer. You will need to do some research. You can try to gain insight by asking questions of people who are already working in the field you wish to enter.
• If you are a school leaver, or looking to change careers, make sure that part of your considerations is towards whether you can see a path to job prospects. Of course you need to enjoy what you are learning, but if jobs are scarce in the field you have chosen, you should consider something similar but in demand.

3. How do you stay focused and positive while job seeking?

• In many respects, getting a job is a numbers game. If you have skills that are sought after, you may get a job quicker. However you need to actually apply, sometimes to hundreds of jobs. Think of it this way, if you are unemployed, it is your job now trying to get a job. That is the amount of effort that is required. You can’t ease up on your efforts.
• Apart from talking to someone already working in your chosen field about potential useful training, you can also seek advice on how to go about gaining work in your chosen industry. Networking and growing your contacts is always a good idea.
• Temporary and Casual opportunities are good ways to increase your work experience and becoming known to a greater array of companies.
• You can still work on your Plan A dreams while you are working in the Plan B or C job. There are many routes to your destination. Just keep going!

Important Note: These articles have been prepared for general circulation and are circulated for general informational purposes only; these articles should not be regarded as business or investment advice. The articles represent the views of the writers and are subject to change without notice. Additionally, while every care has been taken in the preparation of the articles no representation or warranty as to accuracy or completeness of any statement is given. An individual or organisation should, before any business or investment decision is made, consider the appropriateness of the information in this document, and seek professional advice, having regard to objectives, situation and needs. This document is solely for the use of the party to whom it is provided.