The latest and greatest in the Job Search world
Things are constantly changing out there in the realm of the Job Search and probably faster than ever this year. Here (from what I’ve seen) are the top 3 biggest changes in the job search landscape lately, and these trends affect how people find jobs, how employers hire, and what skills are valued.
1. AI is now involved in almost every stage of hiring and is moving from a niche tool to a core part of recruiting. Companies are using AI to screen resumes, rank candidates, schedule interviews and some even in the hiring process. And candidates are also using AI tools for their resumes, cover letters, and applications. What does that mean for you and your job search? AI is now competing with AI in hiring pipelines! So be careful with using AI to create your documents (resumes etc) – keep it real, human and ‘you’ (original). Recruiters often see hundreds or thousands of applications, and if they are AI-generated, they don’t particularly like it. And many have just stopped looking at them altogether. Don’t just apply for a position, send your docs in and leave it at that. There is lots you can do to raise yourself above the noise.
2. Skills-based hiring is slowly replacing degree-based hiring – employers are focusing more on what you can do rather than what degree you have – which is good news! Some employers now explicitly prefer real-world experience over traditional degrees and want people who can deliver value immediately. So that means you also want to focus your resume on portfolios, projects, and certifications, as well as bootcamps, micro-credentials, and hands-on experience. And how you can hit the ground running and make a difference, quickly.
3. The job market is “cooler” and more selective and companies are hiring more cautiously than during the post-pandemic boom, especially with current economic conditions. Companies may be focusing on business-critical roles instead of broad hiring and some sectors are seeing job cuts. Some roles may take longer to fill, competition may be higher and networking and referrals are becoming more important than ever.
Changing times mean strategies must change as well. But now that you know what to pay attention to, a few tweaks in your process may be all you need to do. And nothing can replace good old fashion networking and human connection to help get you that exposure you need. Remember, successful job seekers treat job searching like a strategic campaign, it’s not just about submitting applications. It’s almost a full time job to get a full time job! But worth the effort when you get what you want.