I have been looking for a job for eight long months.

72 Comments

1. AnonymousSeptember 13,2023 at 5:06PM UTC

   I think most of us are right there with you. The media paints a healthier picture but my reality is much different. The jobs out there require 5 or 6 years for entry level and there are 250 applicants competing for the jobs.

   I keep asking various people in HR and Recruiting and they expect things to get worse before it gets better.

2. AnonymousSeptember 13,2023 at 5:19PM UTC

   It took me about 4 months and 400+ applications to end up where I am now over a year and a half ago. And I know it is so much worse now. What I did to up my game when I started my search was worked with a career coach specific to my field (HR). Working with him, we did a total resume overall (that took some time and work), interview prep, networking guidance, determine what I wanted to do/direction I wanted to go. The entire job search process was painful.

3. Patryce CSeptember 13,2023 at 5:37PM UTC

   I have just been searching for a month. And since then I have reached out to a resume writer as well as working with a career coach to see if maybe that will help.

4. AnonymousSeptember 13,2023 at 5:38PM UTC

   It's sooooo very tough in the job market right now.

5. AnonymousSeptember 13,2023 at 5:58PM UTC

   You are definitely not the only one! It's pretty rough right now! My best advice is to meet with a good therapist regularly, be kind to yourself, cultivate joyful interests outside of the job hunting, get some temp work or contracting to hold you over financially, be wary of career coaches and people offering professional resume writing services, network, network, network, and cultivate a firm and unwavering belief and trust in your skills and capabilities.

6. Claire McDanielSeptember 13,2023 at 6:13PM UTC

   Looking for a job right now definitely sucks! I just keep reminding myself that I have to be patient --- the right job for me is going to come.

7. Kimberly StoverSeptember 13,2023 at 7:50PM UTC

   I totally understand, as I have been laid off for 6 months and feel the same way. I have taken LinkedIn Learning classes on how to present your resume and updated my profile. This time it has been very slow getting interviews and I've been in Training /Instructional Design for over 20 years. Hang in there!!!

8. Danielle MadoleSeptember 13,2023 at 8:05PM UTC

   Hi there - I think there are already some great TA folks here who have contributed excellent advice (focus on networking with previous co-workers and connections in addition to new reachouts, tailor each resume to specific jobs, follow up with HR or gatekeepers directly to help yourself stand out.) Here's a great article on how to build a resume that will get recognized by applicant tracking systems: https://www.jobscan.co/blog/20-ats-friendly-resume-templates/ I hope that's helpful but please feel free to connect with me here or on Linked IN; I'm happy to help with your resume / cover / profile / website ;).

9. Aleah B.September 14,2023 at 5:30PM UTC

   I am in the same boat. I had been applying for jobs months before I graduated. I am still looking and just an unpaid internship came through, which I am doing now. At this point, I am trying to get over my nervousness of reaching out to people and trying to network.

10. JoanneSeptember 15,2023 at 12:14PM UTC

    I have been in the same position…UNTIL I tried something to try to beat the AI. I’ve written keywords in the footer of the cover letter/resume in super small font, made it white, and sent it in. The first job I tried that with called me to interview for the job. I have phase 2 next week. Worth a try!

11. AnonymousSeptember 16,2023 at 3:38AM UTC

    make sure your resume reflects the skills and requirements for the role and you won’t need to add font in white. I’ve heard that recruiters don’t like it when they discover the hidden fonts…may work short term but the most important thing is having the skills they’re looking for

12. Cheryl-AnneSeptember 18,2023 at 11:40AM UTC

    Thats a very innovative idea. I think i am going to try that. Thanks

13. AnonymousSeptember 15,2023 at 12:21PM UTC

    That is today's job market. It's not you.

    If you have not done so already have a professional review your resume to ensure it has the key words to avoid being screened out and stands out.

    Networking might help get you to the top of the pile. Reach out to folks at your target companies. Some will be helpful!

