Whether you’re a recruiter, a job seeker, or a hiring manager, we can all acknowledge that today’s job market is a paradox of “we’re hiring!” and :::crickets:::. Why is this happening? Today we’ll cover a few main reasons why the job market feels chaotic and what we all can do to feel hopeful again.
Why Is The Job Market So Frustrating and Unpredictable?
Economic Worries and Woes
We were all teased with open remote jobs and inflated salaries just after the 2020 pandemic, followed by a cooling of the job market in 2022, which was then followed by seasons of layoffs in 2023. Today, the unpredictable economy (and unsure projections on budgets) has led many companies to simultaneously "hurry up and wait" when it comes to adding new team members. Employer worries fuel those of their employees, leading to a constant chase for the cheapest employees and a better-paying job (respectively). We’re also in an election year, leading to further economic concerns, so this unease is likely to last the rest of the year.
Hiring Urgency Wanes Fast
Because the economy and budgets are unpredictable, potential jobs can disappear in the blink of an eye. Applicants are either ghosted or interviews are canceled. Recruiters are constantly asked to pause, switch gears, or begin again on another assignment. Hiring managers then need to figure out how to go on without new hires for a time until they’re able to post that job application again.
Connections Only Get You So Far
Even with a great network, your connections may help very little, depending on timing and your contact’s influence on the company. Referrals are down for many different reasons, one of them being that fewer people are leaving jobs because of the tough job market.
Scams Abound
Between fake job postings and fishing scams, job seekers are forced to be extra careful when applying. It’s a stressful world where trust can feel lost—especially if someone falls prey to these scams.
What Can We Do About It?
Recruiters can continue to manage expectations for both clients and job seekers. At Artisan, for example, we pride ourselves in fighting for great candidates to get their fair shot at that interview. We also help clients to, not only improve their job postings but also find the right person for the position they want to fill. It can be difficult to do fast and well, but it helps recruiters to have a solid team to lean on when the market feels this hectic.
Job Seekers must stay resilient and persistent (and take as many breaks as they need to not burn out). Get very specific about what you want before you go hunting, upskill to stay competitive, and tailor your resume when you see your ideal job out there. Then, cold email and network until you get the hiring manager’s attention. It also helps to have a deep connection with a few recruiters who can keep you in mind for new positions, as it’s very important to stand out from the beginning of a job being posted. It may take longer to land a job than in the past, but this is (unfortunately) the new normal. Lastly, stay up-to-date on the latest scams so you can better protect yourself.
Hiring Managers should also manage their expectations and attempt to take a little more time to find the right person. Hiring a recruiter may be your best option in helping you whittle down the applicants to find the best candidates. The hiring process is very difficult, so seek help in other ways, too. Ask for employee referrals and promote open positions within your network. Encourage team members to manage up, lightening your day-to-day while you work on hiring.
Though some of this advice might be frustrating to hear for the millionth time, know that you are not alone in feeling that the hiring market is not “normal”—nor should it be! We need to get back to making real human connections, following up, being patient, and understanding when something doesn’t work out. We also need to rely less on AI to solve all our hiring problems and return to an era of referrals. For both jobseekers and clients, working with Artisan can build strong connections or help you find a job. Reach out today to work with us and see why we stand out in our field.
