Why is it so Hard to Get a Job Right Now?

🚀 Unraveling the Job Market Mystery with Jason Roberts! 🚀
Are you tirelessly job hunting with no success, wondering why it's so tough out there despite "booming" job market headlines? Well, you've clicked on the right video! Join Jason Roberts, a seasoned recruiter with 25+ years under his belt, as he dissects this perplexing situation in a clear, engaging, and insightful manner.
Inside this Video:
Job Market Paradox Explained: Dive into the confusing world of employment stats - Why does a 3.7% unemployment rate still leave you jobless?
Real Data, Real Talk: Jason breaks down the December job market data and compares it to past trends, shedding light on the current scenario.
The Hidden Job Market Challenge: Understand the decrease in job openings and the surge in competition. Why are there fewer jobs despite positive reports?
Resume Revamp Secrets: Discover Jason's unique strategies to make your resume stand out in a sea of applicants. Plus, get a sneak peek at his innovative career coach GPT tool!
Networking Gold: Unlock the power of connections in your job search. Learn why "who you know" might be your ticket to that dream job.
Stay Positive & Persistent: Jason shares motivational insights and persistence tactics to keep you going in your job hunt journey.
Exclusive Tools & Tips:
Free Access to Career Coach GPT: chat.openai.co...
Downloadable Resume Guide: www.execcongress.com/resume
Why Watch?
Real Insights from a Recruiting Pro: Jason's experience brings you the unfiltered truth about today's job market.
Practical, Actionable Advice: Walk away with real strategies you can apply immediately.
Empowerment and Hope: Get the encouragement you need to keep pushing forward in your job hunt.
👍 Like, Subscribe, and Join the Community: If you find this video helpful, please show your support by liking and subscribing. Let's build a community of empowered job seekers!
Ready to crack the job search code? Let's dive in and turn your job search struggles into success stories! 🌟💼🌟

[@Warren_Lifts]

It's not hard to find a job but it's hard to find a job that pays a liveable wage.

[@BetterThing-jobs]

I think it might be both.

[@tercial]

Yup

[@Zulonix]

In a stable system, it's possible for a person to figure out what works and what doesn't. With an unstable system, it's impossible to figure out what will get you where you want to go. We've have an unstable economic system the past three years.

[@bubbasouth69]

The thing no one is mentioning is the fact that as quickly as companies start hiring they soon start firing. I’m seeing a lot of that these days.

[@careymathews5981]

That's exactly why I'm still at my job. The pay still sucks, but if I were to leave, I'd be taking a pay cut. I'm so miserable there.

[@matrixexposer6217]

And the USA is full of homeless and working poor.

[@Zulonix]

Joe Biden and the Dems are very proud of their handiwork.

[@chanellaDaboss]

Anybody else is tired of resumes and interviews 😅?

[@BetterThing-jobs]

There are discussions across the recruiting world about going to skills based hiring. The only problem is that it gets super test/assessment heavy which I think is worse than the interviews.

[@500watts_]

@@BetterThing-jobs test and assessment heavy after requiring a portfolio of case studies is ridiculous.

[@dhenderson1810]

​@@BetterThing-jobsI think doing a hands on work trial (actually come in and show what you can do) is far better way to pick the right candidate.

[@dhenderson1810]

But quitting or being laid off just means that the same people are just filling different vacancies.

[@dhenderson1810]

People are also retiring later from jobs.

[@robertfrederick7125]

I haven't had a job since 9-11-23. I also haven't collected un-employment because I quit, because I got tired of working 3 times harder than the next guy and it showed in my production to the next closest person that been there for years. Then I got injured and had part of my dominate hand amputated. I am not qualified for anything but mostly physical work. Behind on bills, and mortgage I still check indeed every day for both physically locations and remote.

