Something’s Happening in the Job Market

In our latest podcast episode, Paul Downs says he recently posted a job on Indeed—and got more resumes than ever. Plus: Is now a good time or a terrible time to start a business?

Good Morning!

Here are today’s highlights:

• When Alan Pentz gets stuck, he likes to ask Steve Jobs, Jeff Bezos, and Warren Buffett what they would do.

• The likely cuts to health care coverage will hit small businesses harder than many realize.

• To boost construction, California has rolled back its landmark environmental law.

• Are teens looking for summer jobs the canaries in the coal mine?

THE 21 HATS PODCAST

This week, Paul Downs tells Kate Morgan and Liz Picarazzi that he recently posted a job on Indeed and got 153 resumes—more than he’s ever gotten, which prompted some interesting questions: What does this mean for business owners? Should a job posting be more about what the company expects from a candidate or more about what the company has to offer? Do the owners ask candidates to take personality tests? If the owners get 150 resumes, do they ask ChatGPT to review them? And doesn’t it seem as if more people are looking to switch careers? “When I look at someone who's working as a graphic designer in an ad agency,” Paul tells us, “I'm thinking: This person realizes AI is coming for their job.”

• Plus: Liz gives us a surprisingly upbeat update on her tariff situation. And the owners respond to a Reddit post asking whether it would be crazy to start a business in the current economic environment. Paul’s response: “Don’t do it.”

• You can subscribe to the 21 Hats Podcast wherever you get podcasts.

MARKETING WORKSHOP

Jaci Russo is offering another virtual marketing workshop designed to help 10 business owners articulate the strengths of their own brands and make sure they stand out in a crowded marketplace.

• The 21 Hats Marketing Workshop, which will meet over Zoom on five consecutive Fridays starting July 11, is an immersive, hands-on series designed for business owners who are serious about building a brand that drives growth and customer loyalty.

• In the workshop—where we all learn together from each other’s experiences—every participant will have the opportunity to develop a tailored, step-by-step, strategic plan that aligns with their own business goals.