It's getting more evident that employees are calling the shots in today’s tight labour and talent shortage market.

With increasing exposure to information, technology and globalisation, many talented candidates are beginning to realise their market worth and what they want to get out of their careers. As jobs get more demanding, and the fact that they are clocking up longer hours at work, these bright young executives are no longer contented with an attractive salary package or run-of-the-mill incentives and Benefits. They are looking for job satisfaction and work fulfilment in new places.

One way is to look at matching job requirements with your personality characteristics. John Holland’s personality-job fit theory is fundamentally based on the notion of a fit between an individual’s personality traits and the potential work environment. For example, if you are investigative, curious, independent and analytical, you would probably enjoy working as a journalist. On the other hand, a conforming, practical and efficient person would most likely prefer a career in accounting. By proactively seeking out jobs that complement our personality, it is believed that this will in turn lead to better job performance, higher work satisfaction and reduced turnover.

More recently, the trend is moving towards matching employees' personalities to the overall organisation's culture rather than with the characteristics of any specific job. For example, an outgoing, extroverted and sociable person would feel more driven in an aggressive and team-oriented culture. People who are high on agreeableness would seek to work in a supportive organisational climate. Similarly, creative and visionary employees would fit better in a company that emphasises innovation rather than standardisation and regulation.

A company’s inspiring leadership; its charismatic and forward-looking management as well as the culture, value and ethics of its people are a few intangible qualities some of the world’s best employers exemplify in their corporate culture.

Many studies revealed that one of the main reasons employees leave their company is because of their manager. As the boss is also undoubtedly the key driver of an organisation’s culture, a savvy job seeker should proactively gather information about the company’s leader, his management style and personality by talking to people who know him, or seek advice from mentors or other professionals and business partners within the industry.

Before you sign on the dotted line, do due diligence and find out if the employees are motivated and enjoying their job; what kind of incentives and welfare programmes does the company have in place; how do the staff, industry people and even ex-employees feel about your future manager and/or what the organisation’s turnover rate is. The ideal job may seem less attractive should your manager turn out to be the boss from hell.

In a candidate short market, job seekers not only have more career options to choose from, they also receive multiple job offers from various companies. With a myriad of choices available, candidates are less willing to accept the ordinary. People want to be Challenged and inspired; they want to learn and grow in their careers. Seek out organisations that offer regular staff training; programs for personal growth and development; opportunities to take on new roles and projects; exposure to overseas market, and/or long term career advancement or succession planning programs.

Networking is about meeting new people, giving them an opportunity to learn more about you and prospecting for jobs, contracts, clients and more. You can greatly enhance your employability with effective networking. It also helps to expand your circle of contacts, and by extension, your sphere of influence.

Sign up as a member of trade forums, professional associations, clubs and bodies as this open up many opportunities for you to meet other interesting people from various industries. Market yourself by blazing a trail in these social events, highlighting your strengths and key achievements whenever the opportunity arises.

Give insightful comments that will show you as someone who is visionary, has perspective on the big picture and strong leadership qualities. Use your accumulated knowledge and market experience to contribute to a discussion, and ask questions that encourage people to talk more and share their success stories. Not only can you learn from their accomplishments, you are also privy to business information, strategies and job opportunities that you might not have access to otherwise.