[@BetterThing-jobs]

I am so sorry to hear about your challenges! That is a very difficult set of circumstances you are navigating. What I will say is, don't give up. Pick a target job and go for it. The worst thing that can happen is for these massive obstacles to ultimately steal your agency leaving you to feel helpless. You are not helpless. You are in control of where you apply, how hard you drive to get that next job, what business you start on your own. You can do still do this!

[@derekhusband6622]

Theres a statute of limitations. Apply for unemployment now, you should qualify, quitting be damned.

[@derekhusband6622]

Theres a statute of limitations. Apply for unemployment now, you should qualify, quitting be damned.

[@dhenderson1810]

Aren't you eligible for disability payments, if you lost your dominant hand?

[@richu371]

I hate everything. Nobody will hire me. I quit.

[@BetterThing-jobs]

You have to keep going. Keep on applying. Eventually one of these will hit the right place.

[@kevinvaters2526]

Lol, that’s the spirit

[@acegikm]

@@kevinvaters2526 There's nothing funny about people feeling that way.

[@yearginclarke]

Believe me I know that feeling.

[@dhenderson1810]

Maybe you could start your own business. What are you good at? You could use that skill and offer it directly to the customer. A friend of mine is a handyman and has made a lot of money working direct for the customer. Another was a mobile mechanic and a third fixed personal computers. All three were very successful, made a lot of money, and got a lot of return customers I'm even toying with starting my own delivery company. You will have to work long and hard, make mistakes at first and be true to your word to customers, but you can make it if it is something people want and you apply yourself. .

[@TheAce1991x]

Job Hard is hell to get Extremely easy to lose that's the system

[@BetterThing-jobs]

This is true. We don't have many protections for workers in the US.

[@christiansanchez1578]

I totally agree with you. No joke it’s freakin tough !!!!!!! I tried media buyer , warehouse , agency , or anything !!!! Nothing ! Even though indeed saids it matches your resume ! And even though !!!!! You think you did good on interview but still didn’t got hired why!? On indeed , you will see how many people are applying jobs ! It’s insane right now

[@thebiggrouch]

And they wonder why people don't want to work

[@TheBUDDHApluR]

Thank you for putting into a video everything I've been thinking as of late.

[@BetterThing-jobs]

Happy to help!

[@sugarsugar475]

Hi Jason, any advice for experienced job seekers over 50? Despite all the bad press on gen z, I can attest that ageism is alive and well. I’m an experienced finance recruiter based in NY, and out of work for one year. No good prospects, despite resume update, shortening my experience, and adding computer courses.

[@BetterThing-jobs]

Let's see what we can figure out here. What industry are you in? What job title did you have most recently?

[@dhenderson1810]

I got into delivery driving, an industry where the workers are 50 and over, as young people don't want to be out on the road by themselves. The industry seems to skew towards older workers. Also, you mentioned computers. I knew a guy who went around and fixed people's computers. You could start your own business offering that service.

[@careymathews5981]

I'm pissed because i only have an Associates degree because right now i dont want anymore student debt to get my bachelor's. Yet, its not enough? Also, how can i get the experience from a company if the company/companies wont give me a chance? Double edge sword!

[@BetterThing-jobs]

It’s a weird time for education right now. Companies still will require degrees more often than not, but I agree, the cost is starting to outweigh the value. In the next decade, I think more and more companies will start removing education requirements. That said, right now, education usually pays off in better job options and certainly the lifetime pay differential is a big deal. Over $1M over a career. I still think it is worth it to invest in yourself through education. The best investment you can make is an investment in you. www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm

[@basselalkhalaf3871]

Thank you for these encouraging words sir, wish you all the best❤

[@BetterThing-jobs]

You're most welcome.

[@pagecurie5512]

Looking for a job became so depressing. The economy is supposedly doing well, but I am getting your resume is impressive but we decided to go with someone else. Then there are those low paying jobs that make you record your answers on video, to then do long assessment tests...this market is so darn broken, I feel we are never going back to a somewhat normal job market pre-pandemic. I am truly mentally beat.

[@BetterThing-jobs]

Thank you for sharing your story. This will end. It is just taking a really long time this cycle.

