Mindset Blocks That Hold Candidates Back

I wanted to insert an episode on the job market right now for a reason. Actually a couple of reasons:

       -Now is the time to prepare for a job search to begin in January – the biggest hiring time of the year

       -Because of all the fear around the job market right now, people are deferring a job search. This presents a tremendous opportunity for those of you willing to wade into these waters.

       -At some point in the (hopefully) not-too-distant future, the job market will improve. When it does, there will be a backlog of people unhappy in their current roles or ready for the next opportunity – creating a glut in the market.

From my perspective, it’s always a good time to look for a new job IF you are willing to put in the work and committed to consistent, well-planned effort. However, I didn’t want to just sprinkle glitter here, but rather give you some statistics and narrative around those numbers.

What we’re really talking about here is CONFUSION. Confusion around what’s actually going on in the job market, confusion around whether now is the right time to look for a new job, confusion around what actually works in looking for a new job.

Add to that confusion once you start job searching, around why you aren’t getting interviews for positions you KNOW you’re qualified for, or hearing crickets after an interview you feel you slayed.

The Current Job Market

-As of August 2025, the unemployment rate is 4.3% - a bit over the average of 4.0% for the past few years. The average duration of unemployment is nearly 5 months, with the median duration at 2.0-2.5 months. (This eliminates long-term unemployed and those who get jobs extremely quickly.)

-A more accurate view of the employment climate is the U-6 Rate, which includes underutilized workers, discouraged workers who have stopped looking, and those who are working part-time but prefer to work full-time. This rate is currently 7.9%, which is considerably lower than the long-term average of 10.0%.

-As of July 2025, there are 7.2 million job openings in the U.S. This is down from a peak of 10.0 million in early 2022 as the U.S. came out of the COVID pandemic. The median number of job openings in the U.S. is 4.6 million.

-An important indicator of the job market, and by extension, the economy, is the “quits rate.” The number of people voluntarily quitting their jobs, with a higher number indicating a greater confidence in the ability to find another suitable job. The most recent quits rate is 3.2 million. A long-term median average quits rate is 2.8 million, and 3.2 million is considered quite high.

So, What’s the Problem?

Overall, these statistics paint a picture of a job market that is cooling but still competitive – understandable as we come back to earth from the highs (and lows) experienced during the unprecedented COVID years.

Clearly, the jobs are out there – and for those undertaking a job search, they are finding suitable roles relatively quickly.

Which begs the question: What is the problem, then?

In a nutshell: The problem is the process. Specifically, the focus on job boards as the sole, or primary, job search tool.

In case you’ve never listened to one of my podcasts before, read one of my newsletters or posts on LI, or been living under a rock or on Mars, technology and AI have created a crisis. AI has made it too easy to apply, flooding companies with applicants (many of whom didn’t actually apply for the job), and technology has removed any semblance of humanity from the process.

The result: Spending endless hours applying online and hearing crickets in response. Leaving candidates feeling isolated, confused, and pissed off.

The Solution

Getting laser-focused on the companies you want to work for – where there is alignment in terms of mission, products/services, culture, geography – whatever is important to YOU.

It MUST start with focus on the job title, industry, level, and geography you are looking for – and real-time data, leveraging AI, to support your research.

It might also include mapping your skills against market data to determine any gaps you’ll need to close – and how best to obtain the necessary additional training/certifications/education.

THEN cross-checking your data with humans through strategic networking to find the opportunities that data alone can’t see.

AND, importantly, working on any mindset issues that WILL hold you back from success, such as:

           -“The job market is too tough; no one is hiring”

           -“I’m not qualified/experienced enough for the role I want”

           -“I’m not a good interviewer/networker”

           -“I don’t know how to look for a job in 2025”

Can AI Do All of This for You?

The short answer is NO. Here’s my strong perspective on AI: Take it along with you throughout your job search – IN THE PASSENGER’S SEAT.

The minute you let AI drive your job search efforts, such as writing your resume/LI profile/cover letters, giving you answers to interview questions, or attempting to circumvent human interaction through networking – you are in for a long, disappointing haul.

How I Use AI with my Clients

I use as AI throughout my work with clients, including:

-Researching their current/future jobs for keywords and qualifications

-Identifying other possible job titles that align with their primary job focus

-Showing clients how to leverage specific AI tools to customize their resume/cover letter for each position they apply to

-Identifying companies that are hiring

-Researching companies for their Target Employer list

-Researching new job functions or industries for a potential career pivot or reinvention

-Supplementing the 1:1 work we do on interviewing preparation

The Container I Work with my Clients in

Most of the new clients who come to me are best suited to my Document & Coaching Package, which includes:

           -Resume, LinkedIn profile, and cover letter

           -Document Action Plan session

           -3 coaching sessions, which are customized to the client’s specific needs

           -4 laser support calls as they execute their job search       

What results can you expect from working with me?

           -For those unsure of their next career move – CLARITY

-For those who know their marketing documents don’t adequately represent them - PROFESSIONALISM

-For those who know job boards aren’t the answer, but don’t know what IS – STRATEGY

-For those who don’t know how to make the most of the time they spend job searching - STRUCTURE          

-For those who don’t know how to effectively network or interview or negotiate a salary – SKILL-BUILDING

-For those who need to overcome negative self-talk and a lack of self-confidence

– MINDSET WORK

As always, I try to bottom-line it for you. Here are my takeaways:

-The job market is okay right now – opportunities exist IF you know how and where to look for them. Relying solely on job boards is a fast-track to frustration and rejection.

-AI is a tremendous tool, especially when used in combination with a qualified career coach and Master Resume Writer. If you allow it to drive the vehicle, you may end up somewhere you don’t want to be.

-I liken hiring a career coach or qualified resume writer to hiring a plumber when your pipes break or an electrician when your outlet sparks. You know your lane – and you know that plumbing or fixing electrical issues isn’t your lane. You are willing to invest in yourself to get better results, faster than you could on your own.            

The Document & Coaching Package is designed for current job seekers who want world-class marketing documents, a targeted, proactive job search strategy that gets results, and skill-building around how to network, interview, and negotiate compensation. To learn more or to schedule a consult, visit my website at https://theexclusivecareer.com/doccoach or email me at lesa@theexclusivecareer.com.