Having a Hard Time Finding a Job? It's Not You... It's The Market

If you are looking for a job right now, it may feel hard. I want to be clear that it is real. It is not you. It is the job market.

In the first weeks of the year, nearly 100 tech companies — Meta, Amazon, Microsoft, Google, TikTok, and Salesforce — cut about 25,000 jobs. That is a big hit.

There are also signs of a pickup. CompTIA says job posts are rising in fields like professional, scientific, and technical services, plus administrative support and manufacturing. New roles are showing up in software, IT project management, data analysis, data science, IT support, and systems analysis and engineering. That is encouraging.

I talk with candidates often. These job search strategies for tech professionals can help you stay focused as you navigate the job market. Here are a few tips to keep you moving.

Tips for a Tough Job Search

1. Apply as soon as you see a role. Do not wait. Get your resume in fast so it stays near the top of the pile.
2. If a post already has 100 applications, apply anyway. You may still be the right fit.
3. If you do not get a reply or interview, try not to take it personally. Many jobs close fast because so many people apply.
4. In a crowded market, clients can be very picky. If they need skills A, B, and C, they may find them in a large pool. Review your resume before you apply. Make sure it clearly shows your skills. Put them in both the skills section and the experience section.
5. Do not stress too much about resume format. Content matters most. If your skills match the job, make that clear.
6. Do not only use the LinkedIn jobs tab. Search posts by job title or skill set. See who is active and reaching out to their network.
7. Reach out to former colleagues and managers. Ask if they know of any openings. Ask them to think of you and send your name along if they hear of a role. It works more often than you may think.
8. If you are employed and get a lead that is not right for you, think of someone who may need it. Forward the post. We can all help more people get back to work.
9. Contract jobs are more common right now. They can be a good way into a strong company. Managers may have approval for contractors even when full-time roles are paused. Many Genesis10 clients hire strong contractors when a permanent role opens. If you are out of work, keep an open mind about contract work.
10. Take breaks. Set times to check email and apply, such as morning, lunch, and end of day. Use the time between for your mental health. Exercise. Take a walk. Meet a former colleague for coffee. Meditate. Work on a home project.
11. While you wait for interview requests, refresh your interview skills. Practice general, technical, and behavioral questions.
12. Stay positive. If the search feels hard, remember: it is the market, not you. You have strong skills and experience. Someone will be glad to find you. As one colleague used to say, 'There is a lid for every cup.' A job is out there for you. Keep believing it is coming.

Good luck, and let this re-energize you this week.

Q&A

Question: Why does the article say job seekers should not take a lack of replies personally?

Answer: The article says the market is very competitive, with many applicants chasing the same roles and some jobs closing fast because of high application volume. A lack of response may reflect market saturation rather than a candidate's skills or potential.

Question: What should candidates focus on most when updating their resumes?

Answer: Candidates should focus on clearly showing how their skills match the job description. The article recommends adding relevant skills to both the skills section and the experience section so hiring teams can see the fit quickly.

Question: Why might contract roles be worth considering in this market?

Answer: Contract roles can be a practical way into a strong company when full-time roles are limited. The article notes that managers may have approval for contractors even when permanent roles are not approved, and some Genesis10 clients may hire contractors into permanent roles if an opening comes up.

Question: How can job seekers use LinkedIn beyond applying through the jobs section?

Answer: The article suggests searching LinkedIn posts by job title or skill set to find people who are actively looking for candidates. This can help job seekers spot recruiters, hiring managers, and connections who are reaching out to their networks.

Question: What does the article recommend for keeping momentum and mental health during a job search?

Answer: The article recommends setting times to check email and apply for jobs, then using the time in between for things that support mental health, such as exercise, a walk, coffee with a former colleague, meditation, or a home project.