U.S. Jobseekers Struggle in Challenging Market
According to a recent Jobseeker Confidence Survey by ZipRecruiter, only 13% of jobseekers say their job search is going well, with 43% saying it’s going poorly. This marks a hit to the lowest point of jobseeker confidence since early 2022. HR consultant Stefanie Fackrell, who has worked with companies like Nvidia and Google, describes the current job market as “the worst job market I’ve seen since 2008.”
To succeed in this challenging market, Fackrell recommends following these three tips:
1. “You should always be trying to refine” skills. Fackrell suggests looking for opportunities to upskill in areas such as problem-solving, project management, and communication. There are various ways to build your skills, including free programs offered by universities, online courses on platforms like Coursera and Udemy, and YouTube tutorials.
2. “Always, always, always network” and find mentors. This can include colleagues, professionals you’ve met through online communities, or others you’ve connected with in your work life. Regularly check in with your mentor or contacts to maintain a strong connection.
3. If you’re a jobseeker, consider “what is translatable between” industries. If you’re having a prolonged job search, it may be time to pivot to a new industry. Consider transferring skills from your current experience to other roles. For instance, a recruiter could look at project management job descriptions to identify transferable skills.
By following these tips, you can set yourself up for success in 2025 and beyond.