In December, Cancer Treatment Centers of America opened a new facility near Phoenix. For only 100 open jobs, the company received over 19,000 applications—an average of 190 applicants per each job opening. For job searchers, competition this stiff is a living nightmare. But for future-focused employers, it's a dream come true. With every job opening yielding tens or even hundreds of qualified (and over-qualified) applicants, employers have their pick of the best and brightest. As The Wall Street Journal reported in a recent article, those who are currently hiring are in a position to build uniquely competitive workforces.

Many of the companies that are currently hiring are in industries like healthcare or utilities, which have continued to grow even as the economy has shrunk. Others, like North Carolina-based Family Dollar, are gaining ground at the expense of their rivals. The company has thrived while other retailers have floundered, allowing it to recruit highly-qualified managers and operations professionals who have been laid off by other companies.

"We're seeing a level of applicant we haven't ever seen before," says Bryan Venberg, senior VP of human resources for Family Dollar. A recent listing for a human resources manager, for example, drew more than 100 applications in under 24 hours. Two years ago, Venberg says, the company would have had to hire a recruiter to fill that position.

Large corporations are not the only companies benefiting from the situation. Kamal Ahluwalia, VP of corporate marketing for Model N Inc., a mid-sized Silicon Valley software maker, says that his company has always faced stiff competition for staff from both big software developers like Oracle and from smaller startups.

"Now all the big guys are on hiring freeze and most of the startups are dying," Ahluwalia says. "In this downturn, we really do have an opportunity to hire the best talent."
 

In any economy, telling your boss "no" can be a challenge. In a down economy, it 's downright terrifying—the last thing you want is to appear ungrateful, disrespectful, or reluctant to work. But sometimes to protect your time, your priorities, and your sanity, you've got to put your foot down. Here are a few tips to help you do that without angering your boss or putting your job in jeopardy.

1. Stand up for yourself from day one. Many employees, eager to prove themselves in a new job, will do anything their bosses ask them to do even if they don't have the time or the ability to complete it properly. This is a surefire formula for resentment, burnout, and failure. Define your duties and expectations early, and stick to your guns. And remember: if you give 'em an inch, they'll take a mile.

2. Be rational, not emotional. If your boss asks you to do something you can't or don't want to do, don't fly off the handle. Calmly explain your reasons for not taking on the task (like, "I believe X would be a better use of my time right now"). Be firm and rational, and chances are good that your boss will come around to your way of thinking.

3. Be polite. "No way!" and "I can't believe you would even ask me that!" are probably not the best way to refuse. As always, a little politeness goes a long way. Let your boss know that you respect him or her and make it clear that you're committed to the company's success, but that you don't think this task should be a priority.

4. Ask your boss how the request will help your company meet its goals. If the request is truly unreasonable, it will be hard for your boss to justify asking you to do it. On the other hand, you might find that the task is more essential than you thought it was. Maybe you can find time for it after all.

5. Remind your boss of your other priorities. A good way to phrase this is "I need to accomplish X, Y, and Z by the end of the month. Which of these would you like me to put on the back burner so I can devote my attention to this project?"

6. Pass the buck. Particularly if the task falls outside your area of expertise, suggest that another employee or department might be better suited for it.

7. Respect yourself. Saying "yes" to everything won't make your boss value you—rather, it will make him or her devalue you. Have enough respect for your time and your talent to say "no" when you need to, and you'll earn your boss's respect, too.

Last month, we asked our readers if they felt grateful to be employed. Eighty-eight percent of our 224 respondents answered "yes." For now, at least, optimism and satisfaction are in vogue, particularly among salespeople. Reader comments included:

"The way copier employers are cutting back makes me glad I'm still surviving."

"I've been in this industry for 10 years and the first quarter of '09 was my best ever. Work harder and sell local. Your salary can't get cut if you're on commission. At the end of the day, you get paid what you produce—and that is your worth to the company."

"Although we are cut back to 30 hours per week and have had our mileage reimbursement and our medical benefits reduced, I am grateful to have a job. I have been in this business for over 40 years, and I have never seen conditions this bad."

"Remember the old saying: when times are tough, the tough start prospecting earlier and working longer. Go higher, deeper, and wider in your accounts, ask partnering questions, and you will be just fine."

"I went from 'can't stand the copier industry' one year ago to 'totally loving it' now."

"We need to appreciate what we have and stop complaining. Things could be much worse than they are. All companies should get rid of their negative people; they'll become stronger if they do."

"Gratitude? You've got to be kidding. That's what corporate America wants you to believe."

Do you have trouble saying no to your boss?

- Yes.
- No.