"The current job market, with unemployment quite low, lends itself to very selective employers. This means that they will be very specific when identifying candidates, and they are willing to wait for the “perfect candidate” to come along. Jobseekers should do their best to customize their resume and interview responses to the role that’s open. For example, if the position is a Project Manager but you’ve been a Program Manager in the past, be sure to pull the more relevant details (sizes, budgets, and types of projects) about the specific projects you’ve led."
Salespeople, recruiters, and anyone else in a production based role. SAVE OR PRINT EVERY PRODUCTION REPORT YOU EVER GET (on your personal computer not your work computer) especially if its a report that shows you are crushing it. Without some means to validate your alleged success in future job hunts, you are just another 1 out of 10000+ that tells potential employers, " Hey, im good sales or recruiting you can trust me. Don't worry about why I'm looking for a job I'm certainly not unemployed because of low production... trust me." This does not fly in a world where literally every employer ever has been burned 10000+ times before by people who had that exact logic/approach. I like many recruiters, salespeople, hr people got let go by my former employer 2 weeks before Christmas. This was a time where there were more recruiters, salespeople, and Hr people looking for work at the same time than ever before. I remember seeing new openings posted on LinkedIn literally seconds before i hit "Apply" and after refreshing the page i would find out i was the 4000th person to apply for that role if it was even still accepting applicants 2 mins after it was initially posted. The only, & I mean only reason I was able to stand out enough to find work quickly, was because i had 5 years' worth of reports that validated my consistent top 3 production monthly over 5 years (as well as annual billing of 2.5 - 3.5 million+, annual gross profit of 1.2-1.7 million, 80-133 avg annual hires, filled order ratio of 37-55%, avg time to offer for my candidates of 15 days with the shortest time being 1 day & the longest of well over a month). Nothing says "hire me" like reports showing that after what they pay you, they will still have made 1 million$+ profit from you. Put yourselves in the hiring mgr's shoes & pretend it is YOUR neck on the line and you cannot afford to make a bad hire. In terms of overall risk would you rather hire the guy that can quantify &most importantly VALIDATE/prove what they have produced in the past esp if it exceeds expectations or hire one of the 10000 people that says they can do it and want you to blindly trust them. Pro-tip: when possible, let the job poster/hiring manager know via a msg on LinkedIn that you can do the one thing that literally not one other person in their pipeline can do (unless im on the job hunt) you can validate all of your production...you'll get interviewed for at least 10x more opportunities than you would without those reports
As much pressure as you might feel, don’t feel like you need to ‘jump’ into the first role you see, especially if you’re looking at a complete change of industry or role. And, more broadly with your career, take the time to make decisions. You have time, there’s no need to rush!
Career Evolution: Networking, Flexibility, & Distinction Distinction is paramount in the modern employment market. Create a one-of-a-kind story about your career thus far, highlighting the ways in which your experiences have helped solve problems for previous employers. Despite coming from an unconventional background, a candidate I helped secure a management position did so by skillfully incorporating his volunteer work into his professional narrative. You can't discount the power of networking. Think of it more as a means to a goal than a technique to get others to connect with you on a deeper level. A colleague of mine followed up on a conference connection, which resulted in a recommendation for a position that was never posted publicly. Last but not least, flexibility is key. Being open to learning and making changes is much appreciated. I helped a professional who was seeking a new position in a rapidly expanding business switch gears by taking online courses to improve her skills and stay current with industry trends.
Creating a targeted list of companies is a key strategy for job seekers. By researching and identifying organizations that align with your career goals and values, you can focus your job search efforts more effectively. This approach allows you to tailor your applications and networking efforts to specific companies, increasing your chances of finding the right opportunity. Additionally, targeting specific companies improves your ability to find and receive referrals into the company, which often has higher conversion rates for job seekers. It's a proactive way to concentrate your resources and maximize your chances of success in the job market.
