Amid a slowing economy and stagnant job market, even career experts aren’t sure what advice to give job seekers.
The current market has pushed job seekers and recruiters alike into “truly uncharted territory,” according to Morgan Williams, founder and CEO of professional coaching program PeakHR.
“You can’t rely on tactics that we’ve always done, because we’re in a market we’ve never been in before,” she says. “As much as I can say to do this or do that, it’s really, really important to understand that we are all guessing.”
She emphasizes to job seekers that struggling with unemployment is not their fault: “You can be doing everything and still not get the job,” Williams says.
“This is just a crazy market for both sides,” she continues. “You cannot beat yourself up. You have to be so kind to yourself, because you need every ounce of energy that you have.”
Here are Williams’ tips for navigating the challenges of today’s job market.
Build your network “before you need it”
According to Williams, “a lot of people are networking way too late.”
In general, Williams says, it’s best to work on building your network “before you need it,” but many people only reach out to their connections when they’re on the job market.
If your first interaction with someone is to ask them for a favor, they tend to “feel used,” Williams says.
“Nobody just wants to hear, ‘I need, I need, I need,” she says.
Before reaching out to a not-so-close connection, Williams recommends doing some extra research on their career and their current role.
“Too often, people just blindly reach out and say, ‘I need help with this,'” she says. Instead, “show them how you value their work or why you think this person can even be helpful to you.”
At networking events, don’t spend too much time talking about your own career, she says. Asking questions is a great way to build relationships: “People love talking about themselves, so you should allow them to.”
Don’t overlook alumni groups or volunteer organizations as potential spaces for networking, Williams says. Job seekers often forget that their connections outside of work could help them in the job search, too.
Let go of perfection
Now is not the time to hold out for your dream job, Williams says.
Many companies are offering lesser titles or lower pay than before. To avoid draining their savings, job seekers may have to take any position they can get, Williams says.
“I think a lot of people hold on too long just to have that perfect title,” she says. “We’re not in a market for perfection. We’re in the market to pay bills.”
For job seekers struggling to land full-time roles, temporary and contract positions can be good alternatives, she says.
According to Williams, the current job market requires us to “challenge our norms and beliefs” about work and take advantage of all opportunities.
“This is not the time to put your nose up,” she says. “I think we really have to go into survival mode.”
Take care of your well-being
Navigating the job process can be extremely fatiguing, Williams says.
“There’s an emotional load, there’s a physical load, and there’s a mental load, so you’re going to have to figure out how to take care of yourself,” she says.
It’s tempting to retreat inside the safety of your home, but according to Williams, staying connected with the outside world is crucial for your mental health.
“The biggest thing is to get outside your head,” she says. “You are your own worst enemy”
She recommends finding a positive outlet like volunteering to pursue during your free time.
“If you have nothing else to do with your time and you feel like you’ve reached your limit, finding a purpose is really important,” she says.
Maintaining your relationships is key, too: while working on job applications, Williams recommends asking friends and former colleagues what they think your best attributes are.
Not only will they give you good material for your cover letter, she says, but their kind words will also put a “pep in your step.”
“I think you need that reminder that you do good work and that you are valued,” she says.
Want to stand out, grow your network, and get more job opportunities? Sign up for Smarter by CNBC Make It’s new online course, How to Build a Standout Personal Brand: Online, In Person, and At Work. Learn from three expert instructors how to showcase your skills, build a stellar reputation, and create a digital presence that AI can’t replicate. Sign up today with coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 30% off the regular course price of $67 (plus tax). Offer valid July 22, 2025, through September 2, 2025.
Plus, sign up for CNBC Make It’s newsletter to get tips and tricks for success at work, with money and in life, and request to join our exclusive community on LinkedIn to connect with experts and peers.
Source link
