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#JobSearch : How To Get A Remote Job In A Tough Labor Market, According To A Tech-Unicorn Founder. “At Remote, we Don’t Consider Education in Hiring Decisions”

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With employers pushing for workers to return to the office, it has become increasingly challenging and competitive to land a remote job. In the aftermath of the pandemic, remote job opportunities are diminishing across nearly all states in the United States, according to a recent Forbes report, citing ZipRecruiter data. This trend reflects a broader shift among companies, as they transition from work-from-home arrangements back to traditional in-office work environments.

Although remote job listings are disappearing, employees still overwhelmingly want to work for distributed teams. Remote, a global payroll, tax, human resources and compliance solution, receives over 15,000 applications per month for its fully remote and location-independent positions.

Marcelo Lebre, cofounder and president of the HR platform, desires to tear down barriers and democratize employment by leveraging the power of a dispersed workforce.

In a Q&A with me, Lebre pulled back the curtain for anyone seeking a remote position in an historically tough job market, including at his company. He talked about the intentionality in your search, cultural awareness when seeking an international remote position, what job seekers should be mindful of and more.

Q&A With Remote’s Marcelo Lebre

Jack Kelly: What do you look for in a résumé and cover letter?

Marcelo Lebre: We prioritize clarity and relevance. Highlight your key achievements and skills in a concise manner. Keep your résumé to one or two pages. A cover letter can help personalize your application, but focus on quality over quantity. Interviews are where you really shine.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 3.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – May24 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.6 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles: Articles/blogs on today’s Job Search (Over 8K Daily Readers)- Go to ‘Blog Search’ & type in updated info on resumes, job search, networking, social media job search, etc.

https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

New- FSC LinkedIn Newsletter– Daily articles/blogs on Today’s Job Market & Seach. Subscribe Today!

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fsc-linkedin-network-7081658661743308800

Connect with us on LinkedIn (under Chris G. Laughter) : https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs  @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Searching for ‘the Best Daily Career Search Articles/Blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type (Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

Kelly: Do you hire based on one’s educational background or do you more so look for skills and growth potential?

Lebre: Skills and growth potential are our main focus. Education can be a foundation, but practical skills and a demonstrated ability to learn and adapt are what set candidates apart.

At Remote, we don’t consider education in hiring decisions unless it’s legally required for the role, such as a law degree for practicing attorneys. Additionally, we recently removed ‘years of experience‘ as a requirement for our job listings. This shift focuses on what candidates can do rather than how long they’ve been doing it, ensuring we attract highly capable individuals who might otherwise be overlooked. This strategy helps us build a dynamic team with diverse experiences and perspectives, which is crucial for our fast-moving startup culture.

Kelly: Why is it important for job seekers to be intentional when applying to jobs?

Lebre: Intentionality demonstrates that you’re genuinely interested and have done your research. It’s better to apply to fewer positions with tailored applications than to blast out 100 generic ones. Being intentional also means you’ll likely be matched with a company that shares your values and respects your specific needs.

For example, let’s say you’re one of the millions of job seekers with young kids. You most likely wouldn’t want to work for a company that doesn’t have supportive policies in place for employees juggling work and raising a family. But what exactly does that look like?

We recently surveyed 2,001 working parents raising young children in the United States to understand how different work models impact finances, career decisions and overall work-life balance. We found that 22% of hybrid workers want to work from home more frequently to better manage childcare, but find their schedules too rigid—nearly on par with the 23% of fully in-office workers who face similar constraints.

So, if you’re a working parent in the U.S., this might mean applying specifically to companies that offer flexible work schedules or remote work options. Additionally, we found that nearly one in five working parents have considered sending their young children to school earlier to manage the high costs of childcare, and one in four parents have delayed or are reconsidering having more children due to their job demands.

Therefore, you might want to apply exclusively to companies that offer benefits designed for working parents, such as childcare support, affordable insurance and generous paid parental leave. Being intentional in your job search can lead to finding an employer that truly aligns with your personal and professional needs.

Kelly: For an American who is interested in getting a remote job in other countries, which places are the most welcoming to them?

Lebre: Overall, we’re seeing more and more companies from almost every country we operate in increasingly embrace remote work. But looking at specifics, Remote recently conducted an in-depth analysis of every country and U.S. state to uncover the best 100 destinations for remote work, based on factors spanning quality of life, safety, internet infrastructure, economics, travel and more. The top 10 include Madrid, Spain; Madeira, Portugal; Toronto, Canada; Auckland, New Zealand; Tokyo, Japan; Paris, France; Portland, Maine; Taipei, Taiwan; Stockholm, Sweden and Reykjavík, Iceland.

These top cities have several commonalities that make them ideal for remote work. Many, like Taipei, Madeira and Tokyo, offer digital nomad visas, making it easier for remote workers to stay for extended periods. Cities like Toronto and Auckland are known for their high quality of life, safety and diversity, making them welcoming for international workers. Places like Madrid and Paris offer a mix of rich cultural experiences and modern amenities, ensuring there’s always something to do when you’re not working. Others, such as Reykjavik and Stockholm, stand out for their stunning natural landscapes and commitment to sustainability. These locations not only provide the necessary infrastructure for remote work, but also offer vibrant communities, excellent healthcare and a variety of recreational activities to enjoy.

Kelly: Is it important for job seekers to learn about a country’s culture and norms, as it relates to compensation and other matters, when applying to international jobs?

Lebre: Absolutely. Cultural awareness shows that you’re proactive and adaptable. It’s essential for roles in diverse, international teams. On the flip side, when assessing global opportunities, it’s equally as important to consider companies that make an effort to understand your country’s norms and culture, so keep that in mind when deciding who you want to work for.

Respecting different norms and understanding how things operate in various regions is vital when working for a global company, and showcasing your interest and effort in this area indicates you’re probably a good fit for a distributed team.

Kelly: When negotiating or discussing salaries with an employer based out of the United States, what should a job applicant be aware of?