    And of course stay positive and keep taking care of you.

14. AnonymousSeptember 15,2023 at 12:21PM UTC

    I have been having the same experience--I've even copied the words from the post into my resume for certain positions and still no call back--just the usual, "Thank you, but no" auto reply.

15. AnonymousSeptember 15,2023 at 12:30PM UTC

    Network my friends, you need to network. I spent 8 months sending out application/resume to over 1100 roles that I was qualified for. Swapped, realigned, edited etc. 1100plus applications. Crickets sang in response. What I have learned is that if we are not networking, we are not being SEEN and you need to be seen to be considered. Think about this - in the space of 2 hrs over 1100 applications were received for a role at Adobe. You need to make a connection with the recruiter or the hiring manager or the person who wants you for the role. You can find them on LinkedIn and their websites most times. If you don't find that person then target someone in their HR department (usually a CPO is on the website or posted on the LI page). With great respect and confidence - tell them you applied, give them 4-5 lines about why you would be a good candidate or how much you love the company or compliment the HR person's last LinkedIn post and give them your resume. Speak gratitude and ask for the interview. This has begun to work for me. But networking is the key right now to getting SEEN by the decision makers. Achievements - list them. Did you lead the company to integrating a new software? Did you train X # of admins? Did you role out a DEI initiative? Accomplishments/achievements are important and tie them to a #. Did you save $? Did you recruiter X# of new hires? - Then go talk to that recruiter or hiring manager you identified and tell them about it.

16. GirlBossanova934974September 15,2023 at 12:33PM UTC

    This seems like too many resumes that have gone out which suggests you are applying to jobs that you may not be a good fit for. I would avoid sites like LinkedIn which right now have far too many applicants for each job. Stick to smaller sites like Indeed and applying to smaller companies. I would also apply directly on the company's website if possible and sign up for their career emails. Look for government jobs as well by going DIRECTLY to country, city, and state agency websites. There are plenty of jobs there. PS: Compare! When I see a high paying job on Linkedin with popular skillsets, I often see 100-700 applicants for that job. Why anyone would apply to a job with 500 plus applicants, I have no idea. I go to Indeed and look for smaller companies looking for same skills and see a handful of applicants. It is not about the numbers of resumes going out right now. It is about increasing your chances when few have applied to that job. From MON of this week until TUE of next week, I have/had 7 interviews lined up.

17. AnonymousSeptember 15,2023 at 4:24PM UTC

    Do not forgoe applying to jobs on Linkedin, while there may be 100+ applicants (same would occur on Indeed) per job, not all applicants will be considered. I just found my new job on LinkedIn. Looking for work is part a numbers game and you can even use LinkedIn as part of your networking efforts

18. Danielle GenslerSeptember 15,2023 at 9:51PM UTC

    Numbers of applicants on linkedin are not 100% accurate. A linked in employee spoke to one of my networking groups and said that is not a true depiction of number of applicants. . The number showing up could include how many times the job was reviewed. I have clicked on jobs and never applied.

19. AnonymousSeptember 16,2023 at 3:45PM UTC

    LinkedIn counts anyone who clicks on the 'Apply' link (which simply directs you to the company job listing) as having applied. Not everyone who clicks on that link actually applies to the job. I always click on these links to see the full job posting and description on the company's page. I don't always end up applying for the job, though.

20. AnonymousSeptember 15,2023 at 12:38PM UTC

    For your next step, some of it depends on your career level. If you are entry-level, some of the other posts have it right. Network, Network, Network. That is how you will find your next job. Applying online is fairly hopeless unless your keywords perfectly match the keywords the HRBP entering the job description used so its a crap shoot. If you are above entry level, I strongly recommend using a few recruiter. It's important to note that recruiters are like realtors. Some are great and truly want to help candidates but many are somewhat useless and will forget about you the second you hang up the phone. So find a few good ones and stay on their radar for positions as they become available. Hope this helps.

