Employers report a lack of skilled talent as one of the biggest threats to meeting business objectives in 2016. Job seekers who take note of what skills and characteristics companies are seeking could have a competitive advantage. In fact, the 2016 Workplace Trends Guide by Randstad US, one of the largest HR services and staffing companies in the U.S., reveals five ways employees can better position themselves for success during their job search. The study also finds that candidates who partner with a staffing agency may have a leg up, as 51 percent of companies surveyed say it is the most effective source to recruit both part-time and full-time employees. 

"With companies reporting job vacancies threatening productivity levels, candidates have a tremendous opportunity to better market themselves with respect to the desired skills organizations need," said Jim Link, CHRO, Randstad North America. "Furthermore, it is important to take advantage of the many vehicles available to identify potential opportunities, including social channels and staffing agencies. These avenues are available at no cost to the candidate, but can significantly expand their network and visibility into open job positions." 

#1: Use staffing/recruiting firms to maximize your chance of landing a new job. As the most effective method to recruit full-time and contract workers, job seekers have an opportunity to use staffing firms, at no cost to them, to secure access to a wide range of opportunities. The reality is working through a staffing or recruitment firm is oftentimes the only entry point for some of the country's most desirable employers. 

#2: Market your skill sets based on desired assets because companies need you. As companies move beyond recession recovery to growth mode, their ability to find and hire great talent is arguably the most important driver for success and profitability. Do the necessary research to understand the skills and expertise companies in your industry are looking for and take every step to effectively market yourself with those desired job requirements in mind. 

#3: Use multiple sources to find available positions. U.S. companies are hiring! On average, the companies surveyed report they are currently understaffed by 10 percent with an average of 137 open jobs. Hiring decision-makers report using a wider range of recruitment methods which include social media, digital networking, as well as working with local universities/colleges. 

#4: While your past experience is essential, don't rule out the importance of work ethic and soft skills. Decision-makers cite work ethic (36 percent) and soft skills (33 percent) as two of the top areas candidates are lacking. Don't leave any question in the hiring manager's mind about your willingness to work hard for the organization. During the interview process, make eye contact, communicate effectively and demonstrate your ability to adapt and be open-minded work well in any environment. 

#5 Don't rule out contract work. On-demand talent is needed. More workers are choosing contingent or temporary work as the economy embraces an "on-demand" workforce. In fact, it is estimated that more than 40 percent of the U.S. workforce will be contingent by the year 2020. Sixty-eight percent of companies surveyed believe a variable workforce model with a mix of temporary and permanent employees allow for more agility to meet fluctuating customer demands. Adapting to a contingent workforce can mean increased benefits for job-seekers, including more opportunities from a wide range of companies and industries, flexible work schedule, as well as income potential. 

The Randstad 2016 Workplace Trends survey gives job seekers an inside perspective of companies' need for talent, how they find potential workers and what hiring decision-makers believe some candidates are failing to impress. To access the report, download the 2016 Workplace Trends Guide.