Lebre: Understand the cost of living differences and the company’s compensation philosophy. Be clear about your expectations and be ready to discuss how your skills and experience justify your salary requirements.

 

Forbes.com | July 11, 2024 | Jack Kelly 

#JobSearch : Job Seekers Looking For 3 Specific Priorities In 2024’s Uncertain Market. Also, How to Cope with Job Search Stress. MUst Read!

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In 2021 I wrote here about the frustrations job seekers were having securing a position. A FlexJobs Summer 2021 Unemployment Survey polled more than 1,800 women and men out of work to obtain information about their unemployment experiences. The survey found that 69% of those currently unemployed were out of work as a direct result of the pandemic, and 42% had been out of work for a year. With millions of job openings and millions unemployed, job seekers were struggling to find work, and companies struggled to fill positions.

Job seekers (48%) said they were frustrated in their job search because they couldn’t find the right jobs to apply for, causing many of them to rethink the parameters of their searches. Many (47%) started actively looking outside their fields to find employment. Although 69% said they were actively and consistently searching for a job, 34% reported that they hadn’t secured any job interviews. The vast majority (85%) were willing to take a pay cut in order to secure a job, and 40% said they had applied to jobs for which they were overqualified.

Despite their earnestness in searching, the 2021 job seekers said they were frustrated by obstacles that were in their way. The three top obstacles were jobs were too low paying (46%), employers are unresponsive (42%) and job seekers couldn’t find jobs in their preferred profession.

What Job Hunters Are Searching For In 2024

Now, after three years since the 2021 survey, an Aerotek study finds the average 2024 job searcher still enduring longer job hunts in an uncertain economy. The findings also reveal that job hunters are feeling vulnerable, and job stability is at the top of their priority list along with higher pay and job engagement.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 3.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – Aug23 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.2 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles: Articles/blogs on today’s Job Search (Over 8K Daily Readers)- Go to ‘Blog Search’ & type in updated info on resumes, job search, networking, social media job search, etc.

https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

New- FSC LinkedIn Newsletter– Daily articles/blogs on Today’s Job Market & Seach. Subscribe Today!

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fsc-linkedin-network-7081658661743308800

Connect with us on LinkedIn (under Chris G. Laughter) : https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs  @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Searching for ‘the Best Daily Career Search Articles/Blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type (Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

According to Quinn Heimann, director of strategic sales at Aerotek, “Job seekers are without a doubt feeling the impact of an evolving labor market. In addition to reporting that they are experiencing a slower hiring process, job seekers reported the expectation is that they will need to apply to more jobs than they expected to in our Fall 2023 survey.” Heimann underscores the fact that in a time of economic uncertainty, job seekers are prioritizing job pay and security because they are feeling vulnerable.

She adds that they are de-prioritizing other motivators when deciding to accept a new job like the potential for career advancement. “Still, nearly three of four job seekers express they want to know employers support their employees and offer a place where they will be able to establish social connections and engage in teamwork activities.”

The survey collected feedback from 1,433 job seekers across various industries, providing valuable insights into their evolving priorities and workforce challenges. Three items are at the top of their priority list:

  1. Job stability. Job seekers are becoming more motivated by job security as the prolonged period of economic uncertainty continues. When asked to choose from a list of eight motivators, the number of workers reporting job security as the most important increased by five percent compared to spring 2023, and the number of workers reporting pay as most important increased by four percent.
  2. Higher pay. A staggering 81.2% of respondents feel the same or worse about their financial situation compared to this time in 2023. Of 486 respondents who received a raise in the last year, 71% still feel the same or worse about their financial situation.
  3. Job engagement. Workers are more likely to stay if they can create social connections in the workplace. Aerotek’s survey findings reflect that engagement is a priority for job seekers, as 73.2% report that engaging with coworkers improves their feelings about a job, and 69.2% said they are more likely to stay at a job that promotes social connections.

 

“It’s never been more important for employers to communicate how they support employees and foster collaboration in their work environment.” Heimann emphasizes. “These survey results also emphasize the need for employers to take steps to button up their hiring process in order to ensure they don’t lose candidates who may be feeling added pressure to hold down a job in a time of uncertainty.”

Coping With The Stress Of Job Search Uncertainty

The inevitable uncertainty of a job search instantly arouses the fight-or-flight reaction. And there is no greater stress than uncertainty brought on by worries that come with dead-end job searches, shrinking financial resources and a questionable job loss. The instability of questions like how will you find a decent-paying job, pay the mortgage, get the kids through college or retire can make you sick.

Scientists have found that job uncertainty takes a greater toll on your health than actually losing the job. And employees living with job uncertainty have worse overall health and more depression than employees who actually lose their jobs. Statistics also show you’re more likely to maintain the stamina to continue taking risks after a car crash than after a series of psychological setbacks.

Studies show that job loss can lower your immune system, making you more vulnerable to viruses. Workers living with unemployment are five times more likely to catch colds than workers without job threats. Job uncertainty makes you more vulnerable to diseases and worsens existing chronic ailments such as heart disease, diabetes or depression.

The best defense against job search uncertainty is to manage the stress so your body doesn’t bear the burden. Keep yourself fit by getting the sleep, exercise and balanced diet your body needs. Avoid junk food, excessive alcohol and nicotine. These unhealthy behaviors seem to reduce anxiety in the short term, but they actually raise stress levels over the long haul.

Try to refrain from worry that doesn’t prepare you for uncertainty. The uncertainty of a job search is a given that you can count on. Your ability to accept job search uncertainty has a more positive effect on your health than worry or rumination. It reduces stress and brings peace of mind. It allows you to manage what you can and let the rest go.

Simply taking charge of what you can control empowers you so you don’t feel like a victim of circumstance. Have a back up plan just in case. Go to job fairs, talk with employers and find out what they’re looking for. Find websites of companies that are hiring. Add this search routine to your weekly schedule and be disciplined about it. The pool is large and you want to stand out, so improve your interviewing skills. Make sure your resume is neat and grammatically correct and you have dotted all of your i’s and crossed all of your t’s.

