Shrinking start-ups make the market more competitive

The job market is much different than it was prior to 2008. Today, there are fewer openings and more candidates vying to fill them. Instead of focusing on how the economic downturn has affected employment rates, however, it would be more useful to digest the latest job trends and continue to move forward. After all, the United States' job market is reportedly on the rebound, and that means there are jobs out there for the taking.

The Census Bureau recently released data that shows how start-ups account for a shrinking share of U.S. job creation. In the past, many Americans were keen on starting their own businesses. Now, for many, this simply isn't feasible. They're either unwilling or unable to take the personal economic risks that starting a business entails, especially when it's clear that getting into the marketplace after a failed attempt will be harder than it has in years past. Job security is an important part of a person's life, and being able to receive steady paychecks often trumps exploring new ideas that may not pan out in the end.

What does this mean for the average job seeker? It means businesses are well aware that more people want to become part of bigger programs. Larger organizations are often more stable, even in a weak job market. While every now again we hear how a large corporation has just filed for bankruptcy, these instances are few and far between. People understand that, and want to become part of big businesses because they offer job security and allow individuals the opportunity to progress professionally. Since larger businesses are more stable, it makes competing for open positions all the more difficult.

The real question, then, is what is the most successful way to market your own personal brand to employers to find public relations jobs or employment in other creative industries? Perhaps, the answer lies in the resume. People often spend hours revising their resume, as it typically opens doors to a multitude of opportunities. However, they make the mistake of only highlighting past titles and responsibilities, and not focusing enough on real-world achievements.

Job seekers who want to become a part of a big organization have to prove to hiring managers that their acquired skills hold value in the world. Having the proper education is a great stepping stone, but even the most intelligent individuals may not know how to use their knowledge in the workplace. Therefore, individuals should focus on where they've excelled professionally, by offering insight into awards and praise outside of the office as well as their past professional experiences. Appealing to large corporations requires having the full package. Job seekers often neglect to include their most significant achievements on their resumes, but it can make a big difference.