Published in LinkedIn.

You’re applying. You’re qualified. You’re not getting calls.

Then you open LinkedIn or read the news:
“Unemployment rates remain low at 4.2%.”
“The U.S. economy added 177,000 jobs last month.”
“Companies are hiring again!”

And you start to wonder… “Is it just me?”

Let me be clear: no, it’s not you.
The job market is not as simple as these headlines suggest.

Yes, jobs are being added – but at the same time, companies are quietly laying off.
Yes, there are openings – but many are filled internally or through networking, or put on hold.
Yes, some people are getting offers – but many (many) others are left navigating broken funnels, outdated systems, and ghosting.

Here’s what the stats don’t show:
- Job quality – whether the jobs are full-time, stable, and well-paying
- Industry or demographic disparities
- Time to hire or job search friction
- Contractors sometimes don’t get counted when they lose work
- Severance delays unemployment claims
- International workers cannot claim benefits

So what can you do? Start by shifting focus from the headlines to what you can control:
- Double down on your network. Most hires still happen through networking and referrals. Reach out. Reconnect. Ask for intros.
- Document your wins. Share your expertise publicly. Visibility builds credibility – especially when systems fall short.
- Push for transparency. Ask companies about timelines, hiring stages, and feedback.

And above all, don’t internalize a broken system as a personal failure.

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