Without a doubt, the nature of the available blue-collar job opportunities out there is evolving, and large numbers of employees are looking to move up the employment ladder or reenter the job market after a layoff or transition. In Michigan, for example, large segments of the traditional automotive workforce have been displaced as the Big Three automakers deal with the challenges and complexities of global competition. In a chain reaction that is not uncommon in situations like this, suppliers and other related industries have also been negatively impacted by the ripple effect generated by the automotive industry struggles.
But for every blue-collar segment that is struggling, there are new and different markets opening up. Non-automotive manufacturing is still quite strong, aerospace is still performing well, and certain niche opportunities are more in demand than ever. Truck drivers, for example, are in high demand, and there is actually a nationwide shortage of skilled, experienced drivers. Certified Welders are highly coveted, and CNC programmers continue to be in great demand.
Despite the ongoing impact that some transformative large-scale trends have had on the national job market in general and on the blue-collar employment landscape in particular, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that by 2010 there will be 10 million more jobs available than there are people to fill them. And regardless of the specific industry or geographic region, there are several things that every prospective employee can do to increase his or her chances of obtaining one of those available jobs. At a time when so many things can seem out of their control, there are a number of factors that every job-seeking individual does have control over, strategies that can improve your resume and increase your chances.
Be Proactive
It may sound like simple, common-sense advice, but it is remarkable how many job searches get derailed simply through a lack of initiative. Send resumes, go to interviews, work the phones, secure the expert counsel and guidance of an experienced staffing professional. Losing a job can be a difficult emotional pill to swallow, particularly for older employees who may have to overcome a subsequent loss of confidence. For some long time blue-collar workers, especially those who entered their chosen field at a young age, this may be their first true experience with going through a protracted job search. For these individuals in particular, getting back to basics and tackling their situation head-on in a productive manner is an effective way to overcome what can at times seem like daunting psychological obstacles.
Be Strategic
Think carefully and strategically about potential job opportunities. Consider not only industries and positions that are a good fit personally, but also those emerging fields that cannot be outsourced and cannot be automated. These are the kinds of jobs, along with any position that creates a profit center for the company, that have a built-in long-term security that makes them more attractive to savvy applicants.
Educate Yourself
Perhaps the most important step any job seeker can take is to work to improve his or her skill set through continuing education with high-level training programs. Reeducation and/or skill enhancement helps transform a prospective employee from a straightforward commodity into more of a specialist, and subsequent testing and certification processes help to define an individual in the eyes of the marketplace as an educated, specialized, and highly skilled asset. In challenging times, just as in times of plenty, anything applicants can do to differentiate themselves from the competition provides a valuable boost to their employment prospects.
Be Tech Savvy
It behooves every blue-collar job seeker to work to become more email and Internet savvy. Enhancing technical fluency is not only frequently a virtual requirement in our increasingly tech-driven world, it also helps recruiters and other job placement specialists use search codes and other techniques to more quickly and accurately identify promising job opportunities and efficiently match positions with prospects. A well-written, cyber-friendly resume is an important and not-to-be-overlooked part of any well-rounded job search.
Be Humble
Difficult though it may be, it is sometimes vital for applicants to put their egos aside in order to make short-term sacrifices that can pay off handsomely in the long run. Be modest! Ironically, in the long run, the best way to look out for number one is to not embrace a selfish viewpoint. Instead of asking, ''What’s in it for me?'' be willing to approach an opportunity asking, ''What can I bring to this employer?'' By focusing less on what they can get than on what they can give, applicants are more readily able to show their prospective employer how they can add value. Be willing to make a bold gesture to prove yourself, such as a trial period with lower pay that provides an opportunity to demonstrate your worth to a new employer.
Be Flexible
Finally, it is incumbent upon every individual seeking new or enhanced job opportunities in a blue-collar field to be flexible. Whether that means taking a slightly lower starting salary, going back to school or entering a skilled training program to increase your skills and marketability, or even being willing to relocate if necessary, the willingness to be flexible opens up a lot of doors. Blue-collar workers around the country who are flexible enough to be willing to embrace the three Rs — ''Reeducate, Relocate, or Reprioritize'' — will find their job opportunities greatly expanded and their job search a more productive and ultimately more rewarding experience.
About the Author
Todd Palmer is the president of Troy, Michigan-based Diversified Industrial Staffing and can be reached at (248) 526-5230 or at tpalmer@diversifiedindustrialstaffing.com. Diversified Industrial Staffing is a staffing solutions recruitment firm that provides skilled individuals for positions in the manufacturing, construction, and logistics industries. Established in 1997, the firm offers quality personnel and human resource services throughout Michigan by focusing on a unique, candidate-centered approach that matches client needs with the individual attributes of each potential employee via its Eight Star Selection Process™. For more information, visit www.diversifiedindustrialstaffing.com.
