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So there I was, standing at this job fair thing — you know, those big shindigs where everyone looks slightly lost but also like they’re on the hunt, big time. This one was at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, of all places. April 25, 2025, if I remember right. Felt kinda poetic or something, seeing all these folks trying to jumpstart their lives with planes taking off outside. Anyway, Ting Shen snapped a pic for Bloomberg; it’s out there somewhere.
Okay, job hunting nowadays — talk about a head-scratcher. Like, the market’s apparently great, but good luck finding something. Makes no sense, right? Unemployment was chilling at 4.2% in April. Decent, I guess. Jobs even grew more than the experts were betting on. Layoffs? Barely happening. So why does landing a gig feel like one of those frustrating video game levels you just can’t beat?
Turns out, companies aren’t hiring like they used to. Reminds me of 2014 for some bizarre reason. And check this — nearly a quarter of people without jobs have been in the trenches for more than half a year. Last year was different, though. Go figure. Cory Stahle from Indeed says we’ve hit some “low firing, low hiring” groove. Sounds catchy but doesn’t help much, does it?
And listen to this — there’s a widening gap between the comfy employed folks and those in the job wilderness. Used to be, people were quitting and hopping to new roles left and right. Now? They’re sticking like glue. Mandi Woodruff-Santos, who knows a thing or two about careers and money, says it’s the way it is. Companies could hire, they just… aren’t really doing it.
Why? Could be trade wars. Could be the markets feeling jittery. Feels like we’re all on this tightrope, and one gust of wind — phew — there we go. Stahle points this out, too, saying the market can’t dodge shaky business and consumer vibes forever. Yeah, real comforting.
So if you’re in the job market — yeah, I’m talking to you — experts have some survival tips. Have to get kind of crafty, you know? Jennifer Herrity from Indeed says, when things change, you gotta change your game too.
First up, get sneaky — in a good way. Networking, but not the usual boring kind. Mandi suggests going to places like book signings. Makes sense when you think about it. Let’s say someone writes a book on cybersecurity — go there if that’s your jam. Could meet some folks from companies hiring in stealth mode.
Next, maybe look inside the company you’re already at. Frances Weir from Korn Ferry says jobs have gone underground. And don’t throw your name in for every gig your company posts — that won’t fly well. Pick your battles, you know?
Then there’s this whole thing about tailoring your applications. Generic resumes? Might as well be invisible. Herrity advises echoing those keywords from job ads and talking up what you’ve actually done, not just your responsibilities. Makes you sound like a real go-getter.
Ah, and then — upskill, reskill, mix it all around. Slow times are prime for learning. Dive into some courses, fill those skill gaps, show you’re still in the game. Put new certifications front and center on your resume.
Flexibility is key too. While waiting for that dream job, don’t snub short-term gigs or hybrid roles. Could meet some cool people, learn new tricks, and when the right job pops up — bam, you’re ready.
So, yeah, that’s the scoop. Job hunting’s a bit of a roller coaster. All you can do is hold on and play smart. Or, you know, take a break and enjoy a good book signing. Who knows, right?