21. Deanne RasmussenSeptember 15,2023 at 12:42PM UTC

    It's a tough market out there. Look at doing contract work - not sure exactly what you do.... Personally, I lost my job in August and was just hired and start on Monday. It's a two year project but it will lead to something further. Have you looked at temp agencies, i.e. Robert Half? (yes I've been in the managerial positions for a bit so those roles are harder to find)

22. AnonymousSeptember 15,2023 at 12:49PM UTC

    You need to keep in mind”it’s not you”. Employers are hiring people to screen resumes, not professional recruiters, which would make a big difference with who gets pushed up to the managers. Applicant tracking systems rule you out before you can get to a review pile for recruiters to look at. Take out any kind of border, any type of colors within your résumé to assure that it gets through the applicant tracking system based on the skills needed.

    The hiring process in most companies needs to be revised and considered more important than its recognized to be right now. Employers are under the impression there’s so many people out there they can keep looking for the perfect fit and the perfect fit doesn’t turn out to be the perfect fit in many cases.

    I’ve been in HR and recruiting for decades, I can see how the hiring process takes a backseat to giant profits. You would think not, but it is amazing how little employers know about effective hiring.

    Based on my experience in HR talent acquisition in larger companies THEY DONT GET IT!!! Good luck don’t give up.

23. AnonymousSeptember 15,2023 at 2:28PM UTC

    I have colors borders and my picture in my resume. I should take those out?

24. AnonymousSeptember 15,2023 at 3:15PM UTC

    Yes - never put your picture on your resume. Color borders depend on your field, and how professionally they’re done (ie if just from word, get rid of the borders)

25. Danielle GenslerSeptember 15,2023 at 9:46PM UTC

    Take out all photos and borders unless you are an actor ( I have a separate acting resume with my photo) or in real estate. Otherwise, keep it simple.

26. AnonymousSeptember 16,2023 at 3:35AM UTC

    Yes - those make it harder for their systems to process and if your resume is hard to read or shows up as gibberish, they may not even see it when there are so many candidates sending in resumes. If you’re not already on LinkedIn, you should create a profile there and add skills to each job. Also, you should use Teal (tealhq.com) it’s super helpful for tailoring your resume and just getting great tips and suggestions for your job search.

27. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistSeptember 17,2023 at 2:53AM UTC

    If you are in the US unless you are an actor or on camera, I highly recommend you not have your picture on your resume. To avoid bias or even the appearance of bias, many companies will discard resumes with pictures.

    Also, I would remove colors, borders, columns - anything fancy. Unless you are in a creative field, the more boring, the better.

28. AnonymousSeptember 15,2023 at 1:28PM UTC

    I just searched for 7 months and finally landed a job. Before this search, I had a 2 year search during the height of COVID. I made networking as much a priority as applying. I cold reached out to anyone in my desired career and even beyond. I also let everyone in my personal life and beyond that I was looking, which was an untapped resource for me. It’s definitely not just you, but I know that doesn’t help anything today.

29. Shelby CSeptember 15,2023 at 1:31PM UTC

    I would try contract work that will allow you to build your network. In our current market, people are rarely hired without assistance from someone inside. You could also join professional and trade organizations as well as attend training events. I obtained positions doing all of the above. I have found that it is much easier than finding a position through networking.

30. Leticia V ZamoraSeptember 15,2023 at 3:04PM UTC

    you are not the only one; unfortunately it is a busy job market right now. what type of work are you looking for and in what state?

31. AnonymousSeptember 15,2023 at 3:13PM UTC

    I’ve been looking for 2 years and I’ve only had four interviews. I believe companies are posting job openings and they never intend to hire. Limit your search to recently posted positions and try to keep tabs on listings from companies that get reposted several times. They are just collecting resumes.

32. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistSeptember 16,2023 at 2:14AM UTC

    I currently have multiple positions that have been open quite a while. Are you a Scientist with a PhD and detector experience? Please hit me up. Are you a Field Service Engineer with PET or SPECT experience willing to travel 80% of the time? Shoot me a message!

    Just because a position has been open for a while doesn't mean it's not an active position. I have been recruiting for over 20 years and I have never - not at one company - "just collected resumes".

33. AnonymousSeptember 16,2023 at 3:30PM UTC

    What is 'detector' experience? Do you mean 'Director' experience?

34. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistSeptember 16,2023 at 6:11PM UTC

    No. I don't mean "Director" experience.

    Positron Emission Tomography (PET) detector

35. PatriciaSeptember 17,2023 at 10:47AM UTC

    PET is a type of nuclear medicine procedure that measures metabolic activity of the cells of body tissues.

36. AnonymousSeptember 16,2023 at 3:32PM UTC

    Also, what kind of scientist? There literally hundreds of different specialties in the sciences. Maybe this is the problem? Recruiters and HR don't truly understand the positions they are looking to fill.

37. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistSeptember 16,2023 at 6:10PM UTC

    Uh, yes - there are literally hundreds of different specialty in the sciences. Do you think that a 10 word sentence is how we advertise the position?

    But since you're interested, here you go - and people with the appropriate experience know what it means:

    Staff Scientist/PET Detector R&D

    As a Staff Detector Scientist, you will be responsible for:

    You will demonstrate project leadership in next generation Positron Emission Tomography (PET) detector research and development projects and be an interface between technology suppliers (sensors, academics, and collaborators) and internal researchers supporting the technology/ innovation roadmap of the PET detector team

    You will contribute to feasibility and improvement studies throughout the complete product lifecycle: high-level design, concept research, simulation, prototype evaluation, performance testing, system integration testing, manufacturing launch and product sustaining

    You will support our hardware innovation development at all levels within the detector development: Optics, sensors, scintillators, ASICs, analog electronics, and digital electronics.

    You will assure the transfer of technologies into product solutions by working closely with other R&D teams and product management

    You will protect innovations with invention disclosures You will take part at the knowledge exchange with our R&D team to improve and further develop our products and software solutions

    This position may suit you best if you are familiar with what is below, and would like to do develop your career

    You have a solid understanding of PET detector electronics and physics and can translate functional requirements into efficient working designs

    You have excellent hand-on laboratory skills and a passion for experimental work with a high level of detail

    You have experience in analog/digital electronics design and can master multiple programming languages including FPGA and microcontroller programming

    You have strong computer skills to do efficient data processing, analysis and documentation

    You have experience with PET and other imaging modalities (CT/MR)

    You thrive in a virtual and fast-paced environment and can collaborate effectively with excellent written and oral communication skills

    You have an outstanding ability to work independently, be creative, and overcome obstacles

    Required skills to have for the success of this role

    Ph.D. in biomedical /electrical engineering, physics or related experimental field

    Minimum of 3-8 years of experience in a research environment in one of these experimental fields: PET, SPECT, radiation detector development, radiation physics, nuclear physics, particle physics, or related field.

    Willing to travel both internationally and domestically for customer visits and conferences

    Please let me know if you're interested.

38. AnonymousSeptember 17,2023 at 2:46PM UTC

    A "10 word sentence" is exactly what you provided in your original post for the multiple open positions you state you have! Yes, most job posts contain more than the very vague information you originally provided which is what precipitated the inquiry for more information. Not helpful to be snide in your response, however, thank you for providing a full job description that could be actually helpful to someone. Although I posses advanced degrees in engineering and science they are not in the life sciences or molecular imaging so the Siemens position is not a fit.

39. BethBSeptember 15,2023 at 3:16PM UTC

    If you have submitted over 500 resumes and haven’t gotten one nibble, look to your “package” before the job market. Ask someone to look at your resume and an example of a tailored cover letter. Is it ATS friendly? Are there any typos you might have missed? Is it achievement oriented rather than a laundry list of responsibilities?

