Getting the Upper Hand When Competing for the Job

When looking to switch professions or even go into business for yourself there is much more to examine besides the basic “It’s who you know” theory to help give you the leg up you need to make it work. While having a strong network is always important, under the current economic conditions, agility and flexibility can take you just as far, if not further.

With so many people competing for the few jobs available, in any profession, what stands out to an employer looking for the right candidate? It may not be the person who came in with the strongest recommendation or the even the 25 years of experience. It may be the person who is willing to take the pay cut or work a flexible schedule. Companies are having a hard time staying a float and a manager whose looking at ways to keep his company and all it’s employees going may just go with the candidate who’s going to save him the money that will enable him to keep the company going.

This doesn’t mean you should sell yourself short, not by a long shot. But make sure when embarking on a new venture you take a close look at what your situation is and where you can afford to take a cut. Will working part-time keep your family afloat? Maybe what you save on daycare will help balance out a flexible schedule. If you make a few cutbacks in your own family spending can you afford to took take an offer that’s on the lower end of the salary range? For many families the lower salary is better than no salary at all.

Be willing to take that cut could be the difference between getting the job and getting the boot. Be sure and check out our post, “9 Tips on Getting a Raise in a Down Economy” to get some ideas on how to research the company your applying for.