Cultivating “uncertainty tolerance” helps you cope with any unknown outcome. I recognize accepting, instead of resisting, the uncertainty of a job hunt is a tall order, but it’s counter intuitive. When you turn unknowns into adventure—instead of problems to solve—it amps up your uncertainty tolerance, takes the edge off the waiting period and brings balance to your ability to anticipate positive and negative outcomes more evenly. Flipping your perspective, welcomes possibilities and solutions—a shift that makes you feel empowered and less victimized by uncertainty.

 

Forbes.com | July 7, 2024 | Bryan Robinson, Ph.D.

#JobSearch : 5 Myths You Can Safely Ignore During Your Job Search, According To A Recruiter. Great Read!

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Navigating the post-pandemic job market is really tough. Trying to make sense of the avalanche of seemingly contradictory advice on social media doesn’t make it any easier. Although most users of LinkedInLNKD 0.0% and TikTok likely believe they’re doing a public service by re-sharing hacks and tips, they’re actually helping to perpetuate myths that are not helpful to your job search.

Here are five of the most persistent job search myths, with explanations of what’s actually happening.

1. The Hidden Job Market

The term “hidden jobs” can be traced all the way back to the 1950s, when it was coined in relation to a summer jobs program for teenagers in Iowa. In 1974, Harvard sociologist Mark Granovetter developed a theory describing the importance of “weak ties” in job searches, which gave rise to the oft-quoted statistic that “80% of jobs are not advertised.” These concepts were fused and popularized by Richard Bolles in his 1980 book, “What Color Is Your Parachute?”

Much of the advice circulating on LinkedIn and TikTok today centers on this notion that 80% of jobs are not advertised, and that you need to invest time networking to get access to these “hidden jobs.” Whether or not that was true in the 1980s (and even then, it would have been difficult to prove, because by definition the jobs weren’t advertised) it is definitely not true today. At both the Fortune 500 companies where I led talent acquisition, non-advertised jobs were always <1% of our total activity, and typically would only happen for c-suite roles, or when we were actively trying to replace someone that was currently in-seat.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 3.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – Aug23 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.2 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles: Articles/blogs on today’s Job Search (Over 8K Daily Readers)- Go to ‘Blog Search’ & type in updated info on resumes, job search, networking, social media job search, etc.

https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

New- FSC LinkedIn Newsletter– Daily articles/blogs on Today’s Job Market & Seach. Subscribe Today!

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fsc-linkedin-network-7081658661743308800

Connect with us on LinkedIn (under Chris G. Laughter) : https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs  @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Searching for ‘the Best Daily Career Search Articles/Blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type (Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

2. There Are Bots Inside the ATS

There is no question that we have entered a new era of Artificial Intelligence, and that it will have a transformative effect on how companies recruit. However, despite widespread claims to the contrary, we have yet to see large-scale deployment of AI inside applicant tracking systems. Furthermore, once we do see broad adoption of AI tools for recruiting, unless existing legislation changes, then those tools will be used to “opt-in” candidates, and not to reject them.

The only currently permissible automatic rejection of candidates is via the binary questions some ATS systems feature, for basic role qualifications. Examples include “are you at least 18 years old?” and “do you have the right to work in the country you’re applying to?” Beyond that, any rejection of your application requires the intervention of a human recruiter.

3. You Should Customize Your Resume For Every Role

The idea that you should ask AI to rewrite your resume based on the specific job description you are applying to is predicated on a fundamental misunderstanding of what a job description is.

In large enterprises, job descriptions are typically owned and managed by the compensation team, because they are closely tied to pay bands and leveling and are at best updated annually, but typically even less frequently. Occasionally HR business partners take an ownership role, and depending on the guardrails inside the organization, recruiters and hiring managers may or may not be allowed to make minor changes to them.

As a result there is usually quite a bit of difference between what a job description says, and what a hiring manager (and therefore the recruiter) is actually looking for. All of which to say, customizing your resume to a job description that may or may not closely match what the hiring manager needs is almost always wasted effort.

4. The LinkedIn ‘Open To Work’ Banner Makes You Look Desperate

It is particularly upsetting that this myth gained traction after a former recruiter made the assertion in a CNBC article, which ultimately went viral. It is important to note that this “ex GoogleGOOG +1.6% recruiter” handed in their badge in 2015, and yet the OTW feature wasn’t released until 2020.

LinkedIn released the OTW feature in response to the first wave of pandemic layoffs, specifically to help reduce friction for folks that found themselves unexpectedly looking for a new job. There are two different ways for LinkedIn members to use the feature, and, as LinkedIn’s own data shows, both deployments yield significantly positive results. Members that indicate to recruiters that they’re open to work typically see a 40% uplift in outreach, while members that use the green banner visible to all users typically see a 20% increase in messages.

The feature is working in exactly the way it was designed to, and as a job seeker, you would be wise to avail yourself of the benefits it delivers.

5. Jobs Are Getting Thousands Of Applications

LinkedIn recently adjusted the applicant count feature on their job postings, and now you will just see “more than 100,” although other job boards are still showing the total count. It is crucial to know that this number represents the number of people that hit apply, which is not the same thing as the number of applicants inside the applicant tracking system.

In the United States, the average drop-off from external media (i.e. LinkedIn, Indeed) to completed applications is 84%. The vast majority of folks that hit apply do not end up completing their application. It is also true that at the most aggregate level, for fully completed applications inside the ATS, typically 75% will not meet the minimum criteria for the jobs they have applied to. You can safely ignore that alarmingly high number of applicants, because your competitive set is nowhere near as large as it might first appear.

There’s no question that finding a new job is more complex than it’s ever been, and it’s taking longer (Bureau of Labor statistics show unemployment is currently averaging 21 weeks) to find a new role. While it can be tempting to turn to social media for answers, it’s always a good idea to verify the professional background of folks making bold assertions about what’s happening in the hiring process. Unless someone has worked in an HR team at a reputable organization, it’s unlikely they’re able to offer much more than conjecture, or clickbait.

