I received 3 rejection emails yesterday this week 1 AFTER THE OTHER.

32 Comments

1. Sheila Knight-FieldsDecember 26,2025 at 1:53PM UTC

   This is the job market today. I agree with the suggestion to take a job to pay the bills and keep looking.

2. Carol Brumer GliksmanDecember 26,2025 at 2:32PM UTC

   It's a tough go, no doubt. Are you networking ? This is still the best way to land a position. Alumni association, people at church, LinkedIn, etc. Can you work with recruiters? Take a temp position even at $24/ hour,? Attend association and local networking groups?

3. AnonymousJanuary 4,2026 at 7:04PM UTC

   I agree. These young people do not network like they should.

4. Maryann AugustaDecember 26,2025 at 3:07PM UTC

   Not to add to your woes, but I will be honest with you. If you keep on this path you will continue to be unemployable. First off, negative energy only attracts more negativity. As difficult as it is, find something positive in your life and say positive affirmations to yourself. It can be about any subject even the fact that you have a partner who loves and respects you because you’re a good person. This will come across in oral communication when inquiring about a position. No one will hire a “Negative Nellie”. Find something to be grateful for. Grateful people attract more things to be grateful for. Entitled people don’t.

   Next, work on your written communication. Is this how you normally write or are you taking shortcuts here to save energy and time? Please don’t write like you are texting your friends and relatives for job inquiries.

   Third, why would you inquire about more money when you need a job? They know what their budget is and how badly you need to be hired is not of any consequence to them. You could have possibly gotten that position, had money coming in, and could have continued your job search for something more suitable than entry level.

   And lastly, it’s easy to blame the job market for our unemployment, but the fact is there are many highly qualified people vying for the same position. The one that will succeed is the one who has a positive attitude, has highly developed skills, and is grateful for being chosen as a “good fit!”

5. AnonymousDecember 26,2025 at 5:32PM UTC

   Very sorry you're going through this. I'm in the same boat. Laid off 9 1/2 mos ago, had some promising interviews, but none panned out. I have not been willing to accept very low salary with my 30 yrs experience (unless I drive through horrible traffic to Beverly Hills or downtown Los Angeles.... no thank you!)

   It may come to a time where we have no choice than to take a lower paying job just to pay the bills. Maybe don't bring up salary until you're further along with an offer on the table.

   Trying to assess my income without compromising too much, and continuing to put one foot in front of the other. Two applications now pending. Praying the Lord guides me. Hope the same for you.

6. Elizabeth Stiles WestDecember 26,2025 at 7:52PM UTC

   Sorry to hear you are going through such a rough time. Why not contact your college's career services department and enlist their help; make sure your resume is at its most effective best and have them give you leads for employers to apply to. Do you have any former co-workers you can connect with who might help you find a job? What about college friends and other friends? If you belong to a church or other house of worship, maybe someone in your congregation could help as well.

   Even if you didn't spend Christmas with your parents and siblings, call them today and ask them if they have any leads as to someone who might be hiring. Sometimes they may have valuable connections if you just ask. I got my first job that way a long time ago!

   At the same time, work on your mindset. It's understandable why you're down, but if you come across as a negative person to employers, you're not doing yourself any favors. Tell yourself you WILL get a new job for the new year and you will take actions to make that happen. Make sure your resume is optimized with the right keywords and that you alter it at least slightly to show why you are a good match for each of the employers you apply to. Also have someone help you proofread for spelling, tone, and grammar. I'm willing to look over it for you myself if you want to message me, or your favorite librarian at the public library could help if you prefer.

   You should do something to help yourself snap out of negative thoughts. Since you feel that you have had a lot of bad luck, try doing something to turn that around, whether it's throwing a pinch of salt over your left shoulder, knocking wood, wearing your lucky bracelet or necklace discreetly under interview clothes, or whatever resonates with you. I also find that whether you want to call it karma or "as ye sow, so shall ye reap," doing some kind of good deed can help break you out of a funk as well. I understand you don't have much money to spare right now, but could you volunteer for an hour at an animal shelter or maybe just send an email telling your favorite professor how much you appreciated their help, or just hold a door for someone at your apartment building whose hands are full? Positive actions, even small ones, tend to create a ripple effect.

   Good luck to you. Here's hoping that a wonderful job and better times are just around the corner.

7. AnonymousDecember 27,2025 at 2:08PM UTC

   I am so sorry. :(

8. Joan Marie VerbaDecember 27,2025 at 2:29PM UTC

   It is perfectly normal and natural to feel discouraged when receiving rejections when you need a job so desperately. A minor piece of advice: this job market is not the time to ask for a higher salary than they're offering. Get the job and then hope that you can ask for a raise later, or accept the job and keep searching for a job that pays more. Wishing you the best of luck.

