Finding a job in 2025

As we approach the new year, economic indicators for the United States suggest a cautiously optimistic outlook. Throughout 2024, the U.S. labor market exhibited signs of cooling, yet unemployment rates and layoffs remained comfortably low. Although, I have been told Q1 2025 will be a slow start.

Additionally, wage growth consistently outstripped inflation for most of the year, supported by a real GDP growth rate of around 3% in the last two quarters of 2024. Consumer spending figures also remain robust, indicating a resilient economy, according to Indeed’s 2025 U.S. Jobs and Hiring Trends Report.

However, there is still lingering uncertainty regarding hiring demand in 2025, as the prolonged labor market slowdown seems to be coming to an end.

As you (and I) prepare to embark on our job search in the new year, while the economy looks promising, navigating the complexities of the current labor market requires a strategic approach. Job seekers must be proactive in enhancing their online presence, networking effectively and honing skills that align with emerging industry trends.

How To Get A New Job In 2025

It's essential to begin crafting your job search plan by outlining clear goals and timelines for yourself. By defining specific objectives—such as target industries, desired roles and networking opportunities—you can create a roadmap that guides your efforts and maximizes your chances of securing a fulfilling position.

Take the time to reflect on your skills, values and career goals. By identifying your unique selling points and recognizing areas for improvement, you can better position yourself in a competitive market.

To increase your chances of landing a job in 2025, it is important to optimize your resume and online profiles with relevant keywords that can effectively navigate screening systems powered by artificial intelligence. By highlighting specific skills that align with the job description, you can demonstrate your suitability for the role. This not only increases your visibility to potential employers, but also showcases your attention to detail and commitment to presenting yourself as the ideal candidate for each opportunity. I also suggest adding SOFT SKILLS to your resume along with AI skills. Employers are really looking for those soft skills.

Building and leveraging a robust professional network is crucial, as research indicates that up to 80% of jobs are filled through personal connections. Engaging in industry conferences, virtual networking events, job fairs and joining professional associations related to your field will expand your network and provide valuable insights into emerging trends.

Post on LinkedIn twice a week explaining you're looking for a job. That is how I have gotten 99.99% of my interviews and jobs. I recommend staying positive while posting you're searching for a job. I know that it's hard and you might not want to be "positive," but employers will look at your positivity in your posts. Highlight your experiences while posting you're looking for a job too. I also recommend not making a really long post in paragraph form, I would create an Image to highlight your experiences too. The LinkedIn algorithm likes posts that are relatable. So, relate!

To piggyback off of the above, continue to create your personal brand by maintaining an updated LinkedIn profile and other professional social media accounts. Creating a portfolio that showcases your projects and achievements can further distinguish you from other candidates.

In today's rapidly evolving job market, professionals must embrace a mindset of continuous learning to remain competitive and relevant. The key to career success lies in actively pursuing opportunities to expand your skill set and knowledge base. Continue to take classes. LinkedIn Premium offers a ton of classes. Recruiters will look at how you have been continuing to learn while searching for a job.

The interview process can be daunting, often filled with pressure to perform well under scrutiny. Engaging in role-play provides a safe environment to conduct a mock interview experience, allowing you to practice articulating your thoughts clearly and succinctly. Friends and mentors can offer insights into your body language, tone and overall presentation, helping you fine-tune your delivery. By honing this crucial skill, you can significantly enhance your chances of making a lasting impression in interviews and networking situations. I recommend going on TikTok and following Bonnie Dilber for good interviewing advice.

While you're answering you're answering questions during the interview process, I recommend keeping every answer positive, even if the answer isn't positive. People want to work with people they like. I like painting a picture with my words as well. Interviewers want to hear the PROBLEM and then SOLUTION to the questions they ask. You can also ask, while answering the questions: I know what I said, but what did you hear? That way you can rephrase anything as well. If I'm asked a complicated question, I always say something like: That is a great question, I need a moment to compile my answer. That's totally okay to do. It shows you're THINKING things through.

A few favorite questions of mine to ask during the interview process...

What are the top 1 to 2 deliverables needed or skill set needed for this role right now. This gives you a good idea of the very specific skills they currently need on their team and what they're looking for. Then, you can piggyback off of what they said to add your experiences to those skills they mentioned.

Why do you enjoy working at this company? This is a better question than 'tell me about your company culture.' This can provide a more 'true,' response of the culture.

If you could've known one thing about your job before taking your job, what would it be and why? I was asked this question while I was giving an interview. And it really made me think. I love asking this question because it provides better insight of what you could be getting into. This is the last question I typically ask before the interview ends.

What is the last learning opportunity you’ve had? Again, this touches on the culture part of the company and gives more insight on the potential opportunities you can have working at the company. This typically not on my list to ask, but I will ask it if time permits. I always ask the above questions before this one.

2024 was really rough. Words cannot express how rough this has been on me, my boyfriend, my family... I have a wonderful support system and I am hopeful for a brighter 2025. I just know I can't repeat 2024 again. I have learned a lot and had to 'grow up,' rather fast. It does bring me a sense of calm, that I was not the only person who was going through this.

If you have a friend or a family member who was laid off and has been through the wringer, I recommend just being there for them. Let them talk. Know that this is a horrible time for them...of course, it doesn't excuse any behavior but it will help explain their behavior. It is one of the worst feelings in the world, not having a stable job. It feels like I've been gutted emotionally and physically. But we can only press and carry on!!!

And with that, this is my last newsletter of 2024. Thank you to ALL for your support. I have a few exciting announcements (no not a job...fingers are crossed for one in 2025) that happened recently that I will share soon.

Cheers and Happy New Year!

Sources:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2024/12/26/your-guide-to-finding-a-new-job-in-2025/