This year, there is a shortage of quality workers in the US that is expected to only get worse. Use this to your advantage when interviewing for a new position.
By the year 2014, the number of jobs in the US will increase by 13% (BLS) This increase combined with an aging workforce will create the greatest shortage in labor the US has ever seen--and this shortage is not that far off, The pinch is already being felt by recruiters and hiring managers across the country. So why do they make you feel as though you are lucky to get an interview with them? Because you let them. In the past, hiring companies have had the control. Now, if you are a skilled worker, you have more opportunities for worthy employment than those companies have good applicants. This can work to your advantage by using just a few tactics. Utilize these tactics in your employment search and interviews, and you will have several offers from which to choose.
1) Let the interviewer know you are interviewing the company as well. This makes it clear to the interviewer that, while you are interested in the position, they will need to sell the benefits of the company to you. You will get more respect than someone who seems desperate for any type of employment, and will end up with a better salary offer than other applicants.
2) Don't interview down. Don't interview for a position for which you are over-qualified, especially if the company has other openings. If a recruiter or hiring manager calls you for a position for which you are over-qualified, don't even think about interviewing for the position to get your foot in the door. Let the recruiter/hiring manager know that "while you are glad they received your resume, you take your career advancement seriously. If a position comes up that would be more challenging" to give you a call.
3) Treat the interviewer/recruiter with respect. This has become a hard job, and is only going to get harder. Make sure you call these people back, and do not back out on interviews with them. Yes--they need you, but they also have a choice of candidates to call first when a new job order comes to their desk. When the perfect job for you comes to their desk, you want them to remember you as someone with whom was easy to work. Plus, it's just polite.
Being confident in yourself and your abilities will ensure you get the best job offers, and the best salary offers as well. Know your capabilities, let potential employers know your capabilities and that you are entertaining more than one job offer. Putting a wedding ring on the left hand of your employment search will make sure interviewers know you are in demand. Now just make sure you don't jump into bed with them too soon!
