How to Land a Job in 2025
Albert Qian
Founder, Albert’s List
December 12, 2024
About Me
 San Francisco Bay Area born-and-raised
job search entrepreneur.
 Founder of Albert’s List, a community of
50,400+ members on Facebook
connecting job seekers, hiring managers,
job opportunities, and networking. Join at
https://bit.ly/findyournextjob.
Agenda
The State of the Job Market
Predictions for 2025
What Changes About the Job Market +
Considerations
Take Action
Q&A
Our Goals For Today’s Webinar
PROVIDE A 50,000-FOOT VIEW
OF THE JOB MARKET, AND
THEN ZOOM IN.
LEAVE YOU EMPOWERED TO
EMBARK ON YOUR JOB
SEARCH.
GIVE YOU THE RESOURCES TO
MOVE FORWARD WITH HOPE
The State of the Job Market
Jobs: AI, AI, AI, and Healthcare
Layoffs Keep Happening
Forward Forecasts: We’ll See…
 Continued interest rate cuts will make their way through the market.
 Trump as president brings many new opportunities—we’ll cover in the following slides.
 AI is still hot.
 The information recession continues.
If your job search has been a struggle, it’s not you. But there are ways around it.
Predictions for 2025
The High Level
 Political down winds do matter here – but we won’t get political.
 Change takes awhile to happen, and it will show up when you least expect.
 Some things will remain the same, but the fundamentals are still key.
 Much of these trends are US-based, but may apply in some cases internationally.
Prediction #1: The Return of Tech Begins
 Trump has picked investor David Sacks to
be his crypto and AI czar.
 Sacks has spent a significant amount of
time on the All In Podcast lamenting the
lack of tech M&A and regulatory capture
within tech and other industries.
 His pro-tech views signal some kind of
return to prominence for the industry.
Prediction #2: Big Business and Money are Back
 Some industries will flourish (Crypto, AI, oil)
while others (EV, Green) will take a
backseat or struggle.
 Choose wisely within the industries, if you
choose to return to tech.
Prediction #3: The Unleashing of AI Begins
 The Silicon Valley-ing of the Trump
administration extended to VCs who
wanted fewer AI regulations.
 Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz were
famous for donating to the Trump
campaign – and they have significant AI
investments.
 Being knowledgeable about AI will keep
you ahead of the curve.
Prediction #4: Localism Reigns Supreme*
 Tariffs and populist ideas mean a greater
focus on the United States versus the
global market – if you are in the physical
goods, import/export, some uncertainty is
ahead.
 E-Commerce with a focus on Asia,
Mexico will struggle if tariffs are not solved
immediately.
*Focus on physical goods
Prediction #5: State Gov’t Jobs Become Competitive
 President Trump has given Elon Musk and
Vivek Ramaswamy a mandate to cut the
government through the Department of
Government Efficiency (DOGE), with a
goal to have a plan by July 4, 2026.
 Though ceremonial in nature (Congress
holds the budget), the job will seek to trim
down government.
 Expect some fleeing to state jobs where it
is safer, and more competition there.
Prediction #6: Labor Rights May be Challenged
 The incoming administration was
supported by rank and file labor, but may
pass unfriendly policies.
 We may see massive reforms with the
National Labor Relations Board and other
government labor organizations.
 Get to know your state’s labor laws.
Prediction #7: Immigration Shifts the Market
 Undocumented immigrants and some
visa workers (such as H1Bs) face great
change come January 20.
 Inflation, higher wages in some areas, and
worker shortages remain on the table as
possible impacts.
Prediction #8: Strategic Roles Take Precedence
 As AI and outsourcing becomes possible,
companies will focus on strategic roles.
 Graphic design, UX, data analysis, writer,
and other repeatable roles are at risk.
 Build your skills to competence, then look
at the whole view.
Prediction #9: The Search for the Unicorn Intensifies
 As we head into year 3 of tech struggles,
companies will seek more unicorns over
general fits.
 Answering questions and doing the
homework will be crucial to getting the
job.
What Changes About the Job Market
Understanding
What’s Ahead
It’s (still) the toughest job market since 2008, and may
get harder.
Competition is fiercer than ever across all functions.
Some industries are faring better than others (AI,
Government, Healthcare)
Don’t be hard on yourself but be fair.
Look for opportunities in unlikely places.
Interest rates are coming down, but investment and
subsequent hiring will be another 6+ months out.
