job search in uncertain times: why now is still a good time to make a move.

The headlines are full of economic uncertainty—market volatility, hiring freezes, layoffs. It’s natural to feel hesitant about making a career move right now. But here’s the truth: uncertainty doesn’t mean you should stop your job search. In fact, with the right mindset and strategies, this could be the perfect time to position yourself for your next opportunity.

why you shouldn’t pause your job search in 2025.

If you’re thinking about a career switch in 2025, you’re not alone. 56% of workers are now considering a career move, and 27% are actively searching for new jobs. Headlines about tariffs and hiring freezes can paint a grim picture of the job market, but many companies are still hiring, especially for flexible, high-impact roles.

That’s because economic change usually doesn’t reduce job opportunities across the board. In most cases, it also creates new demand in growing sectors. Here are just a few examples of roles set to grow in 2025 and beyond:

• Finance & accounting: Digitization and regulatory complexity are creating a surge in demand for roles like risk management specialists and data analysts.
• Logistics: Supply chain disruptions are creating a critical need for logistics experts to optimize shipping, inventory, and last-mile delivery.
• Tech: Despite headlines about tech layoffs, specialized roles continue to grow – particularly in AI, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity.

Right now, there are a lot of opportunities still in their early stages of expansion. When awareness grows, competition tends to surge, so delaying your job search now might limit your options later.

how to conduct a job search with confidence in uncertain times.

A job search during economic uncertainty can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack, especially if you rely on popular job boards. Being strategic about your search can help you find unique opportunities without spinning your wheels.

consider lateral career moves

Many skills you already have are likely valuable across a range of roles, and keeping an eye on related fields can expand your pool of opportunities. Sometimes, lateral career moves can even be a precursor to career advances, especially if you’re moving towards opportunities that are a better match for your innate skills.

When you consider what transferable skills you may have, don’t forget crucial soft skills like adaptability, problem-solving, and process improvement. These skills all speak to your ability to take on new challenges, which is particularly important for employers right now.

be open to contract or temporary roles

Hiring managers looking for full-time staff often use temp-to-hire approaches, especially during difficult times. Even if a full-time role is your ultimate goal, staying open to contract or temporary roles now can lead to full-time positions in the future.

As Fortune magazine notes, the traditional corporate ladder has become more of a “squiggly path.” Along the way, temporary work can give you valuable experience and networking opportunities that help you take your next step up.

leverage your professional network

Across many industries, there’s often a “hidden job market” that relies on informal networks rather than traditional job boards. When competition is high, hiring managers are flooded with resumes, and a network recommendation can help you stand out.

Reach out to your professional network, and ask if they know about anyone who’s looking for a job that might suit you. If you don’t have a large network, industry events and job fairs can give you the chance to make in-person connections.

staying resilient during a job search in 2025.

During times of economic uncertainty, a job search is a marathon, not a sprint. Today, one fifth of candidates have been searching for a job for over 10 months, and may spend long periods of time getting multiple rejections or not hearing back at all.

When you’re in the middle of a long job hunt, the key to resilience is focusing on what you can control. That might include things like your approach to job searches, your mindset, and what you do daily to protect your wellbeing.

set realistic goals

Often, you might hear well-intentioned advice about a minimum number of jobs you should apply to per day to land a job. But the number of available roles in different fields can vary a lot, and quality beats quantity in the application process.

Reviewing open roles carefully, sending out tailored applications, and preparing for interviews all take time. Setting realistic goals – for example, 3 applications per week – can help you maintain momentum without adding to the stress of looking for work.

celebrate small wins

Even the best candidates get rejected for any number of reasons, and putting too much focus on what you’re doing wrong can overshadow what you’re doing right. Celebrating small wins can help you highlight the progress you’ve made, even if you haven’t found a job yet. These can be things like:

• Discovery milestone: Finding a job posting that’s a perfect match for your skills.
• Networking success: Someone in your network making an introduction or recommending you.
• Interview achievement: Making it to a second or third interview round, even if you don’t get the offer.
• Skills validation: Positive feedback about your skills or portfolio.

These small victories are an important signal that you’re moving in the right direction, so take note of them when they happen. They’ll help give you a well-earned sense of achievement over time, which will also help you stay motivated in the long term.

remember: economic shifts don’t define your value as a candidate

In the face of ongoing economic uncertainty, many candidates are asking: “should I apply for jobs now?” If you’re ready for a career change, the answer is yes. Economic uncertainty is an inevitable part of the business cycle, and it’s still very possible to advance your career in 2025.

What distinguishes successful job seekers in uncertain times isn't just their qualifications, but their persistence, adaptability, and willingness to embrace change. The skills you develop in a complex job search are the very qualities employers need most right now – and they’ll help make you a more resilient professional ready for whatever the future holds.

However, that doesn’t mean you need to navigate this journey alone. Expert guidance can help you identify opportunities you might miss, tailor your approach to today's market realities, and connect with employers who value your unique skills.

Looking for support in your job search? Connect with a Randstad recruiter to explore flexible roles that match your skills and goals.