In the last few weeks we have all been inundated with political ads, commentary, and the like. We’ve all heard the campaigning and it is finally all over but why does it matter to job seekers? This is not a political commentary, but instead a look at the reasons why the election and politics in general should matter to job seekers everywhere.
With the job market still failing to pick up, job seekers likely have more on their mind besides politics. However, one of the buzzwords of the 2012 election- both the presidential and local/Senatorial elections- was the economy. Is the economy improving and what do the unemployment, job growth, job market and underemployment numbers look like?
An article from The Standard-Examiners suggests that, regardless of politics and political affiliation, job creation is the most crucial issue of the 2012 election. The article does not discuss a single politician by name, affiliation, or position but simply encourages job seekers locally and across the nation to get involved in politics as the election plays a crucial role in the economy and job market.
Meanwhile, it is important not to be persuaded just by numbers, as the Huffington Post points out. While the November 2 jobs report showed a slight uptick in unemployment, there was also an increase in both people with jobs and those entering the job market. That is why it is important to look at quarterly and yearly numbers as well which provide a larger model of the employment outlook. Looking at the big picture will help inform job seekers where the job market is headed.
At the very least job seekers can learn some job search techniques from the candidates themselves. Politicians are the most visible job seekers in the country, and national politics can be, with caution, applied to the politics of the job search.
Business News Daily offers body language tips for job seekers based on the presidential debates. While most of the tips offered apply to in-person interviews, body language is equally important in video interviews. In fact, you may want to pay even more attention to body language in a video interview. In a video interview the employer will be communicating with you through an unmoving frame. Keeping your back and shoulders straight and minimizing distracting hand motions are important as the article suggests. Eye contact, as well, is crucial in video interviews as well as presidential debates.
While the election is important for job seekers, understanding the country’s politics will help inform you not only of employment forecasts but of other factors which may be useful knowledge in your personal and professional lives. It’s never too late to get involved with politics, but as a job seeker it is especially important to keep a watch out during election season.
What are some things you learned about your job search or the job market during this election season? Let us know about it in the comments section below!
IMAGE: Courtesy of Flickr by Newfrontiers
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