SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – San Diego’s unemployment rate is near historic lows, but plenty of people are still out of work.
10News is exploring ways to help you improve your competitive edge in the job market.
“I freelance, and I have a part-time job that has been helping me get through,” said Katie Orchard, who has been looking for full-time work for the past four months.
Orchard is in search of stability, but in a competitive job market, that search becomes more difficult.
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“It’s hard, it’s hard for everybody,” said Orchard
Currently, the unemployment rate in San Diego as of April 2019 is at 3 percent. However, the employment rate in San Diego is also down.
With a job market continually changing, how do you improve your edge and stand out?
According to Allie Barara and Dana Ellison, both recruiters at Creative Circle in San Diego, the key to standing out, is your resume.
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“Because there are so many people looking for positions they get lost in the shuffle, and they are not hearing back. It’s kinda like that black hole of the unknown once you submit your resume,” said Allie Barara.
Barara says, job candidates need to be specific with programs and software.
“I think what a lot of people miss on their resume, is that they don’t spell out the specific softwares they are proficient in. I think showing that at the top of their resume is really going to highlight and give you those extra buzzwords,” said Barara.
Another way to make your resume stand out is including or obtaining certificates in your specific field of interest.
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“The world is becoming so digital in general, so any digital certifications you can get, Google AdWords, Facebook Ads Manager, Facebook Analytics, anything like that. But also the specific softwares and CMS’ will really stick out to employers. They want you to have the experience, but having that certification to back it up, will also go a long way as well,” Barara said.
According to Dana Ellison, a senior recruiter, a common mistake job seekers make is not applying for the right job.
“I say titles are a little nebulous. If you see a job and say hey this describes all the skill sets I do, but it’s not how I’m marketing myself, that would be a great way to start,” said Ellison.
Ellison also suggests job seekers ditch the fluff words to make room for things that matter.
“If someone says they are a good communicator, a team player, a fast learner, those are things literally everyone says, so those things can be left off,” said Ellison.
Both Ellison and Barara also suggest being patient and confident in your work.
See the Creative Circle resume guide here.
