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Age is Your Advantage

  • Writer: Renata Bernarde
    Renata Bernarde
  • Mar 31
  • 27 min read

Episode 284 - This Ain’t Your First Recession: How to Navigate Today’s Job Market Like a Pro 




Inflation is slowing. Interest rates remain high. Companies are hiring, but cautiously. For experienced professionals, that mix translates into fewer job openings, more competition, and longer wait times. Meanwhile, the jobs that do exist are being filled differently. Some never even reach job boards. 


This blog summarizes Episode 284 of The Job Hunting Podcast, in which I discuss the biggest challenges facing mid- to senior-level professionals and offer a strategy playbook for overcoming them. If you’re applying for roles and not hearing back or wondering how to reposition yourself in a slower, more selective market, this is for you. 


Key Shifts in the 2025 Job Market 


Profitability Over Growth: The Current Employer Mindset 


As inflation slows but interest rates remain high, companies in the US and Australia have adopted a risk-averse stance. Instead of pursuing aggressive expansion, organizations are prioritizing profitability. For job seekers, this shift translates into slower hiring processes, selective recruitment, and frequent pauses on advertised roles. 


Companies are hiring, but more cautiously. Role approvals are taking longer, and even when roles are advertised, recruitment processes are often paused midway. This environment particularly affects mid-level managers and experienced executives, as fewer new departments or initiatives are being launched. 


Sector-Specific Hiring Trends 


While traditional corporate sectors are slowing down, others are accelerating: 

  • Public Sector: Despite publicized layoffs in some countries, transformation and reform initiatives continue to drive recruitment. Corporate professionals may find opportunities by transitioning into roles in government or public administration. 

  • Green Energy, Sustainability, and Infrastructure: Projects related to clean energy and infrastructure remain active, often supported by consumer demand and long-term government investment. 

  • Technology and AI: Integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning into business processes is no longer optional. Even professionals in their 40s, 50s, and 60s must stay informed and upskill to remain competitive.

  • Healthcare, Education, and Professional Services: As global populations age and economies demand reskilling, these sectors are expanding, offering significant opportunities for professionals looking to pivot. 


Strategy Playbook for Job Seekers 


1. Reframe Your Narrative 


Experienced professionals must shift from trying to prove they are "still current" to acting with confidence and relevance. Your resume, LinkedIn, and interviews should reflect strategic thinking, not defensiveness. 

  • Tip: Avoid phrases like "despite my age." Instead, emphasize your ability to navigate uncertainty, lead during change, and deliver results. 

  • Example: “I’ve led teams through major downturns. I bring calm, clarity, and action when things feel uncertain.” 


Tips number 2 to 6 will be sent to The Job Hunting Newsletter subscribers. Click here to sign up. 


Future Outlook: Thriving Amid Uncertainty 


While the job market in 2025 poses unique challenges, it also offers a roadmap for those willing to adapt. Industries like AI, healthcare, and sustainability will continue to expand. Experienced professionals who reframe their values, communicate clearly, and stay agile will thrive. 


Adaptability, strategic positioning, and a strong support system are more critical than ever. Corporate professionals who recognize that job searching is a technical process, not a reflection of their worth, can move from stalled to successful faster. 


The modern job market demands more than qualifications. It requires strategy, clarity, and confidence. Experienced professionals must: 

  • Embrace their age and experience as strengths 

  • Communicate their leadership maturity. 

  • Align with emerging sectors and flexible work formats. 


With the right tools, mindset, and support, you can move through the 2025 job market with greater clarity and purpose. This episode offers essential guidance for any professional feeling frustrated or stuck. 



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