Networking: The Hidden Job Market Breakthrough as Hiring Sluggish Growth Raises Questions—Will the Job Market Get Better?

The U.S. job market is facing significant headwinds. April hiring hit its lowest point since August 2014, and this summer is shaping up to be particularly challenging for job seekers. As companies tighten hiring belts and automate processes, a critical question emerges: will the job market get better anytime soon? According to career experts, the answer may not lie in waiting, but in action.

The Human Factor Remains Non-Negotiable

Despite technological advances and increased automation, businesses fundamentally operate through human capital. “The jobs you are looking for need a human to fill them, not a machine,” explains Ann Vanino, coach and founder of Ann Vanino Coaching and Consulting. “Hiring departments are staffed by human beings who want to see you in person. They’re looking for someone with both the right skills and cultural fit.”

This reality creates an ironic situation: while companies are selective about hiring, they still desperately need the right people. The gap isn’t that jobs don’t exist—it’s that the path to them has shifted dramatically.

Networking: The Unwritten Job Market

As we ask will the job market get better, the answer increasingly depends on who you know rather than what you can find through traditional channels. Following the Great Resignation of 2021-2022, when an unprecedented wave of workers quit their jobs, the dynamics have shifted. Today’s employees are reluctant to leave stable positions, making talent harder to find. In response, companies now prefer referrals and insider recommendations over cold applications.

“In a slow hiring market, personal connections are not just helpful—they are essential,” states Elena Agaragimova, talent development expert and co-founder of Shiftwell.ai. “When job openings are scarce, referrals often determine who gets seen by recruiters. Networking becomes the differentiator.”

Radvile Sliogeryte, talent acquisition specialist, reinforces this: “People hire people. A trusted recommendation from a former colleague carries far more weight than even the most polished CV. With organizations more selective than ever, networking has become extremely important.”

How AI Changed the Game

Understanding will the job market get better requires acknowledging technology’s dual role. AI filters applications, but it hasn’t made hiring easier—it’s made it harder. “AI has made getting a job harder, not easier,” says Colin Rocker, NYC-based content creator and consultant. “Companies are overwhelmed with identical AI-enhanced resumes and cover letters. The candidate chosen usually came from a referral.”

This creates a clear implication: the traditional route of submitting applications online now competes against thousands of identical submissions. The hidden job market—positions never publicly posted or created specifically for the right person—becomes increasingly valuable.

Practical Steps to Activate Your Network

Building effective professional relationships doesn’t require aggressive self-promotion. According to Nathan Soto, certified professional resume writer at Resume Genius, the approach should be straightforward: “Contact people in your field for advice. Reach out to former connections even after long periods of silence, and be specific about what you’re seeking. Most importantly, be willing to help others. Networking is reciprocal—offering assistance builds trust.”

The key distinction is psychological. Jamie Martin, executive coach and leadership consultant, explains: “In today’s climate, AI filters your resume, but people open doors. If you’re not leveraging your network, you’re missing the hidden jobs.”

Overcoming Networking Anxiety

For those uncomfortable with networking, the focus should shift from self-promotion to genuine connection. “When you approach conversations with curiosity and authentic interest in others, opportunities naturally follow,” Martin suggests. “It’s not transactional—it’s about building trust.”

Meredith Bowen, founder of Walker Bowen Talent Partners, draws on proven relationship-building principles: “Focus conversations on the other person. Learning about their career path, how they found their job, and what they value about their company provides mutual benefit. It builds real relationships while helping you assess fit.”

For those experiencing self-doubt, Sliogeryte recommends starting small: “Confidence grows through small steps—a message, a coffee chat, showing up at a meetup. Begin by knowing your strengths and sharing them.”

The Bottom Line: Will the Job Market Get Better?

Rather than waiting for market conditions to improve, the strategy is clear: activate your network immediately. As hiring slowdown persists and competition intensifies, the difference between success and stagnation isn’t economic—it’s personal. The job market may remain challenging, but your approach to it can fundamentally change. Those who prioritize genuine relationships, leverage existing connections, and step into meaningful conversations will continue to find opportunity, regardless of broader market trends.