Heading into a new year means getting your job search on the right track. Whether
you are unemployed or employed and looking, you'll want to use these pieces of job
search advice.
Job Search In 2025
Looking for a new job in 2025 will be different than it was a year or more ago.
I can't predict exactly what the job market will look like for you. There are just
too many variables. But what I do know, is that there are at least two major elements
impacting every job search right now:
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The economy
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Artificial Intelligence
When jobs are scarcer and more people are using AI to mass-apply to jobs, talent
acquisition/recruiters become overwhelmed with too many applications.
This means your materials must be targeted, unique and thorough. It also means you'll
want to do more than just throw your resume into the Applicant Tracking System (or
easy apply).
You will apply online AND you will strategically network with people who are in
your industry.
Below are the expert tips from many of the colleagues I trust and respect. Thank
you to all of you for taking time to contribute.
These pieces of advice offer you a way to a better job search. Be sure to follow
these job search allies on LinkedIn and/or subscribe to their newsletters!
Job Search Tips for 2025
In an increasingly digitally processed world, it is beneficial to fit database (dB)
best practices by embracing Market Value Filters (MVF).
Think about LinkedIn as a dB (digital filing cabinet) with a B+ files in it, we
realize that there needs to be standardization in the way we label files so that
they can be retrieved when needed.
That file pulling standard on [in] is the Market Value Filters (MVF). They appear
in many places within our profile from Location, Industry, Titles, Location type,
Employment type Company... even to our Degrees. [in] never tells us about them, will
let us overwrite them (making us [in]visable) but they leave us some clues, during
our profile edits, in areas that produce a Drop-down box of choices when we are
typing during our profile edits.
65% of [in]'s $17B Annual Rev comes from M2M (Selling Members access to other Members
through Recruiter and Sales Navigator which basically makes us the product). If
you are running a business and your two main customers are 65% of the Rev, you give
them what they want. If we want to be that perfect product, that [in] promotes,
we must fit the system and when we do, we go from 1 in a B to #1 in a B for what
we do.
Hope that Helps and for the Visually Wired here's your GIFt: youtu.be/oPR08l7zQvQ
#KeepRockingLinkedIn!
Kevin
Erin Kennedy, Professional Resume Services, Inc.
My #1 piece of advice is to never stop networking.
No matter where you're at in your job search, you should keep cultivating and developing
your network.
Even once you've found employment, remember that these are the same people that
will have your back when you're in the job search again.
In 2025, the job market is evolving faster than ever, with AI, hybrid work, and
shifting skill demands at the forefront. My #1 advice? Master the art of storytelling
in interviews.
Employers don't just want to know what you've done—they want to know how you think,
solve problems, fit into their culture, and be able to work collaboratively. Prepare
SARB (Situation, Action, Result, Benefit) stories that highlight your adaptability,
initiative, and value. Practice answering behavioral questions with real-life examples
that demonstrate and validate the skills listed in the job description. For recent
graduates, focus on transferable skills from internships, academic projects, and
volunteer work.
Additionally, practice your delivery. In a world of virtual interviews, your tone,
energy, and confidence must shine through the screen. Leverage mock interviews and
video simulations to refine your presentation and seek feedback to improve.
Finally, remember that interviews are conversations, not interrogations. Engage
with the interviewer by asking thoughtful questions that show your interest in their
company's mission and culture. The key to success is practicing with someone who
can provide you instant and honest feedback.
Be kind.
Look for opportunities to help others, whether by proofreading a resume, leaving
a recommendation on LinkedIn, or connecting someone with a job lead or a contact
who can help them land an interview.
When you're mired in a job search, it's hard to think of anything else but your
mission to get a new job. But making time to help others with their career can help
you in so many ways. It'll make you feel good, which will be a welcome change if
your self-esteem has taken an understandable hit during your job search. You'll
build a reputation as someone who thinks of others, making a good impression on
hiring teams and job seekers alike. And you'll invest in the future, ensuring that
your contacts who need help now will want to help you when they can.
It only takes a couple of minutes, and people really do remember those who helped
them out—and they'll reciprocate.
While I'm cautiously optimistic that 2025 will be a stronger year for job search
than 2024 (one of the tougher ones I'd seen in years), I don't anticipate it's going
to be the heyday that we experienced in 2022 and 2023.
To land in this competitive market you need strong targeted career marketing collateral
(resume and LinkedIn) and you need a strong job search strategy focused on reverse
engineering:
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where do you want to work?
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who do you know that works there?
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who do you need to know who works there?
