How to Set Realistic Expectations and Have a Successful Job Search

The job market has certainly been unpredictable and volatile over the past few years. While 2019 saw the lowest unemployment rate since 1969, roughly 9.6 million people lost their jobs in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, job seekers had the upper hand, and there was a record high of 11.4 million open positions in March 2021. 

Additionally, more than 47 million employees quit their jobs in 2021 during the height of the Great Resignation. Workers left their jobs in the hopes of finding better treatment, better pay, and a career that truly fulfilled them.

Now, due to economic uncertainty, the power has largely returned to employers and employees are more likely to hold onto their jobs. Businesses like Coinbase, Twitter, and Redfin have started rescinding job offers in the hopes of getting ahead of a possible recession.

Other companies, like Netflix and Tesla, have started laying off hundreds of employees and downsizing to cut costs. Meanwhile, some businesses have decided to scale back hiring, like Uber and Meta. 

While some analysts say that the job market still leans in favor of job seekers, many people are starting to realize that the idea of job security is an illusion. With offers being rescinded, new employees being fired during their first week, and loyal employees being let go during layoffs, job seekers are starting to lose hope. 

We’re not telling this to scare you or stress you out. We want you to be as well-informed as possible if you’re thinking about quitting your job and searching for a new one. 

The average job search typically takes 5 to 6 months, but the current climate means many people are on the job market for even longer. However, while it may take longer to land a job right now, it is still possible.

 Before you begin looking for a new job, set realistic expectations for your job search, learn about what’s going on in the job market, and set yourself up for success.

Here are 7 tips to help you set realistic expectations for your job search and set yourself up for success!

1. Keep your current job until you have a new one: Ideally, you should keep your current job while looking for a new position. The average job search takes roughly 6 months, so keeping your job will ensure that you have a steady income to support yourself while searching for your next job. Additionally, you may not be eligible for unemployment if you quit. However, if your job is taking a toll on your well-being or your company is engaging in illegal or unethical activity, you may consider quitting before you have an offer for a new position but make sure you have enough saved up to keep you afloat during your job search.

2. Stay informed about job market trends: Experts predict that the Federal Reserve’s decision to bring inflation down by raising interest rates will result in a slower economy, slower sales, and job losses. Some employers have already started rescinding job offers and announcing layoffs in the hopes of getting ahead of a possible recession. Additionally, while the average job search typically takes 6-7 months, it’s possible that it may take even longer to land a job in this current climate. While it is still possible to land a new job in this economy, you should stay abreast of what’s going on and avoid making hasty decisions. Get your information from experts instead of from your loved ones and think carefully before quitting your current position.

3. Be clear on what you’re looking for: Often, when people fall out of love with their jobs, they think that any other job will be better than their current one and apply for all the available positions they see. However, having a specific type of job in mind can help you to target your job search and shorten the amount of time you spend on the job market. Spend some time thinking about the kind of role you’re looking for, and consider working with a career coach if you’re having trouble figuring out your next career move.

4. Assess your skills: After you’ve identified your target role, it’s time to assess your skills. Rad job descriptions for your ideal position and see if there are any skills you need to refine or acquire before you apply. If you’re switching industries, you’ll likely have to develop an entirely new skill set. Before you start applying to jobs, search for ways to develop and/or further your skills. Invest in courses and certifications, so you can show hiring managers and recruiters that you are a qualified candidate. Prepare to spend a few months completing courses to develop your skills before applying for a new position.

5. Tailor your résumé to your target position: To avoid getting filtered out by ATS and to get hiring managers and recruiters’ attention, you have to tailor your résumé to the position you’re applying for. Most hiring managers look at résumés for 6 to 7 seconds. If they can’t see how your experience, skills, and qualifications will help you succeed in the position while skimming your résumé, your application won’t go any further. We highly recommend reaching out to a résumé writer to create a targeted résumé for the positions you’re applying for. Professional résumé writers can leverage keywords to get you past ATS, and they are experts at showing how your skills and past experience will help you succeed in the role you’re applying for. Additionally, working with a professional résumé writer can cut your job search in half because they effectively communicate your qualifications through your résumé.

6. Prioritize networking: Did you know 85% of jobs are filled through networking? You may already know someone who can guide you toward your next job. Reach out to your friends, family, classmates, and former colleagues to let them know that you’re looking for a new job, especially if they work in your target industry. At the same time, start adding new people to your network. LinkedIn is a great place to build up your network. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people who work in your target industry, and take advantage of the chance to build professional relationships with people you likely wouldn’t have had the chance to meet offline. Of course, make sure your LinkedIn profile is optimized, so recruiters who are searching for candidates to fill positions can easily find you. 

7. Keep your options open: If you accept an offer for a new position, don’t turn down interviews for other positions. Since we’re seeing an increase in layoffs and rescinded offers, it’s a good idea to avoid putting all your eggs in one basket. If you hear back from other companies after starting your new job, don’t hesitate to interview for the other positions. This will help you keep a few potential jobs on the back burner in case you’re forced out of your current job. 

Wrapping Up

Although the current climate may make it more difficult to land a new job, it is still possible to score your dream job. 

Before you start your job search, set realistic expectations and establish a clear idea of what you’re looking for. Doing so will make it easier to identify the positions you want to apply for and may potentially shorten the amount of time you spend on the job market.

Need help tailoring your résumé to your dream job?  Reach out to us! 

Our team of expert résumé writers can show hiring managers and recruiters that you’re their ideal candidate through your professional documents, create targeted résumés that get you past ATS and get you noticed, and decrease the time you spend looking for your next job. 

Take a look at our résumé packages here.