Forbes.com | April 4, 2024 | James Hudson

#JobSearch : How To Stay Resilient During Your Job Search. Job Searching, Especially for Extended Periods of Time, Can Be an Isolating Experience.

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The latest figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show the average duration for unemployment in the U.S. is currently 21 weeks. For most job seekers this means preparing for a marathon, not a sprint: spending the best part of six months on any new task takes resilience, and navigating the post-pandemic job market can be particularly grueling.

No matter where you are in your career, if you’re entering this job market, it is inevitable that you are going to hear “no” more than you hear “yes.” An open role results in one hire, but getting there often involves more than 100 applicants, of which typically 20+ will be qualified candidates. Usually only six folks will get through to in-person interviews with the hiring team. Therefore even getting to the interview stage gives you, at best, a 17% chance of success.

The asymmetry of information in the hiring process has a compounding effect: as a job seeker you only have as much information as the company is willing to share, and here in the US at least, it’s unlikely that you will receive much actionable feedback as you progress through the process. Preparation for a post-pandemic job search necessarily includes reaching acceptance that six months of activity will likely be conducted in what can feel like a cone of silence.

Get Clear About Your Personal Runway And Likely Length Of Search

In his paper “A Theory of Human Motivation” Abraham Maslow described a “hierarchy of needs” that need to be met in order unlock motivation. Often portrayed as a pyramid, the foundations of human motivation are basic needs such as food, shelter, and rest. Although this theory dates from the 1940’s, it is still relevant in today’s job market: a key factor in creating psychological safety for your job search is being really clear-eyed on what your personal financial runway looks like.

Before you do anything else, compile a basic spreadsheet so that you can understand your household “profit and loss” account. How much does it cost to keep the lights on, and how much do you have available in liquid assets? If your monthly cost of living totals $5,000 and you have $60,000 when you combine your available savings, severance payment and state unemployment insurance, then your personal runway is 12 months.

Getting a realistic view of whether you have enough to cover what will likely be a six-month job search creates psychological safety, but also allows you to plan ahead if it looks like it will be prudent to either try to trim monthly expenses, or to take a “bridge” or “survival” job.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 3.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – Aug23 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.2 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles: Articles/blogs on today’s Job Search (Over 8K Daily Readers)- Go to ‘Blog Search’ & type in updated info on resumes, job search, networking, social media job search, etc.

https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

New- FSC LinkedIn Newsletter– Daily articles/blogs on Today’s Job Market & Seach. Subscribe Today!

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fsc-linkedin-network-7081658661743308800

Connect with us on LinkedIn (under Chris G. Laughter) : https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs  @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Searching for ‘the Best Daily Career Search Articles/Blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type (Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

Set Boundaries Around Your Job Search Activity

The adage “your new job is to find a job” absolutely applies, however the critical caveat is that you’re now your own boss, and you get to set the hours and location for this new job. Once you’re into the rhythm of your job search (leveraging the tools that make sense in your industry, but at a minimum setting alerts on job boards to serve you all new relevant postings every 24hrs) you can realistically get all of your daily tasks completed within a 90-minute window.

Whether you get your applications, networking and any interviews done in one sitting, or broken up into smaller chunks, do not allow yourself to spend the whole day doom-scrolling LinkedIn. Being caught up in a layoff is almost never desirable, but one of the small silver linings is the gift of time. Try to avoid squandering that time and confine your job search activity to finite windows, then use the rest of the day to pursue activities you typically wouldn’t have time for.

Get Outdoors, Find Community And Give Back

Job searching, especially for extended periods of time, can be an isolating experience. Finding community can help to replace some of the lost workplace camaraderie. It can be especially beneficial to use some of the extra time you now have to volunteer in your local community. Doing so helps return some structure to your week, it also gives you access to folks that you otherwise wouldn’t meet and can open doors in surprising ways.

Suspending your gym membership for the duration of your unemployment doesn’t mean that you must forego physical exercise. Wherever you are in the country you will find cycling, hiking and jogging clubs that offer up a range of (free) benefits. They give you structure, they provide community, they get you out of the house, and you burn calories along the way.

While your job search is unlikely to be enjoyable, building a framework and support structure for the endeavor is the best way to stay resilient whilst you look for your next opportunity.

Forbes.com | March 6, 2024 | James Hudson 

#JobSearch : 5 Effective Marketing Tips For Professionals Who Just Got Laid Off. Great REad for ALL!

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Many professionals went through a tough time with their jobs last year. A large number of planned job cuts reached 89,703, going up by 15% since February. From the beginning of the year until now, job losses have gone way up to 270,416, shooting up by a massive 396% compared to the same time last year.

Around 1,450 folks working in the U.S. tech sector have lost their jobs, as counted by Crunchbase News. And if that’s not enough, Layoffs.fyi tells us that a whopping 1,157 tech companies have let go of a staggering 257,778 workers in 2023. If you’ve recently experienced a job loss, know that you’re not alone. Numerous individuals are encountering comparable challenges. Here are five practical tips to help you navigate tough times and get back on your feet.

1. Take a Pause to Figure It Out

Experiencing a layoff is tough and can bring a lot of stress to you and your loved ones. Studies show that being laid off is the seventh most stressful life experience. Rather than getting stressed, think of a layoff as a chance to start over somewhere new, with different opportunities and challenges.

The initial step to realign your professional path is to take a brief break. Given the increasing number of layoffs, it becomes crucial to strategize your next moves. Taking this pause enhances your likelihood of discovering new opportunities in the months ahead. Use this time to think about your skills, strengths, and the job market. This will help you plan your next moves wisely.

 

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2. Invest Time In Skill Development

The job market is evolving rapidly, and continuous skill development is crucial. Dedicate time to enhance or acquire new skills. Online courses are a great way to start, offering a flexible and accessible way to boost your capabilities.

