The number of people who've come to me for marketing career coaching this year is higher than ever — and a lot of them are genuinely talented. Which tells me something important: it's not about talent right now. It's about the market.
If you already have a job — even one you're not thrilled about — do not quit without another offer lined up. Squeeze every bit of experience and skill-building out of your current role before you leave. The talent pool right now includes people with five-plus years of experience who've been laid off, plus a steady stream of new graduates. You can get squeezed from both ends. Hundreds of applications for a handful of interviews is the new normal, and most of those interviews happen through referrals, not cold applications.
If you've been laid off or left without a job, be prepared: it can take six months to over a year to land something. And when you do, the new role often isn't a step up in title or pay from where you were. I know that's not what anyone wants to hear, but it's better to go in clear-eyed than to be blindsided.
The people getting interviews are either sending hundreds of applications or getting internal referrals. The higher your level, the more you need industry connections. Stay in touch with former managers and colleagues — not because it's strategic (though it is), but because your network is genuinely your most valuable career asset right now. Don't burn bridges, even when you're frustrated.
And before you make any move, do your homework on the company you're going to. I had a mentee who received a director offer from an agency, gave notice at her current job, and then had the offer rescinded because the agency lost a major client. Due diligence isn't optional. It's the difference between a smart career move and a very stressful six months.
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