Hi Oddies,

Jen Glantz here.

We've all heard about the struggle in the 2024 job market - ghosted applications, AI gatekeepers, and skills gaps wider than the Grand Canyon.

This week, let’s explore why it feels impossible to land a job and what you — or your friend who is looking for a job — can do to change that!

Ready to turn the job hunt on its head? Let's go!

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I’ve been eyeballing a lot of X threads of people’s tech stacks — the tools they swear by for their business and life. So I decided to keep a running list of my own right here. I’ll update this each week with the best tools I use as a solopreneur:

Social Media & Marketing:

• Tailwind: Makes it super easy to schedule 100+ pins a month on Pinterest.

• Flodesk: Marketing emails that are easy to design and send.

• Event Share: Lets all guests upload photos to one spot at/after an event

• Any Email Finder: Gives you anyone’s email. I use this for outreach.

• 48-Hour Logo: A speedy fast way to get logo designs for your bizz.

• ReplyGuy: A service that mentions your bizz on Reddit and Twitter.

Website:

• Showit: Both of my websites are designed on this platform.

• InstaWP: A fast and easy way to build a Wordpress website.

• Weebly: Free website builder that requires zero coding or skills

• Opt-in Monster: Helps you capture leads on your website in a handful of ways

• Swift Brief: Scans your website and suggests + writes SEO blog posts for it.

Content Creation:

• Fiverr: Outsource work and get quick results. I use it for editing, social media, and design.

• Typefully: Writes you catchy, personalized, and engaging Linkedin posts

• Hemingway: Edits your writing in real-time to make it perfect and professional

Random but Good:

• Toggl: A time-tracking tool that organizes how you spend your minutes.

• Cratejoy: My go-to last minute gift for a birthday or holiday.

• Classpass: Not tech but it’s part of my life stack. I take workout classes using this app.

Make Money Stack:

• Poshmark: I sell clothes and other items around the house

• Etsy: Dreaming up what to sell on this platform.

• Survey Junkie: Get paid to take surveys

• Howl: How I get affiliate/brand deals as a creator

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Why No One is Hiring You in 2024 and How to Change That

In 2024, the job market presents a paradox: companies claim they're hiring, yet many qualified candidates find their applications met with silence. If you're struggling to land a job, you're not alone. Let’s figure out why nobody will hire you — and how to change that.

Understanding the Current Job Market

Before diving into solutions, it's crucial to understand the challenges you're facing in the 2024 job market:

1. Overwhelmed Recruiters

Many companies have downsized their recruiting teams, leaving fewer people to handle a flood of applications. This means:

• A single recruiter might be responsible for hundreds of open positions

• Response times are slower, and personal feedback is rare

• Initial screenings are often rushed, leading to qualified candidates being overlooked

Action Step: Be patient and persistent in your follow-ups. Use tools like Boomerang for Gmail to schedule polite check-ins if you haven't heard back after a week or two.

2. ATS Hurdles

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) filter out resumes that don't perfectly match job descriptions. In 2024, these systems have become more sophisticated:

• They can analyze the context of your experience, not just keywords

• Some use AI to predict job performance based on resume data

• Many are now integrated with skills assessment tools

Action Step: Use a tool like JobScan to compare your resume against job descriptions and optimize for ATS compatibility.

3. Skills Mismatch

Rapid technological changes have created a skills gap in many industries:

• Employers are looking for candidates who can hit the ground running

• Traditional degrees are often less valuable than practical, up-to-date skills

• Soft skills like adaptability and continuous learning are increasingly important

Action Step: Conduct a personal skills audit. Use LinkedIn's Skills Insights to see which skills are trending in your industry and identify gaps in your skillset.

4. Cautious Hiring

Despite "urgent" job postings, companies are often slow to make hiring decisions:

• Economic uncertainty leads to more thorough vetting processes

• Companies may keep positions open while reassessing their needs

• Multiple decision-makers are often involved, slowing down the process

Action Step: Use this time to your advantage. Research companies thoroughly and prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest and industry knowledge.