The old cliché "Finding a job is a job" is very true. Looking for work can be exhausting. It is important to not only stay positive, but also work smarter and not harder. Job seekers should learn about Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), and learn how to develop ATS friendly résumés. Keep the formatting simple, do not use pre-made templates, and remember that the key words in the job description are key to landing interviews. Beat the ATS robot and land the job!
My advice to job seekers right now is to upskill in the soft skills of interpersonal and intercultural communication. The world of work is becoming more globalised and borderless, and there is a fear that AI will make some job roles redundant, but the one thing that AI can never replace is the need for human-centred communication. AI has and is automating the workplace, which means humans are becoming increasingly needed to do the things AI can't do, such as people management, persuasion, and creative thinking. These tasks require soft skills like adaptability, communication, critical thinking, workplace ethics and emotional intelligence, which are what hiring managers are currently looking for.
Once you have developed a solid base resume, you should tailor your resume to each and every job application, highlighting how your skills and experiences directly align with the job description. Analyze the job description for keywords to incorporate in your resume, and weave in relevant key phrases. Make sure your accomplishments are quantifiable with numbers, dollars, or percentages, sharing how you helped a company make money or save money and time. The goal of the resume is to land an interview. If a cover letter is required, you can customize a T-style cover letter that includes what the company is looking for on the left side of the T and how you match on the right.
Recruiters are your best friend. If a recruiter reaches out, always reply to have a conversation. If they're looking to fill a role that you think isn't quite a match let them the recruiter know and explain what you are looking for. Ask if they're filling roles that would be a better match. Likewise, if you've heard from recruiters months, or even years ago, you can circle back to them now. If they were once interested in you before, they may be interested in you again.
As the founder of MyTurn, my parting piece of advice for job seekers is to adopt a mindset of resilience and continuous learning. The job search process can be daunting and at times, disheartening. It's important to remember that every rejection is not a step back but a learning opportunity. Stay curious, be open to feedback, and always look for ways to improve your skill set. Whether it's through formal education, online courses, or self-study, make learning a lifelong commitment. This not only enhances your employability but also equips you with the versatility needed to adapt to changing industry trends. Remember, your career is a marathon, not a sprint; dedicate yourself to personal and professional growth, and the right opportunities will come your way.
If you’re struggling to get hired, you may have forgotten the most important step in your job search: knowing what you want. When you don’t have career clarity, you’ll spend valuable time applying to random positions you don’t really want. Instead, take the time to reflect on your desired career path. Once that’s clear, create a resume highlighting the skills you have for the position you want. Prepare for the interview by focusing on your relevant accomplishments; and, network with people who are working in your field of interest. That’s how you’ll get noticed. When you know what you want, you can conduct a focused job search, apply to positions you genuinely want, and stand out from the competition so you can get hired quickly.
Directly Message Recruiters or Hiring Managers From my observation, many professionals binge-apply to 40+ jobs daily and still don’t get anywhere. That’s because they send out generic applications and use the easy way most candidates use, failing to stand out from the crowd. If using LinkedIn Easy Apply isn’t getting you any interviews, chances are, your application is getting lost among hundreds. While platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed are made for convenience, sometimes it doesn’t hurt to go the extra mile. A better option is to dig a little deeper and directly message the person in charge of hiring. As a recruiter, I always interview professionals who message me about jobs posted by my recruiting agency as long as their profile seems genuine and relevant to the position. Your message can be two to three sentences long, introducing yourself and expressing your interest in the position you came across, along with your resume. As long as you’re not spamming their inbox, a brief DM with your CV attached isn’t something to overthink.
My top piece of advice for jobseekers right now is to tailor your application specifically to each role you apply for, highlighting how your unique skills and experiences align with the job description and company values. In today's competitive job market, demonstrating a clear understanding of the company's goals and how you can contribute to them can set you apart. Additionally, leveraging your network and reaching out to contacts within the industry can provide invaluable insights and potentially open doors to opportunities.
