[CAREER SUCCESS] Why Your Job Search Feels Tougher Right Now

"When obstacles arise, you change your direction to reach your goal; you do not change your decision to get there." ~ Zig Ziglar

March 4, 2025

Hi Audie,

If your job search feels like an uphill battle lately, you’re not alone. Many of the talented, experienced corporate leaders I speak with are wondering,

“Why was I getting interviews left and right a couple of years ago, but now I’m struggling to get a response?”

The truth is, it’s not you—it’s the market.

The hiring landscape has changed, and what worked before might not be enough in today’s environment.

Yet, here’s the good news: by understanding the current challenges and taking the right steps, you can regain control and move closer to securing your next career opportunity.

In this month’s article, I’ll share what’s really going on behind the scenes, how to stay proactive, and smart ways to manage financial stress if you’re between roles.

Happy reading...

Feeling Stuck In Your Job Search? Here's Why It's Not Necessarily Your Fault.

Lately I've been hearing a common theme from mid- to senior-level corporate leaders who are actively pursuing their next opportunity:

"A couple of years ago, I was getting interviews left and right. Now, I can't even get a callback. What am I doing wrong?"

Here's the truth: It's not you. It's the market.

The hiring landscape has shifted significantly from where it was just a few short years ago. Companies are being more cautious. Budgets are tighter. Decision-making is slower. And, yes, the competition is still fierce.

This doesn't mean you've lost your edge or that your skills and experience aren't valuable. It simply means that the rules of engagement have changed.

✨Why Is It So Much Harder Right Now?
Economic uncertainty has led many companies to scale back on hiring. Fewer roles mean more competition for each opening. Decision-makers are taking more time to evaluate candidates, which leads to longer gaps between interviews.

And, with more qualified candidates actively searching, it's become more challenging to stand out, thus requiring more strategic positioning and personal branding, strengthening your messaging and applying more advanced strategies to uncover right-fit opportunities.

✨What You Can Do to Stay in the Game
First, keep networking. Building and nurturing professional relationships is still one of the most effective ways to discover new opportunities. Reach out to former colleagues, mentors and industry peers and set up time to speak with them.

Stay visible by refreshing your LinkedIn profile, and engaging on LinkedIn with relevant content and sharing your insights. When you stay active, you stay on the radar of recruiters and key decision-makers. Be seen as a thought leader ... not someone looking for a new job.

You also need to leverage your unique value. Reflect on your career achievements and the problems you've solved that are relevant to the position you're seeking. Craft your personal story around the impact you've made.

As a mid- to senior-level corporate leader or executive, limit the time you spend on job boards. I recommend no more than 10-15% of your time should be spent searching and applying on boards (and significantly less time - or no time - the higher the role you're seeking).

Instead, focus on proactive strategies that put you in control, such as targeted outreach and strategic networking. This approach helps you tap into the hidden job market where the best opportunities are often found.

Finally, stay resilient! Work on your mindset, try different strategies, uplevel your networking and interviewing skills, especially if you find what you've been doing isn't getting you the results you want.

Rather than spending way too much time (and frustration) sifting through the myriad of conflicting information on the web and/or advice from well-intentioned friends or colleagues, consider seeking out the expert guidance and support from an experienced executive job search coach who has a proven, cohesive framework, provides 1:1 coaching tailored to you and your needs, and has successfully helped hundreds of mid - to senior-level corporate leaders/executives secure enviable positions during economically good times and downturns.

✨How to Manage Financial Stress During Your Job/Career Transition
For those in between jobs, the financial pressure of not having a steady income can make an already difficult search feel even more overwhelming.

The good news is there are ways to bring in income while continuing your search without derailing your long-term career goals:

• If you're in between jobs, consider taking on a short-term consulting project or contract role. These opportunities not only help you stay financially afloat but also keep your skills sharp and your network active.
• Some part-time roles, including those at well-known, upscale retailers or remote customer service positions, offer full benefits with as little as 20 hours per week.

💡 Remember, taking on temporary work does not mean settling or giving up on your career goals. It's a strategic move to relieve financial pressure while staying focused on and engaged in your job search campaign.

You're not alone -- keep going!

I know it's frustrating. Just remember, this challenging moment does not define you. It's just a reflection of the current hiring climate.

Keep pushing forward, keep believing in yourself and the value you provide a company (hold your head high!), and don't hesitate to reach out if you need guidance or reassurance along the way.

***

If you’re ready to take your next step with clarity, focus and momentum, reach out today—I’d be honored to coach, guide and support you. Send me an email or click here to schedule a call.

Keep moving forward,

Audie xx

P.S. Did you enjoy this newsletter? If so, I'd really appreciate your sharing this with your network of corporate leaders and executives you feel could benefit from it. Thank you!

P.P.S. If you are a mid- to senior-level corporate leader/executive and motivated to secure "what's next" in your career (or know someone who is), I'd love to speak with you to better understand your situation and see how I can help you secure your next opportunity faster and with less frustration. Click here to schedule a complimentary 30-minute strategy session.