A Quick Reality Check on the Job Market Right Now

Over the past few months, I’ve noticed a theme coming up in conversations with career coaching clients: the job market feels unusually difficult right now.

Several people have told me it’s taking 40 to 50 applications just to get an interview. Others submit thoughtful applications and never hear anything back. When that happens, they start wondering: Am I doing something wrong?

People question if their resume isn’t optimized enough for AI, if it’s getting filtered out by ATS scanners, or if they’re missing some secret to the job search that everyone else seems to know. But they’re probably not doing anything wrong.

Right now, the hiring process is messy. Between AI tools, automated screening systems, and the sheer volume of applicants, a single posting can attract hundreds—sometimes thousands—of applications. Even very strong candidates can get lost in the “pile.”

And sometimes the posted job isn’t quite what it appears to be. The role may have been paused behind the scenes, or it’s only being posted to satisfy HR requirements (and an internal candidate has already been identified).

There’s also a general sense of uncertainty in the economy. Many people who have jobs are choosing to stay where they are for now rather than take a risk on something new. That means fewer openings and more competition for the roles that do exist.

All of this can make the process feel frustrating and discouraging. But there are a couple of things I remind my clients of…

First, some of my clients are finding jobs! There are openings and people are still getting hired. It may take longer than expected, but movement is happening.

Second, in today’s market, relationships are more important than ever. When hundreds of resumes are flowing through automated systems, conversations often matter more than applications. Reconnecting with colleagues, reaching out to people in your field, and letting others know what you’re looking for can make a real difference.

If your search feels harder than you expected right now, you’re not imagining it, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re doing it wrong. So keep going, because things always get different. And sometimes the opportunity that works out starts with a conversation, not an application.

p.s. Your comments are welcome on this post at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenfrankcoaching/