Job Search Archives - The Voice of Job Seekers

How To Understand The Insanely Shifting Job Market

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I was invited to participate in a job search panel at St. Xavier University along with James Miller (who coordinated the event), Lauren Milligan, Nathan Peck, and Dr. Vincent Alexander Davis. Approximately 30-40 students attended and asked questions in areas such as resumes, career changes, job scams, networking, and other related topics listed below.

This was recorded in March 2024.

This lecture, sponsored by Enterprise, explored the current job market, the importance of soft skills, networking, job scams, effective interviewing, and strategies for securing internships and jobs.

Job Market Trends (2024 vs. 2014)

The job market is now more fragmented by industry, with varying opportunities across different fields.

– Tech and healthcare allow for “overemployment” (holding multiple high-paying jobs remotely).

– Awareness of burnout and mental health has increased since the pandemic.

Entry-level jobs are becoming increasingly challenging to find due to automation and AI, with a greater emphasis on internships.

The Importance of Networking and Soft Skills

– Soft skills (communication, teamwork, adaptability) are essential and less commonly developed in today’s remote/tech environments.

Networking is crucial for finding jobs and gaining insight into various industries.

Maintaining positive professional relationships is essential to stand out.

– Informational interviews (short conversations with professionals) help you gather career insights and expand your network.

– LinkedIn is a vital tool for networking and keeping track of professional contacts.

Job Search Safety and Avoiding Scams

– Job scams are now sophisticated: scammers may create realistic websites or impersonate real employees.

– Never pay application fees or buy equipment for a job.

– Verify recruiter identities via LinkedIn and reverse image searches.

– Report scams to the FTC, BBB, or your state attorney general.

Interview Strategies and Questions

– Always research the company before an interview; avoid asking questions with easily found answers.

– Ask about factors that contribute to someone’s success beyond their job description.

– Inquire about workplace culture and organizational fit.

– Ask for a tour if interviewing in person to gauge the environment and stand out.

Securing and Maximizing Internships

– Paid internships are prioritized; unpaid ones are discouraged due to equity concerns.

– During internships, you are expected to ask questions and learn—track what you learn and avoid repeatedly asking the same questions.

– Use resources like Glassdoor for company insights, but prioritize direct conversations with current employees (informational interviews).

– Volunteering or project work for organizations (like Chambers of Commerce or nonprofits) can build experience and networks.

Working Abroad

Carefully research both the job and the country’s culture before making a move.

– International experience is valuable if well-planned and aligned with personal and career goals.

Key Terms & Definitions Mentioned

A splintered job market: Sectors of the economy experience differing trends and opportunities.

Soft skills: Interpersonal abilities like communication, teamwork, and adaptability.

Networking: Building relationships that can lead to career opportunities.

Informational interview: A brief meeting to learn about a role or industry from an experienced professional.

Job scam: Fraudulent job offers designed to steal personal info or money.

Organizational fit: How well a person matches a company’s culture and work style.

Action Items / Next Steps

Set up and update your LinkedIn profile, and connect with career coaches and peers.

– Schedule informational interviews with alumni or professionals in your field.

– Research companies before applying or interviewing; use Glassdoor and LinkedIn.

– Contact the Career Development Center for internship support.

– Prepare thoughtful questions for interviews and track workplace experiences.

About Mark Anthony Dyson

I am the "The Voice of Job Seekers!" I offer compassionate career and job search advice as I hack and re-imagine the job search process. You need to be "the prescription to an employer's job description." You must be solution-oriented and work in positions in companies where you are the remedy. Your job search must be a lifestyle, and your career must be in front of you constantly. You can no longer shed your aspirations at the change seasons. There are strengths you have that need constant use and development. Be sure you sign up to download my E-Book, "421 Modern Job Search Tips 2021!" You can find my career advice and work in media outlets such as Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Glassdoor, and many other outlets.

by Mark Anthony Dyson

How to Overcome Ineffective Spraying and Praying— Do This Instead

Networking is not the entire answer to finding a job, but it is often the missing piece in creating impactful gains. In today’s hyper-competitive job market, many job seekers fall into the trap of applying to as many jobs as possible in the shortest amount of time. The “Spray and Pray” approach is anti-productive for most job seekers. Spraying 50 to 100 applications a week feels like a race you’ll never win. The strategy yields diminishing returns. Anyone can do it for months without remembering it’s the job they want, not reps.

