The Inside Scoop on Today’s Job Market: What’s Working (and What’s Not)

The job market isn't what it used to be.

Over the past year, Ryan's had the opportunity to speak with 1,311 job seekers ranging from managers to SVPs, and one thing has become clear: what worked in the past won't cut it today.

In this post, we're sharing the biggest insights from these conversations and how you can use them to navigate today's challenging job market. Whether you're searching for a role or planning your next career move, these strategies will help you stay ahead of the game.

💡 Prefer watching? Check out our full video on this topic here.

1. Referrals Are the New Baseline

In the past, getting a referral for a position was a surefire way to boost your chances of landing an interview or even a job offer. 

Today, however, a referral is just table stakes.

Top tech companies like Qualcomm openly admit that if you don't have a referral, you might as well not apply. But here's the kicker: even with referrals, many job seekers still find themselves ghosted.

What does this mean for you?

A referral is no longer enough to differentiate you—it's just the starting point. To stand out, you need to elevate your networking game and focus on building meaningful relationships with hiring managers.

2. Stepping Down in Your Career Won't Help

If you think applying for roles beneath your experience level will make your job search easier, think again.

This growing trend can backfire as hiring managers often view overqualified candidates as high risk.

Why?

 First, your strengths may not align with the role's needs. And second, employers will undoubtedly wonder if you'll really stick around long-term. 

Instead of settling for less, focus on roles that align with your experience, skillset, strengths, and career goals.

3. Hiring Manager Conversations Are the Key Metric

A successful job search is not about the number of job applications you've submitted or the number of recruiters you've contacted.

The most critical metric in your job search is the number of conversations you've had with hiring managers.

Here's why: Recruiters are overwhelmed by applications, often fueled by automation tools like ATS. Hiring managers, on the other hand, are the decision-makers; the more conversations you have with hiring managers, the higher your chances of landing a role.

Focus on building relationships with decision-makers, rather than relying on online applications.

💡 Pro Tip: Skip the front-door application process! Instead, identify hiring managers at your target companies and reach out to them directly.

4. Keep Networking, Even When Offers Seem Close

It's tempting to slow down and relax when you're on the verge of landing a job offer. But this is a critical mistake- Relying on one offer puts you at risk of losing momentum if it falls through.

When you're close to an offer, ramp up your networking efforts and keep your funnel full.

Continuously build relationships and schedule new conversations, even as you progress through interviews. This ensures your job search remains steady.

Take Control of Your Job Search

Job hunting has changed, and it's essential to adapt. Navigating today's job market requires a strategic approach that prioritizes hiring manager conversations.

Want more details on these strategies? Watch the full video for in-depth insights and actionable advice!