Beginning your Job Search

The job market has changed considerably in recent years. Corporate layoffs, government economic relief programs created in the wake of a nationwide pandemic, and large numbers of individuals choosing to leave the workforce altogether represent major shifts in the way individuals think and talk about work life and career. Today’s labor market has also seen tremendous growth in remote work, independent contractors, and side hustles making it clear that the ways in which individuals search for and seek employment must also change.

Whether a seasoned professional or a new college graduate, individuals who are actively seeking employment must remain up-to-date with the latest job market trends. Reports of corporate growth and low unemployment numbers in the United States make it easy to assume employment opportunities are more accessible than ever before; however, this is not always the case.

Individuals are modifying employment behaviors and employers are finding it necessary to respond to employee needs. These changing marketplace dynamics have resulted in several key factors job seekers must consider when searching for a job in today’s job market (LaPonsie, 2021).

Employment opportunities differ by geographic location. Job seekers should not expect to find similar hiring patterns across states, regions, or industries. Companies considering post-pandemic hires may be looking to part-time or temporary workers to fill open positions rather than full-time employees. Further, in some industries, job seekers should expect to find increased competition for available positions (LaPonsie, 2021) making networking and interview skills crucial.

Remote work is here to stay. In Chapter 1, we discussed the prevalence of remote work since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Employees and employers embraced remote work and the trend shows few signs of slowing. Many organizations offer new Work from Anywhere (WFA) models that provide more flexibility and work/life balance for employees. For job seekers in computer and information technology, project management, sales, and customer service, remote work and distributed teams are likely to be a part of the new normal (LaPonsie, 2021).

Resumes should be customized. A generic resume will not be adequate in a competitive job market. A professional resume should be customized for the job role and industry. This means referring specifically to words and phrases from the job description, and highlighting specific communication skills employers look for such as problem-solving, written communication, and leadership.

The interview process will be different. Virtual interviews using videoconferencing platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams became commonplace during the pandemic, but many companies will likely continue this practice post-pandemic (LaPonsie, 2021). Candidates will not only be expected to be familiar with the technology, but will also need to hone their interviewing and speaking skills to demonstrate competence in front of the camera.

College students have multiple resources available to them for guidance on the job search process. Most colleges and universities maintain active career services departments on campus. Career counselors and advisors on campus can offer assistance with locating available positions and creating application materials. Many career services departments also provide skills and interests assessments, resume help, and conduct mock interviews with students. Further, college campuses regularly host job and career fairs allowing students to speak directly with recruiters and hiring managers from various employers.