Six Months Left in 2025 to Transform Your Job Search

Focus on what you can control—your expectations and your strategy.

Jul 03, 2025

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"The bad news is time flies. The good news is you're the pilot." - Michael Altshuler.

On July 2nd, we reached the halfway point of 2025. As a testament to how quickly time passes, we're now closer to 2050 than to 2000.

If you're in the job market and hoping to finish the year with a new job, then you need to use the next six months to get yourself into competitive shape, to become a contender among all the other job seekers who are just as qualified as you, and in many cases, more so. The key is to take action now—waiting isn't an option—on the following:

Audit Your Digital Footprint

Consider this a given: If an employer is considering your application, they'll first check your LinkedIn activity and your digital footprint to determine if you're interview-worthy. I know many cases of job seekers, several close to me, whose online activity is hindering their job search efforts; therefore, take a hard look at your digital footprint, starting with your 24/7 digital advocate that represents your professional identity: your LinkedIn profile.

First step: Delete all posts and comments that criticize or, worse, bash employers.

Then ask yourself:

Does my LinkedIn profile picture and banner, both non-negotiable 'must-haves,' present me in the best light possible?
Does your LinkedIn profile clearly convey, using numbers, the value I can bring to an employer?

Review every aspect of your LinkedIn profile, your headline, summary, each job experience, which should be packed with numerical evidence of results—proof of your impact—you achieved for your employers. Critically assess whether it's an employer's attraction or a "So what?" I recommend reading Linked: Conquer LinkedIn. Get Your Dream Job. Own Your Future, by Omar Garriott.

Once you're satisfied with your LinkedIn profile, focus on your broader digital footprint. Search your name and any variations, such as nicknames, across multiple search engines like Google, Bing and DuckDuckGo. Additionally, search for images and videos that include your name.

Aside from your LinkedIn profile, ensure that all social media accounts are set to private. Delete outdated or sensitive information. Set up a Google Alert for your name to receive notifications when new content about you is published. Then make a commitment to yourself that, until you land a new job and have worked for your new employer for at least six months, you won't post or comment on anything unless it's to showcase your expertise.

Touch Base with Your Network

When you began your current job search, you probably reached out to everyone you knew (family, friends, acquaintances) to let them know you were "looking" or "on the market," and then...

It's time to reach out again! No one maintains perfect contact at all times. I certainly don't. Send a message along the lines of, "Hey! I was thinking of you and hoping that you're doing well. How's life?" Maybe something reminded you of them. If so, mention it. Everyone likes to be thought of. Then, when they reply and ask how you're doing, let them know you're still job searching and remind them of the type of job you're looking for, the industry you're interested in, and your relevant experience.

Reach Out to Recruiters and Companies

People who find jobs quickly are proactive; they don't wait for job postings to appear before applying alongside hundreds of other job seekers. Put together a list of 20 recruiters specialising in your field and another of 20 target companies. Identify at least five people in senior roles at the target companies and introduce yourself with a personalised message, one that is relevant, interesting, and effectively conveys your "you."

Be clear that you're looking for a job and then explain why you'd be a great value-add to their company or, when reaching out to a recruiter, their clients.

What type of work gets you out of bed in the morning?
What are your professional superpowers? (backed by results achieved)
What kind of company do you want to work for?
What other interesting things about you might make you stand out?

Once you've sent your message, follow the person on LinkedIn and other social media platforms, and—this is key—engage with their posts and comments in ways that showcase your expertise. Your goal is to create visibility that supports the adage, "It's not who you know, it's who knows you."

Set Up Google Alerts

Setting up Google Alerts for your target companies, industry news, and job postings gives you a significant competitive edge. By staying informed, you can act quickly when opportunities such as business expansion, venturing into a new market or product line, or job postings are mentioned.

Instead of venting or criticizing employers, focus on what you can control—your expectations and your strategy. You can't change the job market or the employers; you can only change your approach. With a consistent proactive approach in which you make every day count, and stop waiting for employers to post jobs, there’s a good chance, a very good chance, even in today’s job market, you'll land a job before December 31st.

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