Step #1: Understand the Strategies Have Changed
Industry trends do
matter as you look at
the market
Being first to a job
listing plays to your
advantage
Networking matters
more than ever;
leverage relationships
Acknowledge the
struggle; know it will
improve
Filter To What You Want
 Focus down on who you want to
network with.
 Look for opportunities to be
introduced.
 Focus on commonalities: mutual
connections, alumni (company and
educational)
Step #2: Invest in Yourself
Navigate imposter
syndrome.
Invest in education—
and projects.
View yourself as a
startup ready to
launch.
Network in the right
communities.
Step #3:
Build Your
Personal
Brand
It’s not who you know or what
you know, it’s who knows you.
Build credibility and
recognition through thoughts.
Go where your audience is
(usually LinkedIn).
Network and meet people
strategically.
Don’t Take a Great Resignation
Mindset into a Return to Office
World
Step #4: Go on Offense With Your Search
TURN ON ”OPEN TO WORK”
SETTINGS.
USE THE JOB SEARCH SITES
THAT BEST FIT YOU.
UNDERSTAND THAT
OPPORTUNITIES CAN COME
FROM UNLIKELY PLACES.
FIND AN ACCOUNTABILITY
PARTNER.
Step #5: Tell
the Story You
Want Heard
 Build a resume that showcases your
history.
 Create interview answers based on
what you anticipate.
 Be consistent with your message to the
world.
 Practice, practice, practice.
Start by introducing yourself
Share the highlights of your career
Explain how you’ve gotten those
highlights
Go into detail
And then share your education /
certifications
Step #6:
Interview
with
Confidence
Understand what’s at stake.
Know where you create risk and
mitigate, and know where you excite
employers and build momentum.
Be VERY familiar with your STAR/SAR/CAR
stories. Know what you’ve done and
your impact.
Understand and share your special
sauce.
You
Boss
Colleagues
Company
Customers Industry
Types of Interview Questions
Question What Are They Looking For? Examples
Fact • Whether you know what you want
• If you are a fit for the company
• How much do you want to make?
• Where are you in your job search?
Personality • Whether you are a personal fit for the company
• How self-aware you are
• What is your greatest weakness?
• What zoo animal would you be?
Situational • Whether past success translates
• If you are a problem solver
• Tell me about a time when…
Hypothetical • Your vision and ambition
• Your problem solving approach
• Let’s say we gave you the
responsibility to handle our most
important product…
Do you have any
questions for us?
• Whether you want the job or not
• If you have any questions
• Tell me about the 30-60-90 day plan
• Why is this role open?
Step #7:
Turn Job
Hunting
into a
Habit
Don’t stop until you sign an offer
and keep going until you start.
Be consistent about job hunting
and finding your next role.
Be flexible, yet don’t sacrifice for
the things you really want.
It’s OK to take a contract as a
bridge.
Step #8: Help Others
IT’S A TOUGH JOB
MARKET OUT THERE.
NETWORK AND ASK,
BUT ALSO OFFER.
SHARE LISTINGS THAT
DON’T FIT FOR YOU.
BOOST LINKEDIN
POSTS FOR GREATER
REACH.
Step #9: Understand It’s Hard
 It’s not a friendly economy for many in this audience.
 Competition is fiercer, so do what you must to focus on details and stand out.
 Take a break… and then come back.
 Know that it will improve. What you do now is what matters.
Step #10: Borrow AI for Help
 Free tools like Claude and ChatGPT (free and 4o) can
support your efforts
 Be sure to revise after the fact
 Key tip: “Act as if”
Cover Letters & Mission Statements -
https://chat.openai.com/
https://claude.ai/
• Align your personal value statement with a job
description.
• Align the job description with your resume to get
close to what the description wants.
• Align the job description with your cover letter to
share your qualifications (edit this!)
Resume Writing
• Copy edit your resume
• Create greater clarity around action statements
Job Applications - https://lazyapply.com/
• Automatically apply to jobs based on interest
• One time subscription cost
Note – This is all about quantity, not so much about
quality.
Application Organization - https://www.tealhq.com/
• Keep track of all of your applications
• AI resume builder
• Match with the right keywords
• Manage follow ups automatically
Google Interview Warmup -
https://grow.google/certificates/interview-warmup/
ChatGPT -
https://chat.openai.com/
STAR Method Coach
https://starmethod.coach/
• Practice interviewing with an AI
• Leverage an existing job description
• Learn how to answer situational questions
Note:
• AI cannot discern facial expressions or body
language, so practice these with someone!
