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Sophia Burrowes

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Hello ladies!

I need to share my latest experience. To say I'm befuddled and frustrated is an understatement.

I apologize for the long message.

It amazes me how many companies and their recruiters/hiring managers are reviewing my resume (or not) to determine whether I have 75 specific degrees, certifications, and skills, yet fail to meet the same standards they ask of job candidates. Let’s not discuss the salary offered for said specific degrees, etc.

I've had three interviews forgotten by hiring managers, only to receive a generic "I'm sorry" email days later, informing me the job is on hold or has been filled internally. The last incident occurred this week after a month of communication and assessments. Every position requires years of account management and customer service experience, emphasizing follow-up, yet they are not practicing what they preach. If I ignored requests for confirmation or feedback from clients or colleagues, I would expect to be fired.

My company informed me they were closing my division and eliminating my job. The market is to blame. I have been job hunting for five months, knowing this event was approaching. I can travel as needed. I don't care whether the role is on-site, hybrid, or remote. I've lowered my salary expectations because I am confident and ambitious and know I will excel and get promoted eventually. I have worked in various industries and roles, from entry to management. I learn new platforms quickly. To have my resume rejected because I was missing one out of the seven must-have requirements is insane. Are you saying I cannot learn to fill in an industry-specific contract? It is frustrating and demoralizing.

I’m rewriting the information on my resume to apply for roles. I am writing paragraphs to answer questions unrelated to the role. The assessments are frustrating. If they worked, we wouldn’t be reading about employee revolts in the news daily. I write thank you letters. I reach out to hiring managers if located.

When did companies start prioritizing micro-specific skills over aptitude? Does experience no longer count?

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  1. Anonymous

    No, they don't care about experience. They want everyone to hit the ground running and don't want to train. Now I am seeing a lot of job ads stating that you MUST meet 100% of their laundry list or your resume will not be considered.

  2. Anonymous

    It's a buyer's market.

    Employers have 100s of every combination of experience and education. They can play around with all the available quality candidates but the internal candidate with political pull or the manager with a friend who almost qualifies will get preferential consideration. Also, the jobs aren't always approved, funded or even in the budget.

    So networking wherever you can, take care of yourself and accept the crappy Market is here for awhile. You noticing a cavalier attitude in the market because there is no downside.

    So there is no reason to be befuddled. This has been going on for awhile.

  3. Sophia Burrowes

    Great insight and advice. Thank you.

  4. Anonymous

    "If I ignored requests for confirmation or feedback from clients or colleagues, I would expect to be fired." You are not paying them, therefor they owe you nothing. Harsh but true.

    "When did companies start prioritizing micro-specific skills over aptitude" This has always been the case.

    "To have my resume rejected because I was missing one out of the seven must-have requirements is insane." if someone has all 7 skills the listing says is required, why would they go with someone who only has 6, and who they will have to put money into to come up to speed? They likely listed that skill as a requirement because it is lacking in their current workforce and they are filling a gap.

    "When did companies start prioritizing micro-specific skills over aptitude? Does experience no longer count?" Experience only counts if it is relevant, and microspecific skills count because many companies don't have the ability to train these skills (that is why they are looking for someone).

    I am not trying to be mean or negative, but it sounds like you are applying to roles that you aren't meeting the requirements for and then getting mad when you aren't hired.

    Why not take the time to figure out exactly what you want. Research companies you would like to work for, reach out and make connections within the company, and figure out exactly how you can add value to the company. Then take the time to figure out exactly how you can express than to a recruiter, hiring manager etc. It is better to hone in on roles you are already qualified for than applying for anything close and hoping for a response.

  5. Sophia Burrowes

    I appreciate the feedback. In this particular case, I will say that I did meet the requirements which is the interview was scheduled. The concern I had was the blatant disregard.

    Sometimes I do apply for roles that I don't 100% meet the requirements for based on my recruiter's guidance. To assume I don't research job roles, companies, and prepare for interviews isn't part of the discussion, and false. I did prepare and got ghosted by the company during the scheduled interview time and days after.

    I understand the job market currently favors the employers. Like everything in life, the job market swings on a pendulum. We spend years learning how to behave in life towards family, friends, and colleagues. Yet, the powers that be don't practice what they preach.

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