Job Searching Tips for Today's Market

If you are currently on the market for a new job, you are most definitely aware the market this year has been drier than the past 5 years or more. Jobs just have not been as plentiful. As I mentioned in prior blogs, I believe it is the perfect storm – a combination of the Inflation Reduction Act and how it will impact companies, the ever-climbing interest rate and inflation, and an overall slowdown in the economy. A lot of companies are just sitting back and waiting to see what happens. I have, however, seen a bit of an uptick in the past month, so let’s cross our fingers that not only continues, but increases.

What is important to remember is:

• Get up and get dressed every morning as if you were going to work. This is important for your mental health.
• Stay positive and motivated. Your energy comes across in interviews.
• Do not give up. You are not alone! You WILL find a job. It may just take more work. What does that mean? It means if you are unemployed, looking for a job is now your new full-time job.
• Keep track of where you have applied so that you are not wasting a recruiter’s time or your time on an opportunity a recruiter cannot represent you on. Anywhere you have applied within 6 months (some companies are 12 months), a recruiter cannot submit you to as the company already has access to your information, even if they never call you.
• It is no longer a stigma if you were downsized. The majority of people in our industry have been through it. Acquiring companies typically give priority to their own employees, regardless of how good you are. HR, recruiters and new employers know this. Your value is no longer doubted if you have been downsized.
• Perfect your resume (it should be crisp, concise, reflect accomplishments and not just responsibilities, and an easy flowing format to read). Try to make it 2 pages. No need to go back more than 10-15 years. Use bullets and action words. Bullets make it easier for the reader to find the information they are seeking. Make sure the tenses are past tense for previous jobs and current tense if you are still employed.
• Don’t use the spray and pray method of submitting your resume everywhere. If you do, if a recruiter has a slam dunk role at one of the companies, they can’t present you because you submitted your resume, even if you never hear from the company. You should only be submitting your resume to roles for which you are truly a strong fit as competition is strong. Review the job descriptions closely and tailor your resume to call out the experience you have that meets their requirements.
• Do NOT embellish on your resume. It is a small world in our industry. Be honest and ethical.
• Do not leave your resume saying “To Present” if you have left your last employer. It makes the recruiters and/or companies wonder what else you are hiding when they find out you have been gone from the company for 2 months. I have had companies tell me they have rescinded offers for this reason.
• Network, network, network. Be on your phone, LinkedIn, and email daily.
• Read business books to keep your mind sharp.
• Considering a role that requires a long commute?? Think it through. Is the commute sustainable long-term?
• Considering a role that requires relocation?? Think it through BEFORE pursuing. Discuss with your family. Ensure everyone is on board. You don’t want to start the process and then have to withdraw due to relocation. It looks bad on you (and your recruiter if you are working with one).
• Regarding salary – if you are unemployed, regardless of what a company offers, you are NOT taking a pay cut. Your current salary is ZERO. Perhaps it would not restore you to where you were, but it’s not a cut. You are without the leverage you have when you are employed. Ask for market value of the position. If you don’t know what that is, ask a recruiter for guidance.
• Take classes such as omnichannel marketing to further your skills and enhance your offerings.
• Start your MBA in the evenings.
• Wake up each morning and say out loud one positive thing about yourself and say one positive thing about yourself before you go to bed each night.
• This one is worth repeating: DO NOT GIVE UP! YOU ARE NOT ALONE! YOU WILL FIND A JOB!

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