My Surival kit for the Employment Market

I believe it would be customary to start such a presumptuous endeavour by detailing the credentials that make me suitable for writing this post. I will however limit myself to the fact that I've been through a double digit amount of different jobs - and I'm still employed (and making above minimum wages ) 

Being a long time member of this group one gets the feeling that many job seekers forget the simple and basic truth: Employers NEED (good) Employees! 

Let's start with a few basics rules, more may come if popular demand shall rise

Rule # 1 - ALWAYS look for a job while still employed 

I cannot over emphasize the crucial importance of this rule. Nothing makes the job search more effective than being employed

Employers, recruiters and Head Hunters simply cannot resist an employed candidate, its the quintessential proof of employability...

Rule 1.1 - Don't get caught off guard

The successful deployment of Rule # 1 depends on awareness, you need to be aware to be able to start looking at the right time, i.e. before you get notice or find out you've been made redundant due to a merger / buy out / whatever 

This means you cannot keep your hand in the sand, you should be able to answer some of the following questions with confidence:

- If your direct boss is required to reduce the workforce by 25%, will she / he fight to keep you?

- How well is your company / business unit doing? 

- Are there sudden changes in expense policies (travel, equipment etc.,)

Rule # 2 - KNOW your employment value

You need to know how attractive is your resume compared to the market. A good way to get an idea is going through wanted adds and comparing your CV with the requirements listed.

How many listings appear weekly that match your CV? Do you get an occasional "poke" from head hunters? those would be positive signs