For many people, looking for a job isn’t something that they do all the time. And although focusing on your current job and other life aspects is important, keeping an eye out on your industry’s evolving job market is critical.

Job hunting is not the only reason to keep track of job posts and hiring trends. Being aware of what other employers are looking for and how roles are changing – if they are – will help you shape realistic goals for your career and gain the qualifications required for your next move.

It is important, however, to look closely at jobs that are comparable to your field and potential career moves. In addition, consider the size of the employer and the organizational structure. For example, a sales manager of two representatives in a small company may be required to have a totally different set of skills and goals compared to someone who is in a similar position but with a much bigger team.

Here is what you should be monitoring in the job market if you are not actively looking for a job.

Job numbers

Forget about unemployment rates and job-creation numbers, look for job posts that match your current position or your next logical move. If there are hardly any such jobs over an extended period of time, this is not a good sign for your industry. This is when you should think of what you can do to qualify for a broader range of jobs.

Getting this information well ahead of needing a new job can help you get the education or certification that you need. It even could lead you to a career change or considering a relocation to where jobs in your domain are more available.

Pay attention to seasonal changes and typical hiring cycles for your industry, however. For example, monitoring jobs posted during the summer may be disheartening because hiring is typically slow during these months.

Required qualifications

If you have been with your employer for several years, you could begin to lose touch with what qualifications other employers are looking for. Technology, in particular, changes quickly and the impact could be felt across many industry and jobs that might not necessarily be in tech.

With that in mind, keeping up with the changes in job requirements can help you understand what your next might require. It also will help you push for better training and certification. Looking at the required qualifications could also help you build your team with your current employer. So even if you’re not looking to change jobs, you should be aware of what other employers are doing and the caliber they are hiring.

Economic trends and threats

Many industries are cyclical, and it is good to position yourself for a move when your industry is on an upward trend. If you see your industry is headed to a decline, stick with your current employer. You will see less hiring at this time, and even lower levels of job security.

Other threats could be related to specific employers. For example, a small business that is struggling with financing or operations, an employer that is trying to survive a competitive environment, or company that is riddled with legal difficulties.

Understanding the circumstances of other employers – as much as you could – will help you put their jobs into perspective. For example, a less-than-stable employer may offer a package that is higher than the market average to compensate for the risk.

A casual glance at job boards may not offer you the insights you’re looking for. To claim awareness of the job market in your industry, you need to look closely at the available opportunities in your area and consider them as you’re job hunting. You may find out that the grass is not as green as it initially appears.

The writer, a former Gulf News Business Features Editor, is a Seattle-based editor.

Tracking jobs

Know the changes in your industry

Understand evolving job requirements

Be realistic about existing opportunities

Draw conclusions to benefit your career

R.O.