It's a new time and decision making is all important

We've been in tough economic times for over three years now and it appears that some sectors are improving but other areas of the economy are still having significant challenges. Large corporations who were the first to shed workforce and cut costs now have ample cash and are "able" to hire. The keyword is "able". They are still hesitant to pull the trigger and will only hire those who will add value. Hiring managers are being held to a much higher standard and they are being very careful when choosing their next hire.

With that being said, companies are not only looking to the hire best and the brightest but they also expect their new hires to be decision makers. Can they trust you to take ownership of projects, self-manage and make the right decisions without straining the existing resources? Can you step above your level and do more than is asked of you?

It's an interesting situation. Now is an opportune time for younger professionals to take advantage of openings at major organizations and step into positions they would never have dared accept or apply for a couple of years ago. These last few years have pushed the less experienced into roles and responsibilities much sooner than expected. This is a result of companies laying off those more experienced and carrying higher salaries. The hands on growth, experiences and responsibilities that many of the less experienced had been thrust into have allowed them to develop into much stronger and more viable candidates.

We have a new generation of talent. The conundrum? This talent doesn't even know how good it is. Some employers have caught on and are really throwing out the rule book when it comes to reviewing resumes on papers. Some smart recruiters are able to put very strong matches, who may not appear so on paper, in front of hiring managers who, soon after interviewing, respond emphatically and make confident offers.

If a hiring manager who sees beyond what you have on paper and extends an offer, then this is not the time to delay. Make a confident choice, be it yes or no, but do not wait. Do not juggle offers and pick out the best one. Do not go back and forth with salary negotiations. The hiring managers would have expected you to have done your homework and at the time you've gotten through to that final interview you should know if that's the job you want. You are a decision maker. Make that decision.