Despite some signs of economic slowdown, the labor market remains remarkably resilient and many workers have benefited.
In fact, a record number of employees quit, found new jobs, and renegotiated along the way.
But not everyone who joined the so-called Great Reshuffle is better off.
According to a recent survey of more than 15,000 job seekers by Joblist, a job search platform, more than a quarter – or 26% – of workers who quit regret their decision.
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What was once the “Great Resignation” could now be the “Great Return.”
Whether they’re looking for higher pay, more flexibility, or to alleviate burnout, “people are realizing the grass isn’t greener,” said Antoinette Boyd, director of career success and professional development at Maryville University.
According to Joblist, most said they regret having resigned because it was more difficult than expected to find a new job, despite the record level of job offers. Others said their new job didn’t live up to their expectations, or they now feel that their old job is better than they initially thought.
Additionally, workers who have left in search of a better work-life balance could “find opportunities at the companies they used to work for,” Boyd added, as more employers adopt hybrid work schedules and better benefits.
Early on, people felt empowered to quit, but now they’re looking for boomerangs.
James Bailey
Professor of Leadership Development at George Washington University School of Business
“Early on, people felt empowered to quit, but now they’re looking to boomerang,” said James Bailey, professor of leadership development at George Washington University School of Business.
“Staff felt drunk with power,” he said. “Now they’re sober.”
There are also benefits to returning to a previous employer, Bailey added. “People are really drawn to the familiarity.”
And employers benefit too. “The cost of onboarding brand new employees versus reinstating boomerangs is just way too high,” he said. “Recruitment and training are expensive.
“Boomerangs already know the job, so they can jump back in seamlessly.”
However, those looking for a fresh start or a fresh start at the old gig still have to apply and compete against a large pool of candidates.
How to get (re)hired
According to Toni Frana, Career Services Manager at FlexJobs, the average recruiter spends less than seven seconds reviewing an applicant’s resume. “A great resume is more important than ever,” she said.
Having a summary, a skills section, and a headline below your name can play a key role in getting your resume to the top.
“Think of your summary as your virtual introduction,” says LinkedIn careers expert Blair Heitmann.
Keep it to around four or five bullet points, and consider adding relevant skills and keywords that appear in job descriptions that you find interesting, she advised.
“A good rule of thumb is to think of your summary as an elevator pitch — emphasize what you’re in for and what makes you want to go to work every day,” Heitmann said.
To showcase your skills, start with the top 5 most relevant to your job or the job you want, and think broadly about skills you may have acquired through other work experience, extracurricular activities, or volunteering.
Here you can tailor your experience as closely as possible to the job you want and include any transferrable skills that can add value, such as: B. communication or time management, said Heitmann.
“Job seekers can – and should – add different skills to each of their job descriptions,” she advised.
A good rule of thumb is to think of your summary as an elevator pitch.
Blair Heitman
Career Expert at LinkedIn
But don’t just list what you’ve done. Instead of saying “I was responsible for running the front office,” add concrete results, she said. For example, point out that you “implemented a new filing system that increased productivity by 15%.”
Finally putting a face to a name. “Don’t underestimate the importance of showing the real you with a great profile photo,” Heitmann said.
That doesn’t mean you need special hair or makeup or fancy gear.
“All it takes is a quick snap,” she added. “It’s your virtual handshake and an easy way to get recognized and discovered.”
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Instead, provide specific examples of why you are a good fit based on your skills and the skills required for the position.
In fact, “some of the interviewers themselves might have been fired in the past,” added Stacie Haller, another ResumeBuilder careers expert.
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