    Are you looking to see if you know anyone at the company who could give you an edge?

    good luck!

40. AnonymousSeptember 15,2023 at 4:29PM UTC

    Use AI to rewrite your resume. Also temp while you job search. It can lessen the anxiety of job searching while also giving you access to companies that may be hiring.

    https://www.computerworld.com/article/3688336/job-seekers-are-using-chatgpt-to-write-resumes-and-nabbing-jobs.html

41. AnonymousSeptember 15,2023 at 4:35PM UTC

    Here’s a link to a LinkedIn post that has some excellent tips and resources for folks who are having a difficult time finding a job. Good luck!

    https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kat-talley-?-a3b435226_opentowork-activity-7104780204727799808-dq-m?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios

42. AnonymousSeptember 15,2023 at 5:09PM UTC

    You are not alone - everyone that is unemployed that I have talked to in my network is experiencing the same thing as well. I wish you luck finding a new position.

43. AnonymousSeptember 15,2023 at 6:07PM UTC

    You cannot simply apply for jobs and wait for someone to call you. Work your network, speak to those who have hired you before and promoted you. Always write cover notes. Speak to those in companies where you want to work and if you are expert at something be openly vocal about your expertise on your platform of choice. These days getting noticed is not as simple as clicking the application. 6-9 months is average for a job search these days.

44. Danielle GenslerSeptember 15,2023 at 9:39PM UTC

    You are not the only one. I have pivoted several times and have been searching for almost a year and a half. I customize my resume for jobs, write cover letters, multiple resumes, work with a job coach and recruiters. I set up informational interviews, network with local groups, and on linkedin, I belong to 2 job coaching groups for support and assistance. I have reached out to family, friends, old colleagues, etc. I have been intentional about what I was looking for and then pivoted to allow myself to open myself up to an industry that I have not considered. I really have to work on my mindset because it is discouraging. I appreciate the advice of people but sometimes I don't think they understand how tough a market it is out there right now. I have had multiple interviews with the same employer and they ghost me after being told that I was the top candidate. I have practiced interviewing with TalkHire because I was starting to get paranoid that I was interviewing poorly. So to make a long story short - it's not you. I am doing everything "right" according to the experts. Hang in there!! Feel free to reach out to me for any support.

45. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistSeptember 16,2023 at 2:15AM UTC

    If you've sent out 500 resumes and are not getting any response, it's either your resume or the positions you're applying to or both.

    What have you done so far in your job search?

46. wendy mcnaughtonSeptember 16,2023 at 5:16PM UTC

    I don't really agree with your theory. I too have sent out more than 500 resumes in a lateral position. The 1st resume I created myself with input from my former manager. The 2nd version was created by the career transition company the was hired by my former employer to assist us that were laid off in transitioning . Bow on my 3rd version after paying a highly ranked company to help develop my resume as well as update my LinkedIn profile. Still get the same automated email responses from all of these employers. To top it of so many of the opportunities I see have greater than 1000 applicants( I'm certainly not adding to those #s

47. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistSeptember 16,2023 at 5:57PM UTC

    I don't know what you or the OP do, and I'm sure you're highly qualified for the positions you apply for, but as a long time recruiter, I can tell you that on average, approximately 75 to 80% of the people who apply to my open requisitions are not a fit.

    I can't tell you how many times I've had this conversation:

    ME: I love your background/experience but we have to fix this resume

    CANDIDATE: But I just paid to have it professionally redone

    Depending on what you do, it could be a factor of the current job market - especially if you're working in the tech space. It could be a matter of timing - I've had great candidates apply the same day we made an offer. Are you looking for a remote opportunity? Because that decreases the number of potential positions and significantly increases the competition.

    Regarding the number of applicants - if you're talking about the number of applicants that shows on LinkedIn job postings - that's not the number of applicants. That's the number of people who clicked through on the job posting. LinkedIn has no way of knowing if someone actually completes an application once you leave their site, so take that number with a grain of salt.

