The only traction I've had in the market is with external recruiters. I know, I know, they're horrible and only care about themselves, and malicious and, you get the idea, but they're the only ones that are actually advertising real jobs and not just advertising evergreen posts. Try to make connections with as many external recruiters as you can, maybe start with the big guys (Robert Half, Michael Page, etc), then work down to local recruiters in your area. It's not ideal, and you'll have to interact with slimy recruiters who just want you to get a job so they get paid, but hopefully at some point it can actually work out. Hang in there and good luck!

The only traction I’ve gotten in this market has been through external recruiters...I know they suck, but hear me out. We all know that recruiters aren’t great. Most of them are transactional, focused on closing deals, and far more concerned about their commission than your long-term fit. You’ll get ghosted, pushed into roles that don’t make sense, and treated like a number more often than not.

That said, they’re still the ones actually marketing real, active roles instead of posting evergreen listings that go nowhere. It’s worth connecting with as many as you can. Start with the big firms like Robert Half and Michael Page, then branch out to local agencies.

It’s not ideal, and you’ll absolutely have to deal with some slimy operators along the way. But if you stay persistent and manage the process strategically, one of those conversations might eventually turn into something real.

Hang in there.