Today’s professional job market is highly competitive and more difficult than ever. It is becoming more challenging to manage a successful job search.

The economy and world events have had a negative impact on job search. The globalization of our economy and the outsourcing of jobs has heavily impacted how professionals view their value and marketability. People are resigned to reacting to the few published jobs that exist. They find themselves competing with hundreds of other applicants for the same position.

Recent surveys focusing on how individuals are finding new jobs indicate that only a small percentage find a job through recruiters, placement firms, or employment agencies. Internet postings, websites and job boards account for a slightly higher percentage.

Mid-level and senior-level managers, professionals, and executives in all fields, can only be successful by conducting a well-planned, proactive job search. Targeting the right decision-makers who can value your skills, education and experience is the solution to success in today’s job market.

For decades statistics have demonstrated that the best jobs are difficult to discover, especially at the higher income ranges. A successful job search is dependant on quality “real time” business intelligence, knowing your value, and being able to present yourself effectively. Accessing decision makers is often difficult to accomplish on your own.

Job security no longer depends on the employer. Job security depends on the job seeker’s ability to promote his/her value to an employer. Successful professionals may not always be the best educated, most intelligent, or most competent. They succeed because they have been able to sell or promote their value to the company better than their competitors.

Many people have failed to get promoted or have been laid-off, not because they did not do a good job, but because management was not as aware of their value and contributions.  Even if your job looks secure today, you should have a current career plan in place and be planning your next opportunity.

The changing economy has created many emerging industries and technologies.  As our economy adjusts, anyone engaged in a career change or search needs help to understand how to effectively navigate through the rapidly changing economy and job markets. In the future, these changes will come faster, and “re-careering” is going to be commonplace. No matter how comfortable your job may now seem, you need to be prepared for rapid change.