    Personally, the number of people who actually complete an application compared to the number of people shown on the posting is a small fraction. Please don't let that number discourage you from applying.

48. AnonymousSeptember 16,2023 at 4:00AM UTC

    You are not the only one. There are so many of us it’s scary. I wish I could give advice, it just how it is now.

49. AnonymousSeptember 16,2023 at 10:37AM UTC

    I'm srry you are experiencing this.

    I took a extended leave from work and when I moved back to the city a year later ii also struggled. I senT out resumes, interviewed for most and found employers offered jobs that did not match the job description posted. I am an RN with leadership and executive experience...now working part time with less stress but way less pay. Hang in there...it is hard right now. Best of luck!

50. Christina NelsonSeptember 16,2023 at 12:13PM UTC

    3 years here. It's exhausting. I'm very grateful my husband is in the position to support us but, this is ridiculous.

51. Nina TaylorSeptember 16,2023 at 12:28PM UTC

    I have been experiencing the same. I have been looking for a new employer due to my current hostile work environment. The last 9 months, I've had about four interviews with no job offers. I apply to about 5 jobs a day. But I remain optimistic because I know when the right opportunity comes along, it will be hard to miss. I know that the company that I work for will use my experience and be appreciative of what I will contribute. I "market" myself in various resumes and cover letters for each position and during the interview, I try to focus on showcasing why my experience is going to be important to them.

    I hope this helps motivate anyone that needed to hear there is hope and don't give up!

52. AnonymousSeptember 16,2023 at 12:48PM UTC

    I found all those Companies that show jobs in your area are scams and only want your information, nothing ever becomes of the jobs on there. 1st go to a Company’s website to look and apply for job that you are qualified for, I know personally a lot of companies want warm bodies and will hire a mast amount of unqualified people. Only to make people realize after being hired they are not a good fit. I think so many people are looking for work from home jobs which has cause a lot of companies to actually not having jobs adversities. I have professional friends who are burned out with their job looking to make a change but not finding anything due to the matter they have pigeon hole themselves in a career that doesn’t give them the skills to cross over to others jobs. Plus they are use to make x-amount of money and aren’t willing to take less so many companies are hiring unqualified individuals for less to realize they are not qualified to do the job which make it frustrating on both ends.

53. AnonymousSeptember 16,2023 at 1:14PM UTC

    I’ve also been unemployed for 8 months. Every time I get interviews, I get an email back from the recruiter with a “we loved your personality but we’re going with someone that more closely aligns with the needs of the business.” It’s hard to not take it personally.

54. AyianSeptember 16,2023 at 8:35PM UTC

    Most HR teams won't respond, but occasionally you'll get one that will answer a question along the lines of "If a similar role opened in the future, what areas could I grow professionally in that would more closely align with the company's needs?"

    Granted, this isn't fishing for the job itself, but looking for feedback in a manner that the HR team or hiring manager might actually respond to if, indeed, it wasn't personal.

55. AnonymousSeptember 16,2023 at 2:12PM UTC

    I too, have been unemployed for 1 year and 10 months. Been getting ghosted after submission of application or after interviews. Either I am over or under qualified but I have no idea why I am not getting call backs. These are scary times.

56. Catherine HarringtonSeptember 16,2023 at 2:38PM UTC

    Same here! Ghosting job candidates has become very common. Even after doing an unpaid, all day, work interview, after which I sent an email expressing my interest and called 3 times and left messages for the manager. I have to chalk it up to managers that should not be in their position. If they are too scared to tell you that you didn't get the job, then they should not be a hiring manager.

57. AnonymousSeptember 16,2023 at 3:05PM UTC

    there are so many discussions on this topic here..I hope you'll get support and ideas - as there are many others struggling with same...I have no new advice, as I've typed it on several other threads...and yes, it IS WORRISOME. God bless.