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who do you know that might know others?
Keep the curiosity and conversations flowing to uncover opportunities. Learn more
about hitting the ground running for your job search.
Ensure your job search activities involve the creation of a great resume AND LinkedIn
profile. Job seekers often put a lot of effort into their resumes but overlook the
value and benefits of a fully complete and optimized LinkedIn profile. Yet, many
recruiters rely heavily on LinkedIn for candidate sourcing and initial screening
and may read LinkedIn profiles more than they read resumes.
Profiles populated with related career details, skills, keywords, and results, will
be found in searches.
If your profile is incomplete or only includes basic information, you may be passed
over for opportunities. Unlike a resume, a LinkedIn profile works for you 24/7 and
is much easier for hiring personnel to access — so take time to fully populate your
profile! See how recruiters use your profile.
Alan Stein, Founder and CEO, Kadima Careers
The job market goes up. The job market goes down. Your approach should not change
one bit.
Identify your goals.
Play to your strengths.
Build relationships.
Prepare for very beatable interviews.
Negotiate for what you're worth.
Mark Dyson, The Job Scam Report
The rise of Deepfake videos poses significant challenges for hiring and onboarding,
leading companies to slow the hiring process to verify candidates. With the increase
in employment scams, fake resumes and avatars are becoming prevalent, complicating
virtual interviews. To combat this, additional training is needed for employees
to identify potentially fake candidates.
In 2024, scammers targeted students with fake job postings, raising concerns that
companies could face similar threats, with links to rogue sites potentially compromising
company security. This highlights the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals
to monitor new hires for ethical conduct. The first half of 2024, job scams quadrupled
from 2023. The battle will only intensify.
Additionally, companies are likely to increase their reliance on contract workers
to address temporary staffing needs, which may alter traditional employment patterns.
They should consider allowing applicants to apply as contract workers.
Moreover, companies need to improve transparency regarding applicant data usage,
ensuring job seekers have options for personal information handling.
Finally, it's crucial for organizations to actively combat fake recruiting efforts
by utilizing multiple communication channels to inform the public and encourage
employees to report scams.
Know your must-haves and nice-to-haves. I see a lot of people change jobs only to
have regrets because the "new" job isn't necessarily better than the "old"
one.
Take time to think about what you're looking for... and be a little more specific
than "not what I currently have".
Once you have that list of what would make you happy, then prioritize it into the
must-haves and nice-to-haves. This will be helpful when you're negotiating a new
offer and keep you focused on those must-haves.
You can always revisit and change this list. That's perfectly normal. The world
around us changes all the time. But taking the time to identify what you're really
looking for in an opportunity could help you focus on the right job offers and prevent
regrets later.
Gina Riley, Gina Riley Consulting
Going into 2025, being qualified for the job won't be enough. Minimum qualifications
are just table stakes to land that initial conversation. Your Unique Value Proposition
(UVP) is what actually helps you win the job.
Your UVP serves as the anchor of your career narrative—the point of clarity that
sets you apart in a sea of similar candidates.
By developing your UVP, you'll not only have a solid foundation for explaining your
strengths, leadership style, and career story, but also the ability to weave together
the threads that distinguish you. Think of your "Tell me about yourself"
response as a highlight reel rather than a scripted pitch. Aim for under five minutes,
and ensure every detail flows from your UVP. Show not just what you've accomplished,
but why it matters and where you're headed next. Highlight the outcomes you've driven,
the results you've achieved, and the signature approach you bring to complex challenges.
In 2025's competitive market, getting noticed isn't about meeting the baseline—it's
about showing employers exactly what they'll gain by choosing you. Let your UVP
define your marketing messages so that you resonate with your target audience and
go from qualified to candidate of choice.
(Excerpt from "Qualified Isn't Enough," scheduled for publication with
Advantage Forbes Books in September 2025)
Jan Tegze, Author of Job Search Guide
I would recommend people to focus on 3 areas:
Working Well with AI Tools
Just like learning to use a smartphone or computer, you'll want to get good at working
with AI tools. This means knowing how to give AI clear instructions (we call these
"prompts") and checking its work to make sure it's accurate. For example,
if you're writing a report, you might use AI to help organize your ideas or check
your grammar, but you'll add your own knowledge and creativity to make it better.
Companies want to hire people who know when to use AI for basic tasks and when to
rely on human skills like judgment and creativity.