Mass Applying Is Costly.

Mass applying can become a thoughtless strategy. You can decide if it’s real work or thoughtless. Both could be true. It may even check a mental box for “putting in the effort.” The more job postings you chase without customization or research, the more you’re spinning your wheels, focusing on quantity over quality.

Even with tailored applications, sending them into the digital black hole without a connection or follow-up breeds silence. Job seekers find as they apply without prejudice, feedback is scarce. If you’re goal is “I’m trying,” your accuracy is impressive. Hiring managers identify the known, the vetted, and the referred. One hundred applied-to jobs can keep you, your name, and your qualifications in obscurity.

Strategic Networking Beats the Algorithm.

I’ve said for years now: job search is a lifestyle. While it’s not too late to effectively network, it is daunting after months of static job searching. Consistently successful job seekers understand this. They don’t rely on hope. They tap into relationships, industry presence, and targeted outreach. Instead of applying to 30 jobs a week, they may apply to only five or ten—each carefully selected, researched, and accompanied by a strategy: connecting with someone at the company, being referred, or positioning themselves as a solution to a known problem.

Here’s what strategic job seekers are doing differently:

Leveraging referrals: They activate former colleagues, mentors, and peers to refer them to companies as a staple of their networking. Yet, referrals are not as frequent or as common as they were years ago. Referrals are not guaranteed to get an interview for your next job. Some HR experts feel that they are no longer as valued as they once were.
Becoming visible: They share content, comment on industry news, or write LinkedIn posts demonstrating expertise, asking questions, and making themselves recognizable to recruiters and decision-makers. They are participating in industry organization committees, which gives a few participants an inside first look at the possibilities.
Using second- and third-degree connections: The one-stop with whom they know directly can turn into key introductions. They are seeking introductions, information, and resources rather than repeatedly applying for jobs. Informational interviews are a great way to start for anyone looking to deepen their current connections and gain constructive direction.
Reverse-engineering opportunities: Instead of just looking for openings, they look for companies and leaders doing interesting work, then find ways to engage and offer value, even before a job is posted.

Why It Matters More Than Ever!

With hundreds of qualified candidates applying for one role, standing out through an application alone is rarely enough. It’s no secret recruiters and hiring managers pay more attention to someone introduced by a trusted source or who has already been seen in a professional context. They mostly rely on getting qualified candidates from their recruiters. The winning candidate receives the most attention when they communicate value and results.

Strategic networking isn’t about schmoozing or cold pitching. It’s about building meaningful connections and creating a reputation that precedes the resume, about showing up where the conversations happen, and being part of the ecosystem you want to join.

The Takeaway

Mass applying might make you feel busy, but not competitive. With experience, networking is an effective intentional strategy. What stands out today is those who connect with others offline, even if it’s a person-to-person phone call. Few may find success with texting or direct messaging, but regardless of the method used, the value exchange remains key.

About Mark Anthony Dyson

by Mark Anthony Dyson

5 Practical Ways Job Seekers Must Combat Desperation

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I reflect on my extensive experience since 2011, emphasizing the importance of engaging with industry organizations, building social proof through online work, and being generous without expecting immediate returns.

Job seekers should focus on value exchange and thoughtful giving to build meaningful connections.
Preparation and strategic planning are crucial steps in the job search process.
Participate in professional communities and organizations, leveraging platforms such as YouTube and LinkedIn to showcase your skills.
Stay apprised of industry trends.
To counter desperation, he advocates for a proactive approach, emphasizing continuous learning, networking, and adaptability.
Resilience is key, and be open to new job search strategies. Stay relevant and prepared in a fluctuating job market.

Tired of seeing job scams? Me too! I talk about avoiding and combating them on The Job Scam Report. Subscribe!