Steps to Improve Your Job Search

Now that we understand the challenges, let's dive into detailed strategies to overcome them:

1. Tailor Your Resume

Your resume is your first impression, and in 2024, it needs to work harder than ever:

• Use keywords from the job description to beat ATS systems:

  • Read the job posting carefully and identify key skills and requirements

  • Incorporate these keywords naturally throughout your resume

  • Use industry-specific terminology to demonstrate expertise

• Create multiple versions of your resume for different types of roles:

  • Develop a "master resume" with all your experience and skills

  • Create tailored versions highlighting relevant experience for each job type

  • Keep track of which version you send to each company

• Use a clean, ATS-friendly template:

  • Stick to standard fonts like Arial or Calibri

  • Use clear section headings (e.g., "Work Experience," "Skills")

  • Avoid complex formatting, tables, or graphics

Resources:

• Resume.io offers ATS-friendly templates

• Grammarly can help polish your writing

• Canva has creative yet professional templates for more design-oriented fields

Action Step: Set aside a full day to overhaul your resume. Create a master version, then spend time tailoring it to 3-5 specific job types you're targeting.

2. Network Strategically

In 2024, who you know is more important than ever. Here's how to network effectively:

• Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your industry:

  • Optimize your profile with a professional photo and compelling summary

  • Join industry-specific groups and participate in discussions

  • Share relevant content and engage with others' posts

• Attend virtual and in-person networking events:

  • Use Eventbrite or Meetup to find events

  • Prepare an elevator pitch about your skills and career goals

  • Follow up with new connections within 24 hours

• Seek referrals from current employees of target companies:

  • Use LinkedIn to identify 2nd-degree connections at companies you're interested in

  • Ask mutual connections for introductions

  • Offer value (e.g., industry insights) when reaching out, not just asking for help

Resources:

• LinkedIn Learning offers courses on networking strategies

• Lunchclub uses AI to match you with relevant professionals for virtual networking

• Shapr is a networking app that works like a professional version of dating apps

Action Step: Set a goal to make 5 new meaningful connections per week. Track your networking efforts in a spreadsheet, noting follow-ups and potential opportunities.

3. Upskill to Match Market Demands

Continuous learning is no longer optional. Here's how to stay relevant:

• Identify in-demand skills in your field:

  • Use LinkedIn's Skills Assessments to benchmark your skills

  • Check job postings for recurring skill requirements

  • Follow industry leaders and publications to spot emerging trends

• Take online courses through reputable platforms:

  • Coursera partners with universities for accredited courses

  • edX offers courses from top institutions globally

  • Udacity provides tech-focused "Nanodegree" programs

• Gain practical experience through projects:

  • Contribute to open-source projects on GitHub

  • Take on freelance work through platforms like Upwork

  • Create a personal project that showcases your new skills

Resources:

• Google Digital Garage offers free courses on digital marketing and more

• FreeCodeCamp provides comprehensive coding courses at no cost

• Kaggle hosts data science competitions to hone your skills

Action Step: Commit to spending 5 hours per week on skill development. Create a learning plan with specific goals and deadlines.

4. Be Strategic in Your Applications

Quality over quantity is key in 2024. Here's how to apply smarter:

• Focus on roles that closely match your skills and experience:

  • Use LinkedIn's Job Match feature to find suitable positions

  • Create a scoring system to evaluate job fit before applying

  • Aim for at least 70% match with listed qualifications

• Apply directly on company websites instead of just using job boards:

  • Set up job alerts on company career pages

  • Follow target companies on social media for job announcements

  • Use Google for Jobs to find listings across multiple platforms

• Research company culture and interview processes:

  • Read reviews on Glassdoor and Blind

  • Look for employee testimonials on company websites and social media

  • Prepare specific examples of how you align with the company's values

Resources:

• Indeed Company Pages provide insights into company culture and benefits

• The Muse offers behind-the-scenes looks at company cultures

• Comparably provides detailed company ratings and salary data

Action Step: Create a target list of 20 companies you'd love to work for. Research each thoroughly and set up custom job alerts.