Mixing Different Skills Together
In 2025 companies want people who can mix technical skills (like using computers
and software) with people skills (like explaining complex ideas simply or working
well in teams). For example, if you're good at data analysis, you should also be
able to explain what the numbers mean to people who aren't experts. Or if you work
in customer service, knowing how to use AI chat tools while still keeping a friendly,
human touch is super valuable. It's about being well-rounded and able to handle
different types of tasks.
Building Connections with Others
You can do this online through sites like LinkedIn or in person at meetups and events.
The key is to actually talk to people and help each other out — don't just collect
contacts like Pokemon cards! Share what you know, ask questions, and learn from
others' experiences. When you hear about job openings, these connections can tell
you what it's really like to work there. Plus, many great jobs are filled through
personal recommendations.
Remember, you don't need to be perfect at everything! Start by getting good at one
thing, then gradually add more skills. The most important part is being willing
to learn and adapt as jobs change. Learn more about how AI will transform your job.
Meg Guiseppi, Founder/CEO, Executive Career Brand
Here's my evergreen advice for job search, for 2025 and beyond: Before writing your
resume or doing anything else, get straight on what kind of work you want to do
and which companies or organizations will be a mutual good-fit.
You may be resistant to targeting select employers because you don't want to limit
your search. You think you should remain open to any and all job opportunities.
Here's one of the problems with this approach:
When you're writing your resume, LinkedIn profile, etc. you won't know who you're
writing for and what specific experience, expertise, strengths, qualities and qualifications
they will want candidates to have for specific roles they need to fill.
Instead, to land a great fit job, you need to be as specific as possible, with examples
and details that will resonate with specific employers.
After doing the targeting work, dig into researching your target companies and industry
to determine what things you offer (accomplishments, skills, personal strengths,
etc.) that your target employers need right now.
Targeting is also important for due diligence. You need to assess target employers
just like they'll be assessing you, to be sure you're a good fit for each other.
Understand that your resume, LinkedIn profile and other job search materials are
personal marketing communications. Marketing campaigns begin with knowing your target
audience and addressing specific pain points of theirs. Then you can promote yourself
as a potential problem solver for specific things impacting them right now.
It may seem counter-intuitive to narrow your search to specific employers, but the
more you do, the more precisely you'll be able to pinpoint the unique value you
offer.
And the more your personal marketing materials and networking efforts will position
you as the best hiring choice for the companies and organizations you want to work
for.
The old marketing adage "different is better than better" rings true in
2025. Generative AI and the "easy-apply" button have made it effortless
for candidates to submit job applications. The problem? Everyone now looks exactly
the same. I wish I could show you the stack of cover letters I received for a job
I recently posted—nearly all of them said the exact same thing.
In a competitive market like this, the key to getting more callbacks is to stand
out. Tailor your message—whether it's your resume, cover letter, or outreach—to
resonate with your specific audience. Be targeted. Be different.
Maureen McCann, Executive Career Strategist, Promotion Career Solutions
SLOW DOWN.
I get it.
You want to reduce your time on the market and land something quickly
But you're a quality hire, and quality takes time.
Carving time out for your job search doesn't mean days and weeks out of your schedule.
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It could be a morning when you take a moment to collect and organize your thoughts.
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An hour where you map out the criteria for you to say "yes" to a job offer.
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A few minutes in the evening creating tailored messaging for the companies or positions
you're targeting.
A few things to note before you begin your search:
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As you advance in your career, senior roles become fewer. Be prepared to compete
with world-class leaders. What got you to this stage of your career may not get
you to the next level.
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The market has changed since you last looked for work. You're going to have to adjust
your approach to job search accordingly.
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Relying on your reputation alone may not serve you as well as you hope. Prepare
quality, demonstrative documents worthy of someone of your caliber.
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Clarity. Don't move or position yourself until you know where you're going. When
you see an opening that's a 65% match for what you think looks good — stop yourself.
Decide right now before you find yourself in that position — what constitutes the
best possible offer for you; then don't settle for anything less.
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Since you can't have "all the jobs," your discernment must guide you.
Otherwise, you'll pursue jobs never meant for you, wasting precious time, energy
and resources.
If you slow down and move with precision, 2025 will be the year for you.
See job search habits to break before 2025.
Get on top of your AI up-skilling.
Research from the LinkedIn Microsoft 2024 Work Trend Index Annual Report surveyed
31,000 people across 31 countries, examining hiring trends in Fortune 500 companies.
They found that:
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More than half (56%) of the managers suggest they would choose a candidate with
relevant experience and some AI skills, over candidates who didn't. They find AI
knowledge more useful than additional experience.
