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What Do You Actually Do In This Job Market?

What Do You Actually Do In This Job Market?

Forbes02-06-2025

Miriam Groom, (M.A. Psyc.) Organizational Therapist, CEO of Mindful Career, and Leader, Human Capital at KPMG.
Let's be honest—today's job market is unpredictable. Despite widespread layoffs and hiring freezes in some sectors, others are quietly booming. But for job seekers, especially mid-career professionals or those in transition, the dominant feeling is confusion.
Every week, I speak with professionals who ask: 'What am I doing wrong?' 'Do I need to rebrand myself?' 'Should I pivot, freelance or go back to school?'
Here's the truth: The market is complex, but with the right mindset and tools, it's not impossible. Below is a roadmap I share with my clients—and now with you.
It's tempting to apply to every opening that vaguely fits. But that strategy can lead to burnout and low response rates.
What to do instead:
• Pick three to five companies a week you genuinely want to work for.
• Research their recent press, product launches and leadership changes (try Crunchbase or their LinkedIn page).
• Tailor your resume and outreach based on how you can solve a current business problem for them.
Resource: You can use JobScan to optimize your resume against a specific job description. It improves keyword alignment, which helps with applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Your resume isn't just a list—it's a narrative. In today's market, your ability to communicate your career story can be just as important as your qualifications.
Try this: Craft a 'Career Positioning Statement.' One or two lines that answer:
• Who are you professionally?
• What unique value do you bring?
• What kind of opportunity are you pursuing now?
Here's an example: 'I'm a purpose-driven marketing strategist with 10+ years in B2B SaaS, passionate about helping early-stage companies grow through brand clarity and demand generation. I'm now exploring mission-led startups or consulting opportunities.'
Resource: Try Teal HQ to build your career tracker and craft a positioning statement with structure.
If full-time roles are elusive, it doesn't mean you're stuck. Consider a portfolio career—a combination of short-term gigs, freelance work or contract roles.
Why this works:
• Keeps income flowing
• Fills resume gaps
• Broadens your skill set and network
• Sometimes leads to full-time opportunities
How to get started:
• Set up a profile on Upwork, Contra or Toptal
• Join Slack communities or Substacks for your niche (design, HR, product management, etc.)
• Offer project-based help in your network with a clear one-pager
This job market is also a mirror. If you're not getting traction, it might not be your fault—it might be misalignment.
Ask yourself:
• Do I still want this role or am I doing it because I 'should'?
• Do my current strengths align with where the market is going?
• Is it time to rebrand, upskill or reposition?
Resource: Use the O*NET Interest Profiler to explore roles based on your preferences and skills. It's backed by the U.S. Department of Labor and surprisingly insightful.
And if you're thinking of a career change, platforms like CareerOneStop or LinkedIn Learning offer guided paths that help you reskill strategically—without enrolling in a costly degree.
It's often said that up to 80% of jobs are filled through networking. In a market this noisy, relationships cut through the clutter.
Actionable steps:
• Reconnect with five former colleagues or classmates this month—without asking for anything.
• Post thought leadership or insights on LinkedIn once a week to build your digital presence.
• Attend industry-specific webinars or virtual meetups and follow up with speakers or attendees on LinkedIn.
Resource: Try Lunchclub or Shapr to connect with professionals in your target industries without the awkward small talk.
When things feel uncertain, it's easy to go into overdrive—sending out endless resumes, jumping on every job board or doubting your worth.
But this market doesn't reward hustle alone. It rewards strategy, clarity and alignment.
If you're feeling stuck, try this:
• Reflect on what energizes you (not just what you've done)
• Tighten your personal brand
• Diversify your income streams
• Stay curious—and stay connected
Your next opportunity might not come from the path you planned, but it may be even better.
Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?