This investment in yourself makes you more capable, and companies are likely to notice your efforts when they’re looking to hire. The goal is to become someone companies find hard to resist hiring because of your valuable skills.

3. Craft A Compelling Personal Brand

Today, making yourself known online is like having a secret weapon for job hunting. It’s a strong tool that helps you stand out. Your mission? Make a personal brand that shows off what makes you special – your skills and what you’re great at. Start by updating your resume or CV with all your latest achievements.

Now, take your skills online. Use social media like LinkedIn to make a consistent and real online image. Share your work journey, talk about what you know, and connect with others. Your personal brand, when done well and kept the same everywhere, becomes a story that tells employers why you’re awesome.

4. Build Strong Professional Connections

When you’re promoting yourself after a layoff, it’s not just about how you show yourself but also about the folks you link up with. Get in touch with people in your industry—colleagues, mentors, and friends from previous jobs. Keep the connection alive by regularly checking in and participating in professional conversations. This could open doors to valuable mentorship, career advice, and even potential job opportunities.

Moreover, attend online events, join communities, and participate in networking activities to grow your connections. Remember, your network might be the key to reclaiming your dream job, so utilize it wisely. They could offer valuable insights and even help you find new opportunities.

5. Be Consistent in Your Job Hunt

Finding a job after being laid off can be tiring and downright frustrating. But here’s a straightforward tip to keep you moving forward: commit to doing at least one job-hunting task every day. This small but consistent effort can make a big difference.

Your daily tasks could be updating your resume or online profile, applying for a specific job, creating a new profile on a job search website, or having a conversation with a mentor. The key is to stay engaged with the job search process regularly.

In addition to exploring traditional employment, consider other options like freelance work, contract positions, or even starting your own small business. These alternatives may open new doors and provide valuable experience while you navigate your job search journey.

As we enter deeper into 2024, job seekers are bracing for more challenges. A recent survey by ResumeBuilder.com reveals that a concerning 38% of larger companies anticipate layoffs in the coming year. Shockingly, 96% of organizations have already made cuts in the past 12 months, and 92% plan to do so again in the next year, as reported by Randstad RiseSmart. The uncertainty surrounding job losses persists, leaving many wondering when this cycle will end.

In times like these, the strategies shared in this guide can be a lifeline for those navigating layoffs. Remember, while the road ahead may be uncertain, your ability to adapt and follow these effective tips can make a real difference in facing the challenges that lie ahead.

Forbes.com | February 5, 2024 | Goldie Chan

#JobSearch : 5 Reasons Why January And February Are The Best Months To Look For A New Job. Hunt for Job, Don’t Miss this Window!

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While festivities and holiday cheers often steal the spotlight early in the new year, it is worth recognizing the unique opportunities for career growth that January and February offer. Some believe that this season may slow down hiring activities, but employment data reveals a significant rise in companies seeking new talents within the early months of the year. In January specifically, there is an average 15% increase in job postings.

Capitalize on these opportunities to look for a job during these first two months of the year if you’re in a hunt for professional development this 2024.

1. Recruiters Are Back From Their Vacation And Ready To Hire

As the holiday season comes to a close, the professional landscape on the other hand undergoes a positive transformation marked by a resurgence of recruitment activities. Recruiters and hiring managers are more attentive and are engaged in responding to job applicants after recharging during their vacations.

Recruiters during this time of the year also have a clearer understanding of their hiring goals and organizational needs, so submitting applications during this active hiring phase can increase the chances for consideration in open roles.

 

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Article continued …

2. Companies Have Renewed Budgets

Calendars reset at the start of the year which signals an opportunity for companies to recalibrate and allocate resources for achieving success in upcoming business endeavors. Talent acquisition gains prominence during this period as companies commit to cultivating skilled and dynamic teams, highlighting their dedication to attracting and securing top-notch candidates.

In fact, a recent survey in the U.S. shows that 57% of company respondents plan to add new permanent positions, while 39% anticipate hiring for vacated positions. This means that applying for positions during the early months of the year puts candidates in an opportune situation where companies and teams are more receptive to new members and are willing to offer more competitive compensation packages and benefits.

It also translated to making swift and decisive hiring decisions which expedites the recruitment and placement period of successful applicants.

3. The Beginning Of The Year Is All About Goal-Setting

Just as individuals set personal goals during the new year, companies also actively establish and pursue strategic objectives to foster growth and success. As they define these goals for the year ahead, they also augment their workforce with individuals offering diverse skills and perspectives. These new hires will take on roles for new and continuing projects, initiatives and expansion.

Jobseekers wanting to land a role in the opportune months of January and February should match their skills and aspirations with the companies’ goals and strategic plans for the year. They should also showcase how they can be potential contributors to the realization of the business objectives.

Considering these will favorably position them in the roster of applicants before the competition intensifies throughout the rest of the year, amid a currently competitive job market with the unemployment rate in the U.S. at 3.7% in January 2024.

4. No Holidays Coming Up

Humans are simply more productive when they are well-rested. Research says there is an 80% increase in performance following a vacation, like the recently concluded Christmas and New Year holidays. As recruiters and hiring managers return to work in January when there are no major holidays, they tend to be on a continuous hunt for talent who will help their companies and teams achieve the goals they are eyeing for the year.

They are also more readily available to review applications, conduct interviews, and make hiring decisions without holiday-related disruptions. As a result, this period witnesses an increase in hiring activities as companies start executing their strategic plans and allocating budgets for new hires.

5. People Are Just More Motivated

The fresh start offered by the new year brings a collective sense of renewal, goal-setting, and increased motivation which positively impacts the hiring landscape. As companies seek to expand and enhance their teams to achieve business objectives, employers also approach the new year with a proactive mindset.

Companies during these early months are more open to onboarding new team members, encouraging a more welcoming atmosphere for job seekers who are eager to contribute to the success of the company. This can have a contagious effect on individuals where motivation translates to approaching work with much enthusiasm.

