The Job Market Is Frozen. What Does It Mean For Young Black Adults?
We’re all just trying to get paid.
Tiktok: @Aleaamor5
Let me guess, you’re here because you’ve been job hunting with no luck. I bet you’ve been submitting application after application, but employers just aren't getting back to you. Or maybe you do get callbacks, but after three rounds of interviews, you’re still told "no."
Whether you’ve been ghosted or rejected, trust me, you’re not alone. Trying to secure a job these days is exhausting, and it has many of us wondering: why is the job market so trash right now?
The Numbers Don’t Lie
The U.S. job market is in a strange limbo. On one hand, hiring has slowed, even though 151,000 new jobs have recently opened up, and on the other, the unemployment rate remains stuck at 4.1%. That means while jobs are becoming available, they aren’t being filled fast enough. These counteracting forces are what some people are calling, the job market freeze. As Rogé Karma, economics writer for The Atlantic, puts it:
“The labor market is seemingly locked in place: Employees are staying put, and employers aren’t searching for new ones.”
Due to the hiring slowdown, college graduates get the short end of the stick. Karma writes:
“According to a recent analysis by ADP Research, the hiring rate for young college graduates has declined the most of any education level in recent years. Since 2022, this group has experienced a higher unemployment rate than the overall workforce for the first sustained period since at least 1990.”
But we’re not here to speak for all college graduates. As the numbers tell it, Black job seekers continue to face higher unemployment rates compared to other racial groups. So, of course, this job market freeze hits us even harder.
Take VCU alumna Alea's story, for example. She went to TikTok to express her frustration. In her video, she explains that she's been unemployed for at least 5 months and submitted 300 applications with no success.
Job search journeys like hers reflect the struggle and frustration many Black job seekers are facing right now. The reality is, we're up against systemic barriers, a brutal market, and biases that make the job search even more daunting.
When the odds are seemingly stacked against us, that leaves the question: How can young Black adults navigate a frozen job market?
How to Navigate the job Market Right Now
If you’re a young Black job seeker, don’t feel discouraged. First, know it’s not your fault. When faced with constant rejections and no responses, it’s easy for imposter syndrome to creep in. But trust—it’s not you, it’s the economy. You are more than qualified for your dream job, and while you wait for that offer letter, here are some steps you can take to strengthen your chances:
1. Network, Network, Network
That cliché saying, “Your network is your net worth,” is pretty accurate. Connecting with people in your field can open doors to valuable career opportunities, so put yourself out there!
Jade Walters, an early career expert, highlights the importance of using LinkedIn for networking: “One of the biggest benefits of LinkedIn is that you can just, like, connect with people you don’t know or people that you want to work with. And it’s okay. Like, it’s normal,” she says. “Nine times out of ten, someone will probably accept your invitation to connect, and you could follow from their journey. And if they have the time, you can have a coffee chat.”
If there’s a dream company you want to work for, go and follow every recruiter, go and connect with people who work there, and engage with them. Don't be afraid to stalk a little, that’s how you build relationships that can get your foot in the door.
And networking doesn't just stop at LinkedIn. To meet potential employers, attend industry events, job fairs, and seminars. If you make a good impression, you’ll most likely get referrals, job leads, or even a mentor. So, speak up and market yourself!
2. Tailor Your Resume
Prove that you can be an asset to a company by customizing your resume to fit the job qualifications in a posting. Doing this shows that you’re genuinely interested and intentional about the role.
Walters stresses the importance of being intentional in your applications. “There’s always this question about whether or not it's a numbers game, and I do agree, it is a numbers game when it comes to applying for jobs, but … it also needs to be strategic,” she says. Instead of applying to every role in your industry, she recommends narrowing down your focus: “You don’t just go like, ‘I want a burger [from a restaurant].’ You pick something from the menu.”
So, figure out your niche, be intentional, and when it comes to applying for jobs, remember—quality over quantity.
3. Try Upskilling
It never hurts to learn a new skill, especially while you're waiting for a new role. Catching up on new skills can set you apart from other applicants and show employers you're a self-starter. I suggest using Coursera to get certifications that will enhance your resume.
Just don’t overwork yourself in the process!
4. Exploring Alternative Income Streams
If you're about that bag, side hustles like dog walking, freelancing, and babysitting are all easy ways to bring in extra income. Need some inspo? Here’s how other young Black adults are securing the bag.
At the end of the day, the job market sucks, but it's not all bad. You can improve your chances of landing a job by networking, using the right resources, and staying persistent. Just remember: it’s not you, it’s the system. Keep pushing—you got this!
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