Today’s Job Market Requires Flexibility

There are countless articles on the Web and in print media today which suggest the only people being hired, in this recovering job market, are those with the "exact" set of skills sought by the organization. Recruiters only want to see resumes that perfectly match the specific requirements of the open job. Many companies use software to scan resumes for the keywords that perfectly match the position to be filled. Interviews are only scheduled with candidates with recent, highly relevant experience.
Conversely, we read that workers with skill sets, which were too specific, were the first cut as companies downsized during this past recession. This makes some sense. If you have fewer workers or managers remaining, they are going to have to take on expanded roles - not only completing their previous assigned responsibilities, but perhaps manage unrelated departments or jobs as well.
But wouldn't it also make sense for lean companies just starting to expand their workforces out of the depths of recession to hire well-rounded individuals who have the capability to do a specific job but also the wherewithal to assist or manage other areas?
That's the dilemma for job seekers today. Do I pigeonhole myself into a position vis-à-vis my resume and the interviews and get pitted against others with those exact skills? Or do I let my broader experience shine through and risk being labeled with less than the concentrated practice they are searching for?
The experts say that college graduates should keep a broad based focus since the changing job market requires flexibility. Workers who already have gained practical experience in a field may be encouraged to add a MBA to their repertoire, to enhance their value to a company, therefore, their survivability.
The reality is that smart, progressive companies - the ones we all aspire to work for - are going to opt for the person with more than just the expertise to perform the job at hand. You probably want to pass on the opportunity if the company is so compartmentalized that they don't want you to think outside of your specific role. The balancing act is to get through the screening of your resume and the gauntlet of preliminary interviews by "playing the game" with your "exact fit" for the job. Once you have an audience with senior management you can address your well-honed transferable skills - as well as the ability to excel in the posted job. It will require nimbleness, but that's what today's job market is about. If the key hiring manager doesn't feel confident of the additional value you will bring to the organization, you may not get the job but at least you will be able to showcase all of your acquired skills. A forward-thinking organization should look beyond that one position and give you the opportunity you seek.
Richard S. Pearson is the Author of 5 Necessary Skills to Keep Your Career on Track 2nd Edition now available on Amazon. He has held vice-president positions with four multibillion dollar travel industry companies and three Internet early stage companies. He has a BA degree from Regis University in Organizational Development. His experience has given him a unique perspective on how to navigate the organizational structures of both large and small companies. He has hired and trained hundreds of employees from frontline salespeople to vice presidents, and coached many through their careers. He is currently working on facilitating the large increase of travel between the US and China, which is taking place. http://www.5necessaryskills.com