Leverage the positive momentum associated with the new year to set the tone on your journey to achieve a more productive and successful year ahead.

By capitalizing on this early hiring season, job seekers maximize their chances of securing meaningful employment, position themselves at the forefront of opportunities, and approach the new year with a strategic decision that lays the foundation for a successful and fulfilling professional path. So if you’re in a hunt for a job, don’t miss out on this opportunity window!

Forbes.com | January 29, 2024 | Sho Dewan

#JobSearch : 8 Simple Steps To Help You Navigate A Layoff. 2023 has seen a 200% Increase in Overall Layoffs, More to Come. Great Read.

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This year has seen a 200% increase in the overall number of layoffs, with job losses almost reaching levels last seen in 2020, and prior to that in the Great Recession of 2009. Although the pace has slowed into the final quarter, some major corporations are still announcing cuts.

If the worst happens, leveraging tools from organizational psychology can help you navigate what can be a very stressful time:

1. First of all, breathe. Losing a job is a grieving process like any other, so allow yourself time to feel your feelings, all of them. Take a couple of days to process the news, as you are not going to be effective whilst you’re still in shock. Although a layoff isn’t personal, it doesn’t stop it from feeling personal.

2. Next, address what Maslow calls “hygiene factors” and create a strong foundation to support your hierarchy of needs. This starts with a deep dive into your finances: if you don’t already know, calculate your monthly cost of living. The easiest way is to build a spreadsheet and total up all your non-negotiable outgoings. File for unemployment, and take time to understand the terms of your severance, if your company is offering one. In your spreadsheet total up your severance payment, unemployment income, savings and any other liquid assets. Now you can calculate how much runway you have before you need another paycheck.

 

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Article continued …

3. Try to maintain regular and healthy sleep cycles (don’t be tempted to go nocturnal for the heck of it) and remember to be physically active. You may have taken the decision to put your gym membership on hold, but that doesn’t preclude you from getting outside for a run or a walk.

4. There is some truth to the adage that “you’re not unemployed – your job is to find a new job”, but that doesn’t mean you should lose sight of the fact that being your own boss comes with certain privileges. Chief amongst them is the ability to set your own hours. Once you get into the rhythm of your job search you can achieve maximum daily productivity within 90 minutes to 2hrs. You do not need to sit in front of your laptop 8hrs a day doom scrolling LinkedIn.

5. Set yourself SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound). It is crucial to be mindful of what is achievable and realistic: you have no control over the supply of jobs so setting a goal of completing 50 applications per day simply might not be possible. You can however set goals around the networking activity you will need to augment your applications. Perhaps start with a daily goal of finding 5 new people to follow on LinkedIn, or leaving comments on 10 different posts. The network effect of this activity will build momentum and broaden your digital footprint.

6. Leverage technology. All the major job boards allow you to create search parameters and set alerts, meaning your first daily task can be applying for all the relevant roles that have gone live in the past 24hrs. Utilize free tools like Teal to help you craft your resume, and to keep track of the applications you’ve sent. Don’t be afraid to use AI tools like Bard and ChatGPT to help you complete onerous tasks like writing cover letters.

7. Practice gratitude, and if you can, give back. Navigating a layoff is emotionally challenging, but the research shows that practicing gratitude can have a transformational effect. Furthermore using some of your free time to volunteer in your community can be both emotionally rewarding, and can help strengthen your network.

8. Don’t be afraid to lean on your community, share how you’re feeling, and ask for support in the way that you need it. Former coworkers may want to help, but be unsure on how to offer it, so it can be helpful to provide them with a menu of options. Creating a simple framework like: “a) write me a recommendation on LinkedIn b) review my resume c) introduce me to folks at your former company” is a great place to start.

The advances in consumer facing technology and the macro-economic environment have created a perfect storm in the talent marketplace, meaning that your job search will likely be a marathon, and not a sprint. Establishing a strong foundation, including a clear view of your personal economic runway, is a critical first step in helping you navigate the period between getting laid off, and finding your next role.

Creating a framework for your job search activity, anchored with SMART goals, helps you hold yourself accountable on a daily basis. Practicing gratitude and leaning into your community will help to sustain y0u through the low moments that will inevitably be a feature of your job search. Rest assured though, that like all the previous economic downturns, this too shall pass.

Forbes.com | November 16, 2023 | James Hudson

#JobSearch : 5 Steps To Get Hired During The September Surge. Best Months for Candidates are at the Beginning of the Year, Spring, and of Course, September.

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You may have seen the trend all over your TikTok feed or in recent articles — the September Surge for hiring is here. Most recruiters, hiring managers, and career coaches agree: now is the best time to update your resumes and start hunting for a new role if you want to land one by the end of the year.

So what is this September Surge? It refers to the uptick in hiring that occurs in the last quarter of the year. The surge happens because of two things. First: hiring managers and recruiters are mostly back now from their summer vacations. And second: Many companies and brands have a remaining budget to accelerate hiring and help hit certain revenue targets as the year ends. This way, they can end the year on a high and have a complete team that’s ready to hit the ground running early next year.

I’ve been in the HR and recruitment space for the better part of the decade, and have seen the best months for candidates are typically at the beginning of the year, Spring, and of course, September. If you’ve been in the market for new opportunities, your time is going to come sooner rather than later, especially if you follow these five tips to get hired during the September Surge.

1. Get specific on what you want

Remember rage-applying? Yeah, I wouldn’t recommend it. While it’s true that you shouldn’t pin your hopes on just one or two applications, you also shouldn’t go and just hit “easy apply” to every open role either.

It may feel counterintuitive, but the more narrowed and specific you get on what you want the more, the higher your chances become of actually landing it. What I recommend is for you to make a list of all the great qualities you are looking for in this next role. Here are some questions to help you get started:

  • What kind of company do you want to work for?
  • How would you describe what your ideal manager and team look like?
  • What skills do you want to flex in this role?
  • What projects and type of work do you not want to do?
  • Where would you like to be located?

