The current job market presents significant challenges, especially for experienced professionals seeking new opportunities. With layoffs occurring across various sectors and the looming influence of artificial intelligence (AI), many candidates may feel disheartened. However, experts emphasize that success hinges on a strategic approach to the job search rather than the overall employment landscape.
It is crucial for job seekers to first clarify their goals and the unique skills they bring to the table. Hannah Morgan, a job search strategist and founder of Career Sherpa, advises candidates to take stock of their abilities and determine what roles they wish to pursue. “Get clear on what you bring to the table. Inventory your skills. And get clear on what you want to do next,” Morgan states.
Understanding the type of company culture that suits one’s preferences—be it a large corporation, a small business, or a startup—can also guide the search. Creating a preliminary list of target employers helps candidates align their messaging across all job-related documents, including resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and cover letters.
Identifying what one does not want in a new role is equally important. Lisa Rangel, CEO of a job-search services firm, emphasizes that not all past experiences should be highlighted if they do not align with future aspirations. “Talk about it if asked,” Rangel notes, “but your goal is to attract what you want.” Candidates should focus on experiences relevant to their desired positions, especially if they are aiming for leadership roles.
The role of AI in recruitment cannot be overlooked, as employers increasingly utilize technology to streamline the hiring process. However, Rangel reassures that final hiring decisions still rest with people. “People are still making the decisions,” she remarks. Job seekers can leverage AI tools to assess their fit for roles and to ensure their resumes do not get dismissed due to technicalities. Utilizing AI to analyze job descriptions can help candidates adopt the relevant language that matches their experience.
In addition to technical skills, employers are increasingly valuing human skills such as critical thinking and collaboration. Priya Rathod, workplace trends editor at Indeed, stresses the importance of showcasing these soft skills alongside quantifiable achievements. For instance, if a collaborative effort resulted in completing a project ahead of schedule, candidates should highlight that success.
Networking remains a key component of an effective job search strategy. While online job boards are a useful tool, Rangel points out that relying solely on submitting resumes is unlikely to yield success, particularly for higher-level positions. “Submitting a resume to online job postings as your main strategy is like planning to win the lottery,” she warns.
Candidates should actively reach out to professional contacts, alumni, and even connections made at industry events. Morgan suggests that candidates seek “warm” introductions through mutual contacts rather than cold approaches to hiring managers. Engaging in conversations and building relationships can open doors that a traditional job application might not.
In the midst of an active job search, Rangel advises focusing on outreach. “Finish your day when you’ve reached out to ten people versus spent three hours reworking your resume,” she suggests. This proactive approach can uncover unadvertised job opportunities and enhance candidates’ chances of being referred for potential openings.
The job search process may take longer than anticipated, but candidates possess more control than they realize. By clarifying their goals, actively networking, and leveraging both human and technical skills, job seekers can navigate this challenging market and enhance their chances of success.