While some job applications might not explicitly request a cover letter, I always suggest preparing one, regardless. It allows you to give recruiters a better idea of who you are, what motivated you to apply to the company, and even how you’re the right fit for the role. And in a competitive job market, every opportunity to differentiate yourself and make a memorable impression counts. A well-crafted cover letter serves as your elevator pitch, so make use of this medium to succinctly capture your unique value proposition in a few paragraphs. Take the time to tailor your message to the specific needs and culture of the company, showcasing how your background aligns with their goals. It's important to note that a cover letter shouldn't be a regurgitation of your resume. Instead, use it to complement and expand upon the information provided in your CV, offering insights into your personality, work ethic, and professional goals.
I suggest prioritizing continuous learning and skill development as a crucial strategy for job seekers. In my experience, employers highly value candidates who demonstrate a proactive approach to enhancing their expertise. Investing in relevant courses, certifications, or workshops has personally helped me stand out among other applicants. Additionally, staying updated on industry trends and technologies has been instrumental in advancing my career. This proactive attitude towards learning has not only expanded my qualifications but also made me more attractive to potential employers.
As a CEO, a leadership mentor, and a part-time teacher, I've noticed a key piece of the job-search puzzle that's often overlooked: personal branding consistency across all channels. In today's digital world, 70 percent of employers rely on social media to vet candidates before hiring. That's a statistic that highlights the importance of harmonized online branding. From both my professional experience and my experience as a coach, I can't emphasize enough how important it is for you to match your LinkedIn profile to your social media accounts and resume. It tells a cohesive story about who you are professionally and personally. It shows that you are reliable and detail-oriented. In one case, a candidate I was mentoring changed their online profile to reflect a consistent story across platforms, highlighting their interest in sustainability in tech. This caught the hiring manager's attention at a top tech company and resulted in a job offer. In a sea of candidates, the ones who stand out are the ones who present a cohesive, genuine brand identity. It's not just about your CV, it's about the narrative you tell. Ensure your online presence is a benefit, not a burden.
VP, Strategy and Growth at Coached (previously, Resume Worded)
Answered 2 years ago
My top advice is to make your resume stand out. Take the time to customize it for each position you apply for. Focus on the skills and experiences mentioned in the job description and highlight how they match what you can offer. This shows employers you're a perfect fit and increase your chances of landing that interview.
Knowing your worth is essential if you don’t want to undersell yourself. So, my advice would be to appraise yourself financially. Take a moment to understand the latest median salary for the position you're eyeing. Get familiar with the figures and research the market rates. And, when it comes to stating your desired salary, aim slightly higher than what you're truly aiming for. This provides room for negotiation while signaling your value. You also need to pay attention to your previous salary. If you're transitioning to a new field, you might have to adjust your expectations. That said, factor in perks like remote work, shorter commutes, or overtime opportunities. These can add value to your compensation package. Also, avoid using a range when stating your desired salary. Hiring teams will naturally latch onto the lower end and you don't want that. Instead, be firm yet flexible in stating your expectations.
Prepare for a marathon as the hiring freeze and general market contraction seems fairly inevitable to continue. Job seekers over the last few months have seen little appetite from many major industry players to fill their rosters with new hires, and many companies in the tech space especially are actually laying people off that were considered golden hires a few years ago. Expect this pattern to continue at least until middle of this year due to companies needing to reorganize some of the bloat from the Covid times and understand the impact AI will have on their industry.
Be patient. This is a really difficult job market for most, as companies that saw a major boom during Covid are contracting in a big way while the impact of AI and automation remains unclear, causing hiring managers to be very conservative in terms of new hires. This is a pretty big departure to the employee dominated employment market of the last several years and comes at a time when layoffs and restructuring are hitting some of the biggest players on the market. All of this combined means that you need to be patient and wait until companies get their heads out of the sand and start feeling comfortable bringing people back on again - likely it will be a few more months.