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66% of Leaders would not hire someone without AI skills
This is good advice for everyone, but especially for women who are falling behind
in upgrading their technology skills.
While 54% of men now use AI in their professional or personal lives, this falls
to just 35% of women, according to a survey from FlexJobs.
So, with the projected uncertainty in the job markets for 2025 — your personal development
is one area you can control. So, make sure you don't get left behind in the workplace
tech transition.
Learn more about why women need to get into AI.
Be creative to stand out.
Using AI tools to improve your job search is more than a recent trend and is here
to stay, but as your job search competitors also up their game, it becomes all the
more important for you to think differently to be seen differently.
How can you get your resume to a hiring manager without following the usual application
process?
What can you do to impress when recruiters google your name?
What will make your interviews more memorable, and your excitement for the job more
palpable?
Learn more about the creative ways people got hired.
Finding a mentor isn't just a smart career move—it's a game-changer. Most people
try to figure it all out on their own, spending years grinding through trial and
error, hoping they'll stumble onto the right answers. A mentor saves you from that.
They reduce the learning curve and give you a roadmap that might've taken you decades
to draw on your own.
Here's the reality: mentors have already walked the path you're on. They've made
the mistakes, learned the lessons, and earned the scars. When you have someone like
that in your corner, you don't have to learn everything through failure. Instead,
you can borrow their experience and skip straight to progress. What might have taken
you years to figure out on your own becomes clear in months or even weeks.
But mentorship isn't just about advice—it's about access and introductions. The
right mentor doesn't just teach you what they know; they open doors to people and
opportunities you didn't even know existed. They bring you into their network, connect
you with key players, and create opportunities that wouldn't have come your way
otherwise. A mentor is a fast pass to building the relationships that matter most
in your field.
Inside your company, a mentor can be even more impactful. They teach you how to
navigate the unwritten rules of workplace dynamics. They help you understand where
the real power lies and how to build political equity. The truth is, your career
growth isn't just about what you know—it's about who you know and how well you've
positioned yourself. A mentor helps you gain influence and credibility by showing
you how to play the game strategically.
So, find someone who's been where you want to go. Someone who's already overcome
the challenges you're facing. Don't wait for a perfect moment or a formal program.
Seek them out, ask good questions, and show them you're serious about growth.
The right mentor won't just accelerate your learning—they'll transform your entire
career trajectory. Learning through failure might be noble, but learning through
mentorship is smarter, faster, and far more effective. The question isn't whether
you need a mentor—it's how soon you're going to find one.
Learn more about finding a mentor.
Loren Greiff, Founder, PortfolioRocket
AI is on everyone's lips and in everyone's budget so that aside here are my other
key urgings for those in 2025:
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Focus on Active Continual Learning.
Learn it alls signal adaptability, and agility to new skills, tech, environments,
market conditions and organization hiring changes
✕ Instead of certificates
✓ Feature impact: "Applied latest AI ethics training to develop new data governance
framework, now used by 3000+ employees."
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Bridge Building and Cross Generational Skills
We now have five arguably six generations in the workforce
Traditionalists (Silent Generation): Born 1925-1945
Baby Boomers: Born 1946-1964
Generation X: Born 1965-1980
Millennials (Gen Y): Born 1981-1996
Generation Z (Gen Z): Born 1997-2012
Generation Alpha, which includes those born from around 2013 to the mid-2020s. Not
officially in the workforce but included in the future of work.
✕ Rather than "extensive experience"
✓ Bridge generations "Mentored 30+ leaders while reverse-mentoring 9 Gen Zers"
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Remember AI isn't coming to replace you, rather to reveal you.
✓ Master the five critical human skills (curiosity, courage, creativity, communication,
compassion) that AI cannot replicate
✓ Excel in the emerging relationship economy by prioritizing human connection over
technical expertise
Learn more about the impact of AI on your career.
Take care of yourselves during job search — give yourself permission to enjoy life
and learn to say 'no' at times.
The one critical piece you need in the uber-competitive 2025 job market is to get
VERY familiar with your personal brand, because it's essential for building a compelling
LinkedIn profile, resume, employer outreach, and interview responses.
This is true even if you're supporting your search with AI tools, because these
applications don't work side-by-side with you every day to uncover your strengths.
Defining your brand will also give you a major advantage during multiple rounds
of interviews, when you'll need to think on your feet in front of different audiences
to describe why you're the perfect candidate.
Start by brainstorming what differentiates you from competing job seekers:
Do you work faster than peers or solve problems others can't?