[@pagecurie5512]

Thanks! I needed to hear this. Keep up this great channel, we all can benefit from your information!

[@AL20199]

I didn't know it was so hard to get a job now days. I remember back then, I'd get a response and interview pretty quick. This time I've applied for multiple listings and nothing.

[@BetterThing-jobs]

It feels very different this time.

[@sunablast]

This may be the best video on job searching ever

[@BetterThing-jobs]

Thank you for saying that. This made my day!

[@DataRae-AIEngineer]

Hi. Glad I found your channel. Do you have any tips for introvert types? I'm a math and computer nerd, and I am super awkward, even around other math and computer nerds. It seems like these days you have to at least be able to pretend to be a people person to interview well, and I don't speak that language.

[@BetterThing-jobs]

Hi. Thanks watching and asking! You can always start the interview acknowledging that you are a bit nervous and an introvert. People these days understand and should adjust as interviewers. The other thing to do is work to overcome anything about this that you feel is limiting you. I’ve seen some people get great results from public speaking groups like Toastmasters. Honestly, tech people should get it and adjust. Half the population in tech seems to be in the same boat as you are.

[@user-fz4zc8nd9j]

I disagree , I think companies are inflating their number of positions available to benefit the current administration , and show lower unemployment numbers; in addition, they are trying to portray themselves as doing great for valuation . Employers understand that this year is also election season, and they are saving as much money as they can in case this administration continues .

[@BetterThing-jobs]

I'm not sure I follow. are they inflating numbers to help the current administration or saving cash in case the current administration continues? Why would you help an administration you are worried about continuing? Most companies are more focused on their own balance sheet than political influence. They are making decisions based on the needs of the business in order to stay in business and make as much $ for their shareholders as possible.

[@jessicabrady5693]

Exactly, and unemployment numbers are people who aren’t working at all. The majority of people are working in some way, but are underemployed. Even working 5 hours a week at a grocery store with a master’s doesn’t count as “unemployed” by government standards. A lot of people with degrees are working in retail and doing gig work. That isn’t counted in “unemployment” but it is for sure “underemployed.” Good jobs barely exist now.

[@skyblazeeterno]

@@jessicabrady5693 govt unemployment figures should be treated as lies IMO

[@jessicabrady5693]

@@skyblazeeterno they really should be

[@PaulH581]

I’ve been customizing my resume and applying for jobs for a little over 13 months. The only “offer” I received turned out to be a scam. I’m trying to build a freelance career now because applying for jobs has been a complete waste of time and effort.

[@BetterThing-jobs]

Freelance is a smart choice either way. It may be helpful to lean into finding the hiring manager for the positions you apply for. I show you the details on how to do this here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4rHaKBnfdNkr5Isi=eGXwtlXeaYXCoDKX

[@BetterThing-jobs]

I was thinking about your comment and I think a lot of other people feel this way. I made a new video that I released today to try to address your initial issue more thoroughly. Thank you for the comment and I hope this helps. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnzYZ3etlNVnocU

[@e02100]

Hi Jason. I appreciate your time in creating and sharing this message. What I think may be additionally helpful to those currently unemployed, looking, or wanting to change jobs, is for more communication to take place. For example, if an applicant is no longer being considered, send out rejection notification, if they reach out to follow up, don't ghost. When companies ignore or allow applicants to believe their application is still being considered when not, this has the potential to greatly impact the experience of those individuals turning them, and those they know, away from a company in the future. Let's not forget, every individual (internal and external) is a potential client and each one tells approx 10 people about their own belief and/or experience.. I know there are many applications coming in but it's important to think bigger picture at how these interactions or lack thereof are benefitting or hindering all on both a small and large scale. How can we best represent the organization and what impact will our decisions have? Important considerations. Thanks again! I wish everyone great success in reaching their goals!

[@BetterThing-jobs]

That’s good perspective. I will record a separate video on this topic. It is really frustrating to fall in the resume black hole and never hear back.

