Job hunting in 2025: What you can and cannot control
Remembering what is in and out of your control is key when embarking upon a job search. Sue Parker, owner of Dare Group Australia, explains.
It’s mid January 2025, and recruitment and job hunting is slithering back.
And likewise, many great people in the marketing and media world are continuing their job search or about to embark on one (now the eggnog and crazy season is a memory).
Whether new to the hunt, or continuing on from months of unsuccessful applications, taking control and responsibility for what’s in your control is essential. Working out what is in and out of your control fuels empowerment and creativity. Whereas sitting in a pot of same old, same old and blame disempowers.
Job searching is not easy – that’s for sure. And it’s darn deflating when applications are met with crickets and interviews are but a pipe dream. Frustration naturally grows with confidence taking a battering.
The truth is many of the reasons interviews don’t land have jack squat (aka nothing) to do with you. But often, they have a whole lot to do with you. Playing the pity party without taking stock of what’s in your control won’t cut the mustard.
After over 20 years in recruitment, careers and job search coaching, I wager it around 55% of rejections are OUT of a candidates control and 45% IN their control. Sobering for all ages.
Here are the main reasons why you probably didn’t get in the interview hot seat.
OUT of your control
- Ghost job
- Role already been earmarked internally
- ATS (Application Tracking System) bumped out
- Ageism & Gender biases
- Fake companies posting fake jobs to steal a candidate’s identity
- Hiring manager/ recruiter has no idea of what they need/incompetent
- Lazy /urgent process – take first 10 applications to interview
Bottom line is that even for brilliant candidates who send amazing resumes & cover letters to knock the socks off anyone, they still may not get an interview.
You want to minimise the risk of sending your hard efforts into an abyss of no hope. For senior executives and professionals with decades of expertise under your chops you must prepare and investigate prior to application.
IN your control
- A cracker and inspiring LinkedIn Profile
- Compelling story telling resume
- Powerfully address potential ageism and objections
- Respond to criteria and application process
- Tailored cover letter to knock the socks off (yes they matter still)
- Applying strategically to roles vs a spray and pray desperate approach
- Proactively contacting recruiters and employers before and after applying.
- Taking stock of any internalised ageism and self-limiting beliefs
Irresistible unique resumes that demonstrates not states will hit the reader over the head like a Samboy chip thinking ‘we so need to meet this person’.
Research the agency, brands, and organisation thoroughly and demonstrate you are not spraying and praying. Make the reader of your application feel a little special.
Use LinkedIn to raise your profile and expertise to your target career and industry. A cracker LinkedIn career branded profile means completing major sections – don’t be lazy with a few lines in the about section.
All roads lead to LinkedIn from Google and a crappy profile will don’t help convert (just like a poor SEO campaign doesn’t convert).
Final word: A big pointer for those who have had decades in the media and marketing world and now looking.
You cannot rely on your previous networks, reputation and achievements to carry you through. It takes effort, courage and a focus on amplifying what’s in your control.
Sue Parker, owner of Dare Group Australia, is a communications, job search and career specialist.
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