By Jeff Altman, Big Game Hunter
Some end the year with promotions, financing, and “we did it” posts. For others, 2025 feels heavy: layoffs, stalled searches and a quiet suspicion of what comes next. If that’s you, you’re not behind. you are not alone. A new year doesn’t magically solve every problem, but it does give you a new opportunity to run smarter plays.
Naming something difficult
Many job seekers describe 2025-2026 as one of the most challenging markets in years, with companies relying more on AI screening, leaner teams and fewer roles. Old strategies like using a generic resume to apply in bulk are delivering diminishing returns, leaving people discouraged and questioning their value.
Why the New Year Still Matters
A new year brings a reset: new budgets, new headcount approvals, and leaders revisiting their team’s priorities and gaps. This is also a natural moment to take a step back, reevaluate your direction, and design a thoughtful strategy rather than staying stuck in a reactive application.
Step 1: Find out before applying
Define 2-3 target roles and industries rather than “anything that fits my skillset.” Clarity makes every message, resume, and conversation clearer.
Make a list of the skills, achievements, and stories that prove you’re qualified for these roles, then weave these keywords into your LinkedIn profile and resume to fit the AI-driven screen.
Step 2: Treat LinkedIn as your home base
Optimize your profile with a specific title, a concise About section, and Open Jobs settings that reflect your target role, location, and work schedule.
Stay visible: Post short reflections, thoughtful comments on industry content, and share work samples so recruiters and hiring managers can quickly see your value.
Step 3: Make networking your default, not an afterthought
Aim to spend at least a quarter to half of your job search time building relationships: warm introductions, informational chats, and reconnecting with past colleagues.
Remember, a large percentage of jobs are filled through referrals, so cultivating real connections is often more effective than endlessly scrolling through job boards.
Step 4: Apply and prepare intentionally
Tailor each resume and cover description to the post, reflect key keywords and highlight measurable results that match the job’s priorities.
Prepare some STAR stories that show how you solve problems, adapt, and collaborate; these are the behaviors hiring managers will be screening for in 2026.
If you’ve had a rough year, take a deep breath and choose one small action today — tweak your profile, send a message to a former colleague, or list target roles — and make it the first brick of your search in 2026.
Happy New Year and wish you success.
Ⓒ Big Game Hunters, Asheville, NC 2026