[@saulfregoso7704]

Ain’t no job openings in the Central Valley of Cali. I’m a firefighter with a military background in logistics and I’ve applied to over 16 jobs for supervisor positions they won’t even look my way. I’ve gone to a couple interviews and killed it I swear but they’ve all said the same thing “we’re going to pursue another candidate” even with the shittiest job I applied to. I KNOW it isn’t me so wtf is it

[@BetterThing-jobs]

That sounds terrible. Don't lose heart. keep applying. Best of luck in your job search!

[@jessicabrady5693]

I hate these entitled employers so much

[@BetterThing-jobs]

How do they behave entitled?

[@jessicabrady5693]

@@BetterThing-jobs Employers expect you to have a degree that costs tens of thousands of dollars and experience for a job that requires one brain cell and pays 15 an hour. Employers won’t even raise wages with the inflation. I have a degree and experience but not much experience because I graduated just two years ago, and even entry level jobs want experience in some way, and pay like McDonald’s. I’m so over them.

[@BetterThing-jobs]

I don’t think this is entitlement. What employers really want is someone who can add the skills and capacity they need to operate. They will always attempt to get the most value possible for the least money. It’s in their nature and how they satisfy investors. People like you in the market keep them in check by saying, nope. Im not going to work for that. Eventually they have a hard time hiring and raise the pay. We are seeing that in nursing and hourly work now. For example, Texas minimum wage is $7.25. Nobody can hire for that. The market has forced companies to start closer to $14. A degree is a way to verify a few different things about a person’s ability to finish a hard task in graduating and to gain baseline knowledge. Companies will pay for that because it decreases the risk of making a bad hire.

[@jessicabrady5693]

@@BetterThing-jobs it still is entitlement at the end of the day because they think they deserve an educated employee with experience despite the shit pay and benefits that they want to give them

[@last2first167]

@@BetterThing-jobs I agree with her your at the wrong here.

[@chaysingdar]

The data never tells what what type of jobs are being added. What sectors? Tech Industry is shrinking.

[@BetterThing-jobs]

This is true. 40-50% down in total job postings. There is good job posting data on the topic at hiringlabs.org

[@Flubber739]

I think one aspect is (Especially in Tech) was beginning of Covid. Money was flowing. Hiring was rampant. As a recruiter I was having to ask HR for more money for almost all my offers in order to pull folks from FAANG companies. This caused an unrealistic inflation in compensation. In turn this caused global inflation to match peoples new earnings. Here is the issue. Those folks who took that new job paying 50k more a year are now getting laid off. And now their compensation expectations has out paced what even top FAANG companies are paying.

[@BetterThing-jobs]

I agree that’s certainly part of it.

[@alphacentauri8083]

100% spot on! The government was playing the role of an easy access ATM machine in order to prime the economic pumps. Unfortunately, the chickens came home to roost and borrowed money is now due. I got hired at a pretty high salary right after covid with an unexpected big raise four months into the job! However, being the intuitive person that I am, I knew that the gig wasn't going to last based on the numbers we were generating. I literally saved and stashed away every check I made, so I'm in a good spot now while looking for my next gig. I've noticed that companies are playing the wait and see game these days. They're filling up their funnel vetting candidates for when interest rates go down. Only then will they pull the trigger.

[@helpanimals-]

Don't forget the billionaires are earning even more! they're just screwing with the average people now

[@pompommania]

I feel like young people choose dead end degrees. There was a guy years ago I knew, PHD in history, working as a customer rep. Granted he had a rigid personality, but still. Don't get an art degree and expect to make a great living. Yes, there are exceptions, but these are just that, exceptions.

[@BetterThing-jobs]

Part of the point of the degree is just to show that you can get a degree. Most of us don’t use our undergrad degree. Masters is another story though.

