Standing Up and Standing Out
With a historic unemployment rate, now may be an excellent time to advance your career. In a tight labor market, the employee is in the driver’s seat. What better time to make a change then when opportunities abound?
If you are new to the labor force, the low unemployment rate means an employer will not have the multitude of qualified applicants that they are used to. Typical qualifications may be waived and an employer may take a chance on someone less skilled or experienced simply due to the lack of candidates. This is a good time to take a chance and stretch for that job beyond your current level. If you are willing to work hard, learn quickly, and appreciate the opportunity, then faster advancement may be possible in this strong economic environment.
In a current position, there are good times and bad time to request a raise or promotion. Generally, in a tight labor market, an employer is much more willing to consider a request for advancement and may even be willing to invest the resources for any training necessary to assist with an advancement. This might be a very good time to request that advance in your current role. Be prepared with an explanation of how your advancement benefits the organization and have a plan for how you can acquire the skills needed to be successful. When you propose your advancement, have a very succinct, specific, and earnest presentation. The employer needs to hear what is in it for them, not just you.
When the boss is just not willing to listen and there seems like no advancement or increase is in sight, it may be time to shake the trees and see what might fall out beyond your current employer. Consider that another employer may be more interested in what you have to offer. Often employees become myopic and the employer view becomes ingrained. If the current employer does not appreciate the skills, abilities, and experience you offer, perhaps another employer will. When people stay in the same organization for an extended period of time, that culture and the label you live with becomes a permanent part of you. Once you shake things up, you may be amazed at what new opportunities can become available. A fresh perspective, a different organizational culture, and an employer looking for a person with your skills and abilities might be the difference between a mediocre career, and one that makes you smile all the way to the bank.
