Keeping up with the latest trends and developments in your field is more important than ever during these difficult economic times, especially if you are looking for a job.

Managers want their new hires to be on top of what is happening within their area of expertise. They want to feel comfortable their employees are the most knowledgeable and, thus, capable of keeping them ahead of the competition.

Why would they hire someone behind the times?

When looking for a new position, make sure you show the potential employer you are up-to-date.

Your resume should always reflect your skills and education. But the most important time to demonstrate your real knowledge in your field is during the job interview.

The ability to show industry expertise in conversation helps you project assurance and self-reliance. It also makes the essential proclamation that you are dedicated and meticulous about your profession. This encourages the potential employer to automatically feel confident about you and what you can do for the organization.

This strong oral communication of your expertise will give you an advantage over competition when competing for the same job.

Taking courses and attending seminars in your field is an obvious way to keep up. But that may not always be the best way in this fast changing global environment when your time is consumed at work and you can’t take off to pursue your education.

There are available sources – trade publications and websites – that do not require a lot of time and can be utilized when you have spare time.

It is in a trade publication’s best interest to keep up with the most recent happenings. That is what its readership wants and why it pays membership and subscription fees. Most importantly, this readership is what generates advertisers, a significant income producer for publications.

The articles found in publications are usually written by and for other professionals. These articles are full of what is happening in the profession or industry and are a great source of important information typically on the cutting-edge.

A second great benefit of trade publications is they provide job leads. Even if you don’t get the job you are interviewing for, there may be another employer looking for your expertise.

Most jobs are not advertised on the big employment websites, with many employers instead keeping their opportunities focused in the more specialized sites and publications. The more specialized the position, the more likely it will be found in a trade outlet.

In addition, trade publications frequently offer online networking as an extra benefit to readers, permitting individuals to communicate with others in their field. Online friendships can be developed and can lead to job leads not otherwise advertised. These online friends can end up becoming future hiring managers looking for the right fit in their organization. In fact, they might already be a hiring manager.

Since trade publications are looking for readers, they often offer their products and services at very low costs, sometimes even free to new members. These reduced prices may not be advertised, so you need to ask.

No matter where you are in your career, unless you are retiring, it is in your best interest to keep up with the latest trends and developments in your field. Trade publications and Web sites can help significantly.

Don’t get behind; it could cost you a great career!

M.B. Owens is a Nashville-based columnist and journalist with a decade of experience writing on employment topics and business. He can be reached at [email protected].