[@jakoblindelof92]

I agree with you here, the problem is though that it is just recently that this was very clear. When he started studing 10-12 years ago this was not very clear. When he started his journey he might have thought it was worth it. We must communicate better what is needed and not, but be careful because we often get it wrong.

[@istvantoth7431]

What are these blinking 0.5 sec stuff popping up in this vid? Poor cutting?

[@BetterThing-jobs]

I actually think I have a camera problem. Working on it.

[@Tivi1770]

There are jobs out there but low paying jobs. I also believe there are a lot of ghost jobs posted just to make it look like there are jobs available. Also, you have more ppl applying for the same job. It is hard to compete as an entry level with a senior level if applying for the same job. It is terrible nowadays. 😢

[@BetterThing-jobs]

The ghost jobs are usually roles that the recruiter is close to filling but hasn't unposted yet just in case the candidate in the interview process doesn't work out.

[@bchan6539]

great video!

[@BetterThing-jobs]

Thank you. I'm happy it was helpful.

[@cptcosmo]

57, laid-off in January, 5 years before I could retire at 62. WHO THE HELL WILL HIRE ME NOW??? I've lost track of how many resumes I've sent out, and in 3 month have had 3 interviews which yielded nada. I have about 2 months until I lose my house and have to live on the riverbed. If I weren't a Christian, I'd probably eat a bullet at this point..

[@BetterThing-jobs]

I am so sorry you are in this predicament. Don’t let age hold you back too much. Discriminating based on age is illegal and I would look for the signs and hold the hiring company accountable if they take that into account in any way. Let me know if I can help in any way.

[@skyblazeeterno]

stay strong

[@skyblazeeterno]

@@BetterThing-jobs Im British and just turned 59. I was unemployed after a bout of sickness/condition during Covid (it was undiagnosed sleep apnoea) and I eventually got a job in late 2022...I got dismissed after 2 months. IMO the company just got me to do basic work and made excuses to get rid of me after that basic work was done. Anyway after losing the job the unemployment people asked if I had been discriminated by age....its super hard to prove

[@lisabaughn]

The unemployment rate does not include people who dropped out of the labor force. Over 800,000 working-age people dropped out of the labor force in 2023. They are of working age but not employed and no longer looking for work. They were probably either laid off and have given up looking, or got Long Covid and can no longer work.That is one reason why the unemployment number looks good - those who are unemployed and no longer looking are not counted. But they are huge in number.

[@BetterThing-jobs]

true. it is certainly incomplete.

[@memento_mori6019]

Things feel especially more difficult in tech right now. Can’t really speak on other industries or occupations.

[@BetterThing-jobs]

I agree. See the stats on what is happening in tech in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnO7qn2rq5unf6M

[@nawfalourimech8974]

Honestly starting to feel like I'm curse when it comes to jobs. My younger brother has no degrees yet he landed a job as a Business Dev in a big company. I have an MBA and can't get a barista job.

[@BetterThing-jobs]

Thank you for sharing your story. It remains a tough market, and a lot of this becomes relationship or network based. Keep working the process. The right role will materialize for you. It is just taking a lot longer for most people right now.

[@computer-training-for-seniors]

As a small business owner, when I post a job offer, it is incredible the amount of vermin I have knocking on my door.

[@BetterThing-jobs]

Meaning scammers or unqualified applicants?

[@zionismisterrorism8716]

Maybe because we are indeed in a recession.

[@BetterThing-jobs]

It feels like it but we haven’t met the economic definition yet.

[@jeffeaton9244]

Everything boils down to wall street!

[@Burksthewolverine]

What’s even harder is to find a job out of state. I want to relocate to Boston and become a hr coordinator but I never get interviews because they want in state candidates. My quality of life is terrible living in the Chicago area and I want to move out badly. I don’t want to relocate to Boston with no job because of financial reasons as I currently live with my parents. Any advice?

[@BetterThing-jobs]

What makes Boston more appealing? Cost of living isn't any better. Are you an HR Coordinator now? If so, it might be easier to find a remote HR Coordinator role then make the move while in the remote gig.