Once you get clear on the type of role you want, why you would be a good fit, and how you can contribute, that is when the magic happens. Get specific and make a list of your target roles & companies before progressing forward.

 

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We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

2. Get your resume ready and tailored for the role

You already know the job market is uber competitive these days so don’t disqualify yourself with a bland, generic resume.

Think of it this way: Recruiters will be sifting through hundreds of resumes for a single job post. They’ll be skimming through pages and pages of resume to focus on certain key qualifications and experiences that match the job description. And if your resume is not highlighting the things they are looking for, your chances are pretty much zero on landing an interview.

So how do you ensure that your resume stands out from the others?

You don’t have to go all out and create something wildly creative here but use what is tried and true. You can download our free, simple, ATS-friendly resume template from our website here.

Next, read the job post thoroughly and put yourself in the hiring manager’s shoes. What kind of skills and experiences are they looking for in this candidate? Now that you know that, try to use their language, the same keywords and skills. Anything you can do to make the recruiter’s job easier will work in your favor, I guarantee it.

Then proofread for any silly errors. Make sure there are no typo errors and even get a friend or two to read your resume and check for anything that can be revised.

3. Research the company and get connected with decision makers

The next part is how you stand out even further. You can dramatically increase your chances of being noticed by deeply researching the company and getting connected with decision makers.

Start by digging deep into the company’s website, social media profiles, and any recent news articles or press releases. This knowledge will not only help you tailor your application but also impress during upcoming information and actual interviews, demonstrating your genuine interest and commitment to the organization.

You can also look up the company’s decision makers on LinkedIn, and try to hit up a connection with a well-crafted intro. Here’s a template you can use here:

Hi James,

Amazing to see you celebrate your anniversary with [firm name]! Congratulations on your tenure and all your big wins.

I wanted to reach out as I am exploring opportunities with [firm] myself. Would you be available for a call to discuss your experience so far? Thanks so much in advance!

Best,

NAME

Also, if you can, attend industry-related events, conferences, and webinars, as these are excellent opportunities to meet professionals from your desired field, including those within your target companies.

4. Prep for your networking chats and interviews

And then it’s off to the interviews! Getting your resume handpicked from the rest is an excellent opportunity that you shouldn’t miss, so ensure that you’re ready to impress during your networking chats and interviews.

You’ve already done your research about the company, so you probably already know what to say on some level. All that’s left to do is to polish your game through practice.

Research common interview questions and prepare thoughtful responses, but don’t just write your answers on a piece of paper. Write stories that highlight your unique skills and experiences, and relate back to the role you are going for.

Say them out loud and take note of your tone, expression, and body language. It doesn’t matter if you do this alone with a mirror or a friend who can provide some feedback, you just need to get those reps in to get rid of the jitters.

5. Don’t just focus on only one company. Get multiple offers to build leverage.

If you follow the first four tips, you will probably have a line up of interviews coming your way. But the big mistake I want you to avoid is just going all in on one company. While it’s great to have your eyes on the prize, the more options you have, the more leverage you build up.

And saying yes to every suitable interview that you can line up can help ensure that you get the best offer possible. Because the last thing a company wants to do is lose out on great talent to another competitor.

The goal here is to have multiple offers because then you are in the driver’s seat and are able to compare and contrast comp packages, benefits, and the overall culture of each company. If you run across a company that has the best culture-fit but is lacking in total compensation, you can even use other offers to showcase your value and negotiate for a better salary.

Remember, this is not just another job you are after. You are going towards your ideal career and it’s important to think things through with all the information available. So be patient and give yourself the gift of choice.

Bonus Tip: Remember you are a valuable candidate!

It all starts with confidence and knowing that you bring to the table a set of skills that any company would be lucky to have. Most of the time it all just comes down to your stories, timing, and your confidence in yourself, so follow the tips I laid out for you to ensure that you make the most of the September Surge. Rooting for you!

Forbes.com | September 7, 2023 | Sho Dewan

#BestofFSCBlog : Over 6K Reads. Layoffs Aren’t The End Of The World. Here’s How To Land Your Next Gig. GReat REad for All!

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Companies and their constellations of managers, employees, investors, and boards love the word “growth.”  Growth means the expansion and more funding. It means hiring up and scaling output. It leads to fun office perks and big bonuses. It signals success, and which company doesn’t want to brag about that?

We’re now seeing that the overambitious growth at startups and established tech giants alike — MicrosoftMSFT +0.8%, GoogleGOOG +0.2%, AmazonAMZN +0.5%, and Meta — has a human toll.

“Successfully managing any professional transition involves first reflecting on where things stand in your career, then taking concrete action to make your professional ambitions a reality.”

This hiring-and-firing dynamic has ensnared 160,000 workers who were laid off from tech companies last year and an estimated 46,000 more workers who received their digital pink slips via Zoom, Slack and email this month.

Job cuts show no sign of slowing down as companies navigate a combination of high-interest rates, diminished profits, a pullback in investments and a lagging economy. So we’ve compiled expert advice from our contributors on how to burnish your resume, hone your soft skills and land a new job quickly.

 

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We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

Highlight Soft Skills

Despite the sustained gloomy outlook, tech workers can still leverage both hard and soft skills, writes Future of Work expert Sarah Doody. “Regardless of your role at a tech company, your skills and expertise are valuable and can transfer to many other industries,” she writes. “Just because your last job was at a tech company, that doesn’t mean you can’t get hired in another sector, and maybe even with a salary increase.”

Skills such as communication, critical thinking, problem solving, team work and work ethic should not be overlooked — “they can often be the difference between you receiving job interviews and offers or not,” Doody writes.

Offering actionable advice on how to highlight these skills, she says to start first with asking colleagues and close friends for feedback.

Sell Yourself Even If It’s Hard

Selling yourself might not come naturally, but it’s a necessary part of landing a new job, Doody writes. Instead of repeating that famous mantra, “always be closing,” better to think of how to “always be connecting,” she advises.

