It’s easy to feel dazed and confused in today’s job market. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, open roles in the U.S. have declined by roughly 33% over the past three years. Many organizations that do have openings aren’t in a rush to fill them. Add to that a more complex hiring process – multiple interviews, lengthy evaluations, and increased automation – and it’s no wonder candidates feel like the market has frozen over.
Here’s the good news: over 7 million roles are still open in the U.S. That’s millions of opportunities for candidates who remain strategic, patient, and proactive in their search. According to Heidi Hoyt (add link to her profile or bio), president, CBIZ Talent Solutions, “Landing the right role today is less about luck and more about approach.”
Below are some essential strategies to help job seekers navigate and even succeed in this environment.
Treat Your Job Search Like a Strategic Project
In a slow-moving market, it’s tempting to apply everywhere and hope something sticks. But this scattershot approach rarely works.
Hoyt suggests, “Narrow your focus to roles and organizations that genuinely fit your skills, values, and goals.” That includes researching companies’ financial stability, leadership changes, and market positioning. Then, customize your résumé and outreach accordingly. “A targeted strategy will always outperform volume”, Hoyt stated.
Leverage and Nurture Your Network
Networking remains one of the most effective ways to uncover hidden opportunities, especially when hiring slows. Many companies fill roles through referrals before postings ever reach a job board.
Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, and industry peers. Attend virtual or in-person professional events, and reconnect with recruiters who understand your space. Genuine relationships open more doors than cold applications ever will.
Master the Modern Interview
Today’s interviews often include multiple stages, behavioral assessments, and virtual panels. Preparation is everything.
Research the company, its culture, leadership, and recent performance. Be ready to demonstrate how you can solve problems, not just what you’ve done. Thoughtful, specific examples of measurable impact stand out far more than generic answers.
Be Flexible, but Know Your Worth
While compensation expectations have shifted, employers still value top talent. Be open to creative solutions like hybrid work arrangements, bonus structures, or growth-based pay models, but don’t undersell yourself.
Use credible salary data and, if possible, consult compensation experts to understand your market value. The goal is to balance flexibility with fairness.
Stay Patient and Persistent
Even the best-prepared candidates face delays. Companies are slowing down decisions and often revisiting budgets mid-process. Patience and follow-up can make a lasting impression.
Keep momentum by continuing to network, upskill, and explore new leads while waiting for responses. Think of it as managing a pipeline, not a single path.
Final Thought
A “frozen” job market doesn’t mean a hopeless one. It simply requires a more strategic, informed, and resilient approach. With more than 7 million opportunities still open across the U.S., candidates who adapt by blending diligence with patience are finding roles that match both their skill sets and aspirations.
At CBIZ Talent Solutions, we see this every day: the candidates who stay proactive, curious, and flexible break through.
Learn more about CBIZ Talent & Compensation Solutions and Leadership and Professional Development capabilities.
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