2025 Job Market: What's Not Changing
Many core principles and human behaviour truisms, which are inherently part of job searching, aren't changing anytime soon.
Happy New Year everyone!
The phrase "resistance is futile"—commonly associated with the Borgs, fictional aliens who are recurring antagonists in the Star Trek franchise—is one job seekers would be wise to heed. Every day, I see job seekers spending (read: wasting) time and energy fighting against core principles and human behaviour truisms that aren't budging anytime soon.
Thanks to technological advancements, shifting economic and geopolitical landscapes, and generational adjustments in the workplace, today's job market is brutal. Job searching, hiring, and employee experience aren't what they once were. However, some aspects haven't and won't be changing, regardless of how much you wish they would. Therefore, it's wise to accept that employers operate within certain universal truths and changes in norms have re-defined the concept of professionalism.
Profitability is an employer's top priority.
Ultimately, businesses exist to make a profit. Regardless of what happens in 2025 and beyond, this core principle of capitalism will remain constant. This is why the most effective approach to landing a job is to show and articulate to employers what most job seekers don't: how hiring you will directly impact the company's profitability.
Why should an employer hire you if you aren't going to add measurable value to their business?
No Numbers = No Value to Employers
Identify ways to quantify your achievements (increased, decreased, improved, saved, handled, collected, processed) and present your achievement numbers—numbers are the language of business—to demonstrate the value you added to your previous employers.
Your LinkedIn profile is paramount in your job search and career.
Your LinkedIn profile isn't just an online résumé; it's your 24/7/365 personal billboard. When done right, it's an around-the-clock employer magnet. Your LinkedIn profile needs to provide compelling reasons why an employer should hire you, which starts with, as I just pointed out, presenting your results using numbers.
More than ever, employers are turning to LinkedIn to find candidates—rather than posting jobs and weeding through hundreds of resumes, most of which won't meet the qualifications—vet their qualifications and evaluate their professional demeanour. Because of its far-reaching visibility, your LinkedIn profile is much more important than your resume, which is only seen by those you share it with. Having a polished, up-to-date LinkedIn profile is non-negotiable.
Ensure your profile has a professional headshot, a captivating headline, and a summary showcasing your skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Engage with industry-related content and regularly update your profile to reflect new skills and experiences to keep yourself visible and position yourself as a thought leader in your field.
Having a professional network
"The richest people in the world look for and build networks; everyone else looks for work." – Robert Kiyosaki, American businessman and author, Rich Dad Poor Dad.
The adage "It's not what you know, but who you know" will always be a truism. People serious about their career cultivate a professional network through which they can learn about job openings, industry trends, and potential mentors.
Make 2025 the year you attend industry conferences, join relevant professional organizations, and actively engage on LinkedIn and other social media platforms.
TIP: Networking is about forming relationships and providing value to others; it's not about seeking anything. When meeting someone for the first time, ask yourself, "How can I help this person?"
Being a SME (Subject Matter Expert)
Employers love experts, especially experts with a track record of producing results. Due to the increasing compartmentalization of work, SMEs—professionals with deep knowledge in specific areas—are increasingly in demand. SME status enhances your employability dramatically.
Becoming a Subject Matter Expert (SME) is not an overnight achievement, but it's a journey worth taking as it'll significantly enhance your employability. It starts with investing time in continuous learning, attending workshops, obtaining certifications, and keeping up with industry trends. Then, share your knowledge and insights through articles, presentations, social media, and actively participating in online discussions.
Maintaining a positive mindset
Job searching can be daunting and disheartening. However, maintaining a positive mindset is essential. Employers favour candidates who will contribute positively to their culture.
When you cultivate and maintain a positive mindset, you become more likeable. Likeability is a job seeker's biggest asset. Being likeable supersedes your skills and experience. Hiring managers don't hire candidates they don't like.
A sense of entitlement turns off employers.
Many job seekers expect jobs to be handed to them because they have a degree or some experience. This "I'm owed!" belief is why most job seekers have a "frustrating" job search.
Put an end to your sense of entitlement. Focus on what you can offer an employer. Show your willingness to adapt, learn, and contribute to the employer's success. Understandably, employers gravitate towards candidates who show initiative and a strong work ethic over those who expect to be given opportunities.
Ghosting is part of job searching.
The "Tinder" generation dominates recruitment; therefore, save your breath. Ghosting, where employers cease all communication without explanation, is here to stay. Accept that being ghosted means you didn't get the job.
You don't own your job; your employer does.
Ever since an employer created a job—around 3,000 BCE in ancient Mesopotamia, a Sumerian named Kesh is believed to have been the first paid employee—jobs have been owned by employers, not employees. Layoffs highlight this fact, which is why it’s wise to maintain a nimble and proactive approach to your career.
Navigating 2025's job market will require:
Accepting what you can't control.
Focusing on creating and maintaining a professional network.
Being that rare candidate who demonstrates how they'll enhance profits—the reason the employer exists.
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Give it a call and let me know what you think.
Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned corporate veteran, offers “unsweetened” job search advice. You can email Nick at artoffindingwork@gmail.com with your questions.
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