Are You Ready for the Candidate-Driven Market Pendulum to Swing Back?

Do you remember Newton's Third Law?

The one about action and reaction.

More specifically, it’s the law of physics that states that for every action (force) in nature there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Or as NASA explains it, “if object A exerts a force on object B, object B also exerts an equal and opposite force on object A. In other words, forces result from interactions.”

What does that have to do with staffing and employment?

These days, as it turns out, everything.

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve been following the evolution of the economy over the past few years.

COVID shut businesses down, people went home to work, companies went out of business, fewer workers went back to work, inflation hit, fears of a recession loomed, and through it all the American worker, because there were so much fewer of them, got the chance to call their own shots.

Want to work from home? Go for it.

Need more money? Name your price?

Don’t have the right experience? Not to worry. We’ll train you.

Want to jump from job to job and it not impact the way your resume is viewed? All good.

“Jobs have been so plentiful that people do think that they always will be this readily available,” said Walt Graham, President of The Lee Group.

Or that they can always call the shots.

The pendulum is bound to swing back.

Graham points out articles like in a recent Wall Street Journal edition highlighting how “bosses are back in charge.” That’s the headline, and you can read it here.

“Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a candidate-driven market out there now,” Graham said.

But there are signs that Newton’s Third Law – the opposite and equal reaction – will soon come into play.

“We’re advising and guiding candidates to make sure they are doing the best things today to position them well in the future, which could look very different,” said Lee Group’s Vice President of Operations Sarah Fulton.

For one, “prepare your resume for what you want it to look like tomorrow,” Fulton advises.

For the last few years, as a example, employers have been willing to look beyond hopping from job to job.

They could start looking for depth of experience, certifications and training.

“At some point employers are going to want to hire people ready to go instead of being willing to train,” Fulton said. “Take the time now where you can to complete additional training, get those certifications, and help your resume stand out.”

Are you looking at your own results in your work? You should.

Resumes should emphasize results of work performed rather than just highlighting responsibilities.

“Hiring managers should be looking now, and will definitely be looking in the future, for what you can do and not just what you are asked to do,” Fulton said. “You can prepare for that now by taking note of your successes before you need to highlight them.”

Write mini reports about results of your work and save them in a “future resume” file.

Are you able to demonstrate now that you are connected and networked in your industry? If the answer is no, think about taking part in networking events or reaching out to others in your space.

“You may not need a job now, or even be looking, but you should always be growing your network and be prepared to speak to that in an interview when you are trying to rise above the crowd,” Fulton said.

Want more guidance on preparing your resume for the future. Contact any of our team members here at The Lee Group for a consultation.