It's Not Just You ... It's a Tough Job Market Out There

Imagine that you’ve just moved to a new house, gotten through a health scare and are preparing for your upcoming wedding. Chances are, amid all these changes, you’re not going to launch a job search. In fact, you may cling more firmly to your job — even if you don’t particularly enjoy it — as it offers a source of stability during a time of chaos.

A similar dynamic is playing out for many professionals right now. Against a backdrop of sweeping U.S. policy changes, traumatic weather-related events and a barrage of corporate layoffs, many workers feel overwhelmed and are “hunkering down” professionally. This has translated into less movement in the job market and fewer open roles. Layered onto this is the fact that many companies have put hiring plans on hold as they assess the impacts of U.S. policy shifts and the economy at large on their businesses. All told, it makes for a tough job market, especially in the Bay Area, where there have already been many high-profile layoffs this year. 

Don’t Pursue A New Job Using an Old Playbook 

The good news in all of this is that being laid off or otherwise unemployed no longer carries the stigma it once did. Nearly everyone knows talented people who have been laid off or are otherwise out of work. Similarly, the idea that a “resume gap” will be a death knell for your career is (thankfully!) out of date. It’s increasingly common for people to take time out of the workforce for any number of reasons, and most employers aren’t going to bypass strong candidates because they haven’t been working continuously.

Hiring managers do, however, appreciate seeing that you have been active during a stint of unemployment. Just as important, remaining active is good for your own sense of well being. If you’re out of work, consider augmenting your time job searching with activities that you’ve always wanted to engage in but  previously may not have had time for, such as taking classes, pursuing hobbies, or volunteering for causes you care about. All of these undertakings provide you with the opportunity to meet new people, build your skills and create more purpose and meaning in your life. They not only build your resume but also your confidence.

Take a Cue From Hollywood

During an extended period of unemployment, be open to all kinds of work, including freelance opportunities. For people making movies in Hollywood, it’s common to transition from project to project every few years. One Salesforce pro, after being laid off twice in the last five years, said she’s adopted a Hollywood mindset. Rather than waiting for the perfect full-time role to come along, she is pursuing work she is interested in, whether it’s full-time or freelance. Either way, her expectation is that she will likely move on to a new challenge after a year or two. The proliferation of fractional C-level roles is a sign that shorter-term work is not just for creative professionals but extends across multiple experience levels and industries. Rather than focusing solely on a traditional job, consider all of your options, and don’t hesitate to test things out. 

In a competitive job market, you also want to make sure your resume and LinkedIn profiles are as compelling as possible, but don’t get carried away. I’ve seen many professionals become so focused on fine-tuning their job search materials that they neglect activities that can be more effective, like networking or reaching out to recruiters. A balanced job search is one where you are participating in many types of activities that could lead to employment — from attending networking or trade events, to engaging in freelance or volunteer work to acquiring new skills.

Yes, today’s job market is lackluster, but that doesn’t mean your future needs to be. By staying active and open to nontraditional work opportunities, you may find that your resume “gap” becomes a time of personal and professional growth. 

Note: This article is a reprint of my monthly "Career Corner" column that appears in "The Luminary," the city of Brisbane's business and community journal.