What To Do Once
You’ve Been Hired
A New Job is a New Beginning
NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO REST—IT’S
THE TIME TO KEEP GOING.
YOU SHOWED THE HIRING MANAGERS
THAT YOU HAD POTENTIAL; NOW IT’S
TIME TO PERFORM.
A New Job Means New Goals
Learning new skills
Developing
leadership
Growing
communications skills
Earning increased
duties
Things to Keep in Mind
A job is rarely forever, so keep
networking and building your
brand.
As you register
accomplishments, write them
down for your resume.
Stay in touch with old recruiters
and those you network with.
Take Action
DIY Your Job Hunt with the
Job Seeker Survival Kit
(Updated!)
• 55 hours+ worth of content valued at $2,000
for just $25.
• 49 videos across finding your next job,
discovering what you want, what to do once
you get hired, how to use AI in your job search
and sample mock interviews.
• 18 mock interviews including marketing,
administrative, software engineering, and
product management.
Get your Kit Today: https://bit.ly/Fall2024JobSeekerKit
Sign up for Office Hours: https://bit.ly/AL-OfficeHours
Sign up for a Mock
Interview with Albert’s List
• We’ve done 115 since the start of the
pandemic.
• Featuring a Fortune 500 recruiter (non-
technical) or Sr. Software Engineer
(technical).
• A chance to practice before the real
thing.
Email your resume and a job description to
albert@ajobslist.com.
Be Informed on the State of
the Market (Dec 16)
• Get the news and perspectives you
need from Dr. Reilly White, Finance
Professor at the University of New
Mexico.
• Learn about the trends moving the job
market, including inflation, investments,
and recession fears.
• Come with your questions.
Sign up for our Monthly Jobs
Report/Inflation Update on our Eventbrite
page.
Learn About Our Winter
2025 Job Seeker Bootcamp
(Jan 22, Jan 29, Feb 3)
• Get the accountability, skills, and
resources you need for a successful 2025
job search.
• Join your cohort and meet other career
coaches to help you along the way,
along with 1:1 help.
Sign up for How to Recession Proof Your Job
Search.
Stay in Touch
 Connect with me on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/albertqian
 Join Albert’s List and introduce yourself.
 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/albertslist
 Be sure to indicate you discovered me or
the community through this webinar.
Q&A

How to Land a Job in 2025 - Albert's List Presentation

  • 1.
    How to Landa Job in 2025 Albert Qian Founder, Albert’s List December 12, 2024
  • 2.
    About Me  SanFrancisco Bay Area born-and-raised job search entrepreneur.  Founder of Albert’s List, a community of 50,400+ members on Facebook connecting job seekers, hiring managers, job opportunities, and networking. Join at https://bit.ly/findyournextjob.
  • 3.
    Agenda The State ofthe Job Market Predictions for 2025 What Changes About the Job Market + Considerations Take Action Q&A
  • 4.
    Our Goals ForToday’s Webinar PROVIDE A 50,000-FOOT VIEW OF THE JOB MARKET, AND THEN ZOOM IN. LEAVE YOU EMPOWERED TO EMBARK ON YOUR JOB SEARCH. GIVE YOU THE RESOURCES TO MOVE FORWARD WITH HOPE
  • 5.
    The State ofthe Job Market
  • 15.
    Jobs: AI, AI,AI, and Healthcare
  • 16.
  • 17.
    Forward Forecasts: We’llSee…  Continued interest rate cuts will make their way through the market.  Trump as president brings many new opportunities—we’ll cover in the following slides.  AI is still hot.  The information recession continues. If your job search has been a struggle, it’s not you. But there are ways around it.
  • 18.
  • 19.
    The High Level Political down winds do matter here – but we won’t get political.  Change takes awhile to happen, and it will show up when you least expect.  Some things will remain the same, but the fundamentals are still key.  Much of these trends are US-based, but may apply in some cases internationally.
  • 20.
    Prediction #1: TheReturn of Tech Begins  Trump has picked investor David Sacks to be his crypto and AI czar.  Sacks has spent a significant amount of time on the All In Podcast lamenting the lack of tech M&A and regulatory capture within tech and other industries.  His pro-tech views signal some kind of return to prominence for the industry.
  • 21.
    Prediction #2: BigBusiness and Money are Back  Some industries will flourish (Crypto, AI, oil) while others (EV, Green) will take a backseat or struggle.  Choose wisely within the industries, if you choose to return to tech.
  • 22.