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5. Consider Temporary or Contract Work

In a tough market, flexibility can open doors:

• Register with temp agencies to get your foot in the door:

  • Research agencies that specialize in your industry

  • Prepare a "temp-specific" resume highlighting adaptability

  • Be open to short-term assignments that could lead to permanent roles

• Look for contract positions on specialized job boards:

  • Use FlexJobs for remote and flexible work

  • Check Dice for tech contract roles

  • Explore Toptal for high-end freelance opportunities

• Use contract work to build your network and skills:

  • Treat each assignment as a long-term interview

  • Ask for recommendations and referrals at the end of each contract

  • Keep a portfolio of your contract work to showcase your versatility

Resources:

• Robert Half offers temp and contract placements across various industries

• Kelly Services provides temporary staffing solutions globally

• We Work Remotely lists remote contract opportunities

Action Step: Sign up with at least two temp agencies and apply to 5 contract positions this week.

6. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile

Your LinkedIn profile is your digital resume. Make it work for you:

• Ensure your profile is complete and keyword-rich:

  • Use a professional headshot and eye-catching background image

  • Write a compelling headline that goes beyond your job title

  • Craft a summary that tells your career story and highlights key achievements

• Engage with industry content and join relevant groups:

  • Comment thoughtfully on posts from industry leaders

  • Share articles with your own insights added

  • Participate actively in group discussions, offering help and advice

• Utilize LinkedIn's features to stand out:

  • Add rich media like presentations or project links to your experience sections

  • Use the "Featured" section to highlight your best work

  • Get and give skill endorsements to strengthen your profile

Resources:

• LinkedIn's official blog provides regular tips for profile optimization

• LinkedIn Learning's course on profile optimization

• Jobscan's LinkedIn Optimization tool

Action Step: Spend 30 minutes each day engaging on LinkedIn. Set a goal to increase your profile views by 50% in the next month.

7. Prepare for Modern Interview Processes

Interviews in 2024 often involve multiple stages and new technologies:

• Practice video interviewing skills:

  • Use InterviewBit for technical interview prep

  • Set up a professional background and check your lighting

  • Practice maintaining eye contact with the camera, not the screen

• Research common interview questions in your industry:

  • Use Glassdoor's Interview Questions & Answers to find company-specific questions

  • Prepare stories using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)

  • Practice with a friend or use AI interview prep tools for feedback

• Prepare thoughtful questions about the company and role:

  • Research recent company news and initiatives

  • Ask about team dynamics and growth opportunities

  • Inquire about the company's plans for adapting to industry changes

Resources:

• Big Interview offers comprehensive interview preparation

• Google Interview Warmup provides AI-powered interview practice

• The MUSE's 31 Smart Questions to Ask in a Job Interview

Action Step: Conduct at least 3 mock interviews this week, recording yourself to identify areas for improvement.

8. Stay Persistent and Positive

Job searching can be draining. Here's how to maintain momentum:

• Keep a job search journal to track applications and follow-ups:

  • Use tools like Huntr to organize your job search

  • Set reminders for follow-ups and thank-you notes

  • Reflect on what's working and what needs adjustment

• Set realistic daily or weekly application goals:

  • Quality over quantity – aim for 5-10 well-tailored applications per week

  • Celebrate small wins, like securing an informational interview

  • Use the Pomodoro Technique to stay focused during your search

• Join job seeker support groups:

  • Participate in Reddit's r/jobs for advice and support

  • Look for local job search support groups on Meetup

  • Consider starting a mastermind group with other job seekers in your field

Resources:

• Calm or Headspace for mindfulness and stress relief

• Coach.me for habit tracking and personal coaching

• The Muse's Free Job Search Toolkit

Action Step: Create a self-care routine to maintain your mental health during the job search. Include exercise, social time, and activities you enjoy.

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