58. Rachel RobisonSeptember 16,2023 at 5:59PM UTC

    It’s the market. Where I live very few real companies are hiring. When I look on LinkedIn it’s all remote jobs at companies I’ve never heard of. I get interviews but so far it feels like a lot of bait and switch, where I apply for a Project Manager position and they want a data analyst or an admin. It’s weird.

59. AnonymousSeptember 16,2023 at 6:08PM UTC

    I have been in the same boat and worked as a consultant/freelance/volunteer throughout my time to show I’m still active. I redid my resume, took a class and got a certification to show upsklling (very low cost) and still NOTHING.Then I did an exercise - what I want and what I don’t want. Made a list of each as it pertains to work (and other areas in my life).Creating those lists allowed me to think about what type of work fulfills me and also got me out of the “send my resume everywhere and hope someone calls” routine, which wasn’t working at all. I narrowed my searches down to organizations that I related to and started looking at open roles, leaning into my network, and getting out of my ego’s way around all of it.By shifting my focus, I just landed a role that’s familiar in an industry that’s new for me. I definitely questioned my self worth and everything surrounding it, and for a good bit, was terrified and unhappy about it all.I promised myself that things would only change if I kept taking action and it finally did.So, that’s a long-winded way of saying-keeping moving forward. Ask for help, use any and all resources, and reach beyond your comfort zone.It will all catch up.

60. AnonymousSeptember 16,2023 at 7:00PM UTC

    I've been in the hunt since end of July. I've had countless interviews and second interviews, submitted my resume idk how many times. I have supervisor, tech, protective and armed services under my belt... but I dont have a degree. So I either hear that I'm over qualified bc of my experience or underqualified bc of the degree. Idk what to do. I have 2 kids I take care of alone n my parents have had to carry me, its humiliating n I seriously think there's a problem in the workforce. I'm 36, I'm too old to have my 60 year old parents take care of us n they already take care of my grandparents. I've always been self sufficient so I definitely feel less than adequate at times.

61. AyianSeptember 16,2023 at 8:42PM UTC

    500 resumes in 8 months is a lot. In fact, it's impossible to tailor your resume and cover letter to that many roles in that time and not have massive burnout. Therefore, I am concluding that you haven't been doing that for every role and that every role you've applied to has not been one that you really, really wanted.

    If you stop and evaluate what you truly want in a role - culture, pay, benefits, quality of life, time off - then you'll really narrow down the number of roles that you're applying to and may find that you're more passionate about the possibilities. Hiring managers pick up on that in language used, research performed for a cover letter, and specific tailoring of your resume to their position. This generally results in a higher response rate, even though you're working harder at a lot fewer applications.

    There's also a current instability in the market with uncertain financial times ahead. This has a general cooling effect on hiring practices. Furthermore, we're about to enter an election cycle that is equally uncertain, so things may get even tighter in the next year. If needed, consider contract work and coordinating with a temp agency to keep your house afloat, your skills sharp, and to generally fill in the gap. Even though COVID left a gap on many a resume, HR departments haven't all let go of the stigma of extended work lapses.

62. Johanna MasonSeptember 16,2023 at 8:44PM UTC

    here is a link with job postings i-referNA@quest-global.com

63. AnonymousSeptember 17,2023 at 12:42AM UTC

    Hello! I know it can be very discouraging to submit several resumes and not be contacted for one or more interviews. Are you connected with other professionals on LinkedIn you have built relationships with? If you have, you could contact them to explain you are seeking employment but you are having a difficult time securing interviews. They may be willing to provide you with advice or assistance. Also, you could share that you’re seeking employment on LinkedIn by explaining your skill set and experience, which industries you’re seeking employment in, and the type of roles you’re interested in applying for. I am seeing that occur on LinkedIn often now, and it’s helpful. Speaking from my personal experience, I posted on LinkedIn about seeking employment last year, and I connected with multiple people, who helped me with making a career change and securing a new job. Also, I attended networking events to meet other professionals.

