In the wake of the ongoing pandemic, jobseekers have faced daunting challenges in securing full-time employment. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a significant slowdown in hiring rates, leaving many individuals struggling to find work for extended periods. In fact, a staggering 23% of unemployed individuals have been actively seeking employment for 27 weeks or longer.
For those who find themselves among the long-term unemployed, Emily Levine, the executive vice president at Career Group Companies, offers a valuable piece of advice for navigating the job market in 2025: be open to freelance and contract positions. While the idea may seem unconventional to some, there are numerous advantages to embracing temporary roles during these uncertain times.
Taking on freelance work not only provides a source of income while continuing the search for permanent employment but also helps maintain self-esteem during what can be a challenging period of job hunting. According to Levine, freelancing can serve as a stepping stone to full-time opportunities, with many temporary positions transitioning into permanent roles without requiring candidates to go through competitive interview processes.
Levine highlights that industries such as finance, creative fields, entertainment, marketing, and real estate are increasingly offering freelance roles that often lead to long-term employment opportunities. To maximize your chances of landing these temporary positions, it is crucial to update your resume accordingly. Including an end date for your most recent role signals your availability for contract work and emphasizing past experiences in the past tense can make you more appealing to potential employers.
In addition to updating your resume, diversifying your job search strategies is essential. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed to explore freelance opportunities and reach out to staffing agencies that specialize in temporary placements. These agencies often play a pivotal role in connecting companies with skilled professionals on short notice.
Levine emphasizes that being proactive about seeking temporary roles can significantly increase your chances of securing employment quickly since companies frequently turn to staffing firms when they urgently need additional support. By ensuring you are part of their talent pool or database ahead of time through top search firms, you position yourself as a desirable candidate ready for immediate deployment.
If you’re looking to supplement your income or explore alternative sources of revenue beyond traditional employment models, consider enrolling in online courses like CNBC’s “How to Earn Passive Income Online.” This course offers insights into various passive income streams, practical tips for getting started, and inspirational success stories from real individuals who have diversified their income sources successfully.
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