The job hunt isn't what it used to be. Experts share nine tips that can help you stand out to recruiters. Jeffrey Hazelwood/CNET
Since getting laid off from a tech marketing role last November, Stephanie Wandell has applied to hundreds of jobs. She's heard back from only a handful of recruiters, without any offers.
"I was a little bit naive going into it, thinking I could do what I always do and depend on applying to as many places as I can," said Wandell. "It became pretty clear that this time is different."
Ask anyone who's unemployed and they'll tell you today's job market is more challenging than it used to be. In the past several months, my LinkedIn social feed has been a testament to that. Laid-off professionals share posts about their agonizing battles to find employment, with job searches stretching more than a year.
Amid signs of an economic slowdown, companies are pulling back on hiring, leaving job seekers in the lurch. Facing fierce competition for a shrinking pool of open positions, candidates are trying to master new strategies to get past AI screeners into the hands of a human recruiter. Some wait months for a response, only to be ghosted by HR departments.
Even if official unemployment figures appear relatively low, millions of Americans are wading through this emotional and financial roller coaster. The health of the job market is measured by people's ability to get a job, said Daniel Zhao, lead economist at the career and job search site Glassdoor.
Hearing these experiences, I had a lot of questions. Is the job hunt miserable for everyone? Why are so many qualified and talented workers getting the silent treatment? How are folks using AI in their search? What is HR actually looking for?
I spoke with several career specialists to gather the most straightforward advice for helping job seekers on their journey. I also compiled a list of free employment resources and upskilling platforms below.
1. Don't be generic
Sending out hundreds of applications with the same resume might feel like the right approach but it's not the best use of your time.
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