Why Does It Feel Almost Impossible to Find a Job in the US Right Now? 📉

Although US economists often highlight record-low unemployment rates, many individuals are still struggling to secure new jobs. Recent workshops I’ve conducted on career paths deepened my interest in this topic, and here are some insights:

1️⃣ Ghost Job Postings
Many companies post job openings with no intention of actively hiring. These "ghost jobs" can serve several purposes for businesses:
👆 Enhancing reputation: A company with numerous job postings appears successful and growing.
👆 Market research: Applications provide data on industry trends, such as salary expectations and skill availability.
👆 Talent pipeline: Companies collect applicant information for potential future needs.
👆 Cost analysis: Companies gather valuable insights to answer key questions, such as determining appropriate salary levels or assessing the difficulty of replacing an employee.
Unfortunately, these practices give applicants false hope and can lead to frustration when applications go unanswered.

2️⃣ Shortage of Opportunities in Preferred Industries
While some sectors urgently need workers- like hospitality or retail- these often come with challenges:
👆 Low wages
👆 Unpredictable schedules
👆 Few or no benefits, such as healthcare or job stability
Given the rising cost of living, many applicants focus on highly sought-after jobs in better-paying industries, intensifying competition.

3️⃣ Overwhelmed by Job Application Spam
Job applications through platforms like LinkedIn or Indeed have become effortless, allowing candidates to apply in seconds. As a result:
👆 Recruiters receive an overwhelming number of applications.
👆 Many companies rely on AI tools to filter submissions, meaning only highly tailored resumes might reach human eyes- and even then, they can still be rejected.
This highlights the importance of crafting personalized applications to stand out in the digital flood.

4️⃣ Closed Networks
Networking is crucial in the US job market. Referrals play a significant role in hiring, and many opportunities are shared within exclusive networks. Candidates without access to these networks may find it harder to succeed in their job search.

💡 What About Your Job Market?
I’d love to hear your experience navigating the job market in your country.