Two years ago, I received the wake-up call of my life my reliable job disappeared overnight. One day I was employed, the next I was out of work, wondering, "What happened?" I took a week to rest, reload, and get irate… and then I dived back into the job hunt.
But it all seemed different. The tactics that had previously served me so well were now worthless. It wasn't only me 70% of job hunters claim the recruitment process these days is more difficult than ever before, based on a recent Aerotek survey. And with a typical recruitment process taking an average of 43 days, patience is now part of the job description.
One Friend's Brutal Job Search Stats
One of my past colleagues recently posted his job search experience on LinkedIn and it was staggering:
- 8 months of joblessness
- 2,500 job applications
- 82 rounds of interviews
- A mere 3% application-to-interview ratio
And here's the kicker, this was not a recent graduate. This was an experienced pro with a master's degree and two decades of experience leading teams.
So why is it so difficult to get a job today despite the creation of jobs?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics posts over 139,000 new positions in May 2025, and yet so many qualified professionals remain lingering in the employment search.
Here's what's actually happening and what we can all do to assist each other.
Power of Networking: It's More Than Small Talk
The fact is, networking is everything but only if you work at it. Many people only contact others when they're in job crisis mode, but by that point, the connection has cooled.
When someone you worked with for years messages you for a referral, don’t ignore it. Even if you can’t get them the job, a quick call or message can lift their spirits and make a huge difference. Kindness and connection cost nothing, but mean everything.
Internal Hiring: You Can Be a Talent Scout Too
Your firm likely has 10–100 jobs open today. But here's the twist only the recruiter and hiring manager are seeking. Why not you?
Every month, browse your firm's career website. Consider brilliant colleagues or former coworkers who might be a good match. A quick email or LinkedIn note could transform a person's life and enhance your workplace in the bargain.
Great employees attract more great employees. Consider it an investment in the future of your team.
Share the Journey: Your Job Search Story Can Help Others
You survived the job search congratulations! Now it's your turn to guide others through this difficult process. Share what worked:
- Which job boards delivered real results?
- How did you customize your resume?
- What LinkedIn hacks did you use to get noticed?
- Did you utilize AI tools or personal branding hacks?
Spill the beans. Your advice might be what another person needs to turn the game around. Don't gatekeep since the labor market changes quickly, and your hacks won't be "competition" indefinitely.
Publish it on LinkedIn, write a brief blog, record a brief podcast anything. Your knowledge is precious!
Give Back Now, Get Help Later
Let's be honest, we've all had moments of needing assistance. If a friend assisted in reviewing your resume, return the favor. Review two others. If someone referred you to this opportunity, refer three others. Double the good will and create a stronger career network for everyone.
Immediate Action You Can Take Today:
- Contact one former colleague and inquire about their progress in their job search.
- Critique a friend's resume or LinkedIn profile.
- Post a useful job search article on social media.
- Recommend someone skilled for an available position in your company.
Final Thoughts: We're Stronger Together
The hiring process can seem broken, but we can repair it together. Whether you are hiring, hunting, or just assisting, every step counts.
Let's refrain from thinking of job hunting as a one-man job. Reach out, exchange information, help one another and don't forget, your helping hand today can be your lifeline tomorrow.