With so many more job seekers than available jobs what do we do? How do we successfully compete in today’s market? Well if you have a well put together resume that is the first step and then there are always other things you can do. But I must say that the days of having a laundry list of those things that you must have with your next job are over. Sorry, but that’s the truth. So consider this.

• Be flexible…don’t be afraid to venture outside of your comfort field or industry. You must be able to wear many hats.
• Make a list of all your experience, skills and interests. Seeing these things on paper will help you see the variety of things that you can do and how many skills you have that are transferrable to other professions.
• Training…develop your skills and learn new ones. This is a good time to develop your technical skills. It’s critical these days so learn as much as possible and make yourself more marketable.
• Open up your search to surrounding cities. It may mean a longer commute but it will likely provide a longer list of opportunities.
• If you are able you can even open up your job search to other states. Read these articles on some of the best cities to find jobs and this one for more best cities to find jobs.
• Of course this one goes without saying but start networking and keep networking. This is probably the best way to find a job. Many opportunities never make it to the public because they are filled by friends or family referred by employees before they ever get posted. Often you only hear about them if you know someone that works for the company.
• Maybe this is the time to make your move out on your own. Do you have a skill that you can market? Or an interest/hobby that can be profitable? Start researching and developing your idea into a business. If you were providing a specific service to a company successfully for many years why not do it for yourself?

No matter what you decide to do the important thing to remember is to have a Plan B and C…and it might not be a bad idea to have a Plan D on the back burner. Try not to get too complacent and be prepared for the unexpected. Don’t get into the mindset that a company could never do with out you because no one else knows your job or the boss loves you. Well, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard these types of statements. When it comes to the bottom line that stuff is thrown out the door and you could go with it. So just remember that the company survived before you got there and they will survive after you’re gone. Everyone is expendable…so be proactive…be prepared…and be persistent.