Job Market 2025: Coffee, Career Strategy, and Job Search Reality Check

The job market is rough right now; grab your coffee and let's talk about what's actually happening and what you can do about it.

What's Happening Right Now in the Job Market 2025

I'm not going to sugarcoat it...the job market is rough right now.

The latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows unemployment at 4.4%, the highest it's been in about four years, with around 7.6 million people unemployed. Jobs are still being added to the economy, but not fast enough for it to feel easy if you're the one searching.

What's going on?

✔ High interest rates & economic uncertainty – A lot of companies are in "wait and see" mode, delaying growth hires and being extra picky

✔ People aren't leaving their jobs – When employees stay put, fewer roles open up, which makes every posting more competitive

✔ Restructuring & automation – Some roles are being consolidated or reshaped because of AI and automation, especially in tech and operations

✔ Public sector & large-org slowdowns – Government and big enterprise hiring often moves more slowly during budget shifts and leadership changes

✔ Ghost jobs are rampant – More and more companies are trying to build a candidate pipeline or posting old, paused, or never truly open jobs - a concept known as "ghost jobs"

But here's the flip side: Health care, certain professional services, and areas of tech (AI, data, cybersecurity, and anything tied to revenue) are still hiring. And the overall quality of talent in the market is incredibly high, which means standing out matters more than ever.

Bottom line: The market will shift again. The professionals who keep their materials sharp, stay visible, and continue building relationships now will be the first in line when more roles open up.

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Tip of the Week:

Spot Fake Job Postings

Spot fake job postings before wasting your time: If a listing has been up for 30+ days, has vague descriptions, or the company isn't actively engaging on LinkedIn, it's likely a ghost job.

Pro move: Check the company's actual website. If the job isn't listed, it's probably fake. Focus your energy on fresh postings and verified listings.

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The Inside Scoop:

Holiday Networking Events

As a former recruiter, here's what makes someone memorable at holiday mixers:

✔ They aren't there with the expectation of getting a lead; they are there to genuinely build connections, listen, and share

✔ They're curious about the company, not acting desperate for a job

✔ They ask thoughtful questions (not just "Are you hiring?")

✔ They follow up within 48 hours with a personalized LinkedIn message

Holiday events are low-pressure and high-reward. Show up, be curious, follow up. That's how opportunities happen.

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AI Prompt of the Week:

Updating Your LinkedIn Headline

Copy/paste this into ChatGPT (or your favorite AI tool):

"I'm a [role] who specializes in [niche]. I want my LinkedIn headline to attract [target audience: recruiters, clients, or hiring managers]. Write 10 impactful headline options that go beyond my job title and showcase my unique value."

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on my radar:

Jobs, Companies, & Connections Worth Mentioning

🎯 Virtual Career Fair for Women in Sales & Marketing (12/4) – Employer information sessions & speed networking with recruiters from various trusted companies. Learn More

💼 Shutterfly: Various Remote Job Opportunities – Shutterfly regularly posts remote roles in customer support, creative, marketing, operations, & more. View Jobs

💻 GitLab: Various Remote Job Opportunities – Remote-first org with roles open in Sales, Engineering, Product, Security, Marketing, & Office/Admin. View Jobs

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alexa, add to my shopping list

Career Tools, Resources, & Shopping Finds I'm Loving Right Now

👗 Holiday Party/Networking Dress – A polished, flattering dress that works for office holiday parties, networking events, or any work-related gathering where you want to look festive but still professional.

📘 Networking Guide for Professionals – A no-fluff digital guide to help you network without feeling awkward or salesy. Great for job seekers or those wanting growth or more professional relationships.

🪑 Ergonomic Criss-Cross/Kneeling Office Chair – I have no clue how I lived life working from home before I got this chair.

📋 xTiles Visual Planner & Templates – A drag-and-drop, visual workspace that's helpful if you have ADHD or just like seeing everything laid out. Perfect for organizing your job search & weekly priorities.

Some links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting small businesses like mine!

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Final Thoughts

"It feels as though brighter days are ahead. And each month seems to be getting a little more buoyant."— Michael Distefano, CEO, Korn Ferry

The job market 2025 is tough, but it's not permanent, and you don't have to put your career on pause while it figures itself out.

Your job in this season isn't to apply to every posting you see. It's to stay ready: keep your materials sharp, protect your energy, build real connections, and pay attention to where opportunities are actually moving.

Even one small action this week—such as refreshing your LinkedIn headline, cleaning up a resume bullet, or reaching out to one person—keeps you in motion. You're not behind. You're building a foundation so that when things open up, you're already in position.

Need help with your resume, LinkedIn profile, or job search strategy? Check out my services or book a free consultation to see how I can help you stand out in this market.

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