9. Colleen HansonDecember 27,2025 at 3:21PM UTC

   I was going to say the same thing! With the job market what it is right now many people are having to take lower paying jobs just to survive. It is so competitive now and there will always be someone that is willing to take the salary being offered, which will most often send the other applicants requiring a higher salary packing.

10. AnonymousDecember 27,2025 at 10:25PM UTC

    Well they didnt offer the job to me anyways, so I guess none of what you just said is even relevant to this situation now.

11. AnonymousDecember 30,2025 at 6:19PM UTC

    It is relevant because the above post commented on the fact that you are requesting a higher salary than what employers are offering and not getting hired! Your attitude and sense of entitlement towards people taking the time to try to offer you helpful advice is really appalling! If you are walking into interviews with that attitude I believe you will probably be unemployed for quite awhile! Also, it may be helpful if you learn to communicate like an adult, not a teenager texting (i.e. "to" instead of "2", "people" instead of "ppl"). AND, name calling of former bosses (POS) and the "blame game" usually does not go over well with a potential new employer, so please keep that in mind. All of the above examples just exude "immaturity" and would be a huge red flag for any potential employer.

12. AnonymousDecember 27,2025 at 10:25PM UTC

    They didn't offer the job to me anyways.

13. AnonymousJanuary 4,2026 at 7:02PM UTC

    Not true. I got what I asked for, IN THIS ECONOMY. A closed mouth never gets fed!

14. AnonymousDecember 27,2025 at 2:43PM UTC

    I am sorry this has been your experience. Have you registered with "temp" agencies? I realize I am dating myself using such an outdated term. I did, and landed a 12-month contract position within 2-3 weeks of registering with them. Register with as many of them as possible. Also, be open with working multiple part-time positions; for ex., if an agency only has an opportunity working three days a week, take that one, and look for another opportunity for the other two days a week. Also, Google "fractional jobs". There are jobs - they may pay less than what you want or not be the kind of work you want to do, but there are jobs. Remember, nothing is forever. I tell myself, "I have to do what I have to do, until I can do, what I want to do.". I was let go from my remote position this past September. I live on the East Coast and my employer was on the West Coast. When I started with the org, they had a hybrid schedule for local employees. Then leadership changed their minds last year and instituted an RTO mandate earlier this year. At first leadership said they would honor the remote arrangement of employees who did not live within driving distance to one of their offices, but then they changed their minds and I was let go. While your job searching, do what you can to protect your mental health: take 15-minute walks around your neighborhood; watch a funny movie; volunteer with kids or animals. Don't let your mind spiral, because you'll be doomed. You can do this! Best of luck! :)

15. AnonymousJanuary 4,2026 at 7:00PM UTC

    Stop going through temp agencies. They can release you unexpectedly and you have nothing to fall back on. They don't offer good benefits either!

16. AnonymousDecember 27,2025 at 4:13PM UTC

    I can relate to your experience. I lost my full time job over 2 years ago now and have been applying and applying and just getting one rejection after another! I have been ghosted and scammed and finally I said enough! At least for the holidays I will myself some grace and forget about this horrible job market right now. I know it's not me and I can't control it! Hope you give yourself a break and realize that you are doing everything right, it's not you!

17. AnonymousDecember 27,2025 at 6:31PM UTC

    It’s unfortunate that you are in this situation. You are definitely not alone. I’m at 15 months and can’t even get interviews anymore. Fortunately you don’t have the added issue of ageism impacting you. I would gladly take a job at half my salary right now. That being said, the only thing to do is keep trying, keep interviewing, keep networking and keep learning new skills that can enhance your marketability until something breaks open for you. Best of luck.

18. AnonymousDecember 28,2025 at 3:34PM UTC

    Sadly this attitude tends to come across in interviews even if you think it does not. Stop blaming others about what was, reflect and decide how YOU can do better, be better in order to make your situation better.

19. AnonymousDecember 28,2025 at 6:48PM UTC

    You might want to zoom out and see what the job market is in 2025/26, and learn how to manage it. Since '23, it's really changed, due AI influence on everything, plus all the administration changes, DOGE cuts, tariffs, etc. This impacts you directly, don't ignore the bigger picture. 6 months is the average job search this past year, this among folks who look full=time, target resume to job description, and even network their way to the company. About 5% phone screens to be expected, so 100 applications might yield 5 phone screens, which might/might not progress. It's not you, it's the market. Is your resume ATS friendly? Do you take the time to target your resume to each application? 75% of applications don't make it into the HR department, as they do not target the JD.

    If you're not sure of your activity, try to find a network club in your area, possibly engage a career transition coach, and network like crazy.

    Your dejection is understandable up to now, but it is not serving you . You need to change the 'tude, get a better grasp on the job market, and learn the methods that have become successful.

20. AnonymousDecember 30,2025 at 1:22PM UTC

    I feel the same I couldn’t enjoy the holidays at all

21. AnonymousDecember 30,2025 at 1:24PM UTC

    I feel like we have the same boss. And same got laid off 3 months ago. Not landed anything yet even with interviews. I think I am getting a coach for interviews and my resume is re done for ats. I re do it for many applications through chat gpt.

