Lessons Learned
When I was a teenager, I fell in love with fishing. I read about fishing, bought expensive fishing poles, fishing lures, and fishing tackle. I was excited about the prospect of catching my first fish!
There was a little pond a few miles from my house and I visited it every day during the summer freshman year to catch fish.
I caught nothing! I was so disappointed!
At the end of the summer when I was ready to give up on fishing, I ran into a neighbor who lived near the pond. We chatted a bit and he asked me why I was fishing in that particular pond.
I told him that the pond was close to my house, not too large, and never crowded with other fishermen.
He shared with me that the pond was never crowded because…there were no fish in the pond!
I was fishing in a pond with no fish in it!
This sometimes happens when people are looking for a new job. They update their resume, create a cool cover letter, and read the job listings.
But they don’t take the very first step when job hunting…check to see which jobs are most available (the pond that has the most fish)!
Start with Market Research
If you are a potential job-seeker eager to find the most in-demand job for your skill set, then you need to start first by conducting research for your job search.
With the right research, you can identify the jobs that are most in demand and tailor your application to suit the needs of employers.
In this post, we will provide you with a detailed guide on how to conduct job search research and find the most in-demand jobs.
Understanding Job Market Trends
One of the most important aspects of job search research is understanding which jobs are in demand and which jobs are in decline. Job market trends refer to the overall picture of what is happening in the job market.
This includes information on which industries and occupations are growing or shrinking, what positions are in high demand, and which skills are required for those jobs.
To identify these trends, you need to look at reliable sources for job market information.
Some examples of these sources include:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS is a government agency that provides data on employment, wages, and other labor market information. They offer a wealth of information on job market trends for various industries and occupations.
Industry reports: Many industries have associations and organizations that publish reports on the state of the industry and its job market. These reports often provide insights into which jobs are in high demand and which skills are required. A quick Google search query such as “[Industry or Occupation] reports” will provide plenty of actionable data.
Job search engines: Online job search engines like Indeed, Glassdoor and LinkedIn often provide data on which jobs are most in-demand and which industries are growing.
AI prompts: Online resources such as ChatGPT and other ai applications provide useful information through effective prompts such as:
Research alternative job titles for [occupation or job title]
Uncover similar jobs to [job title] in a new industry
By understanding job market trends, you can identify the most in-demand jobs in your field or industry.
With this knowledge, you can tailor your resumes, applications, and cover letters to match employers hiring criteria.
Identify the “In-Demand” Jobs
Once you have identified the job market trends in your field, you can narrow down the availability of in-demand jobs.
This involves looking at your skill set and interests to find the jobs that are the best fit for you.
Start by looking at the job descriptions for the most in-demand jobs in your field. This will give you an idea of the skills and qualifications required for those jobs.
You can then compare your own skills and qualifications to determine which of these jobs might be the best fit for you.
It is important to note that just because a job is in high demand does not mean that it is the right fit for you.
Make sure to consider factors like work-life balance, salary, and job satisfaction when deciding which jobs to pursue.
Not sure where to start? Try this excellent (and no cost) site to help you identify your skills and preferences:
ONET Online (https://www.onetonline.org) is an online database of detailed work descriptions developed by the U.S. Department of Labor. The site provides information on more than 1,000 occupations, including job duties, education and training requirements, wage and employment trends, and more.
Researching Company Culture and Values
Once you have identified the most in-demand jobs in your field and narrowed down your list based on your skills and interests, take some time to research the companies you are interested in working for.
Researching the company culture and values is an important part of finding the right job. Company culture refers to the overall personality of a company and its values, while company values refer to the principles that guide decision-making at the company.
To research company culture and values, you can use sources like Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and the company’s websites.
Glassdoor provides reviews from current and former employees, while LinkedIn allows you to connect with current employees and learn more about the company culture. Company websites often have information on their mission statement, values, and company culture.
By researching company culture and values, you can ensure that you are applying to companies that align with your own values and work style.
Don’t Skip This Step
In conclusion, conducting thorough job search research is crucial for finding the most in-demand jobs that are the right fit for your skills and interests.
By understanding job market trends, identifying in-demand jobs, and researching company culture and values, you can ensure that you are making informed decisions about your job search…and avoid fishing in a dry pond!
Make sure to use reliable sources for your research and consider all factors when deciding which jobs to pursue.