Nowadays it is becoming harder to get professional work in rich countries. What are some causes of this? What can people do to increase their chances of finding a good job?

In recent times, it has become much more difficult to obtain a professional job, particularly in wealthy countries. This essay will explore the reasons for this change and suggest some ways people can improve their likelihood of getting a job. The biggest contributing factor underlying the apparent contraction of the job market is competition. For every well-paid job, sometimes up to 100 people will apply. This is because of the globalisation of the economy which leads to highly-skilled and well-qualified people being able to apply for jobs abroad. Furthermore, people seem to be much more highly educated than in the past. A master’s degree is the new undergraduate degree. With all these factors combined it is no wonder that obtaining a quality position on the domestic job front seems virtually impossible. Despite these challenges, there are actions that people can take to increase their chances of finding a good job. First of all, networking is a key requirement in the ‘real world’. ‘Knowing somebody who knows somebody’ may not feel like the most ethical way to advance a career, however maintaining a level playing field has never helped anyone find a job. A second step that can be taken is to stay ahead of the job market. If a person knows what the most desirable jobs will be in the medium to long term, they are able to prepare themselves accordingly through education courses and finding hands-on experience. In conclusion, while a surge in competition has made finding professional employment more of a challenge, it is clear that by networking and becoming aware of the future job market, obtaining a good position is not an impossible task.