Why the Job Search Feels So Different Now.

Let's not sugarcoat it, today's job market is trickier to navigate than it used to be. Some strategies to consider...

If you're feeling like the job search has become a completely different beast than it was just a few years ago, you're absolutely right, and definitely not alone.

Here's what's happening: unemployment rates are actually pretty low right now, but if you're a mid-career professional looking for your next opportunity, the process probably feels more frustrating than ever. Sound familiar?

Maybe you're sending out application after application with little to show for it. Or you've had what felt like great interviews, only to hear nothing back (seriously, what's up with that?). And let's not get started on those job descriptions that seem to want a unicorn who can do five different roles at once.

Here's a reality check that might help you feel less crazy: the typical job opening now gets 244 applications compared to just 93 back in 2019. And get this: 61% of job seekers are getting ghosted after interviews, which is up 9% just from last year.

So what's really going on behind the scenes? And more importantly, how can you work with (instead of against) this new reality?

What's really happening...

First up: Robots are reading your résumé before humans do.

Before any actual person sees your application, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan it for specific keywords. Even if you're perfectly qualified, you might get filtered out because you didn't use the exact phrases the computer is looking for. Wild, right? It's like your first interview isn't with a person, it's with an algorithm.

Second: Ghosting has somehow become ... normal?

What used to be considered pretty unprofessional is now just how things work. You might go through multiple rounds of interviews, feel great about your chances, and then ... crickets. The data backs this up, too; underrepresented candidates are experiencing this at an even higher rate of 66%. It's not you, it's them.

Third: A bunch of job postings aren't even real.

I know, I know. It sounds conspiracy theory-ish, but research shows that up to 21% of job postings might be "ghost jobs" that companies never actually plan to fill. Sometimes they're building a talent pool for later, sometimes they're making their company look busy and growing, and sometimes they just forgot to take down old postings. (More on that below...)

Quick Guide: What's the deal with "ghost jobs?"

So why do companies post jobs they don't plan to fill? Here's the inside scoop:

1. Building their bench: They're collecting résumés for future openings (kind of like creating a wish list)

2. Looking busy: Job postings make companies appear to be growing and thriving

3. Following rules: Sometimes they already know who they want to hire internally, but company policy says they have to post it publicly

4. Waiting on money: They want to hire but are waiting for budget approval that might never come

5. Oops factor: They simply forgot to take down old postings (happens more than you'd think!)

Here's how to avoid wasting your time:
• If a job's been posted for months, it might be stale
• Watch out for identical postings that keep getting reposted
• Try to connect with someone who works there to see if the role is legit
• Don't apply to every single thing. Be a little picky about where you spend your energy

Your game plan: Four ways to work smarter, not harder.

Here's the good news: once you understand what you're dealing with, you can totally work around it. Here are four strategies that actually make a difference:

1. Speak both languages (Robot and Human)
Your résumé needs to make friends with both the computer and the person who eventually reads it. Yes, you need those keywords from the job description, but don't just stuff them in there like you're playing keyword bingo. Work them in naturally so when a real human reads it, they think "this person gets it" instead of "this person copy-pasted the job posting."

2. Remember: It's who you know (And that's totally okay)
We get it, networking can feel icky or intimidating. But here's the thing: people who get referred often skip right past that algorithm gauntlet. You don't have to become a networking machine, but do reach out to former colleagues, show up to an industry event occasionally, and let people know you're looking. Most people actually want to help if they can.

3. Stay visible (But make it useful)
Keep your LinkedIn active, but don't just post random stuff. Share something interesting about your industry, comment thoughtfully on posts, or celebrate other people's wins. The goal is to be someone who comes to mind when opportunities arise.

4. Treat this like the project it is
Job searching can take months (ugh), so you need to pace yourself. Set aside specific times for searching, keep track of where you've applied, and give yourself credit for the work you're putting in, even when it feels like nothing's happening. Small wins count too.

How to handle getting ghosted.
(Because it's going to happen)

Let's be real: getting ghosted after you've invested time and energy into interviews is awful. It's demoralizing, it's rude, and unfortunately, it's probably going to happen to you at some point. Here's how to handle it like a pro and protect your sanity:

Ask about their process upfront. In your very first conversation, just ask: "What does your hiring process typically look like, and when should I expect to hear next steps?" This isn't pushy, it's professional and gives you a timeline to work with.

Keep showing interest. After each interview, send a quick thank-you email. Keep it brief, mention something specific from your conversation, and reiterate why you're excited about the role. This keeps you top of mind in a good way.

Follow up thoughtfully. If you haven't heard anything by their stated timeline, it's absolutely fine to follow up once. Focus on what you can bring to the role rather than just asking "any updates?" It shows you're still engaged, not just impatient.

Know when to let it go. This is the hard part: if you've followed up politely and still heard nothing, it's time to focus your energy elsewhere. I know it's frustrating, especially when you felt like the interviews went well, but chasing ghosts won't get you hired anywhere else.

At Merity, we know that career transitions can feel overwhelming, especially in today's market. Our coaching goes way beyond just fixing your résumé. We help you develop a clear strategy, build resilience for the long haul, and stay motivated even when things get tough. Because sometimes having someone in your corner who really gets it can make all the difference.