You’re probably feeling pretty fed up with reports about how strong the economy is if you can’t find a new job. Why is it so hard right now?
The first thing to know is that it’s not you and it’s not your imagination. The market is tight right now, and despite the overall reduction in unemployment numbers and the generally strong labor market, it’s extra tough to find jobs these days. Part of that is that the segments that are seeing growth are places that aren’t a fit for everyone—construction, for example, or infrastructure. Part of it is that the number of job-seekers in particular industries or in some geographic locations is often higher than the number of openings, despite the average 1.4 job openings for each job-seeker. And, of course, part of the issue is the shadows being cast by a looming very fraught election, the potential of a downturn, and high inflation.
And there’s more. Among the current trends are things like multiple rounds of interviews for roles that really should just require three; bad behavior from recruiters like ghosting, and a high number of scams and so-called ghost jobs—job postings for positions that don’t actually exist.
But try not to lose hope! Some industries, including government and healthcare, are continuing to show strong growth. Inflation is finally starting to return to normal numbers. And the recession many were predicting in 2023 hasn’t materialized so far. In other words, there is room for some hope.
And there’s also lots of good reason to feel frustrated. If you aren’t getting interviews for things you’re qualified to do, try feeing the job description and your resume into a comparison tool like EarnBetter or Teal. If you’re fed up with online applications, look for in-person job fairs in your area. Ask people in your network for leads. Widen your search parameters to allow you to apply for more things. Retool your LinkedIn profile with a wider audience in mind. (And feel free to borrow heavily from other people’s profiles!)
And really lean into self-care. The process of applying is thankless, frustrating, stressful, and generally unpleasant, so give yourself small rewards as you go along. Eat your fruits and veggies. Go to bed without doomscrolling for hours. Step away from the news. Take breaks as you need to. Join support groups like job search councils. And know that this process is just crummy right now. There’s no magic to it, unfortunately. It’s going to take a lot of persistence and more patience than anyone should be expected to have. I promise there isn’t some sort of fundamental flaw in you; it’s just really hard right now. Breathe. Rest. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
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