[@Burksthewolverine]

@@BetterThing-jobs Hey I never thought of that. Thanks!

[@okorochukwunonso2563]

Boston is more expensive than chicago though. Goodluck.

[@james-wx6jh]

So at what point do we build an ai to spam the market with the post verbage cause im over tailoring my cv to a company that literally takes 10 seconds to reject me after all my research. I dont give a shit what I do I just want money so i can go live my life.

[@BetterThing-jobs]

Someone did: medium.com/

[@bobthompsn2896]

As long as you don’t have soft hands come to Williston nd every place up here has a hiring sign most will hire on the spot. A ton of 6 figure jobs a year and cost of living isn’t bad

[@BetterThing-jobs]

ND or Vermont?

[@bobthompsn2896]

@@BetterThing-jobs North Dakota

[@ventrust7507]

You have to say your point faster. 😊

[@BetterThing-jobs]

Noted! Thanks for the feedback.

[@Zulonix]

What??? Build Back Better isn’t working for you??? Who wouldda thunk?

[@BetterThing-jobs]

Right? Sadly it hasn’t worked out as they had hoped.

[@KatharineOsborne]

I don’t think the Biden admin has anything to do with this. I live in the UK, I’m a software developer, and have been unemployed since June 2023. Normally it would only take me 1 or 2 months to find a job, so something very different is going on. The unemployment rate is 3.78% in the UK. I don’t think it’s the disastrous Tory policies either. I think it has to do with the pandemic bubble of bullshit jobs bursting.

[@Zulonix]

@@KatharineOsborne The world is copying the USA. To be honest, I think Europe, especially Germany, will fail before the USA.

[@peternorthrup6274]

Companies today realize they can get help for peanuts. Everything is about the bottom line. Companies cant afford to have people on the payroll that dont contribute to the bottom line. The days of having people that love to take Friday's and Mondays off are over. Would you hire some woman that plans on starting a family? She takes months off at a time. I think not. Or how about the ones that are always on there cell phones? We all know who they are. You cant run a business like that. Or your kids sic all the time. Its cheaper to hire a man. Show up late all the time? People are watching. Belive me. They will can your ass.

[@BetterThing-jobs]

I think what you are saying is that companies look for people who add value.

[@monkyyy0]

> 2 minutes of saying the stats say things are great or they lie or just wrong

[@BetterThing-jobs]

The stats are right but the jobs numbers alone don’t tell the full story. You have to look at openings to understand why it feels like it’s hard to find a job when we are adding jobs to the economy.

[@ICoulntThinkofAUserNam547]

Your video has this flash thing going on sir - sorry I'm sure someone has brought up already

[@BetterThing-jobs]

yeah. I have a camera problem. new one arrives next week.

[@nicekantolstoi]

Why do you both look, sound and speak like A life after layoff? 😂

[@BetterThing-jobs]

Not sure, but I’ll check them out.

[@sugarsugar475]

That’s who I thought this was when I clicked on it! Wishing this guy lots of luck as well. He’s knowledgeable.

[@keithparker1346]

Booming job market 😂

[@BetterThing-jobs]

so they say... It's my favorite press conference. Once a month. You'll see it again in a couple of weeks when the February jobs report comes out.

[@keithparker1346]

@@BetterThing-jobs what a non answer

[@unifive10]

It’s hard to find a job because companies don’t want to hire to save money…not difficult to understand…you took over 12 minutes to answer a question that can be answered in under one minute…but I guess that’s how you make money on KZbin

[@BetterThing-jobs]

2 things. 1) I don’t monetize KZbin, so this is 100% my time given to people looking for jobs. 2) companies need workers to make money in most cases. The number of available jobs is a far more complex issue than you seem to believe.

[@skyblazeeterno]

In every job Ive had since the 1990s the company has been understaffed - they dont want to employ enough people and rather churn through employees giving 3 people 6 peoples worth of work until they burn out ...then they get fresh meat