Let the job search commence!

The Elevator Pitch:

An opening thought on the state of job searching right now

It’s graduation season, which means a lot of college seniors are taking that critical next step in their lives. Or, they’re trying to figure out what’s next.

I remember not being sure what I wanted to do after finishing school. It can feel a lot like jumping into the deep end, without all of the support and structure you had on the journey to date.

That’s part of why I’m so passionate about helping others navigate their careers, to get some clarity on what’s ahead for them and chart the course to a better future.

My brother and I took a big leap from our corporate jobs to found BeamJobs, and it took us years (and a few failed ideas) to get to where we are today. All along, we just knew we wanted to help people get hired.

So whether you’re new to the labor market or an experienced vet, keep optimizing your resume, keep showing employers how your skills fit the roles you’re seeking, and see below for some resources that make diving in just a little easier.

Kickstarting your career in 2024

As graduates don their caps and gowns and then turn toward what’s ahead, LinkedIn delivered a timely package about how to kickstart your career in today’s climate.

First, the tough stuff: since late last year through Q1, LinkedIn reports a 14% jump in applications per open role. Career starters are in competition with people with more experience who’ve been laid off, especially in white-collar professions like tech or consulting.

So what’s hiring? While there are still roles in tech, fields like healthcare and finance lead the charge. The three fastest-growing job titles in 2023 for college grads: Investment banking analyst, behavioral health technician and medical assistant.

There’s also a noticeable trend toward entry-level roles in the Sun Belt: Cities in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama pop off the charts as ripe with new opportunity.

Overall, it’s more important than ever to go the extra mile to prove your value and potential impact. With the right tools, approach and strategy, you can get in front of employers and demonstrate your value across fields and career stages.

Lighting the way for recent grads

At BeamJobs, we’ve had new graduates on our mind, too. One of the most challenging times in your career is figuring out where to start—especially if you don’t have a lot of experience.

We put together a free guide compiling pretty much everything you need to figure out how to approach the job search and launch your career with confidence.

It’s full of wisdom that decodes the hidden secrets and private processes for each part of the job search: an application tracker, example resumes and cover letters, an interview prep checklist, a ‘potential proof’ doc to show your worth without much work history, and so much more.

It’s meant mainly for students, but if you’re trying to get a footing in your career (or a new one), feel free to check it out and get some free resources to help you on your journey!

Employee priorities don’t line up with employers’

The job market feels topsy-turvy, and in a lot of industries, it can be a challenge even to get selected for an interview.

Yet, according to the US Chamber of Commerce, there are 8.5 million job openings in the U.S. for only 6.5 million unemployed workers.

So what’s holding hiring back? A few standout reasons from survey data:

• Many Americans are holding out for remote work. Almost half of respondents (49%) are not willing to accept a role without the option of remote work.

• After pandemic layoffs, it’s been hard to go all-in on the search. About 2/3 of those laid off during the pandemic reported being somewhat active or not very active in trying to find the next position.

• Some younger respondents are prioritizing personal growth. For those ages 25-34, more than 1/3 are focused on new skills, education or training before rejoining the workforce.

There’s a lot you can break down, including by labor stats by state and by industry. But our overall takeaway: Employees are feeling more empowered to make choices that are better for them, even amid a lot of competition for roles, leading to an overall shortage.

‘Why do you want to work here?’

What kind of a question is that? I need a job, I want a paycheck, I’m building toward my future…it might feel pretty straightforward or a waste of time to field a question like this in an interview.

But, if employers are going to ask, you may as well be ready with a dynamite answer.

After noticing people were looking for help on this common question, we created a comprehensive guide breaking down what employers are looking for with this question—and how you can tailor your response to stand out.

At BeamJobs, we’re building tools that make applying for jobs the right way easier than ever. Have you tried the Pro plan yet? It has everything you need to land interviews, from actionable AI-powered resume suggestions to unlimited AI-generated cover letters. Try it for just $2.99 for two weeks.