Why job hunting appears to be more challenging than ever

If you’ve been job hunting in 2024, you don’t need anyone to tell you how hard it is to land a new opportunity. So it’s natural that you might be asking yourself why the job market is so tough right now.

In an ideal world, switching jobs and finding new opportunities would be a seamless process. You wouldn’t have to worry about extended unemployment or staying in an unfulfilling position while waiting for a new career path. But in today’s reality, countless job seekers are facing difficulty in the market—and that includes both seasoned professionals and younger candidates. In his recent story for Forbes, senior contributor Jack Kelly explores the reasons behind this challenging job market. 

One significant factor Kelly highlights is economic turbulence. Geopolitical concerns, supply chain disruptions, high inflation and rising interest rates have caused many businesses to adopt a cautious approach to hiring. This uncertainty has led to fewer openings and longer recruitment processes. In fact, the unemployment rate climbed to 4% in May for the first time since January 2022. 

Furthermore, according to talent solutions provider Aerotek, over 70% of job seekers believe the current labor market is unfavorable for finding new opportunities. Research from the Josh Bersin Company and AMS supports this sentiment, revealing that the average recruitment process now takes around 43 days, which the report calls “unsustainable.”

Additionally, artificial intelligence has, of course, made its mark on the hiring process—because why wouldn’t it? Companies are now redirecting resources to focus on AI projects, reducing traditional roles while seeking specialized talent for these new initiatives. The shift has further limited job opportunities and more conventional roles. 

Another significant factor contributing to the challenging job market is the aftermath of the Great Resignation. The mass exodus of employees initially spurred a hiring frenzy, but it soon led to widespread layoffs, particularly impacting human resources professionals. With fewer HR staff, companies are finding it difficult to handle the hiring process efficiently.

In this competitive job market, candidates must be proactive and resilient. Continuously improving job search strategies, expanding professional networks and maintaining a positive outlook are crucial steps. By adapting to the evolving market, job seekers can navigate the challenges and eventually find the right opportunities.

For more in-depth analysis and insights on how to navigate the job market, be sure to read the rest of Jack Kelly’s article on Forbes. 

Read the full story: Still struggling to find a job? Here’s why it’s so hard

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Artificial Intelligence & Work: How AI views its future in the workforce

These days, many people worry that AI tools like ChatGPT could eventually take over their jobs—a concern that’s quite valid, at least for some professions. This usually leads people to ask themselves: “Is my job going to be affected in the future?” 

Why not pose the question to ChatGPT itself? That is exactly what Forbes senior contributor Jodie Cook did in a recent story. Here is ChatGPT’s response when prompted about some of the jobs it envisions itself replacing in the future:

1. Translator: ChatGPT claims it can “translate text between multiple languages with a high degree of accuracy, making it a valuable tool for breaking language barriers.”
2. Proofreader: ChatGPT asserts it “can review and correct grammar, punctuation, and style errors in written documents, ensuring polished and error-free text.”
3. Social media manager: ChatGPT claims it can handle creating and scheduling social media posts, responding to comments and engaging with followers to maintain a brand's online presence.
4. Data entry clerk: ChatGPT is adamant about its ability as a data entry clerk, claiming it can “process and input large amounts of data quickly and accurately, minimizing errors and boosting efficiency.”

For more on the jobs that ChatGPT envisions itself taking over in the future, I highly recommend reading Jodie Cook’s entire story.

Read the full story here: 12 Jobs ChatGPT Will Soon Replace, According To ChatGPT

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Thank you for reading! We'll be back next week with another edition of Forbes Edge. 

This edition of Forbes Edge was written by Tavon Thomasson and curated by associate editor Chris Dobstaff.