I don’t necessarily mean you to find a job as a cleaner, but if that’s what you want, then go for it! I do unfortunately know more about cleaning than I do about economics – about the only thing I vaguely understood and retained was the law of supply and demand. So let’s look at how cleaning products and applying basic economics can make the jobs market work to your advantage. Yeah, who knew!
When supply of jobs was plentiful, the candidate paid a low price to get a job – people (the “buyers” of jobs, if you like) didn’t have to invest much or put much effort into finding a job – in fact they frequently had a choice of opportunities, and the benefits were often significant.
If the supply of certain types of jobs is low, then people have to be prepared to pay a higher “personal” price, or sacrifice more, or put more effort into getting the job than they would have before, and perhaps have to put up with reduced benefits and remuneration.
Many people were used to operating in a supply driven model of job-seeking, where you work from a list of available jobs. However many jobs are never even advertised, and are filled directly from employers personal networks.
So how can we reverse this situation? Let’s look at the product we’re selling…
What if you consider yourself, the candidate, as a limited edition product?
Because you are – very few people will have exactly the same skillset, experience and abilities to the same degree that you have.
If supply of your particular unique “package of skills” is low, then there should be lots of opportunities and employers who could use that skillset; therefore demand and the price the employer will pay for the product should be high. This applies whether you are looking for a role as a permanent or temporary employee, or a part-time or consulting type position.
If supply of your skillset is high, and therefore demand is low, then you need to work on what the things are that differentiate you, set you apart from all the rest, to make sure that you as a unique product are memorable, and have clear advantages over other candidates.
So if you want to increase demand for your services, how do you do that?
The product: If you were a specialised cleaning product, how would you “sell” yourself? Think of Barry Scott on TV… he certainly catches most people’s attention by pointing out how his cleaning stuff can take the bother out of cleaning your bath or shower. People are influenced to buy because they want the benefits. You need to point out the benefits to a potential employer or client of what you do… not just your qualifications or what systems you worked with or how many paper clips you were responsible for, but what outcomes and results you delivered in previous roles.
The consumer: Target your buyers – develop a targeted list of the people and organisations who want and would benefit from your unique product. What problem can you help them to solve?
Focus on both the product and the consumer, in your CV, cover letter and interview preparation – if you do it and they don’t buy it, then either you haven’t got your message quite right yet, or they don’t want or need your skills, so try someone else who does!
Good luck with your plan for market domination!
Liz Barron, Realize Coaching www.realize.ie
Liz Barron - Realize Coaching 