It’s no secret, that the job market has become more challenging for candidates who are looking for their next opportunity. For many talented professionals, it can seem as though the goalposts have moved: roles are taking longer to progress, competition is at an all-time high and the feedback process from potential employers can be painfully slow.
With the rise of Artificial Intelligence and new technologies reshaping the hiring processes, there are even more hurdles to navigate, which has made it difficult to stand out amongst the crowd.
The good news however is, even in a challenging market, great talent is still in demand.
The difference often comes down to how you position yourself in the market, maintain visibility, and adapt to the conditions around you.
Here are some practical tips to help you manage your job search effectively:
1. Understanding the Market Reality
After recently speaking with many professionals returning to the job market; some after a recent redundancy, others simply ready for a change, many have found it eye-opening to see how much the job market has changed from what it once was.
It’s important to keep in mind that simply ‘ticking the boxes’ on a job description is no longer enough. Employers are looking for candidates who can demonstrate impact, adaptability, and long-term value – those who not only fit the brief but can elevate it.
2. Reframing Your Story
One of the most effective ways to stand out in a tough market is by reframing your story – shifting from what you did to why it mattered.
A few weeks ago, I worked with a Technical Business Analyst, who’d been applying for roles for weeks with no luck. On paper, they had all the right experience, however their resume and responses to screening questions were focused on activities, not outcomes.
We spent time reframing their narrative. Instead of saying, “I gathered requirements for a new CRM system and created functional specifications,” they expanded it to: “I led requirements gathering and developed functional specifications for a new CRM system, reducing onboarding errors by 25% and accelerating the team’s delivery timeline by two weeks.” Within a few weeks, they landed multiple interviews.
The difference wasn’t the experience; it was how they positioned it.
So, use tangible results, data points, and outcomes wherever possible.
3. Stay Visible, Even When It’s Uncomfortable
Many candidates can disappear from view, become inactive after a redundancy or during a job search, but visibility is one of the strongest levers you have.
I noticed a candidate we spoke with recently had been made redundant after eight years in the same company. Instead of going quiet, they started sharing insights about their field of expertise on LinkedIn, commenting on industry posts and celebrating others’ success stories.
Show that you’re active, informed and passionate about what you do. Staying engaged online, and contributing to discussions demonstrates your expertise and keeps you on people’s radar.
Sometimes it’s not about finding a role, it’s about the role finding you!
4. Be Strategic About the Next Step
In a market like this, it’s important to think long-term. Occasionally, the right move isn’t the biggest one, it’s the one that sets up the next step in your career.
I’ve witnessed candidates turn down great opportunities because the title didn’t feel like a step up, only to watch others accept similar roles that generated entirely new skill sets, networks, or industries.
Progress isn’t always linear. A strategic sideways move now can potentially position you for a much stronger leap forward later.
5. Build Relationships, Not Transactions
The best career opportunities often come from the relationships you’ve built along the way – not just job boards or cold applications.
Keep showing up – go for coffees, attend industry meetups, and keep building your network.
You’d be surprised how powerful simple word of mouth can be in leading to your next opportunity. Every conversation matters, even if you don’t land the role, you’re growing a network that can open doors down the line.
6. Invest in Your Growth
Even when the job search feels slow, that time can be used strategically. Take the opportunity to refresh your skills, explore new tools such as AI or other certifications to deepen your expertise in your field. Sometimes it’s what you do in between that makes you stand out when the right opportunity arrives.
7. Keep A Positive Perspective
I know this can be difficult. It’s easy to feel disheartened when rejection emails pile up or the silence seems deafening. Remember, the market will always ebb and flow. The goal isn’t to control the environment, but to control your approach within it.
Stay proactive. Keep your momentum. Celebrate small wins, whether that’s a great conversation, a referral or learning something new.
Final Thoughts
Navigating today’s job market can feel challenging, however, with the right approach, you can stand out and create opportunities even in a competitive environment. If you’re a technical professional looking to explore your next move, gain insights into the market, or just have a conversation about your career strategy, feel free to connect with me. I’m always happy to chat and share what I’ve learned from working with professionals across the industry.