A while ago, a close junior colleague of mine had almost secured a new job.

They had completed salary negotiations and were just waiting to set a date to sign the contract, but then they received word from the company that they were putting the hiring process on hold.

Watching this unfold due to a rumor about a potential economic downturn made me realize just how sensitive the current job market is.

In fact, according to the employment report released by the Department of Labor on September 4, the unemployment rate remained at 4.1 percent, with the number of unemployed individuals holding steady at around 7 million.

While non-farm jobs increased by 162,000, significantly exceeding expectations, it's not a situation to feel reassured about based on just one number.

What's more concerning is the voluntary resignation rate.

As of July, the voluntary resignation rate dropped to 1.9 percent, the lowest level since the pandemic, which is notably lower compared to the 3 percent range during the great resignation in 2022.

This indicates that people are not leaving their jobs lightly, and it signals that moving to a new position is not as easy as it once was.

In the same month, job postings remained around 7.27 million, showing no significant decline, but the actual hiring rate fell to 3.2 percent, marking the lowest level in several months.

This means that while job postings are available, the pace of hiring has slowed, making it not unusual for applicants to experience delays in communication after submitting their applications.

Economists describe the current market as a frozen one, with both layoffs and hiring being low.

Earlier this year in January, news of large-scale layoffs led to assessments of it being the worst January since the great recession, and many large companies have stated their intention to maintain their current workforce levels.

Preparing for a job change during such times can be daunting, but I believe now is precisely the time to calmly take the next steps.

When dancing, if you only focus on the step you're currently taking, you're bound to stumble on the next beat.

By familiarizing yourself with the next move and relaxing your body, the flow can continue gracefully, and the same applies to your career.

The first thing to do is not to abruptly quit your current job.

During a time when the voluntary resignation rate is this low, quitting without preparation is the riskiest choice.

It's wise to quietly refine your resume and portfolio while still employed, and keep your LinkedIn profile up to date.

It can also be helpful to casually update your network of headhunters or acquaintances about your situation, maintaining relationships so that you can be contacted when needed, rather than loudly announcing your intention to change jobs.

It's worth exploring opportunities to move to different teams or roles within your current company.

As external hiring has slowed, many companies are finding ways to breathe new life into their workforce through internal mobility.

During this time, it's also a good idea to fill in any practical skills or certifications that are currently in demand.

In a frozen market, it's often the irreplaceable individuals who survive.

Don't forget to set aside ample funds for living expenses.

In any era, revealing impatience during negotiations can put you at a disadvantage.

While various interpretations circulate politically during such times, what the data shows us is clear.

The market is neither rapidly declining nor fully recovering; it's simply a cautious phase of observation.

During such times, sharing information within the community can be a great strength.

Many in the Korean community are likely facing similar concerns, so I encourage you to comfortably share hiring news or company atmospheres with each other.

It will be much more reassuring than anxiously staring at your search engine alone.

The market can shift at any moment.

Only those who have practiced their steps in advance will be able to transition gracefully to the next opportunity when the flow changes.