Jobs Near You Now

Plus: Job openings drop in December + The Voice of Job Seekers

🎙️ Did You Know? On this day in 1940, Tom and Jerry made their debut in the animated short Puss Gets the Boot. The iconic cat-and-mouse duo became a timeless classic, but interestingly, their creators originally planned to move on from the concept. Instead, they took a chance, refined their approach, and ended up creating one of the most successful animated franchises of all time.

The lesson? Sometimes, if you're not getting the results you want, it doesn't mean you have to give up, but maybe you need to try a different approach.

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Stop Relying on Job Boards

Remote work isn't as common as many people expected. Even when it's available, many individuals prefer working in an office for the structure, social interaction, and opportunities for career growth. However, wanting to work in an office doesn't mean you want to spend two hours driving every morning. The goal is to find a job close to home, but why is it so hard to do? Maybe RoadMap can help. đź‘€

If you're relying solely on job boards, you might be overlooking hidden opportunities. In fact, about 53% of Gen Z job seekers find their positions by searching directly on company websites. So, how do they do it?

The following are our honest suggestions, no affiliate links or kickbacks apply. 

🌍 Step 1: Explore Company Websites

Many companies only post jobs on their own websites. Check the careers pages of local companies and sign up for their job alerts if they have them. If you don't know any, use AI tools like Microsoft Copilot to help you find them.

🚀 Step 2: Follow Companies on Social Media

Companies often post about job openings on LinkedIn, Twitter, and even Instagram. Follow businesses in your area to stay ahead of new opportunities.

đź”— Step 2: Connect with Recruiters on LinkedIn

Don't wait for a job posting - reach out to recruiters and hiring managers directly. A simple, personalized message can put you on their radar for upcoming opportunities, so don't wait for a job posting to apply.

💡RoadMap Tip: Many cities and universities offer local job boards, career services, and community job fairs that aren’t well-advertised online.

Clyde Hughes

U.S. job openings dropped to 7.6 million in December, the lowest level since September, according to the latest Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The decline fell short of economists’ expectations of 8 million openings, signaling potential shifts in the labor market.

Professional and business services saw the biggest decline, with 225,000 fewer openings, followed by private education and health services (-194,000) and financial activities (-166,000). Despite the drop in openings, hiring rose to 5.27 million, and layoffs remained relatively stable at 1.77 million. The number of workers quitting their jobs ticked up slightly to 3.2 million but has declined year-over-year by 242,000.

The report, closely monitored by the Federal Reserve, suggests a cooling labor market while hiring remains steady. Analysts are watching for potential impacts on monetary policy and economic growth in the months ahead.

Hosted by career consultant Mark Anthony Dyson, The Voice of Job Seekers is a must-listen for anyone navigating unemployment, job transitions, or feeling undervalued in their current role. Mark brings in career experts, authors, and coaches to provide actionable advice on job searching, career development, and standing out in the job market.

Why It Matters

Understanding hiring trends, networking strategies, and how employers evaluate candidates can give you a much-needed edge. This podcast breaks it all down with practical insights you can use right away.

This episode dives into Gen Z job search trends, the importance of networking, and how internships can shape your career early on.

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