    Prediction #3: TheUnleashing of AI Begins  The Silicon Valley-ing of the Trump administration extended to VCs who wanted fewer AI regulations.  Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz were famous for donating to the Trump campaign – and they have significant AI investments.  Being knowledgeable about AI will keep you ahead of the curve.
  • 23.
    Prediction #4: LocalismReigns Supreme*  Tariffs and populist ideas mean a greater focus on the United States versus the global market – if you are in the physical goods, import/export, some uncertainty is ahead.  E-Commerce with a focus on Asia, Mexico will struggle if tariffs are not solved immediately. *Focus on physical goods
  • 24.
    Prediction #5: StateGov’t Jobs Become Competitive  President Trump has given Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy a mandate to cut the government through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), with a goal to have a plan by July 4, 2026.  Though ceremonial in nature (Congress holds the budget), the job will seek to trim down government.  Expect some fleeing to state jobs where it is safer, and more competition there.
  • 25.
    Prediction #6: LaborRights May be Challenged  The incoming administration was supported by rank and file labor, but may pass unfriendly policies.  We may see massive reforms with the National Labor Relations Board and other government labor organizations.  Get to know your state’s labor laws.
  • 26.
    Prediction #7: ImmigrationShifts the Market  Undocumented immigrants and some visa workers (such as H1Bs) face great change come January 20.  Inflation, higher wages in some areas, and worker shortages remain on the table as possible impacts.
  • 27.
    Prediction #8: StrategicRoles Take Precedence  As AI and outsourcing becomes possible, companies will focus on strategic roles.  Graphic design, UX, data analysis, writer, and other repeatable roles are at risk.  Build your skills to competence, then look at the whole view.
  • 28.
    Prediction #9: TheSearch for the Unicorn Intensifies  As we head into year 3 of tech struggles, companies will seek more unicorns over general fits.  Answering questions and doing the homework will be crucial to getting the job.
  • 29.
    What Changes Aboutthe Job Market
  • 30.
    Understanding What’s Ahead It’s (still)the toughest job market since 2008, and may get harder. Competition is fiercer than ever across all functions. Some industries are faring better than others (AI, Government, Healthcare) Don’t be hard on yourself but be fair. Look for opportunities in unlikely places. Interest rates are coming down, but investment and subsequent hiring will be another 6+ months out.
  • 31.
    Step #1: Understandthe Strategies Have Changed Industry trends do matter as you look at the market Being first to a job listing plays to your advantage Networking matters more than ever; leverage relationships Acknowledge the struggle; know it will improve
  • 32.
    Filter To WhatYou Want  Focus down on who you want to network with.  Look for opportunities to be introduced.  Focus on commonalities: mutual connections, alumni (company and educational)
  • 33.
    Step #2: Investin Yourself Navigate imposter syndrome. Invest in education— and projects. View yourself as a startup ready to launch. Network in the right communities.
  • 34.
    Step #3: Build Your Personal Brand It’snot who you know or what you know, it’s who knows you. Build credibility and recognition through thoughts. Go where your audience is (usually LinkedIn). Network and meet people strategically.
  • 35.
    Don’t Take aGreat Resignation Mindset into a Return to Office World
  • 36.
    Step #4: Goon Offense With Your Search TURN ON ”OPEN TO WORK” SETTINGS. USE THE JOB SEARCH SITES THAT BEST FIT YOU. UNDERSTAND THAT OPPORTUNITIES CAN COME FROM UNLIKELY PLACES. FIND AN ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER.
  • 37.
    Step #5: Tell theStory You Want Heard  Build a resume that showcases your history.  Create interview answers based on what you anticipate.  Be consistent with your message to the world.  Practice, practice, practice.
  • 38.
    Start by introducingyourself Share the highlights of your career Explain how you’ve gotten those highlights Go into detail And then share your education / certifications
  • 39.
    Step #6: Interview with Confidence Understand what’sat stake. Know where you create risk and mitigate, and know where you excite employers and build momentum. Be VERY familiar with your STAR/SAR/CAR stories. Know what you’ve done and your impact. Understand and share your special sauce.
  • 40.
  • 41.
    Types of InterviewQuestions Question What Are They Looking For? Examples Fact • Whether you know what you want • If you are a fit for the company • How much do you want to make? • Where are you in your job search? Personality • Whether you are a personal fit for the company • How self-aware you are • What is your greatest weakness? • What zoo animal would you be? Situational • Whether past success translates • If you are a problem solver • Tell me about a time when… Hypothetical • Your vision and ambition • Your problem solving approach • Let’s say we gave you the responsibility to handle our most important product… Do you have any questions for us? • Whether you want the job or not • If you have any questions • Tell me about the 30-60-90 day plan • Why is this role open?
