U.S. Jobseekers Face a Challenging Year
U.S. jobseekers are finding 2024 to be particularly tough. According to ZipRecruiter’s recent Jobseeker Confidence Survey, only about 13% of job seekers report that their job search is going well, while 43% say it’s going poorly. Jobseeker confidence has reached its lowest point since early 2022.
Stefanie Fackrell, an HR consultant who has worked in talent acquisition at companies like Nvidia and Google, describes the current job market as the most challenging she has seen since graduating from university in 2008.
Whether you're struggling to find work or looking to advance your career in 2025, here are Fackrell’s top three tips for success:
#### Continuously Refine Your Skills
First, focus on upskilling. Fackrell emphasizes the importance of continuously refining essential skills such as problem-solving, project management, and communication, regardless of where you are in your career journey.
There are numerous ways to build your skills, depending on your interests:
- Many universities offer free programs.
- Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning provide a variety of courses.
- YouTube has relevant videos, and industry organizations often offer programs.
#### Always Network
Second, Fackrell advises, "always, always, always network, and try to find mentors."
These mentors can be colleagues who excel in their roles, people you meet in professional Slack or Discord communities, or anyone you encounter in your work life. Ask if you can meet them for coffee to learn more about their careers.
For mentor-mentee relationships, Fackrell recommends checking in once a month. For more casual connections, once a quarter is sufficient. The key is to maintain the relationship. "The relationship that you started cultivating and building last August," she says, "might be fruitful next March."
#### Explore Translatable Skills Across Industries
Finally, if you're a job seeker and have been searching for over 12 months, it might be time to consider a pivot. Think about other industries that interest you and identify skills from your current work experience that could apply to different jobs.
For example, "If you’re a recruiter, look at a job description for a project manager," Fackrell suggests. "What is translatable between being a recruiter and a project manager?"
Once you've identified a different industry, tailor your resume to highlight transferable skills or take a course or certification to fill any skills gaps. You can also consult experts in the field or hire a career coach to help you get hired.
By following these tips, you can set yourself up for success in the challenging job market of 2024 and beyond.