Tips for the Underemployed

The unemployment rate may be readying itself for a slow, but gradual, decline as it hovers at 9.1 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on September 2.

However, according to the latest Gallup survey, underemployment — a classification that includes those workers that are highly skilled but working in low-paying jobs or low-skill jobs, and part-time workers that would prefer to be full-time — remains high.

At 18.9 percent underemployment is more than twice that of unemployment, as of September 21, 2011.

Daryl Pigat, Metro Market Manager with Robert Half Professional Staffing Services, believes there are useful tips for people who suddenly finds themselves in an underemployment situation.

“We’re going on four years now in an economic downturn. I think people just want to work, and they’re willing to do even less than what they’re qualified for,” said Pigat. “That, coupled with employers with tighter purse strings and some hesitancy in some sectors to add certain skill sets, has helped fuel underemployment levels.”

Pigat has worked at Robert Half for seven years. He's gained valuable insight from talking regularly with employers. He's also developed best practices he shares with clients for making the best of their underemployment status:

Display the right attitude and make yourself invaluable: It’s easy to feel down and become resentful, when you’re not working to your full capacity. But try to remain humble and display the right attitude since  attitude plays a key role in decisions when it’s time for the boss to keep or let go of people or move them around. In addition, make it known to your employer that you can and are willing to do more. People will often wait for things to come to them, instead of speaking up. Employers now really value the jacks-of-all-trades.

Always network and market yourself: Try to speak to everyone on the job, when you can. Take advantage of a lunchroom. Check if there are clubs you could join to become more known, so if something arises, you're well-positioned to make a move. Consider volunteering with your company offsite to leverage that networking ability.

Work on adding a skill set in emerging market: If you’re considering adding a skill or going back to school, then healthcare, accounting and technology are the hottest markets right now, in terms of coming back.

“Whether you're unemployed or underemployed, make sure you're ready with an updated resume,” said Pigat. “Expand your personal and professional networks; there’s LinkedIn, where you can speak to people in your industry. There are always ways to add a skill or take on a course - anything that might be an addition to your resume.”

He added that, “With all of the tough situations that are out there, there are some really bright spots where people have turned their lives around, from being unemployed, to underemployed, to gainfully employed.”