18 Proven Strategies to Land the Right Job in a Struggling Economy
As the economy slows and hiring tightens, jobseekers are finding themselves in a more competitive environment than ever. With fewer openings and rapidly changing skill demands, standing out requires strategy, adaptability, and authenticity.
In a recent Forbes Human Resources Council feature, William Stonehouse III, President of Crawford Thomas Recruiting, joins other leading HR professionals to share 18 actionable tips for landing the right opportunity in a challenging job market.
1. Keep Learning and Apply with Intention
Growth-minded professionals stand out. Keep building skills that align with industry trends, and focus on roles that excite you rather than applying everywhere.
2. Be Patient and Graceful
Job hunting takes time — focus on what you can control, including preparation, mindset, and persistence.
3. Understand the Business
Employers want value, not just availability. Show how your skills directly impact their bottom line.
4. Strengthen Your Tech Knowledge
Even outside of tech roles, digital fluency and AI literacy are now baseline expectations.
5. Lead with Attitude
Hiring managers often prioritize attitude over aptitude. Stay positive, persistent, and adaptable.
6. Highlight ‘Durable’ Skills
Focus on skills that evolve with change — communication, leadership, and critical thinking.
7. Prove You’re Future-Ready
Showcase innovation and versatility by leveraging AI tools and maintaining a strong professional network.
8. Tailor Your Résumé Every Time
Customize your résumé for each role and make sure it aligns with company values and culture.
9. Build a Personal Brand
Your reputation matters. Strengthen your personal brand through consistency, engagement, and credibility.
10. Stay Flexible
Even if a role isn’t perfect, it may open the door to something greater. Demonstrate adaptability.
11. Show Real-World Impact
Use tangible results to show employers the problems you’ve solved — and the measurable outcomes.
12. Invest in Marketable Skills
Skills like data analytics, project management, and compliance are in high demand across industries.
13. Network Strategically
Networking is still the #1 way to uncover opportunities before they’re posted.
14. Be a Problem-Solver
Position yourself as someone who can adapt, innovate, and add value across multiple functions.
15. Craft a Clear Career Narrative
Ensure your résumé, online presence, and interviews all tell a cohesive story about your value and goals.
16. Prioritize Clarity Over Speed
Slow down and focus on roles that align with your values and strengths.
17. Embrace Adaptability
Employers want to see candidates who can evolve, upskill, and remain resilient through change.
18. Position Yourself as the Solution — William Stonehouse III
“In today’s market, candidates can’t afford to blend in. You have to market yourself like a top brand — understand the company’s pain points and show exactly how you’re the solution,” says William Stonehouse III, President of Crawford Thomas Recruiting.
“It’s about preparation and presentation. Those who take a strategic approach don’t just find a job — they find the right one.”
Stonehouse emphasizes that in a market defined by uncertainty, success goes to the jobseekers who treat their career growth like a business strategy: identify needs, offer solutions, and communicate value clearly.
Expert Perspective from Crawford Thomas Recruiting
Adding to Stonehouse’s insight, Katie Werner, Senior National Account Manager at Crawford Thomas Recruiting, shared:
“We’re seeing candidates succeed when they combine clarity with curiosity. The ones who ask the right questions — about culture, growth, and expectations — are the ones who build lasting connections with employers.”