Trying to get a job in this economy? South Florida experts have advice for you

With layoffs across industries, finding work can be a challenge. But it’s not impossible.

The job market showed signs of weakening, with the U.S. economy adding 73,000 jobs in July, according to Labor Department data released Friday, Aug. 1. That’s a lower number than expected. Meanwhile, unemployment rose slightly to 4.2%.

In July, at Miami Beach’s ColorComm Conference for professionals of color, job recruiter Nicole Reboe and human resources professional Kim Seymour shared seven tips for professionals looking for new jobs or looking to elevate within their companies.

Here are their tips for job seekers navigating a difficult market:

1. Present yourself in a professional way

Reboe said job seekers need to present themselves as a professional in real life and on social platforms like LinkedIn.

“How am I seeing you show up?” she asked. “How am I seeing you talk about your career”

2. Don’t give up

Reboe is aware of the challenges that job seekers have with finding work right now. She says it’s important for them to stay motivated and not give up.

“It is the market,” she said. “ Don’t internalize it. Stay the course.”

3. Use your network

When people are looking for new jobs, Seymour said it’s important for them to tap into their network of contacts.

“If I’m in my company job right now, or if I’ve left for whatever reason, I am immediately pivoting to who I know,” she said.

4. Support colleagues who support you

Just as networking can help job seekers find jobs faster, Seymour said it’s also important to focus on those who have been longtime supporters of you and your work.

“Who’s bringing your name into a room?” she asked. “The only way that happens is if you have the right relationships and if the right people are saying the right things.”

5. Describe your work by the numbers

Seymour said job seekers should use numbers to describe the value they have brought to their work.

“Quantify what you’ve done,” she said.

6. Be selective about your next job choice

Seymour emphasized that job seekers research potential employers to make sure they fit with the culture.

“I would personally not join a company that is not aligned with what I can tolerate,” she said. “Be picky.”

7. Be self-aware

In addition to presenting yourself well, Reboe said it’s important to understand what colleagues and collaborators think about working with you.

“When it comes to work that I do, I’m speaking to people who work with you,” she said. “What do they say about you? What are your strengths?”

This story was originally published July 31, 2025 at 5:12 PM.