It’s reality these days. Most of the job growth taking place is for part-time positions—97%, according to Business Examiner. In fact, finding a full-time job can be an elusive and seemingly impossible goal, depending on which field you’re entering. But the good news is that full-time positions are out there if you know what steps to take and how to find them.
Why All the Part-Time Work?
There are two primary reasons businesses are offering part-time positions more frequently than full-time:
- Healthcare Costs—With the implementation of Obamacare, the cost of health benefits is expected to surge. To avoid the pain in the pocketbook, many companies have chosen to reduce the number of full-time positions available and cover the hours with part-time workers instead.
- Economic Struggles—As the economy continues to limp along, businesses have to make concessions by cutting staff, reducing hours, and streamlining the budget.
What Can You Do to Increase Your Chances of Working Full-Time?
Some companies simply won’t hire full-time in the current job market. But that doesn’t mean you have to remain stuck in a part-time position forever. You can increase your marketability and your chances of obtaining a full-time position by following these guidelines:
- Consider Flexible Work Arrangements—Are you willing to work the night shift? Weekends? Split shifts? All of these arrangements make you more desirable, since these hours are typically harder to fill. In some industries (like retail) flexibility is mandatory. Also, consider working from home or remotely to help address potential job difficulties.
- Keep Your Professional Networks Active—Maintain an active profile on LinkedIn and other social media networks in order to keep yourself in the loop. When a desirable position crops up, you’ll be more likely to be considered if you stay visible.
- Apply for Open Positions Within the Company—It’s often better for a company to hire from within than to bring in a new person that has to be trained. Stay up to date on available full-time positions and keep improving your skills so you’ll be a desirable candidate.
- Be Willing to Move—Landing the job of your dreams often means pulling up stakes and settling in a new location. If you’re not willing to go where the jobs are, it might be tough to get the hours you want.
Landing a full-time job isn’t easy, especially if you work in retail or a service industry. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Staying in the loop, getting creative, and remaining flexible are the best ways to find the position you’re looking for.