If you’re currently looking for a job and it feels like you’re seeing the same posts over and over, you might be right. 

The number of overall job postings in the United States has decreased in the recent year — at the end of 2023, there were 15% fewer jobs open and available than a year before. The rate at which job postings fell off the market decreased as the year went on, and the number of open positions remains higher now, by about 25%, compared to before the pandemic. Companies aren’t scrambling to bring employees back or fill open positions now that they’ve adjusted to working with a smaller team. Further, unemployment claims increased by about 15% in 2023 compared to last year, which indicates that people are relying on benefits for a longer-than-expected period. 

Other reasons behind the shortage of jobs include companies deciding to promote or hire from within, eliminating positions due to budget cuts or restrictions, or reconfiguring product lines or responsibilities to reduce the overall number of positions needed. Companies might be dazzled by a big-name applicant and immediately close a posting, limiting the opportunity for others to apply or interview. Or they might be reluctant to hire someone overqualified for a position out of fear the candidate will take the job for a short time and then move on to something else. 

There are fewer opportunities to find a new career in the public and private sectors. 

What does that mean to you as a job seeker, and what can you do to help your own efforts? Here are some ideas. 

• Update your resume. You want to make sure you’re making yourself, and your work experience, as appealing and impressive as possible. By regularly and routinely updating your resume, you’ll be sure to capture significant events, promotions, successes, and milestones as they happen instead of relying on your memory to include everything when the time comes to apply for a new job. Keeping your resume current — both in document and digital formats — means you’ll be able to quickly apply to any interesting and related job that you find without having to stop, refresh your resume, try to make sure you’ve listed all your accomplishments, certificates, etc., saving you time and allowing you to be among the first applicants. 

• Use keywords. More and more companies rely on software and artificial intelligence programs to scan for keywords or search terms of the highest interest and relevance when reviewing applications. It’s kind of a 21st-century version of the match game kids like to play: the person who can match the most sought-after and important terms is likely to win the attention of a hiring manager or the person conducting interviews. Read all job postings carefully and determine which words are used the most and are likely the most important to the company, then be sure those same words are sprinkled throughout your resume and application. 

• Use, and build your network. How are your online networking profiles looking? Do you regularly use job boards and other platforms for sharing stories, communicating with people in your industry, comparing notes, and passing along articles of interest to people with similar backgrounds? Or are you involved in groups or clubs that pertain to your interests? All of this is networking. It’s not just about LinkedIn, although that is a fantastic networking tool and a great way to find out about job openings. There are other ways, however, of connecting with people who might be able to help you find a new job. You can get involved with alumni associations or local civic organizations. Any opportunity to meet people is another potential way to learn about your next great job. And don’t forget about adding links to your network chain by going to job fairs, open houses, or anything where people will discuss employment opportunities. Every person you meet could be someone who helps you find a brighter future. 

• Consider taking a temporary job. If you’re currently unemployed, you might be focused on finding another full-time job immediately. That’s understandable, but there might be a great temporary job that introduces you to new skills and interests you might not have considered in a job before. Temporary jobs usually have a set start and end date, so you know exactly how long you’ll be working — and getting paid — before needing to find something else. The other great thing about temp jobs is you might be learning new skills that you can use to update your resume, possibly broadening your options for a new job. Also, you might find a job that starts as temporary but could become permanent, meaning the temporary period is like a long job interview or try-out to see whether you and the company are a good fit. If nothing else, you’ll have work to do and money coming in. There’s no downside. 
• Team up with a recruiter. One of the smartest things you can do while looking for jobs in a tough market like this is to contact a recruiter or staffing firm like Able Associates. Our company wants nothing more than to find qualified candidates and applicants for the jobs our clients are looking to fill — it’s all we do! We want to help you find work. Recruiters have relationships with their clients, and we know what they’re looking for, meaning we can help put your resume right in front of people making hiring decisions and tell them why you’re the candidate to hire. We can also help improve your resume, explore other career opportunities, help you find placement in temporary jobs, provide information about courses you can take to learn new skills, and other things to make you a stronger candidate. Plus, we can tell you about new job opportunities before anyone else knows! 

It’s hard out there for job seekers and will stay that way for a while. But don’t despair; instead, consider your options, shine up your resume, utilize and strengthen your network, and, when you’re ready, sign up with Able Associates. Look at the jobs we’re working to fill, and let us know what sounds good to you. We can help you from there! Just call Able Associates, and you’ll be on your way in no time!