An unplanned work search is one of the biggest stressors we face in our lives. Nowadays, people in this situation are finding themselves facing market challenges that they have never encountered before. From skills gaps, to ageism, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) changing market needs, the path is not clear for many and this leads to more stress during an already stressful time. By using some of the tools from your self care toolkit, you can manoeuvre through these unprecedented market conditions with a plan and a greater sense of control.
Job Market Challenges To Be Aware Of
Looking for work is no longer a straightforward process. Companies laying off employees en masse is no surprise any more. Economic uncertainties have made employers more cautious, so they are hiring less, and scrutinizing candidates more than ever before. Inflation has impacted most industries, and salaries are not keeping up with higher costs. Furthermore, for industries directly affected by tariff policies, it is even more stressful with the unprecedented uncertainty of the situation.
Technology has now impacted every industry. Medium-large companies are using applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen high volumes of candidates, but it weeds out people who have high potential. Employers are implementing more and more technology for everyday tasks to save costs and standardize processes. This forces existing employees to level-up, and potential employees are forced to scale their skillset to even be considered.
Additionally, some industries are facing huge gaps in skilled labour, which can translate into existing employees and new hires having to take on more responsibilities than they would have otherwise. This can lead to higher stress, more risks and burnout. These circumstances also make it hard for employers to plan and often results in hesitation to move forward with new hires as the turnover can also be high in these jobs.
Internal Roadblocks Of A Work Search
Sometimes the biggest obstacle to your work search is you. We often don’t realize how stressful looking for work is, and nowadays, we need to be ready for longer searches which can put an additional strain on our finances. If you need to upskill, it takes time and sometimes money. For those that have held a steady job for a few years, entering the market can be overwhelming. The game has changed, and you need to adapt to new ways.
Given that most people will most likely be in for an extended work search, you need to be aware that it can feel like a full-time job when you are looking for work. With each application that goes unanswered, it can feel like rejection. The longer your work search lasts, the more this can impact how you feel about yourself. This can quickly spiral into depression and anxiety. When the weeks and months start to pass and nothing is getting you selected, it’s time to look at your approach and your mindset.
Maintaining your self-care routine is vital during a work search. In fact, if you haven’t started a self-care routine or have struggled to build one, now is the time to get this nailed down. By prioritizing your well-being, you are setting yourself up for a successful work search. By getting your self-care pillars in place, you can add the work search as a regular task to your routine. You shouldn’t dedicate every waking moment to looking for work, you need to focus on getting strong, both mentally and physically. This will support the arduous task of looking for employment. When you are in a better place mentally, it allows you to see your own potential and helps you navigate the stressors of the employment market.
Focus Your Work Search On Best Fit
Before you start scrolling through countless job ads, you need to figure out a few things. If you are dealing with a recent job loss, give yourself the time to grieve that, and then figure out who you are as a job candidate. How did you get to this point in your career?
Then consider what type of work you would like to do next? Do you want to stay in a similar role within the industry? Is there a company you’ve always wanted to work for? Perhaps now you can see if they have any openings that you are qualified to do. Is now a time to change career paths? Do you need to upskill to stay relevant? Have you considered moving to another city which could have more employment opportunities?
Lastly, consider the criteria that matter for a new role. Flexibility in scheduling to account for public transportation or school drop-off and pick-up? If it’s available, do you prefer remote or hybrid work? Is it vital to have vacation during the summer months to accommodate for school schedules? Are the salary and benefits enough to meet your needs? What type of physical environment is conducive to your productivity? Is there a type of work culture and leadership style that allows you to thrive?
Storytelling
Hitting apply to every job you find interesting is not likely to get you far in your work search. Weed out the clutter and concentrate your efforts on crafting compelling stories for the roles that match your best fit. This is the time to gloat about your career accomplishments. Have a strategy and put in the time to align what you bring to the table with the role the company is trying to fill. This will help you stand out in your application. It can be difficult, but with practice, you get better at it.
Re-write your resume, and if you have a profile on LinkedIn, make sure to update it as well. While you are at it, make sure any social media accounts that have public content is not going to contradict the image you are trying to put forward to future employers. And yes, they check everything. If you manage to get past any ATS screening and your resume shows promise, you can bet that before considering you for an interview, a human recruiter will be searching online to see what they can learn about you.
Networking
Yes you need to spend time looking for work, but odds are, you need to spend just as much time networking. For many, that is a dreaded thought. But the facts are, many jobs don’t even get posted and your connections can open doors for you. Ideally you network before you need a job, but if you haven’t started, now is the time.
Try not to have an ask of anyone right away, build the relationship. And if you already have a solid foundation to the relationship, don’t be afraid to let them know you are looking for your next opportunity. Consider growing your professional network contacts on platforms like LinkedIn. You can send connection requests to people or simply follow them. You will be surprised how many times a job comes across your feed through one of those contacts.
Is there an association you could join? Oftentimes, they will host events (online or in-person) and have learning resources available for members. Additionally, some of them have job boards that cater to their specific industry. This is a great way to learn from others in a field of your interest.
Preparation
Once you get an interview, you need to be prepared for various questions and scenarios. Review your accomplishments, do your research on the company and the role. Prepare questions to ask the interviewer. Carefully thought out questions can give you the edge you need to get another interview or land the job. If you don’t put in the time to put your best self forward, odds are, you will not advance in the selection process.
May your next role be a great fit for you!
Doing a work search under challenging job market conditions can be highly stressful even for the most qualified candidates. Despite your efforts to prepare and present your best self, you may still get rejected or even ghosted. Don’t let this get you down. Use it as a learning opportunity for the next time. We no longer live in a time where job security is a guarantee. The only guarantee you have is the value you can bring to a company. But they need to be able to see that, and if they don’t, it is their loss.
Know what is in your control during the work search process: the job applications you spend time on, how you build your network, the skills you upscale, and how you present yourself. Remember that the length of time that it takes to find a job is becoming longer than it did traditionally, and you are facing major changes in technological advances, among other factors. This requires you to be more agile and to keep a positive mindset. You will land that next job. Be patient and compassionate with yourself. Keep your self-care routine going throughout this process and adjust accordingly once you land that new role!
IMAGE CREDIT: Unsplash | Jeshoots.