Navigating the Wild Job Market: 5 Essential Strategies
It's one of the toughest tech job markets I have seen since I started coaching 6 years ago.
No doubt about it. It's more challenging to land a job right now.
But it's not impossible, you must keep the faith. Folks are still getting offers so it's possible for you too!
Since the competition is fierce you have to do whatever it takes.
Below are 5 essential strategies you need to succeed in this wild job market.
1. Stamina
The number of job seekers is v high right now, making the job hunt more competitive than ever.
Employers can be more selective, which means you have to outlast the competition.
Stamina and persistence are crucial. Without it, you will burn out fast.
There will be ups and downs in your process, so regularly do things that make you feel good along the way.
Get outside, see friends, get a treat, workout, take a bath, etc.
But also stay consistent in your process.
Getting offers may take longer than usual - for my clients, it's taking about 4 months on average vs. 1-2 months previously - so make sure to take care of yourself along the way.
And keep on pushing.
2. Creative Problem Solving
A lot of the traditional job search methods may not be enough, you will likely need to step out of your comfort zone and try new approaches.
Test out new strategies to make yourself more memorable to potential employers.
Do whatever it takes.
I suggest running little experiments with different strategies, tracking your efforts and seeing what works best.
Be creative and methodical at the same time.
3. Strong Personal Branding
Your professional brand matters, whether you're aware of it or not.
Your public profiles are sales pages that should convert to conversations.
If they are not converting, it's a sign to tweak your profile.
The fact of the matter is 99% of recruiters are searching for you on LinkedIn.
If your profile is not optimized and you don't engage on the platform, you won't bubble up in these searches for them, which means you are missing out.
Update your profile every 6 months. And start engaging, posting, and networking.
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4. Get Help from Strangers
My peeps this is a big one for right now. You gotta ask for help.
I'm seeing a lot of people land interviews and offers through referrals.
It's not always necessary to succeed, but it helps a lot, especially in this market.
Leverage your connections and your network. Be proactive and ask for warm introductions to 2nd connections and send cold outreach.
Don't be afraid to ask strangers for help.
People can see what's happening in this job market and many are willing to help.
5. Being Targeted
Clarity about your next move is clutch.
Not only will it help you craft a clear narrative when you interview, it will also help you put your limited energy toward the right things.
Job searching can be exhausting, but if you are changing your mind about what role you want to target every week it's even more exhausting because you are likely starting over every time.
Get specific about what you want in your next role and be laser-focused in your pursuit.
If you're unclear, it will be reflected everywhere including in your profiles, in your interactions with hiring teams and in your outcomes.
If you are harnessing and embracing these 5 strategies as the foundation of your job search, you will get a job eventually.
Believe in yourself and keep going.
Most of all don't let this market rattle you.
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