64. AnonymousSeptember 17,2023 at 3:09PM UTC

    No, you are definitely not the only one. I have had 2 interviews in 10 months of being very diligent in my search. Keep reading the posts. So many people are in the same boat. There is a lot of advice out there. Try it all, you never know what will work for you. Good Luck!

65. Andréa BSeptember 17,2023 at 4:06PM UTC

    Hi,

    I am an executive and career coach and I would be happy to offer you a free strategy session. Resume+value proposition + proper branding and targeting are just the start. Visit my bio. And don’t give up. Just change your mindset and your approach.

66. AnonymousSeptember 17,2023 at 10:16PM UTC

    You are not alone. I apply jobs with the same position for 5 years and never hired. Every time the position is posted I apply, I got an interview but never hired since 5 years. I did not know what is wrong or maybe the way I answer them. I don't have idea. These is frustrating, I want to give up, I even end crying at night after I did not hear from them.

67. Aleah B.September 18,2023 at 3:09AM UTC

    Same here... at this point I just need spam people for referrals or something.

68. AnonymousSeptember 18,2023 at 3:09PM UTC

    Same here too. I have been on the job hunt for a year now. I got laid off in 2021 while I was 8 months pregnant from a global corporate company I worked at for 8 yrs. The company sold the division I worked in to another company. Many people got laid off. I had a decent job and made an ok salary. My husband and I agreed that I be a sahm until he turned 1. This is my first and I have no support where we live. After he turned 1 we put him in daycare fulltime so I could devote my time to getting back on my feet and finding a new job. Well my son is now 2 and I'm still looking. It has been very stressful and frustrating. My marriage is hanging by a thread. My husband has a very good job and a good salary, but he said he's tired of carrying me and paying for everything. I already got my resume re-written which is a big improvement, I tailor my resume and cover letter to every job I apply for, and I have reached out to HR managers as well. I've gotten ghosted, been told I live too far away for the job commute, overqualified, underqualified, etc... I am trying to stay positive, but it has been incredibly hard and I am very depressed.

69. Claire McDanielSeptember 18,2023 at 6:09PM UTC

    I am so sorry to hear that you are going thru this! I have been in your situation, and it seemed like forever before I got a job. But I did get one, the right one in the end!

70. AnonymousSeptember 19,2023 at 1:46PM UTC

    I was laid off last year at 20 weeks, with twins. It sucked. I'm still looking for any permanent job. These contract roles just kill me (they pay shit, the benefits are shit and they don't ever hire you in the end because they don't ever have the budget).. I just want you to know you aren't alone. This is incredibly hard and I am also very depressed. I read your post and thought - omg someone else is where I am - and I didn't feel quite so alone.

71. Nancy ExniciosSeptember 18,2023 at 6:07PM UTC

    I was doing contract work for the mom project - and then had to drop everything when my own mom fell and had a near death accident and it is now starting to pick up after I just really reoptimized my resume. One thing I did do, and I am not sure if this made the difference - was that I used ChatGTP to go through every section of my resume and ask it to rewrite an optimized version of each position. I also had a gap in my job history and I just owned it on my resume and put it in as a gap "taking care of my young child and family" - more people have commented on it now and recognized it with admiration in interviews rather than a wierd gap. If you are in a gap now for child care - own it - and don't be ashamed. People are people. Use chatGTP strategically...but don't kill yourself on your resume. You will find the right fit. Look at Otta as a new job search and search POSTS in linked in for jobs instead of the JOBS to get ahead of the pack. It will happen.

72. AnonymousSeptember 19,2023 at 7:56PM UTC

    Otta was easy and great. Thanks for the recommendation. I'm pondering on the "gap" topic. I spoke to an HR recruiter who said that if someone were to ask you those questions, it would technically be illegal, so I am trying to decide if it would be an asset or TMI? Not sure.