SPECIAL EDITION: It’s Not You. It’s Everything Else.
This is the most challenging job market we have seen in a very long time. It’s not just that there are fewer jobs in many sectors; there's more of everything else that makes it hard to get hired.
There are more job applications for every open position, thanks to tools like LinkedIn's Easy Apply and apps that mass apply to jobs for you, more fake employers, more scammers, more spam, more ghosting on the part of employers, and more people offering services that you may—or may not—need.
On top of that, job searching is complicated and cumbersome. You used to be able to apply for a job, hear back about an interview shortly, do an interview or two, and hopefully get a job offer. We wish it were still like that because this is way too hard, especially if you've been at it for a while.
We also wish there were a way to fix it, but unfortunately, we don't know anyone who has a solution. The people promising they can get you hired quickly for double your salary are most likely making it up.
On the plus side, if there is one, there are signs of hope. We've seen more people offering to help others, even those they don't know, than we have in our recent memory. We know job seekers who have spent way too long looking for work, but have finally found a role that's a good fit. We know others who have made a career pivot and are unexpectedly happier than they were doing the job they lost.
Everyone’s job search is different, so some resources may be useful for you, while others won’t. But just in case it's helpful, here are some tips and resources that are worth a try.
Go Back to Basics
You don't need to use every tool, app, or website (see below for some of our favorites) that's out there. Be selective and review what you need to move forward. A well-written resume, a targeted cover letter, and a strategy to find job listings may be all you need.
Streamline Your Job Search
You don't need every tool out there, but here are some favorites, including a checklist of what you need to get started, resume and cover letter writing and editing tools, the best ways to find relevant job postings, apps to manage and track your job search, and interview practice tools to help you get hired.
Advertise That You're Open to Work
Yes, you will get more spam and scammers in your mailbox (delete generously and frequently), but mentioning that you're open to work will let your network know you're looking. You never know who will have a job lead that's a fit. One or two good leads are worth the time deleting junk. Here's how to let recruiters and your network know that you're open to work.
Be Careful What You Post
On the flip side of mentioning that you're open to work, there's a trend towards sharing too much information on LinkedIn. We've read countless posts from job seekers trashing their previous employer and companies they've interviewed with, and sharing GoFundMe and Venmo links. It might help in the short term, but most employers don't want to see any of that, which can affect your chances of getting hired. Here are some tips for quietly and effectively looking for a job on LinkedIn.
Contact Career Services
Many colleges offer free career services to alumni as well as students. Regardless of when you graduated, contact career services to see what your office offers. You may be able to get career counseling, job leads, networking, and job search assistance.
Use Your Network
Networking is still one of the best ways to get hired. Your network can share job leads you might not have seen with you, refer you to open roles, or provide a recommendation. At the least, your connections can support you during a tough time.
Tell People You’re Looking
In addition to using your professional network, and especially if you’re unemployed, tell everyone you’re looking. Your neighbor may know someone who is hiring, or a friend might know about a company with job openings. Don’t be afraid to talk to strangers, too. Alison’s Dad once hired a guy sitting next to him on an airplane. They both happened to be engineers, and it ended up being a perfect opportunity for a job match.
For Federal Workers
If you're a federal worker who has lost your job or is worried about losing it, there are many resources that can help. From free career coaching, resume writing for the private sector, transition assistance, and job search help to unemployment and legal services, there are resources available for federal employees.
Find Financial Resources
It's scary when you don't have enough income to pay your bills, but you may be eligible for financial assistance to help you through this difficult time. Here are some things you can do when you're out of work and out of money.
Our Partners
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