Why does it feel harder this time around to find a job?

14 Comments

1. LauraMay 29,2025 at 1:40PM UTC

   It is hard out there but know that it isn't a reflection of you! Too often I see job seekers equate a difficult job search journey with their worth. That they're experience isn't good enough, their skills aren't good enough or that they themselves aren't good enough. That's not true - you have a unique set of experience, skills and abilities that would benefit many employers! It's a matter of creating a job search strategy that will give you a leg up over other candidates including networking, having a clear sense of direction of what jobs you want to focus on, tailoring your resume, tracking your process and honing your interviewing skills. While yes, there are hundreds if not thousands of applicants for a position I can guarantee you that most of them aren't being strategic. Good luck - you've got this!

2. Tyrone PierceMay 29,2025 at 2:14PM UTC

   It's definitely hard

3. AnonymousMay 29,2025 at 2:29PM UTC

   I've had many interviews and no luck!

4. AnonymousMay 29,2025 at 2:43PM UTC

   There are also an incredible amount of very qualified candidates in the job market so companies have their pick of perfect fit job seekers.

5. AnonymousMay 29,2025 at 3:42PM UTC

   I'm concerned. The way my company has been making cuts in the 3 years I have been there...each time "things will turn around, blah blah blah" and it gets worse. It took me several months (including 3 months of unemployment) before landing this job and I feel it is going to be so much harder this time around (I've been casually looking, occasionally interviewing, but not really put my heart into as I actually love my job).

6. AnonymousMay 29,2025 at 7:59PM UTC

   It's reality.

7. AnonymousMay 30,2025 at 12:14PM UTC

   I think there really AREN’T that many jobs. Lots of jobs that have already been filled, lots of jobs already have their ideal candidate but still have to advertise it, lots of jobs go to close friends and family members, lots of jobs are advertised because a position ‘might’ open up if they have enough budget (and of course, there’s no budget), etc. Add to that overworked or lazy HR people who leave all their employee searching and recruiting to computer algorithms, and you have a nearly impossible job market. It’s awful. Keep your head up and keep trying to meet people directly/find genuinely open positions through your contacts.

8. AnonymousMay 30,2025 at 6:00PM UTC

   A great many companies are not hiring right now or are putting off adding employees due to the current administration. Tariffs means they have to pay more to bring in more goods and services as well as the Stock market is also unstable resulting in less profitability and so they are just trying to stay afloat

9. AnonymousMay 30,2025 at 6:45PM UTC

   Unfortunately there are very few jobs available and companies are low balling even the most experienced candidates and reducing the title offered.

   So if you look very close at the market you'll find it's all smoke and mirrors and things are extremely difficult.

10. AnonymousMay 30,2025 at 9:02PM UTC

    It's because of the market, a recession, and layoffs and especially the downturn of what has happened to federal workers. The market is saturated. I went through it in the recession and housing market crash of 2008/2009. Hang in there, keep applying and a door will open!

11. AnonymousJune 15,2025 at 2:09AM UTC

    Also, let's not forget that ageism is real, and it is rampant. Still waiting for a door to open after four years of applying and applying. When you are a woman over 50, your years of professional experience read as "old" and undesirable.

12. AnonymousMay 31,2025 at 12:45PM UTC

    I'm in the same boat after a layoff a couple of mos ago. Also went through this in 2009 with the horrid recession and it took a year for me to land a new job.

    Unemployment for me, it is.

13. AnonymousMay 31,2025 at 1:41PM UTC

    I’m right here with you!!! It is harder, I hate to blame anyone, however, after dealing with a layoff at the end of the pandemic yet quickly finding a new role to again now in this current administration it’s strange the stark difference with even More education and training than I previously had.

14. Megan LeasherJune 2,2025 at 12:36PM UTC

    Lots of great comments on this post about the realities of finding a job right now. But don't forget to look inside; every time you go job hunting you have to start a hard, sometimes long process all over again. It can feel more and more exhausting every time you approach this journey again. Be sure to take care of yourself on the way.