The Great Slowdown: Why Hiring Is Taking Longer — and How to Stay Competitive

It’s Not Just You — Hiring Really Is Slower Right Now

If your job search feels like it’s dragging on longer than usual, you’re not imagining things.
Across the U.S., companies are hiring more cautiously, taking extra time to get approvals, run second (and third) interviews, or pause roles altogether while they re-evaluate budgets.

It’s frustrating — especially when you’re doing everything “right.”
But the slowdown itself isn’t always a reflection of your skills or value. It’s a sign of a changing market, and learning to navigate it strategically can set you apart.

Step 1: Understand What’s Happening Behind the Scenes

In 2025, hiring teams are operating with tighter budgets and leaner headcounts.
That means recruiters and managers are:

• Juggling more open roles per person.

• Taking longer to get internal approvals.

• Prioritizing internal applications (which is a good thing)

• Prioritizing alignment and retention over speed.

So when a company seems slow to move, it’s often not about you — it’s about capacity and caution.

Recognizing this helps shift the mindset from “I’m being ghosted” to “The process is just slower — and I can use this time wisely.”

Step 2: Stay Top of Mind (Without Being Pushy)

When hiring slows, follow-up becomes your advantage.
After interviews or applications, don’t disappear — thoughtfully re-engage.

Try these gentle touchpoints:

• Week 1: Send a short thank-you email reaffirming your enthusiasm and value.

• Week 3: Check in with a genuine note like, “I wanted to share an example of how I’ve applied what we discussed…”

• Month 1: Stay visible on LinkedIn — share content, comment on company posts, or spotlight your professional growth.

Consistency shows professionalism and persistence — two qualities I can tell you firsthand, as a former recruiter, that help keep you top of mind during the next step and hiring decisions.

Step 3: Use the Slowdown to Strengthen Your Foundation

Slower hiring = more time to sharpen your tools.
Use this window to prepare for when the market picks up again.

Focus on:

• Your résumé and LinkedIn. Ensure they reflect the future you’re targeting, not just past roles.

• Your interview stories. Practice clear, value-driven narratives that highlight both skills and mindset.

• Your clarity. Revisit your top career values and check: Are the roles I’m applying for truly aligned or just the next step?

If you’re unsure, take the Values Discovery Assessment — it’ll help you identify which kinds of organizations and environments align best with your priorities.

Step 4: Network with Intention

I cannot stress this enough —networking matters more now than ever! Networking doesn’t have to mean awkward coffee chats or endless Zoom calls.
It means staying connected to real people in your field AND IN LIFE — colleagues, mentors, past recruiters, past managers (that you liked), and your friends.

During a hiring slowdown, a warm introduction or referral can make all the difference.
Reach out with curiosity, not an ask:

“I’ve been exploring roles [Company name], it seems liek it could be a good life alignment for me. You have been there now for XX years. How are you liking it? Appreciate your insight!”

Or

"I am still with XXX but have been consdering a move to better align with my life. I have heard good things about XX [the company they work] and I am looking at roles there. What is your two cents on the [company/team/role]?"

That kind of values-based networking sparks genuine conversations — and often leads to the right opportunities faster than job boards ever could. More on networking in future posts!

Step 5: Protect Your Energy

This might be the most critical piece.
A slower job search can wear you down emotionally — especially when progress feels invisible. But the next right step with structure is critical to success.

Build structure into your week:

• Job search 3–4 focused hours a day — not all day, every day.

• Step away regularly (walks, workouts, or creative breaks).

• Surround yourself with people who remind you of your strengths.

Remember, alignment takes time. The right opportunity is worth waiting — and preparing — for.

Slow Doesn’t Mean Stuck

The hiring market may be slow, but that doesn’t mean you have to be.
This is your moment to realign, reframe, and refine your story so when the right opportunity opens, you’re ready.

Next Steps

• Take the Values Discovery Assessment to clarify your direction and stand out to the right employers.

• Or book a free 15-minute consult to get personalized support and a strategy for staying competitive during the slowdown.