Job seekers in a job fair organized by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority to support federal workers looking for new career opportunities, at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, April 25, 2025.
Ting Shen / Bloomberg via Getty Images
Nowadays, job search can look like a paradox: even if the global market is solid, it can be difficult for job seekers to find a new concert, according to economists.
Unemployment was relatively low in April, at 4.2%, and employment growth exceeded expectations. The layoff rate is Historically lowThis means that those who have jobs hang on.
However, it has become more difficult to find new work.
Companies hire their slower rhythm Since 2014. Nearly 1 employment workers out of 4, 23.5%, are Long -term unemployed – which means that they have been unemployed for more than six months – against 19.6% a year ago.
Friday, Cory Stahle, economist of the job laboratory, described it as a “low tendency to hire and bass” in a note.
There is a “growing ditch” on the labor market between those who are not work and those used, wrote Stahle.
The evolution of market conditions Can feel shocking for job seekers, given that a few years ago, there have been records of record jobs and that workers leave at record levels in the middle of many opportunities.
“This is how that's right now: companies are not recruiting,” said Mandi Woodruff-santos, career coach and personal finance expert. “If they are, it's very rare.”
Economic -contrary winds such as commercial wars and Consumer guilt confidence Can make job search more difficult in the coming months, economists said.
“The market cannot escape the consequences of the rapid confidence in business and consumers forever,” wrote Stahle.
How job seekers can stand out on a difficult market
Shannon Fagan | Image Bank | Getty images
Even in this “low shot and low -hike” market, there are means for job seekers to stand out, experts said.
“When the market changes, the way you are looking for a job may also have to be adjusted,” wrote Jennifer Herrrity, a career trends in an email.
1. Be “creative” with networking
Job seekers will probably have to rely more on personal relations than in a recent past, experts said.
Most jobs come from internal references or candidates, which means that people must be “creative” and “strategic” on networking possibilities, Woodruff-santos said.
“Instead of waiting for someone to choose your CV in a battery, you have to make it undeniable: put yourself in front of them,” she said.
“Creating a space for human connections and the creation of relationships will give you a little more thing,” she added.
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Do not only look for obvious networking events such as employment fairs or exhibitions strongly assisted by other job seekers, Woodruff-santos said.
She recommends looking for conferences, seminars, special conferences and book signatures. For example, say that you work in information technology and that someone writes a book on business security in the world of artificial intelligence. Access the signing of this author's book, the conference, the seminar or questions and answers, “said Woodruff -santos – because the public would probably be people in companies that interest IT security.
Reconnect with the former colleagues to get on the radar of a job manager before a role opens to the general public, said Herrity.
2. Search for internal opportunities
Workers dissatisfied with their current roles can ignore internal career opportunities, experts said.
“Although hiring may seem to slow down to the surface, it generally means that opportunities have gone further,” said Frances Weir, director of the organizational consulting company Korn Ferry, said In a March briefing.
However, employees should be strategic: for example, they should probably not apply for several different jobs in the company or seek to go from a role they started only months ago, according to the firm.
3. Customize applications
“Generic CVs will not stand out from employers in a tight market,” said Herrity. “Adapt your CV and cover letter to each role, echoing the keywords of the job description and aligning your skills with the employer's needs.”
Applicants should also highlight the results – instead of responsibilities – on their CV and in the interviews, she said. This shows that they are a proven interpreter by quantifying the achievements.
4. Upskill and Reskill
“Employers appreciate candidates who use slow periods to grow,” said Herrity. “This is particularly important for those who face long -term unemployment who can find themselves in a skills gap.”
She recommends finding free or low-cost lessons in all relevant career areas to help fill the gaps and report initiative, motivation and self-assembly.
Enumerate recent certifications or course endings in the “Education” or “skills” section of a CV, she said.
5. Be flexible
Pending your ideal job, success could mean being open to contractual work, hybrid roles or adjacent industries, said Herrity.
“Short-term roles can be an excellent opportunity to develop your network and skills, then jump when the right full-time role appears,” she said.