Can you quickly spot issues that hold businesses or teams back?
Are you called as the main contact to fix critical problems or smooth customer
relations during chaotic situations?
Do you enjoy wading through complexities such as major contract terms or the intricacies
of engineering platforms?
Are you the person tapped to revitalize troubled businesses or teams?
Do you identify innovative solutions or launch initiatives in new markets?
If you really struggle to think of these items, ask your network or peers what they
value about working with you. You might be surprised!
Next, add important metrics to this list of personal strengths — describing the
dollar figures, percentages, rankings, or other figures that clarify how much impact
you produce for your employers.
Use cost savings, profit improvement, new sales or market opportunities, on-time
delivery metrics, increases in customer retention or throughput, KPI achievements,
and so on.
After coming up with all these details, create several brand statements that describe
your unique contributions and qualities, such as:
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I build teams that streamline processes for business stakeholders, saving up to
$4M with new efficiencies that expedite product deliveries by 30%.
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My leadership approach eases team stress, boosts employee retention more than 80%,
and retains nearly 90% of our top performers.
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I've reworked our cybersecurity strategy to prevent the most severe threats on a
global scale, enabling Fortune 500 companies to retain over 80% of their customer
base when others are losing business.
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My problem-solving abilities have rectified multinational outages that threaten
business stability, reducing occurrences up to 75% over previous years by using
effective root cause analysis.
These details will help you tap into your value proposition and give you powerful,
convincing statements to use throughout your LinkedIn Headline and About sections,
resume summaries, achievement bullets, cover letters, and interviews, no matter
if you're using AI or building your own career marketing materials.
Best of all, this information will provide the confidence boost needed to consistently
shine in your search and distinguish yourself from the competition.
Learn how to build your executive brand!
David Fano, Founder & CEO at Teal
Success in your 2025 job search is about being intentional, leveraging technology,
and presenting your best self to employers. Here's how to make your search strategic
and impactful:
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Get Clear on Your Goals
Before diving into applications, reflect on what you want. Think about roles, industries,
and companies that align with your skills, values, and career aspirations. A clear
vision helps you target opportunities that truly resonate.
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Polish Your Personal Brand
Your resume, LinkedIn profile, and online presence are your digital first impression.
Use tools to craft tailored, keyword-optimized resumes that showcase your achievements.
On LinkedIn, make sure your profile reflects your unique value proposition, with
a strong headline and clear career story.
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Stay Organized with Technology
Job searching can be overwhelming. Tools like a Job Tracker can help you manage
applications, deadlines, and follow-ups in one place. Staying organized ensures
you don't miss opportunities or important steps.
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Leverage Your Network
Don't job search in isolation. Reach out to your professional connections, share
your goals, and express interest in companies they're associated with. Personal
referrals often lead to faster responses.
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Keep Up With Industry Trends
Employers value candidates who stay informed. Invest time in learning about industry
trends, emerging skills, and how your expertise aligns with where the market is
headed in 2025.
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Be Consistent and Resilient
Rejections are part of the process. Commit to sending applications daily, customizing
each one, and following up when appropriate. Consistency and persistence pay off.
By focusing on clarity, branding, organization, and resilience, you can navigate
the 2025 job market with confidence and land opportunities that align with your
goals.
Ed Han (posthumously)
For those who don't know Ed, he was a recruiter and ally for job seekers. He passed
away this year and his voice is greatly missed on LinkedIn. He was a friend and
someone I relied on for "a recruiter's perspective." I wanted to include
one of Ed's posts here because I know he would have offered his wisdom if asked.
My #LinkedIn
#tip4day: respect how others choose to grow their networks.
I have a lot more connections than I ever wanted already. Therefore, I'm selective
about whose invitations to connect I accept. And I rarely send one, unless they're
someone I met or otherwise interacted with in a meaningful way.
Those are my minimum standards for connecting.
This is not to say that this is the only way. Indeed, there's no one right way to
do this.
But it illustrates the point that people don't all accept every invitation that
comes in. Indeed, very few people do.
Right now, I have 250+ invitations to connect awaiting a response. I can confidently
say that I might never get to all of them.
It's not that a single invitation requires much effort. But 250 of anything will.
Follow people first before inviting them to connect. Comment on their stuff so they
get to know you.
That's an invitation with a higher likelihood of prompt acceptance.
Thank you for coming to my #EDtalk
In Conclusion
Focus, clarity, human-ness, uniqueness and the ability to weave AI with critical
thinking- these are reoccurring themes for a 2025 job search.
