Tips for Navigating Placement Uncertainties

As a recruiter hiring creative professionals during a slow job market, I know how frustrating and unsettling this market can be. As someone who has gone through many waves of the economy over the years, I have a top ten list of things to remind you of during this time: 1. Patience and Persistence: The job market can be unpredictable, but keep applying for relevant roles and networking within the industry because this type of persistence leads to opportunity. 2. Portfolio Enhancement: Use this time to improve and update your portfolios. Adding new projects, showcasing diverse skills, and highlighting achievements can make a significant impact when the next opportunities opens up. 3. Skill Development: Invest in skill development and continuous learning. Taking online courses, attending workshops, or gaining certifications in emerging creative trends can make you more competitive and adaptable in the job market. 4. Freelancing and Side Projects: Explore freelancing or side projects during this period. Freelancing not only helps maintain income but also allows for portfolio expansion and networking with potential clients and employers. It also gives you freedom to pursue something that you haven’t had the time to. 5. Networking and Building Relationships: Make sure you’re still networking, both online and offline. Building meaningful relationships within the industry can lead to referrals, insider job opportunities, and valuable insights on potential openings. 6. Industry Research: Stay updated on industry trends and the current demands of employers. Knowing what skills and qualities are sought after can help you tailor your applications and interviews accordingly. 7. Resilience and Adaptability: Stay resilient and adaptable during this time of uncertainty. The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and demonstrate a positive attitude really builds our character and can make us an even stronger candidate. 8. Volunteer and Pro Bono Work: Explore volunteer or pro bono opportunities in your field. Contributing your creative skills to a cause can showcase your talent, compassion, and commitment to making a difference and it may be something that you love doing and get to spread good will into the community. 9. Personal Branding: Work on their personal branding and online presence. Having a strong LinkedIn profile and engaging in thought leadership through blogs or social media can attract the attention of potential employers. 10. Seek Feedback and Learn from Rejections: Try not to be discouraged by rejections. Instead, seek feedback on their applications and interviews and use it as a learning opportunity to improve your approach. #hiring #creatives #staffing #recruiting #hr #advertisingandmarketing

Many folks in the tech community are going through something I’ve experienced many times in my career: a layoff. I've faced the unexpected storm of layoffs four times❗️in my 26-year career. And yet, I've managed to keep my time unemployed to mere weeks (about six weeks, I think). Before I get into my tips on what to do when you find yourself suddenly looking, please know that none were easy. Each layoff was unique and had differing levels of difficulty. I struggled with these tips, too. First and foremost, give yourself grace! I found the following to be extremely helpful: 💪🏼 Embrace Reality: Treat the situation as a neutral event. It can be hard to do, and you are always allowed to feel the emotions. Recognize it’s now time to move your career forward. 🎯 Reflect and Define: Write down your strengths and be clear about what you possess. What's your ideal next role? Clarity here is probably the biggest strength you’ll have going forward. 🧑💻 Bridge the Learning Gap: Identify skills you may need to polish or acquire. Online courses, webinars, mentorship – choose your learning focus. ✍️ Tailor Your Resume: Customize it for the role you’re eyeing. Generic resumes don’t perform as well, for obvious reasons. 📣 Be Open About Your Job Search: There's no shame in being open about your job search. Use LinkedIn and other social platforms to your advantage (Network, network, network). 📋 Organize Your Opportunities: Keep track of job leads and interviews. I used spreadsheets to weigh factors like mission and personal alignment, salary and benefits, and when to follow up. 🏓 Practice Makes Perfect: Are your interview skills rusty? Taking time to sharpen them pays dividends. 💭 Remember, You’re Not Alone: Open conversations can be a game changer. There's immense power in community support. I’m cheering for you!!! 🙌🏼 👉 Your Turn: Have you experienced a layoff and bounced back? How did you navigate through them? Let's share experiences and tips in the comments below – your story might be the beacon someone needs today! #CareerResilience #JobSearchStrategies #LayoffLessons #LinkedInCommunity

