Due to the current financial crisis competition for jobs is going to become increasingly stiff and employees will need to have the X Factor if they wish to succeed, according to world leader in human resource solutions Adecco.

The firms says that it will be down to the individual to shine and prove their worth as an employee if they wish to remain in work during this period.

Employees may want to take a leaf out of Cheryl Cole's book. The sexy singer made her name in pop band Girls Aloud but has ensured that as the band's shelf life nears its end she is still in business by expanding her skills set and diversifying.

The pint-sized Geordie has made a big impression in her new role as a judge on the top TV show the X-Factor, determining which of the young hopefuls has what it takes to build a successful pop career.

By stepping into a different industry Cheryl has ensured that credit crunch or not she has more options for jobs in the future.

Steven Kirkpatrick, managing director of Adecco Retail, said: "In terms of finding new work, the reality is that the market will become more competitive than it has been in a long time."

Mr Kirkpatrick added that while employers may still be recruiting they will also be "window shopping" because "they’ll want to stay close to the market to make sure that they still have access to the best people when they become available".

Figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) this month backed up Mr Kirkpatrick's advice.

The statistics revealed that there has been a fall in both the number of people in employment and the employment rate. Furthermore, the number of unemployed people, the unemployment rate and the claimant count have all increased.

The working age employment rate is 74.4 per cent, down 0.4 percentage points from the previous quarter and the number of people in employment decreased by 99,000 over the quarter.

What is more, according to an analysis of employment figures since 1997, published by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) on September 17th 2008, the number of people unemployed for at least a year could rise from its current level of around 400,000 to 700,000 by the end of 2009.

The analysis found that unemployment, as defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), will rise from its current level of around 1.7 million to over two million by the end of 2009.

Mr Kilpatrick tried to remain upbeat about the situation, for those, like Ms Cole, who are determined to remain in employment.

He said: "Steven Kirkpatrick, managing director of Adecco Retail, said: "[The credit crunch] doesn’t necessarily mean that firms aren’t looking for people, just that they are being that much more selective over who they bring on board.

"They’ll want to stay close to the market to make sure that they still have access to the best people when they become available, but won’t necessarily be hiring as freely as they have done in recent years."