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'Overworked and underpaid employees don't want pizza parties and team-building exercises,' he said. His eyes looked strained, and I couldn't tell if he had a headache or was exhausted… I guessed both. 'What's wrong with pizza?' I joked, trying to lighten the mood. 'Nothing. I like pizza. But when you're stressed about finances, have to fight for every penny you make, juggle more responsibilities than you have time, and doing everything you can to exceed expectations to the point of burnout… well, what you need is to feel valued, have opportunities for growth, a wage and a title that reflects everything that you're doing, some help, strong support and a good work culture… some freakin' hope… something that has more of a lasting impact than a slice of pizza.' I remained silent. I couldn't decide if I was allowing him more space to think or if I was thinking to myself how much I agreed with him. 'It's almost insulting,' he continued. '99.9% of the time, they act like they don't even recognize our existence, and now they want to throw us a party? No thanks. Having a party is great, but first, let's get your team healthy enough to enjoy it.' He paused. 'They're panhandling a superficial solution to a real problem.' 'And what's the real problem?' I asked. 'They aren't investing in people — they're investing in results. They don't realize that the results will exceed their expectations if you authentically invest in good, hardworking, talented people. Despite the lack of meaningful appreciation and resources, we have a great team. Think what it could be if they added the missing components.' He removed his glasses and wiped his eyes. He stared at me with a tiredness that went well beyond the moment. 'Wouldn't it be nice to have an environment where employees are invested in so much that they could find another job but don't because they love where they work?' he asked. 'That would be nice,' I said. 'What do you think is going to happen?' 'We are woefully under-supported, yet the expectations keep rising. Essentially, we're being set up to fail… either by failing to reach their unattainable bar or by failing our health and family in thinking that we must continue without setting realistic boundaries. Heck, it could end where I cannot meet their increasing expectations, get let go, and cannot even use them as a reference. That would be ridiculous, as I'm a great employee. I feel destined to fail, and that's a horrible feeling.' 'Sounds like fear is playing a role, too,' I said. 'You bet it does! They have me: I am too strapped for time and finances to even look for another job. By the end of the workday, I'm beyond exhausted, have headaches, can't sleep, and am barely present for my family. Yet, I'm doing this for my family. That's messed up. Worst, I actually like my job. Heck, I'm great at it. But who cares? They'd rather put money into hiring other positions and socials than caring for the few doing the bulk of the work. Where does that leave me? Seriously, where? It leaves me angry because I CARE.' I didn't say anything. 'Right… you're lack of response has been my answer for a long time. I can't do a damn thing, and they know it. But you know what?' 'What?' 'Even more than what I know about them, I know me,' he said. 'I've been in much worse situations than this one. I'm accustomed to survival mode. The difference was that I was fighting for something worth the sacrifice. Here, I am fighting to take care of my family in an environment that isn't fighting for me. The sacrifice, as it stands, is not supporting my why… if I am too sick or strained to be available to my family, why am I giving my limited energy to a job that would soon forget me the moment I'm gone?' 'Very true,' I said. 'I have two months of savings in my account. If I quit today, I would have two months to look for a job. 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You know you are a valuable employee. You mentioned to me earlier that you've been a stellar employee in every job you've had. Guess what? You will be again if you choose to get another job. Stop allowing others to pacify you with empty promises and pizza parties. Speak to what you want, whether a promotion or help … whatever you know to be true. If they don't see your requests as valid, that doesn't make them false. It just means they don't know your worth… make sure you do.' 'I know my worth, but I also know my responsibilities,' he said. 'That's fair. Often, we do things as adults because we 'have to' more than 'want to.' Responsibility isn't meant to be taken lightly or shirked. Over time, however, we must pay attention to patterns, noticing when individuals consistently demonstrate that they are not going to change and when it is upon us to change.' 'I get that. I'm just terrified of letting my family down,' he said. The weight upon him was suffocating, and I could tell he was carrying a burden that would eventually break him. 'That's speaking from a position of self-loathing and shame. Such thinking keeps you stagnant in areas where God has gifted you and given you talents to grow. There is nothing shameful about taking care of your health, not diminishing your value, and moving forward in full faith that God is opening doors you haven't even seen.' 'Opening doors I haven't even seen,' he repeated. 'I like the sound of that.' 'All I'm saying is keep your options open… you've convinced yourself that you're trapped. You're not. Even if things change for the better in your current job or it all falls away, the most important things will remain. And God will eventually position you on higher ground. He knows your needs. He knows you. Believe this. Trust God. And move forward, being okay with whatever outcome God provides.' 'Whatever outcome God provides. Yes,' he said. 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