Job-Hunting in Tough Times: How to Stay Visible and Competitive

Job hunting can be tough at the best of times, but during economic downturns, industry shifts or periods of high competition, it becomes a whole different ball game. Roles are fewer, applicant numbers soar, and hiring managers become extra selective. It’s not just about having the right experience anymore – it’s about how well you stand out and how strategically you approach every step of the job search.

In Australia, we’ve seen the job market change rapidly in recent years. From the impact of global events to local industry fluctuations – particularly in sectors like mining, healthcare, construction and hospitality – candidates have had to become more adaptable, resilient and visible than ever before. If you're finding it tough out there, you're definitely not alone. But there are ways to rise above the noise and attract the right opportunities, even when the odds feel stacked.

Let’s explore how you can sharpen your strategy, build your confidence, and stay front-of-mind with recruiters and employers alike.

It starts with mindset

Before diving into resumes, job boards and interviews, it’s important to address the mental and emotional toll that job searching can take. Rejection is hard. Ghosting is worse. And when you’re giving your all and still not landing interviews, it can quickly affect your confidence.

That’s why the first step to staying competitive is looking after your mindset. Think of your job search like a marathon, not a sprint. Give yourself space to breathe, reflect and recharge. Some days you’ll feel motivated, and others you won’t. That’s normal. What matters most is consistency – showing up for yourself, taking small steps forward, and recognising that every effort counts, even if the results take time to show.

Polish your personal brand

Your resume isn’t just a document – it’s your marketing pitch. In tough times, employers are not just scanning for qualifications; they’re scanning for value. What do you bring to the table that others might not? What problems can you solve for a business? And how clearly are you communicating that on paper?

Your personal brand includes your resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile and even how you show up in interviews. It’s the story you’re telling about your career, your strengths and the direction you’re heading. So take time to make it cohesive, clean, and tailored. That means ditching the generic summaries, cutting the waffle, and using language that mirrors the roles you're applying for.

In FIFO and trade-based roles, for instance, recruiters want to see you're reliable, safety-conscious, adaptable and a team player. So instead of just listing your duties, show what outcomes you delivered. Did you help reduce downtime? Contribute to safety improvements? Train others on the job? That’s gold – highlight it.

Be visible where it matters

Applying for jobs online is one approach – but it’s not the only one, and certainly not the most effective during competitive periods. Many roles are filled before they’re even posted, and that’s where visibility plays a crucial role.

Networking might sound intimidating, especially if you’re not naturally extroverted, but it doesn’t have to be. Start small – reconnect with old colleagues, let your friends and professional contacts know you’re on the market, and stay active on LinkedIn. Even liking, commenting on or sharing industry posts can keep you on people’s radar.

In industries like construction, resources or healthcare, many hiring decisions still come down to word-of-mouth and referrals. So showing up – even virtually – matters more than you might think. Make sure your online profiles are up-to-date and aligned with your resume. If a recruiter checks your LinkedIn after reviewing your application, you want to make a strong and consistent impression.

Tailor, tailor, tailor

When job openings are limited, it’s tempting to apply for anything and everything. But spray-and-pray applications rarely get results. Instead of applying for 50 roles with the same generic resume, try applying for 10 roles with properly tailored documents.

Employers can tell when you've done your homework. Mentioning the company’s values, specific job requirements or recent projects in your cover letter shows genuine interest and effort. Align your experience with what they need – not just what you want. That shift in perspective can be the difference between getting a call or being passed over.

For FIFO or shift-based work, for example, highlight your flexibility, physical fitness, and ability to handle rosters. If you’re applying for admin or customer-facing roles, show your communication skills and attention to detail through clean formatting and error-free content.

Keep your skills fresh

In slower job markets, there’s a silver lining – you have time to upskill. Even short courses, safety tickets or updated qualifications can help you stay ahead. In fact, some employers may prioritise applicants who’ve shown initiative during periods of unemployment or transition.

Plenty of online platforms now offer nationally recognised courses, and some are even subsidised or free through government programs. Not every course needs to be technical. Soft skills – like leadership, time management or emotional intelligence – are just as important in many workplaces.

Also consider volunteering or casual work to fill gaps. It keeps you engaged, adds to your resume, and can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Follow up and stay connected

Many job seekers send an application and then sit back and wait. But following up professionally can leave a lasting impression. It shows you’re keen, confident and genuinely interested in the role.

A simple message on LinkedIn or a polite email to the recruiter asking about the progress of your application can make a big difference. Just make sure your tone is respectful and you’re not putting pressure on the employer – it’s about expressing interest, not demanding an answer.

Even if you don’t land that particular role, staying in touch with recruiters can open future doors. Building relationships over time is one of the most underrated job search strategies.

Keep perspective and don’t take it personally

Finally, remember this: not hearing back or getting a rejection doesn’t mean you’re not good enough. It could mean there were hundreds of applicants, or someone had internal connections, or the role was filled before it went live. So much of the hiring process is out of your control.

What is in your control is how you show up – consistently, authentically, and with purpose. Keep refining your documents, keep putting yourself out there, and keep learning from the process. You never know which application will be the one that changes everything.

If you’d like personalised support—whether it’s professional Resume and Cover Letter writing, FIFO Resume, Employer Sponsorship Resumes and Cover Letters, SEEK and LinkedIn profile optimisation, Selection Criteria for Government Jobs, one-on-one Job Interview Coaching or Other Professional Writing Services —please feel free to call us on 0423 686 904 or email us at hello@adriennasresumes.com