💡 Tips from a Recruiter That You Didn't Ask For! 💡 🌟 Navigating Job Rejection: Here's What to Do Next! 🌟 I see many capable and skilled candidates face job rejections, and delivering the news is one of the most challenging parts of my job; here’s how to bounce back effectively: Request Feedback 🗣️ - While not all employers provide specific reasons for a rejection, it's always worth asking for feedback. Understanding any areas for improvement can be invaluable, even if the details are scarce. Maintain Relationships 🤝 - Keep your interactions with recruiters positive, even after a rejection. A good relationship can lead to future opportunities and inside information on upcoming roles that could be a great fit. Stay Positive ✨ It's natural to feel disheartened. Instead, focus on your strengths and the opportunities ahead. Every experience is a step forward in your career progression. Network Actively 🔗 - Continue to build your network. Engage with industry professionals, attend events, and participate in forums. Networking can uncover new opportunities that might be just the right fit. Refine Your Skills💪 Use this time to enhance your skill set. Whether you’re learning a new software tool, taking a leadership course, or improving your interview techniques, every bit of progress makes you a more attractive candidate. Reassess Your Goals 🎯 - Reflect on whether your career goals align with your applications. Sometimes, a rejection can be a signal to consider a different path or new industries. Keep Applying 🔄 - Don’t be discouraged from applying to other roles within the same company if you’re passionate about working there. Timing can be crucial, and persistence often pays off. Remember, a rejection isn't the end—it's a part of your pathway to the right opportunity. Stay engaged, stay prepared, and keep those professional relationships strong! #JobSearch #CareerAdvice #ProfessionalGrowth #RecruitersLife #TipsFromARecruiter #TenacityAndGrit

It's been 6+ months since my role at Meta was impacted by layoffs. Throughout this time I've been able to grieve (still doing this to be honest), reflect on my experiences and learnings, start a consulting practice, and reconnect with individuals I've crossed paths with in past endeavors. And I am pumped to share that I have *FINALLY* accepted an offer..more on this shortly =) The experience has been stressful, frustrating, exhausting, and extremely humbling. For those of you out there that are going through the same thing as me, here are some tips that helped me ultimately land something. 1. Market yourself - Update your LI profile to reflect your resume, including RESULTS. With many positions having hundreds (or thousands 😮) of applicants within a couple of days, more and more employers are relying on proactive search to find talent. Make a recruiter or sourcer WANT to reach out to you. 2. Engage - This platform is so amazing and is one where engagement and collaboration with peers is strongly encouraged and rewarded. Go outside of your comfort zone to initiate thought and conversation with people in your domain. This will get you noticed, and the more consistent you are, the more likely it is that people will reach out to you. 3. Follow industry experts - From people who share related job openings (which I plan on doing to help pay it forward), to individuals who will keep it real and provide unfiltered feedback to help you navigate unemployment and your search (S/O Richard King). 4. Leverage your network - Let people know you are looking, what you are looking for, and how they may be able to help you. Not everyone will respond but the ones that do could provide the insights and introductions you need to get things moving. Here are a few other people I suggest following or connecting with (especially in the TA world) that have provided valuable insights to me during my search. - Joie Karcher - Jan Tegze - Haley ONeill - Martel H. - David Marr, CIR, CSSR - Matt Hearnden I know how difficult it is right now, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Keep grinding! #AlwaysBeNetworking #layoffs #jobsearch -JP