22. Leslie WoodDecember 30,2025 at 5:41PM UTC

    Have you registered with staffing agencies in your area? As another commenter mentioned, they can help fill gaps with temporary, part-time, or contract positions while you are looking for a full-time role. The position I have now started as a contract role that was extended and I'm now in a permanent role. When looking at job postings, don't think just about the here and now, look at the growth the organization can offer overall.

    I'm not sure where you live, but I often see jobs posted in windows of small businesses within walking distance of my apartment. Check your local library for job boards, your local colleges and even your local/neighborhood group on FB, too. It IS a hard job market right now, with a lot of competition, so try to cast your net farther than you may normally to see what's available. Good luck!

23. AnonymousDecember 30,2025 at 6:01PM UTC

    I disagree. This site is also to help us in areas where we may not realize we are weak, such as how our attitude may come across to others.

24. AnonymousDecember 31,2025 at 2:15PM UTC

    Hello FBG Friend -

    Hoping your Spirit has been lifted since this post. As a starting point - Hobby Lobby and Home Sense are both hiring right now as we speak - with Benefits! These positions can serve as a lifeline for someone in your situation. You're Not Alone - Start 2026 with this Positive Vibe!!

25. AnonymousDecember 31,2025 at 2:19PM UTC

    Coming by to tell you, you can take a break from job searching. It could be a one-day break, one week even. Everyone needs rest and a break, whether you are employed or not.

    I’m sorry you got 3 rejection letters back to back. That was likely a blow to your confidence and ego. Take some time to remind yourself what you are good out, at work and outside of work.

    Spend time with people who lift you up, then take that well-rested, clear-minded, confidence boost into your next search.

    A rejection just provides clarity to where you won’t work. The possibilities of where you can work remain endless.

    Be encouraged. You can do this & your diligence will pay off.

26. SPQDecember 31,2025 at 4:29PM UTC

    Sorry that this time of year has been so sh***y for you.

    It's an employer's market so they have lots to choose from... Hard to state your true worth and negotiate in an employer's market. Not saying you shouldn't, just saying there is a lower probability of succeeding and making it to an offer (that they don't ghost).

    I think the saying "beggars can't be choosers" is fitting of the current job market. So I think job seekers who are unemployed need to (1) consciously make a decision (2) if possible, continue to test and observe the market.

    The most difficult part of the job hunt is understanding the rules of the game you're playing.

    Make a decision by acknowledging the current climate. Decide what your minimum threshold is. Are trying to find work, or are you trying to find work making at least $25/hour? Or are you just trying to make it to the second interview? It's good to set criteria upfront. If they don't meet your criteria, you'll feel better about letting it go.

    You've tested the market now for a higher than listed rate. It was unsuccessful. You also have a wealth of information on this forum you can observe and draw conclusions on. The important thing is, Now you have answers--a baseline to go off of. You can continue to experiment by asking for more at lower paying jobs (use your Criteria list above) and see what the response is. If the response is similar, you'll know that the job market is not willing.

    Now that you're armed with information, you know the boundaries and the rules of the game, you can play in a more focused, strategic, and less frustrating way.

27. AnonymousDecember 31,2025 at 7:17PM UTC

    You're not alone!!

28. AnonymousJanuary 1,2026 at 8:21PM UTC

    You are literally defending the person who started out by calling the OP names so YOU aren't any better!! Of course you would take the side of the person who is wrong.

29. Focused541800January 2,2026 at 3:53PM UTC

    If it’s any consolation you may be getting past the automated system that reads the resumes to a real person. Most people are getting fully ghosted and hear nothing. It is heard right now. People aren’t getting interviews. While you look can you do temp work just to have some money coming in and you never know you might get hired from temp to perm.

30. AnonymousJanuary 4,2026 at 6:54PM UTC

    Temp agencies are not reliable. That is just what they are - TEMPORARY.

    People need to really network to get a job in this economy. Remember, it's not what you know, it's who you know!

31. AnonymousJanuary 4,2026 at 7:01PM UTC

    Great example. I wouldn't recommend anyone to go through a temp agency!

32. Theresa WilsonJanuary 4,2026 at 8:50PM UTC

    If you work in CA, try to get a state job. I worked with a consultant and had two offers after four months and multiple interviews. I am soon to be 61. The state likes older workers. I understand your anger and know that you didn't start off with the negativity, it's desperation that makes it so. I have been there. I was non-reelected from a school district and was plenty resentful. At 60, with almost no jobs to apply to and two interviews with no prospects, only four years from retirement. I recently had a part time job as a contractor and am now to be starting a new job with the state.

    Things can change on a dime and often do. Please do not give up hope. kenmandler@gmail.com is the consultant I worked with.