  • 42.
    Step #7: Turn Job Hunting intoa Habit Don’t stop until you sign an offer and keep going until you start. Be consistent about job hunting and finding your next role. Be flexible, yet don’t sacrifice for the things you really want. It’s OK to take a contract as a bridge.
  • 43.
    Step #8: HelpOthers IT’S A TOUGH JOB MARKET OUT THERE. NETWORK AND ASK, BUT ALSO OFFER. SHARE LISTINGS THAT DON’T FIT FOR YOU. BOOST LINKEDIN POSTS FOR GREATER REACH.
  • 44.
    Step #9: UnderstandIt’s Hard  It’s not a friendly economy for many in this audience.  Competition is fiercer, so do what you must to focus on details and stand out.  Take a break… and then come back.  Know that it will improve. What you do now is what matters.
  • 45.
    Step #10: BorrowAI for Help  Free tools like Claude and ChatGPT (free and 4o) can support your efforts  Be sure to revise after the fact  Key tip: “Act as if”
  • 46.
    Cover Letters &Mission Statements - https://chat.openai.com/ https://claude.ai/ • Align your personal value statement with a job description. • Align the job description with your resume to get close to what the description wants. • Align the job description with your cover letter to share your qualifications (edit this!) Resume Writing • Copy edit your resume • Create greater clarity around action statements
  • 47.
    Job Applications -https://lazyapply.com/ • Automatically apply to jobs based on interest • One time subscription cost Note – This is all about quantity, not so much about quality. Application Organization - https://www.tealhq.com/ • Keep track of all of your applications • AI resume builder • Match with the right keywords • Manage follow ups automatically
  • 48.
    Google Interview Warmup- https://grow.google/certificates/interview-warmup/ ChatGPT - https://chat.openai.com/ STAR Method Coach https://starmethod.coach/ • Practice interviewing with an AI • Leverage an existing job description • Learn how to answer situational questions Note: • AI cannot discern facial expressions or body language, so practice these with someone!
  • 49.
    What To DoOnce You’ve Been Hired
  • 50.
    A New Jobis a New Beginning NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO REST—IT’S THE TIME TO KEEP GOING. YOU SHOWED THE HIRING MANAGERS THAT YOU HAD POTENTIAL; NOW IT’S TIME TO PERFORM.
  • 51.
    A New JobMeans New Goals Learning new skills Developing leadership Growing communications skills Earning increased duties
  • 52.
    Things to Keepin Mind A job is rarely forever, so keep networking and building your brand. As you register accomplishments, write them down for your resume. Stay in touch with old recruiters and those you network with.
  • 53.
  • 54.
    DIY Your JobHunt with the Job Seeker Survival Kit (Updated!) • 55 hours+ worth of content valued at $2,000 for just $25. • 49 videos across finding your next job, discovering what you want, what to do once you get hired, how to use AI in your job search and sample mock interviews. • 18 mock interviews including marketing, administrative, software engineering, and product management. Get your Kit Today: https://bit.ly/Fall2024JobSeekerKit Sign up for Office Hours: https://bit.ly/AL-OfficeHours
  • 55.
    Sign up fora Mock Interview with Albert’s List • We’ve done 115 since the start of the pandemic. • Featuring a Fortune 500 recruiter (non- technical) or Sr. Software Engineer (technical). • A chance to practice before the real thing. Email your resume and a job description to albert@ajobslist.com.
  • 56.
    Be Informed onthe State of the Market (Dec 16) • Get the news and perspectives you need from Dr. Reilly White, Finance Professor at the University of New Mexico. • Learn about the trends moving the job market, including inflation, investments, and recession fears. • Come with your questions. Sign up for our Monthly Jobs Report/Inflation Update on our Eventbrite page.
  • 57.
    Learn About OurWinter 2025 Job Seeker Bootcamp (Jan 22, Jan 29, Feb 3) • Get the accountability, skills, and resources you need for a successful 2025 job search. • Join your cohort and meet other career coaches to help you along the way, along with 1:1 help. Sign up for How to Recession Proof Your Job Search.
  • 58.
    Stay in Touch Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/albertqian  Join Albert’s List and introduce yourself.  Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/albertslist  Be sure to indicate you discovered me or the community through this webinar.
  • 59.