Attention To All Those Looking for new Opportunities in 2026

 If you are sick of being treated like a commodity, getting 2% raises and believe your employer offers like opportunity for career growth, then you need to accept these facts:

1. It is an employer's market (and always has been).

2. It is your responsibility to manage your career, not your bosses.

3. 2025 has been a horrible year across multiple sectors, specifically technology and government.

Today is December 12th.  In 29 days, we turn the page and a new year begins, with new hiring budgets and career opportunities.  To be successful in your job search, you need to accept that the level of the playing field is established.  It is not for you to change (or can you - 'cause you can't).  You must adapt and play the game within the guidelines of the playing field.

If you do not have an ATS - compliant resume, get one.  Don't argue the point - not worth your time.

Stop looking for job on job boards - waste of time.  Start networking - the best jobs are found through networking (aka the Hidden Job Market.)

Don't wait until January to update your resume and LI profile.  Be ready - proactive - poised - motivated and not reactive.  The time is now to get ready.  You will be glad you did.

Opportunities:

Opportunities:

You need to create your own opportunities and not assume that something great will fall into your lap. It is your responsibility to manage your career, build successes, grow your network and stay on top of global and domestic news, industry trends / events as well as economic and social issues.

I know 2025 has been challenging (that is an understatement) but you are in charge of your career and personal existence. It is easy to blame employers but you must control your career and not allow others to do it for you.

Labor Market Data - Dec 11, 2025

 LABOR MARKET: Continuing jobless claims plummet, hitting the lowest weekly level since April (1.838M cumulative).

Initial claims came in at 236K for the week, which is 16K above the 220K forecast. Last week’s surprisingly low report was revised up by only 1K to 192K. This week’s increase in initial claims isn't surprising as some delayed filings would've carried over from the holiday period.

The 4-week average shows that initial claims have declined considerably since the end of the third quarter. This trend points to positive momentum heading into 2026, when hiring is likely to strengthen.

How to handle past jobs on your resume (10+ years).

 How to handle past jobs on your resume (10+ years).

You should summarize / keep brief the roles on your resume older than 10- 12 years and in most cases, omit roles that are older.

Delete roles not related to your career. Keep jobs in the resume that show your career progression

You need to identify a balance between the skills you offer (currently used as well as past skills that could use a "brush-up" without including outdated information.

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SPECIAL NOTE: I am now taking on speaking engagements to groups as well as accepting invitations to critique resumes, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles at trade shows, workshops, seminars and various other events. Please contact me via ajbresumes@gmail.com or 415.519.9659 for more details.

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www.allan-brown.com

Tackling Ageism:

 Tackling Ageism:

Perception:

Older workers lack technology skills or will require extra training time.

Solution:

In your resume and interviews, note technology training and skills without overestimating them. If this is a weak area, explore training options in your community and online to expand your skills and get up to date.

Performance - Quote

 Performance -  

To All Managers - “A highly paid, highly motivated employee who is not allowed to work with his full potential is like a Ferrari which is not allowed out of the garage.”

― Charbel Tadros

From my TikTok Account - Interviewing

  From my TikTok Account - Interviewing

https://www.tiktok.com/@allanwritescareers/video/7286595694431948062

TikTok - Interviewing (What not to say)

TikTok - Interviewing (What not to say)

https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/5432141826587329596/6127972974521723427

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Looking for a new career position or guidance about best practices for job search, including how to handle ATS? If you have a moment, please review and follow my updated Instagram account: 

www.instagram.com/allanbrownresume/

From my TikTok Account - Interviewing

 

 From my TikTok Account - Interviewing

https://www.tiktok.com/@allanwritescareers/video/7286595694431948062

Embracing Career Changes and Challenges.

 Embracing Career Changes and Challenges.

"You can sell ice to an eskimo with your experience but you MUST change your perspective and tactics. Look in other industries for SALES / CUSTOMER SUCCESS JOBS. Many of these jobs can be done remotely. The old verticals are in the past. They want young hunters. It sucks but that is the way it is. Think of three industries (B2B or B2C that interest you). 

If you think you can continue to do the same thing year after year, you are way off!!! That is not how life works! I KNOW you reboot your career but you cannot stay in the same industry. It sucks but life happens to all of us. I changed careers because I would have went PSYCHO on several idiots in web publishing. It is a dirty game and I hated it. I found my way, Marcus found his way, Pete found his way. Matt found his way and you will too if you think outside your comfort zone.

1. Car Sales

2. Truck Sales

3. Corporate Ticket Sales

4. High End Retail Sales

All of the above are just examples.

As for LI, these people are for networking only. Not friends or confidants. Delete all personal posts. Keep your business and personal separate.  

There are a ton of jobs out there in your field- many are remote. Think outside the box. You can find your way, maybe not make the $$$ your did in the past but it can lead to better opportunities, even at 63. If you have to take 2 part-time jobs, so be it.  It is OK. We all have been through a ton of crap in every phase of the game. Don't worry about what others think! I don't care what anybody thinks about me anymore. Nor should you.

In the interim, take some LinkedIn certification courses (related to your career) and add to the resume. STAY RELEVANT!!!!

Job Market News -

 Job Market News -

Payroll giant ADP estimated that 32,000 jobs were lost in the private sector last month, a large drop-off from the upwardly revised 47,000 jobs gained in October.

The job losses were overwhelmingly at small establishments (classified as having between one and 49 employees), which shed an estimated 120,000 jobs last month. Medium and large businesses added 51,000 jobs and 39,000 jobs, respectively.

By industry, the losses were more broad based, with some of the deeper drops in industries such as professional and business services, information and manufacturing.

Source: CNN

Remember - these numbers are regularly adjusted after publication and with seasonal employment on the rise (ex. retail, shipping during the holidays), expect these numbers to reverse.