In today’s slower hiring market, many job seekers feel the odds are stacked against them. Employers are filling roles at a more cautious pace, and employed workers are staying put longer. The result is fewer openings and sharper competition. Long-term unemployment—people out of work for 27 weeks or more—has climbed to 25%, up from 23% a year earlier, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Simply blasting out more applications is rarely the solution. Strategic moves matter more. Here are the clearest pieces of advice from experts on how to improve your chances.
Network with intention
LinkedIn’s Head of Economics, Americas, Kory Kantenga stresses the power of your existing network. Reach out to people already in the roles and industries that interest you. Warm introductions and referrals carry far more weight than cold applications in a tight market.
Use AI as a tool—not a ghostwriter
Margaret Burke, principal and talent acquisition leader at PwC, advises against letting AI fully write your materials. AI can tighten a résumé or sharpen a cover letter, but the voice and the experiences must remain yours. Authenticity still cuts through.
Highlight the human skills AI can’t replace
Priya Rathod, workplace expert at Indeed, notes that communication, critical thinking, leadership, and empathy keep surfacing as high-value skills across industries. Indeed’s data shows these kinds of skills appear in nearly three-quarters of U.S. job postings. Make them visible and concrete on your materials and in conversations.
In a crowded field, volume alone rarely wins. Focused networking, authentic applications, and clear evidence of irreplaceable human strengths give you a real edge.