A BASIC GUIDE TO THE LABOR MARKET

By Rawan Salah - Human Resources Management Expert

The competition in the labor market today, and in light of the openness in which we live now, does not depend only on obtaining good education and training programs. It may not be enough to satisfy your desire to earn the job of your dreams in today’s competitive job market; you will need a mixture of good, quality education, experience and a myriad of skills - including languages and technical skills to highlight your capabilities and eligibility to land a decent opportunity that not only satisfies your ambition but builds a blueprint for a respectable and pursuable career. Otherwise, the alternative is a constant struggle to compete in the market, experiencing difficulties in building that future without said skills. What prompts us to learn more about the labor market; what is it and how does it work? How do we prepare ourselves to work in it? Below is a quick guide for beginners.

WHAT DOES THE LABOR MARKET MEAN?

It is an economic market, which works with a supply and demand mechanism, in which we can find job seekers and company owners who are requesting candidates to fill vacancies available in their companies.

The labor market is facing great challenges in terms of the increase in the number of graduates and job seekers, and in return an increase in selection criteria for candidates and the specifications required by employers, obtaining a university degree only is not sufficient to qualify you to find vacancies in light of this development.

KEEP LEARNING

You have to expand your education away from the traditional learning experience and continue developing your special skill sets and gaining new experiences.

The more you diversify your knowledge, languages and practical experience, the more aware you become of what your strengths and weaknesses are. Defining your strengths is imperative when choosing a career path.

It is not only about what you are passionate about, but where you can have the most impact on a long-term basis. In this case, internships are highly recommended and could be an enjoyable experience.

In this case, internships are highly recommended and could be an enjoyable experience.