The coming generations’ struggle in a hostile job market

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There I sat, recently unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As I looked for new jobs, I was shocked by the number of “Entry-Level” positions that require minimum two to five years of experience. It’s an oxymoron that prevents the young workforce (Millenials and Generation Z) from starting a career in today’s hostile job-seeking environment. To get a job, you need experience. To gain experience, you need a job. Not to mention the hundreds, if not thousands, of applications that you fill out with just the hope that you might get an interview. That is if you receive a response.

Image from Pew Research

First-time job seekers find it harder than ever to get a quality job in the middle of a labor shortage. The disconnect between hiring companies and new job seekers is vast. According to a study by TimWorks, 61 percent of “Entry-Level” job listings required three or more years of experience. Sure, it doesn’t hurt to apply even if you don’t have the experience but think about how many quality candidates don’t bother or are automatically disqualified. Pew Research says that there is less of new college graduate labor participation than in the 2008 recession. The next shining star with a fresh, new, and intuitive perspective could be picked up by your competitor instead.

Major companies won’t be changing their hiring strategy any time soon. In the meantime, we must adapt to the hostile job-seeking environment.

Here are three ways to stand out from the competition:

1. Build your personal brand and market yourself

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Every person has a “brand.” No matter what space you are in, marketing yourself is important to find a quality position. The best way to market yourself is to put your passions out there. Not just what you want in a job, but your authentic self.

Research your target industry and audience. Produce targeted content and be consistent. Build a portfolio on sites like WordPress, Wix, SquareSpace and others, then post on a schedule. Expand your foundation to LinkedIn and Twitter and reach out to groups and chat with people. Find out about their lives, the industry, and for recommendations.

People want to connect to a personality, not a drone. One of the easiest ways to start is to ditch the traditional resume and add color. Even using a pre-generated Adobe template will help you stand out from the thousands of black and white resumes out there.

2. Find a mentor and build your network

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People with experience in your industry are out there and are willing to share their knowledge with you. Take advantage of it. Reach out to former coworkers, family, and friends. There may be someone in their network ready to build you into the next big thing. If that doesn’t work, try joining specific groups on LinkedIn and get active. Post articles, talk with other group members, and see if someone will take you under their wing.

Post on social media, join hobby message boards and use creative methods to let the world know your passions. The internet holds space for every passion, and when you find your corner, you’ll build up your network. Don’t think of it as building a network to find a job. Think of it as finding people who share the same interests and passions as you. People will know if you’re just going to use them to find a job and then never talk to them again. Be genuine and find people for interesting conversation and friendship.

3. Keep busy

Not working? It’s okay to take some time off. But after that, get down to business. Imagine you still have a 9:00-5:00 job and keep busy. Take courses, write articles, follow your passion, volunteer, or find freelance work in the meantime. Boost your skillset by being productive with your time and gain an answer to that awkward question explaining your gap in employment.

These three tips won’t guarantee a job, but they’ll help in this hostile job market. Never give up. It may take time, patience, and perseverance, but rising to the challenge will boost your skills and grow you as a person. Let the world know that you’re still out there, waiting to make a meaningful impact on our planet and not settle for the status quo.