Getting the job you really want has never been easy. Keeping the job you already have is a source of increasing anxiety for many. According to a national survey by Insight Global, nearly 80% of employees expressed fear over losing their jobs, with almost a quarter of American workers indicating they are extremely worried about job loss. Those worries may not be ill-founded: in a recent survey of 900 companies by Resume Builder, nearly four in ten said they are likely to have layoffs in 2024. As mass layoffs, buyouts and company restructurings have become increasingly common, job security really has become a thing of the past. Your career “preventive maintenance” is your responsibility. I recommend taking a proactive stance toward your employment situation by performing a personal career check-up every six months. Consider the following 7 checkpoints to ensure you're not caught off guard by unforeseen challenges: 1. Job Satisfaction: Reflect on whether you still find fulfillment in your role. Assess if your current responsibilities align with your passion and skills. 2. Personal Goals and Objectives: Regularly evaluate if you're making progress toward your personal career objectives. This self-assessment ensures that your professional journey remains aligned with your aspirations. 3. Company Stability: Keep an eye on the overall stability of your company. Changes in leadership, financial health, or market dynamics can impact your job security. 4. Advancement Opportunities: Assess the availability of growth prospects within your current organization. Consider if there are opportunities for upward mobility that match your career goals. 5. Respect and Recognition: Gauge the level of respect you receive from both management and colleagues. A positive workplace environment contributes significantly to long-term job satisfaction and security. 6. Exploring External Opportunities: Periodically explore the job market to stay informed about potential opportunities elsewhere. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions about your career path. 7. Resource Preparedness: Be proactive in preparing for unexpected termination. Ensure your skills are up-to-date, maintain a robust professional network, and have contingency plans in place. By regularly checking in on these aspects of your professional journey, you're not just gearing up for potential challenges – you're also shaping yourself as someone who can roll with the punches and understands the importance of making the best of ever-changing circumstances. “We can create the ultimate job security by becoming less dependent on the organization for which we work and more dependent on our own resources.” - Bo Bennett #employment #layoffs #jobsecurity #careermanagement Image Credit: Brainyquote.com

One of my clients was laid off a couple months ago. After years in the startup space and experiencing multiple layoffs, she began to doubt her career decisions. She was looking for clarity and direction. She sought my help to strategically navigate her job search. Here’s how we did it: Clarified her needs and goals. We discussed her financial, lifestyle and career needs. Understanding where she stood was a critical starting point. Leaned into her network. She reached out to former colleagues and bosses. Her strong track record made them eager to support. Engaged her hustle and endurance. She researched each company thoroughly and endured countless rounds of intense interviews and assessments. Didn’t let fear drive her decision. Tempted to settle, she remained patient and focused, ultimately securing a job that aligned with her goals and values. She accepted an offer with a tech company she’s been excited about for a long time. Her journey highlights the importance of clarity, relationships, resilience and patience. Regardless of the job market, knowing your value and staying true to your goals will steer your career in the right direction.

Persistence, Consistency, and Creativity: Thriving in a Tough Job Market (Speaking of persistence and creativity, ChatGPT was down this morning, and Perplexity.ai was helpful 😂) In today's job market, the competition is fierce, and it can be disheartening to see the statistics reflecting the challenges we face. According to LinkedIn's latest employment market report, there has been a 27% year-on-year rise in applications per application. Additionally, the Technology, Information, and Media industry has experienced a significant decline of nearly 40% compared to July 2022, making it one of the hardest-hit sectors. However, it is during these tough times that our true character is revealed. As James Lane Allen wisely said, "Adversity does not build character, it reveals it." Instead of letting these statistics discourage us, let them ignite a fire within us to be better, to push harder, and to rise. Here are some key points to remember and actions to take to navigate the tough job market: 1. Embrace Persistence - Understand that success rarely comes overnight. It takes time, effort, and perseverance. - Keep applying for jobs, even if the competition is fierce. Each application is an opportunity, and you never know when the right opportunity will come knocking. - Network actively and reach out to professionals in your desired field. Building connections can open doors and lead to unexpected opportunities. 2. Maintain ConsistencyDevelop a routine and stick to it. - Consistency in your job search efforts will yield better results over time. - Set achievable goals and break them down into smaller tasks. Celebrate each milestone you reach, no matter how small. - Continuously update and improve your skills. Take online courses, attend webinars, or join professional organizations to stay relevant in your industry. 3. Cultivate Creativity - Think outside the box and explore alternative career paths or industries that may have better prospects. - Showcase your creativity in your job applications and interviews. - Highlight unique experiences, projects, or skills that set you apart from other candidates. - Consider freelancing, consulting, or starting your own business. These options can provide flexibility and opportunities for growth. Remember, it's not about the ease of the journey; it's about the growth and resilience we develop along the way. In my personal experience, seeking help and guidance when I was feeling stuck or overwhelmed played a crucial role in my success. Leveraging coaching at different phases of life allowed me to land a new job, embark on a solo backpacking trip around the world, write a children's book, and even launch my own coaching business. So, let's embrace the challenges, stay persistent, consistent, and creative. Let's use this adversity as an opportunity to reveal our true character and achieve our goals. "Adversity does not build character, it reveals it." - James Lane Allen

