Job Searching in 2019: What to Expect

The job search landscape continues to evolve and though unemployment is low right now and more jobs are expected to be added to the workforce, employers are harder to impress than ever before and often have a rigorous screening process. How can you break through this barrier and emerge with an offer letter? Here are 3 tips for job searching successfully in 2019:



1. Demonstrate style AND substance.
Work environments are increasingly more casual and it’s important that you fit in with a company’s culture more than ever. Look for jobs at companies where you feel you share similar interests, values, and goals. Getting along and having similar interests is an important part of creating strong working relationships. It’s also an important part of employee retention and business owners know this. They need to like your style and want to be around you. In addition, you MUST bring value to the table. This is often about having certain skills and experience from prior jobs, but not always. Many employers are hiring as much for culture fit and potential than they are for experience. To capitalize on this trend, you need to understand what skills and traits your target employer values and how to demonstrate that you have the ability to excel in the areas that matter most to them.

2. Prepare for a multifaceted hiring process.
Hiring in 2019 involves more steps than ever before. Be prepared to jump through hoops that weren’t common 10 years ago. Expect everything from online assessments and personality tests to digital interviews and sample projects. Employers want to know what they are getting if they hire you. Consider taking a practice test or using an online tutorial (like YouTube) to refresh your memory on software you haven't used in a while. The same goes for digital interviews. Record yourself answering a few questions on your phone or laptop to combat nervousness and ensure your body language and tone are confident.

3. Connect to recruiters who work in your niche.
You may not see a job posted on the website of one of your favorite companies, but that does not mean that they aren’t hiring. A simple search on LinkedIn indicates that tons of employers are using outside search firms to recruit the best people and send them the top contenders. This means the person who first looks at your resume could be a recruiter. Historically, recruiters can be difficult to get in touch with because they work for their client and not for the job seeker, so they will often not respond to calls or emails from people who aren’t a fit for one of their jobs; this is frustrating if you’re trying to get general information or feedback. A better approach is to find a few recruiters who work in your specific career niche and send your resume straight to them. Check in with your selected recruiters on a bi-weekly basis by sending a short (and friendly) email that reminds them you’re still in the market.

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