Navigating the Swiss Job Market: Insights from Catherine Leduc’s Workshop
In the evolving job market of Switzerland, professionals face a multiple of challenges and competition. Catherine Leduc, a job search and career manager coach, recently hosted a workshop titled "Why can’t I find a job in Switzerland?" offering insights into the complexities of job hunting in this highly competitive market.
The Impact of Social Media Platforms
Social media platforms, particularly LinkedIn, have emerged as significant disruptors in the job search process.
“In Switzerland, the number of applicants is even higher than what is reported on LinkedIn. Especially for jobs in international companies. I’ve seen up to 950 applicants for a single job!”
The pandemic has exponentially increased LinkedIn's usage, transforming it into an important hub for job seekers and recruiters. This shift online has led to an unprecedented increase in the number of applicants per job posting.
The Importance of Differentiation and Branding
In such a saturated market, the key to standing out is differentiation. Catherine Leduc emphasizes the importance of personal branding as a strategy to distinguish yourself. Branding involves taking ownership of your professional image and effectively communicating your unique value proposition to potential employers.
“Increase your visibility, your searchability, and your credibility”
It’s about showcasing what makes you different, your skills, and how these translate into value for the company. A well-defined brand, articulated through your CV and LinkedIn profile, can significantly enhance your visibility, searchability, and credibility.
Swiss Job Market Specificity
Switzerland offers a highly attractive job market, characterized by high salaries and low taxes. And busy companies tend to exclude anyone who doesn’t have a working permit yet or needs to be relocated.
“There is an important segment of the job hunters who are not captured by the statistics”
You need to be first employed to become an unemployment statistic. Moreover, a significant portion of the job-seeking demographic includes "women returners" and trailing spouses of expat workers, who are trying to go back to the market after moving to Switzerland who are not captured in unemployment statistics.
Strategies Beyond Online Applications
Leduc advises not to rely solely on online applications. Networking, internal referrals, and engaging with recruitment agencies become crucial. Companies are increasingly adopting active sourcing strategies, building talent pools not only of active job seekers but also of employed professionals.
“Hidden jobs and network recruitment are key with estimated 60-80% of the job openings falling in the hidden jobs category. On average, less than 1-2% of applications will result in an interview invitation.”
This approach underscores the necessity for job seekers to increase their network.
Tailoring Your Approach
Understanding the specific needs of companies and tailoring your application to meet those needs is important.
“It is on you to present confidently and convincingly what you bring to the table, differentiator and added value, why you?”
Your job search tools should not only showcase your professional brand but also demonstrate how you are the solution to a company's challenges. Diversify your job search approach and create opportunities to display your skills and value proposition.
Conclusion
The job search landscape in Switzerland is competitive and complex, with social media platforms playing a pivotal role in transforming how job seekers and recruiters connect. Catherine Leduc's insights from the workshop underscore the importance of personal branding, strategic networking, and a tailored job search approach.
