Today’s Reality
2025 is presenting a challenging environment for both employers and employees at all levels. In fact, over 80% of employers in Canada cite difficulties in finding qualified candidates to hire. This is higher than that cited by employers in other countries. If you’re looking to change jobs, this offers some hope.
Add to this, these organizations are also facing uncertainty surrounding the impact of pending tariffs, and cost-cutting as a major economic driver in business. Non-profits are facing similar challenges, with decreasing donations and corporate sponsorship and the tough employment market.
Should you give up before you get started?
Absolutely not!
Why? Companies are still optimistic that they will be hiring and increasing their work force to help fill vacancies from turnover, meet growing workloads and newly created positions. According to Bob Funk, Jr., CEO, president and chairman of Express Employment International “companies are still hiring, but with more intention, more strategy and a sharper eye on the future.”
Many of the employers I’ve spoken with have said they are receiving more applications from people looking to change jobs than ever before. However, few of these applicants meet the job criteria cited or have they employment expectations that vary from what is offered. Other employers have commented on a frustration in receiving a high percentage resumes and cover letters that are uncannily similar – those created with a heavy reliance on AI.
Research is the place to start
Do you research prospective companies, positions, and expectations of prospective companies before you apply? If not, why not? Let’s look at some recent survey results. Over 75% of employees say they are unhappy in their current position, while only about 50% are looking for new positions. Interestingly, there are fewer employees in middle and senior management roles that are unhappy, however new opportunities, increased remuneration, flexible work conditions and value alignment are a driver for change in this group.
Given that you spend 8 hours plus each day working, taking time to research companies to learn what they want (need) in a potential employee, what expectations do they have, do their values align with your own, etc. are important to understand before you take time to apply. This is even more important if you want to be a stand-out applicant.
Customize to the Job
Armed with valuable information from the job posting and your research, you’re in a great position. This information offers a path to truly dissect your own experience and skills so you can communicate the value you offer to an employer. You can also demonstrate how you can deliver beyond expectations. Knowledge of what the employer wants, and how you can deliver on their wants will differentiate you from other applicants who are also looking to change jobs. This information is delivered in your resume, cover letter and interview.
Every job necessitates a customized resume and cover letter designed to address the expectations, goals and outcomes you learned from your research. Results and stories speak loudly so don’t leave them out. Address how your interests, experience and results align with the company and how you can deliver greater value with this new opportunity.
Don’t Risk Missing the Perfect Opportunity
August and September are frequently referred to the as the “September bump” because there are more job postings and job hiring activity than other times of the year. If you’re considering or looking to change jobs, then your window to take advantage of this bump is on the doorstep.
Now is the time to get started so you take advantage of this enhanced hiring activity, Ignite Leadership has created two transformational career change mini-courses for leaders at all levels. Each program is designed to walk you through the steps that will set you up for a successful job search – one where you gain more clarity on your career path, what value you bring and how you reflect your professional brand consistently in every aspect. You will also learn how to take the right steps to position yourself as a stand-out candidate that delivers exactly what the employer is looking for, and more.
The Career Change Bundle includes “Navigating Professional Crossroads” and “Ultimate Career Blueprint“. Each online course can be done at your own pace. They deliver comprehensive online modules, extensive workbooks to help you delve deeper and create results that will deliver. Our additional tools and resources will facilitate greater understanding and perspectives. Together these course have one clear goal — to help you land your dream job with less stress.
We have just released this bundle to the market and we’re offering you a steep discount. This deal won’t last forever so you’ll want to grab it while you can. Get immediate access and start today.
