In the current job market, traditional job-seeking strategies may not suffice, according to Morgan Williams, founder and CEO of the professional coaching program PeakHR. With job seekers and recruiters both going through challenges never seen before, Williams stresses that it’s crucial to transform with the times. He highlights that maintaining relationships and staying connected is essential for those looking to secure employment.
Williams, who has nearly two decades of experience in career coaching and workforce development, knows from first-hand experience that unemployment can just destroy a person emotionally, psychologically. He argues that just because someone’s having a hard time getting hired doesn’t say anything about who they are or who they could be. “You can be doing everything and still not get the job,” he states, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the current market.
The Importance of Relationships in Job Searching
Building and deepening relationships is especially important for job seekers, Williams said. He encourages people to tap their networks—friends, former colleagues, etc.—to get a read on what their best qualities are. Beyond requiring it, this practice can go a long way to helping candidates recognize their strengths and create persuasive applications.
Networking shouldn’t be an afterthought, Williams cautions. “A lot of people are networking way too late,” he explains. Rather, he recommends that job seekers start developing their professional outreach long before they require it. Taking this proactive approach will create a wealth of opportunities when looking for a job.
Job seekers too should look beyond career fairs to find networking opportunities in other places, like alumni associations or professional volunteer groups. Williams has seen these communities make important connections that often lead to diagnoses and further treatment. He notes that if the first interaction with someone is solely a request for assistance, it may leave them feeling exploited. “Nobody just wants to hear, ‘I need, I need, I need,’” he advises.
Adjusting Expectations in a Shifting Landscape
Accepting that the job market will never be the same, and advising other job seekers to adjust their expectations accordingly, Williams said. He cautions against holding out for the perfect position, stating, “We’re not in a market for perfection. We’re in the market to pay bills.” Rather, he recommends that applicants just focus on accepting any job they can find in order to stop burning through their savings.
Williams would be the first to admit that this is a very tough situation for everyone. “This is just a crazy market for both sides,” he remarks. He inspires people to embrace a sense of fluidity and improvisation as they learn to express their value amid the chaotic world of job searching.
He suggests doing your homework on those far-away relatives before making your approach. By learning about their careers and what they do today, prospective candidates can have much deeper conversations. This tiny addition can make a huge difference as you develop your networking strategy and improve your chances of landing that job.
Maintaining Mental Health During Job Searches
We know the emotional toll of unemployment can be devastating, which makes it even more essential for job seekers to take care of their mental health during the process. Williams emphasizes the importance of being gentle with oneself, as we all are adjusting to these strange, challenging times. “You cannot beat yourself up,” he advises. “You have to be so kind to yourself because you need every ounce of energy that you have.”
Williams of Vanderbilt adds that it’s important to find meaning in periods of disruption. He champions the idea of humans with surplus leisure time finding soul-fulfilling pursuits or service projects to pursue. “If you have nothing else to do with your time and you feel like you’ve reached your limit, finding a purpose is really important,” he states.
Furthermore, Williams emphasizes the importance of being plugged into the broader world. Staying connected with friends, family, coworkers, and the community can help keep us all feeling less alone and support positive mental health. “There’s an emotional load, there’s a physical load, and there’s a mental load,” he explains. “So you’re going to have to figure out how to [take care of yourself].”