In my role as a recruiter, I've recently engaged with numerous professionals grappling with the aftermath of layoffs. If you find yourself navigating these uncertain waters, here's some guidance gleaned from countless conversations: 💡 Shift your perspective. Focus on the road ahead rather than the rearview mirror. 💡 Utilize this period to expand your knowledge horizon. Dive into a new course or polish dormant skills. 💡 Approach your job hunt with the dedication and discipline of a 9-to-5. 💡 Forge connections, both on platforms like LinkedIn and in the offline world. 💡 Collaborate with a specialized recruiter in your domain. Remember, in the world of recruitment, it's not just about talent, but timing and networks! Having a recruiter by your side in a fluctuating job landscape can be a beacon of clarity amidst the chaos. We're here to offer a grounded perspective to alleviate any job-hunt jitters. Wishing you a rejuvenating Friday and a weekend filled with positivity!

Navigating the Job Search Journey After Layoffs I just want to take a minute to acknowledge that it’s been a really hard year and remind you that the state of this job market is not a reflection of your skillset or worth - there are so many incredible UX professionals that are persisting and doing great work, regardless of what your LinkedIn profile says, kudos to all of us! In times of transition, finding the right path forward can be both challenging and empowering. Here are some valuable job search tips for those looking right now or those who plan to do so in the new year. ✨Reflect and Reframe: Take a moment to reflect on your skills, accomplishments, and the unique value you bring. Use this time to reframe your narrative, focusing on the strengths that set you apart in the competitive job market. ✨Invest in Your Professional Brand:Update your LinkedIn profile, resume, and portfolio to showcase your most recent achievements. Highlight the skills that make you a standout candidate in the UX research field. Your online presence is often the first impression employers have – make it a compelling one! ✨Expand Your Network: Connect with professionals in the UX community and beyond. Attend virtual events, webinars, and engage in relevant discussions. Networking is not just about job hunting; it's an opportunity to gain insights, share experiences, and foster meaningful connections. ✨Upskill and Stay Informed: Invest in your professional development. Identify areas where you can enhance your skills, whether it's mastering a new research methodology or staying updated on industry trends. Continuous learning not only adds value to your resume but also boosts your confidence during interviews. ✨Seek Guidance and Mentorship: Consider reaching out to mentors or career coaches who can provide valuable insights and guidance. At UX Outloud, we're here to support your journey, offering tailored career coaching services to help you navigate the intricacies of transitioning into the UX research world. Remember, to embrace the process, stay positive, and know that opportunities often arise from unexpected places. If you or someone you know is looking for personalized career coaching in the UX space, feel free to connect with me. I’m dedicated to empowering individuals like you to thrive in their career transitions. Wishing you resilience, positivity, and success on your job search journey. #UXR #ServiceDesign #DesignThinking #UXCommunity #HumanCenteredDesign #Research

You've been offered a job. How do you know it's the right one for you? Before you even get to the offer stage, connect with people who work at the company. Ideally these should be ongoing conversations that you can have throughout the interview process. Additionally, target those who hold the same (or similar) title as the one you want. Ask REAL questions. Things that are important to you that would help you determine if the company and role would be a good fit. Are other employees happy there? Does the role or company match your values? Have the other employees been given growth and promotion opportunities? Networking is not just about GETTING the interview. It's about being able to connect with and leverage other real, breathing humans to understand how a company operates. In a tough market, it can be hard to consider turning down an offer. But it's important to remain far-sighted with your career. Accepting an offer that is a poor fit just because it's the first to come along may just be a weak bandaid. Do yourself a long-term favor and put in the effort early to learn as much as you can about an opportunity before you accept. Know what is important to you, and seek those answers throughout the interview process. This will remove uncertainty in the offer stage.