3 impactful steps to reinvigorate your job search

THE last two years have been one of the toughest job markets seen in decades - with impacts felt across the board, from entry-level applicants right up to C-suite executives.

- AMY CRUTCHFIELD

This isn’t like 2020 or 2021 when jobs quickly reappeared after the initial phase of the pandemic receded. The current jobs market downturn has been slow and unrelenting — driven by uncertainty-causing volatility and the digital transformation of workplaces, with AI and automation taking over jobs faster than you can read the headlines. These days, it can feel like you're sending your CV into the abyss.

I see it every day as a recruiter and career coach: talented job-seekers submitting application after application into what feels like a black hole. Weeks turn into months. The silence is deafening. Each passing day without a response chips away at your confidence, your bank account and your sense of professional identity.

If this sounds familiar, here are three powerful steps to reinvigorate your job search and stand out, regardless of market conditions:

Reclaim your value

Whether you've just got retrenched or have already been job searching for months, your self-esteem probably isn’t the strongest. You may be feeling bitter, angry and doubtful of your professional value. Being in that kind of mindset while trying to find a job will prevent you from showing up as your best self.

When working with job-seekers who are struggling, we always start with a simple but powerful exercise: documenting significant achievements from their career. This must go beyond the responsibilities you have performed, and should list actual metrics, results, problems solved and value delivered.