“If marketing is about ensuring people know about you and what you have to offer you, then sales is about ensuring they connect the dots and see enough value in the product or service to actually buy it,” she writes.

Look For The Silver Linings

Layoffs could be a boon for non-tech companies looking for skilled tech workers, writes Leadership Strategy expert Gleb Tsipursky. These companies “can gain a competitive advantage by offering a positive company culture and opportunities for career growth,” he writes. “This can help attract top talent who may be looking for a more stable and secure work environment.”

While Leadership Strategy expert Caterina Bulgarella warned of the real costs of layoffs to the workers left still standing, Tsipursky says companies can use the shake-up as an opportunity to reevaluate culture and values.

After a tech company went through a recent round of layoffs, it “led to a more positive and productive work environment for the remaining team members, which in turn led to an increase in employee retention,” he writes in his latest post.

Make Your Next Move

Laid off or not, regardless of industry or position or title, employees’ careers will always undergo transitions and changes, writes Careers contributor Joseph Liu. It always helps to take a breath, slow down and assess.

“Regardless of the cause, transitions often open up a mix of personal and practical challenges that range from clarifying exactly what’s next to rewriting your cover letter and resume,” he notes.

Forbes.com | January 26, 2023 | Corinne Lestch

#JobSearch : Why Your Job Search Will Take A Hot Minute. Hunting for a New Job? Be Prepared for a Long Slog.

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If you are hunting for a new job, be prepared for a long slog. Layoffs from top companies have spooked both hiring managers and job seekers. You will be put off by job descriptions with too many requirements and not much clarity around the salary, as well as glitchy job applications that take up an inordinate amount of time. The hiring process will be slow. You will be forced to partake in three to 10 interviews, have meetings canceled at the last minute and get ghosted or receive a lowball job offer.

The United States job market is amid a white-collar recession, as college-educated professionals are predominately being laid off. There has been a steady stream of downsizing announcements from companies in the tech sector, Wall Street, media and other industries with a preponderance of office workers.

Layoffs are the focus of the current job market. To battle inflation, Federal Reserve Bank Chair Jerome Powell is executing his plan to cool down the economy. Hiking interest rates will cause companies to cut costs and result in workers being downsized, which is the unfortunate intended consequence. In past recessionary environments, it was typically the blue-collar and low-wage earners who suffered the most. This time, it’s different.

The Job Search Will Go Slowly

Out-of-work Americans are experiencing a more drawn-out and lengthy job search. They are spending more time job hunting, as employers are slower to hire compared to the pandemic. According to the Wall Street Journal, last month, 826,000 unemployed workers had been out of work for about 3½ to 6 months, which is up from 526,000 in April 2022. The number of people filing for unemployment benefits and continuing claims at the beginning of January was “26% above half-century lows reached last spring.”

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Article continued …

Companies Are Reluctant To Hire

When companies are laying off workers and cutting costs, your job search is much more difficult. Wanting to keep costs down, businesses are reluctant to hire, as economists predict a looming recession. With nearly 60,000 tech professionals laid off in January alone, there will be intense competition for the fewer remaining job openings.

It will be harder to get a premium to your current wage when there is a vast pool of applicants to draw from. Human resources will presume that job hunters are desperate and willing to accept lowball offers as a life raft.

Be prepared for wading through old, stale job listings, getting ghosted, interviews being canceled at the last minute and feeling like you’re being discriminated against because you’re in between jobs. You’ll have to be vigilant about fake job scammers trying to take advantage of your vulnerable situation.

Some companies will be cryptic about the actual pay, why the job is open, what happened to the last person who held the role and the future growth path. However, they will demand to know specifics about what the candidate would accept for a salary and every detail about their work-life experience.

The job descriptions can be long, riddled with corporate jargon and buzzwords and contain too many unrealistic bullet points that don’t even offer what it’s really like to work at the company. States like New York, Colorado and California legally require businesses to list compensation ranges in job postings. However, companies skirt this law by offering wide salary bands, which is unhelpful.

The application process can be horrendous. Online applications are fraught with glitches and lengthy questions that require too much personal data. Job seekers find the applications duplicative since people are simultaneously required to upload their résumé containing the same exact information. To add insult to injury, the companies that post job advertisements don’t even have the courtesy to provide a computer-generated email confirming receipt of the application.

Job seekers are pushed into meeting with several people over a three to 6-month period. In between interviews, there are long bouts in which they don’t receive any communications from the company. It’s not unusual for weeks to go by before receiving an email requiring an interview the following day at a predetermined time that they did not consult with you on.

Even after attending multiple interviews, job seekers are ghosted. Email and phone calls go unanswered and the applicant is simply ignored and forgotten.

After a lengthy and stressful interview process, including conversations about compensation, a lowball offer is presented. Some companies make it a practice not to provide a written offer unless a verbal offer is accepted first. It is accompanied by intense pressure to say “yes” immediately—without time to deliberate on the offer.

The Contagion Effect

Layoffs can cause a domino effect. There is a herd mentality amongst corporate leadership. If a bellwether company is conducting layoffs, other firms will follow suit. Boards of directors will wonder if everyone else is downsizing, why isn’t their company? By reducing headcount, shareholders and the board will benefit. In addition to saving, they make money because the share prices often go higher following a layoff announcement, as investors applaud the company’s fiscal responsibility.

Once a few firms within a sector lay off workers, it gives permission for other companies to follow suit. It makes it easier for the CEO and C-suite to conduct layoffs if everyone else is doing it too. They can prune the low performers without worrying about being accused of discrimination or biases and place blame on the economic outlook.

This month, Salesforce, Microsoft, Amazon and Google announced layoffs of around 10,000 workers or more. Capital One, Wayfair, Spotify and other relatively smaller firms also announced plans for downsizing personnel.

 

Forbes.com | January 24, 2023 | Jack Kelly