Elevating Your Job Search Strategy – September 2024

Job market growth surged in September 2024, with higher than expected totals. Economic and workforce conditions remain fluid, including with the recent announcement of an interest rate cut, as organizations continue adjusting their hiring strategies.

Rose International is committed to helping organizations hire individuals while also supporting job seekers.

Creating a job search strategy is an important component before and during the process of looking for a job. In this article, the Rose International Team discusses the advantages of having a specific plan in place.

Robust Monthly Job Growth

In September 2024, the job market grew by 254,000 , according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, Dow Jones predicted an addition of 150,000 jobs for the same month. The national unemployment rate decreased from 4.2% to 4.1%. In comparison to September 2023 , the job market gained 336,000 jobs and the national unemployment rate was 3.6%.

While hiring surged in September exceeding expectations, job growth was cooler during the 2024 summer months than it was earlier in the year. Overall, fewer jobs were gained in Q3 2024 compared to Q1 and Q2. Monthly job totals are revised throughout the year and Q3 hiring totals will likely be updated in the near future.

Recently, the BLS reported there were 7.7 million available jobs , a month-over-month decrease from 8.2 million job openings.

In September 2024, Rose International saw numerous organizations hiring temporary workers. The company had the most job openings in the IT, business professional, admin/clerical and light industrial categories.

The Power of a Strategic Job Search

As job market conditions continue shifting, having a job search strategy remains necessary for individuals to navigate the competitive landscape. Components of creating a strategy include:

Self-Assessment - When developing a strategy, it’s important for job seekers to first identify a career direction, such as if they prefer to remain in their current field or if they’re interested in exploring a new sector. Having this in mind helps individuals leverage their skillsets and, if needed, highlight transferable job skills.

Define Goals - With millions of available jobs, creating job search strategies helps individuals focus their approach and target opportunities that are relevant to their skillsets. Implementing a streamlined approach helps job seekers pursue opportunities that align with their career goals, both in the long- and short-term.

Preparation & Organization - Individuals who know their desired job fields can identify organizations where they would like to apply and keep track of job applications submitted along with any other interactions.

Utilize Tools - In addition to applying to opportunities directly on company websites, individuals can also utilize tools like LinkedIn and select job boards to apply to relevant job openings. In addition, job seekers can use LinkedIn and in-person professional events to network and should ensure their digital profiles, including social media, are suitable for prospective employers to view.

Concentrated tactics help job seekers ensure their time and energy are efficiently utilized while looking for new jobs. Individuals are encouraged to create a strategy that works for them and remain committed as they look for new jobs.

The economy and job market’s evolution continue while the country focuses on Q4 of 2024 and beyond. Individuals considering a career change are encouraged to create a job search strategy to develop an efficient approach. The Rose International Team will continue supporting job seekers and connecting them with fulfilling job opportunities.

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?? Rose International ?is one of the largest providers of Staffing and Total Talent Solutions to corporations and government agencies, employing thousands of people in all 50 states. Certified minority- and woman-owned, the company is headquartered in St. Louis, MO and has offices and service delivery centers across the U.S. and India.

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Stay tuned for the next article where the Rose International Team continues highlighting job market shifts and sharing tips for job seekers.?Follow the company here, on X , Facebook , Instagram and YouTube .