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In today’s rapidly shifting job market, many talented professionals find themselves unexpectedly needing to update their resumes and look for new opportunities. This reality affects workers across all sectors, with many skilled professionals suddenly needing to navigate unfamiliar job search terrain.
Let’s be honest about something that might be hard to hear: right now, the job market is challenging. No amount of application polishing or job board searching can change the fundamental reality that there are more qualified candidates than open positions in many fields.
This isn’t meant to discourage job seekers, but rather to help set realistic expectations. The average job search can take six months to a year—sometimes even longer for specialized roles or career transitions. Understanding this timeline from the start can help you plan accordingly and maintain your resilience during the process.
Moving Beyond Applications: The Critical Importance of Networking
If you’re relying solely on submitting applications through job boards, you’re likely missing the most effective pathway to your next position. In Movement Talent’s experience, the majority of roles these days are filled through networking connections rather than traditional applications.
But what does effective networking actually look like? As we’ve posted previously, it isn’t just collecting LinkedIn connections or passively attending virtual events. The most valuable networking involves:
- Having meaningful conversations with people you’ve worked with in the past
- Building relationships before you need them (though it’s never too late to start!)
- Focusing on how you can provide value to others, not just on what you need
- Discussing topics of genuine interest to your connection, not just your job search
- Following up consistently to maintain these relationships over time
Individual connections are crucial but don’t forget about groups you have a connection to – whether as a volunteer or member – and see if they might have some short-term contract opportunities while you search.
In addition, consider adopting a “netweaving” mindset—connecting people in your network with each other when you see potential value, without expectation of immediate return. This approach builds your reputation as someone who contributes to the community, not just someone seeking opportunities.
Identifying Your Transferable Skills to Envision What’s Next
Mid-career professionals often underestimate the power of their transferable skills. Our previous blog post covered this in-depth, but it bears repeating: your value extends far beyond your specific technical abilities in your current role.
Take time to inventory skills like:
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Project management and organizational abilities
- Budget oversight and resource allocation
- Stakeholder communication and relationship management
- Change management and adaptation
- Policy analysis and implementation
These competencies translate across sectors and roles, often more seamlessly than you might expect.
For those contemplating “what’s next,” particularly those coming from mission-driven work, the Social Change Ecosystem Map developed by Deepa Iyer can provide valuable structure for reflection. This framework identifies various roles people play in creating social change, including “weavers” who build community, “visionaries” who imagine alternatives, and the “guides” who coach, among others.
Reflecting on which roles energize you and align with your values can help guide your next career move, especially when considering a significant transition.
Practical Job Search Advice
You’ve probably read tons of advice on resumes, job boards, and career coaching, so we’ll offer some brief reflections based on what we’re observing so far this year.
First up, let’s review resume best practices:
- Unless you’re in senior leadership, keep your resume to one page
- Customize for each position, highlighting relevant transferable skills
- Quantify achievements whenever possible
Once your resume is ready to go, you’ll be sharing it with those close networking relationships you’ve formed as a first step. Next, it’s time to scan position openings in your network; a strategic approach to applying can help keep you from burning out. While general job boards have their place, consider specialized groups aligned with your target industry. Many professional associations, alumni networks, and industry-specific communities maintain their job listings that getting closer to what they may be open to applying.
The value of career coaching or recruiters depends entirely on your specific situation. Career counselors and coaches can be helpful for those making significant transitions or for people who are struggling to articulate their value proposition. Before investing, ask for referrals, check credentials, and request a sample session.
Remember that a job transition, while challenging, also represents an opportunity to realign your work with your values and strengths. Maintain your well-being by connecting with others in similar situations and establishing a sustainable job search routine. Don’t forget to celebrate small wins and progress and take breaks when needed.
For Hiring Managers: Recognizing Bias in Sector Transitions
Hiring managers play a crucial role in creating fair opportunities for candidates transitioning between sectors. Common biases include:
- Assuming public sector workers lack innovation or speed
- Believing private sector professionals won’t adapt to mission-driven environments
- Undervaluing public sector experience in policy implementation and stakeholder engagement
- Dismissing contractor experience as less substantial than direct employment
Challenge these assumptions by:
- Focusing evaluation on transferable skills and competencies
- Creating skills-based assessments rather than relying on sector-specific experiences
- Including diverse perspectives in your hiring panels
- Implementing structured interviews that reduce the impact of unconscious bias
For job seekers and hiring managers alike, managing career transitions requires patience, persistence, and community. While the current job market presents real challenges, focusing on meaningful networking, clearly articulating transferable skills, and maintaining realistic expectations will position job seekers for success.
If you’re currently navigating this journey, Movement Talent is here to support you. And if you’re securely employed, consider how you might open doors for talented professionals in transition—the strength of our movements depends on it.