This essay is based on a conversation with Jennifer McMahon, a Connecticut-based job seeker for GEN X. Her employment history and identification have been verified by Business Insider. This story has been edited for length and clarity.
About five months ago I was informed that my organization at Google was moving to Mexico City.
I felt the rug ripped from underneath me. I have been working on marketing and sales enablement continuously for over 20 years, but for a very long time I forgot the feeling that it wasn't working.
The job market has also changed. General X was always told, “Don't brag, let me speak your work for myself.” That's not the case anymore. You have to put yourself out there now, and it's uncomfortable and new to me.
The number of applicants is also increasing. I've seen the job posted 10 minutes ago and there are already 100 people applying. It's something that surprises me because I don't know how to showcase my worth when there are thousands of applicants.
Also, fake jobs have been posted for phishing purposes. So I often say, “Is this job the real thing?”
The interview process itself has also shifted. I've done some interviews where I have to create a presentation. I'm saying, “Oh, I'm not a CEO.” I'm not going to get the highest level position here, but it's still very competitive.
It was difficult. It was a roller coaster. I am not a job seeker. During this process I realized I was a control freak. Suspend and trusting has been challenging, but I have to believe that I am going to find the right position.
I haven't landed anything yet, but these three Things helped to improve the process.
1. AI knowledge
Having the opportunity to work for Google has definitely been a blessing to my resume. I think it makes a difference because of how the company has high tech and AI.
I have been trying to watch Job Hunt as an opportunity to continue growing new technologies. ChatGpt helped me come up with the elevator pitch. I generated my own Notebooklm podcast by putting my profile and resume. After listening to the podcast, I was like, “Wow, I'm good at this.”
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For one interview, AI was used to construct the concept of a one-page prototype for what an AI coach has to do with. What you can build with AI is now incredible. “Hey, I've never done this type of training before, but here's a prototype here, seeing what your company can do.”
I think there is a bit of an advantage for my experience with AI. People want to hear that.
2. Job Coach
One of the benefits of working with Google is that it can help you transition for six months if you can't find a new role internally. I have benefited incredible benefits from that experience.
The services they provided helped me optimize my resume and provided me with a one-on-one job coach. The company also offers resource hubs and webinars along with recruiters so you can ask questions about what you are looking for in your candidate.
There are also weekly group meetings where people come together, share stories and try to elevate each other. It was like a community of people in the same situation and it really helped.
3. Years of experience
Networking must be the most important piece of work now.
If anyone doesn't have it, “Hey, we know Jen, she's good at what she does” I don't think I'm getting that callback. Since the end of June, I have applied for around 25 external roles and have since gotten about 7 interviews. I was introduced to everything except one.
After 20 years of industry experience, I can rely on my network to be supportive, kind and put in good words.
