(5) Tips for Staying Competitive in the Job Market

With 2011 coming to a close, it’s time to reflect on the past year. Whether you are employed, unemployed or underemployed, it has been a tough year navigating in a sluggish job market and a tumultuous economy.

There’s not much you can do, but let our world economy sort itself out. It will take time for the housing market to come back, our government to unite to provide better leadership and for businesses to hire more aggressively. So what do you do in the meantime? And, what does it take to make you marketable on a long term basis?

Here are some useful tips for staying competitive in the job market:

Stay abreast on happenings in your industry. This it essential to create value for yourself. Knowledge is power and will make you a stand-out in your field.
Create a “hit-list” of those that are major players in your industry. Create a plan to meet a few key players in 2012. Surround yourself with the leaders in your industry.
Learn how to use social media effectively to get the most out Linked In and Facebook. Spend more time on building your brand and becoming a resource to your followers than talking about your latest dinner. People are addicted to Facebook, so make sure you have interesting information for them.
Join organizations that are pertinent to your industry. Get involved with these groups. This includes LinkedIn groups which are easy access to meet people in your industry, with no cost.
Spend time creating and perfecting your personal image. Take a look in the mirror. Is the image you see what you want a potential employer to see? Would you hire you? If not, spend some time on creating a new look for yourself. Image is essential.

These tips are something you will need to continually do throughout your career! Competition for well paying, enjoyable jobs is increasing as we become a world economy. You will be competing with those that try a little harder at perfecting their skills and image. Don’t miss opportunities as 2012 begins to offer more chances for employment.

Source:http://www.chicagonow.com/get-employed/2011/12/5-tips-for-staying-competitive-in-the-job-market/