Any advice on what I'm doing wrong?

63 Comments

1. AnonymousApril 29,2024 at 4:13PM UTC

   Okay, I've been in your shoes. Yes, reviewing your resume and having someone review it sounds like a reasonable thing. I redid my resumes more than 3 times in a month just to be sure. I was unemployed for almost a year minus the other years of doing restaurant jobs whilst trying to get "that job." The thing is that it's all what the heck it is. The company that finally call me for an interview called from a resume I abandoned thinking it wasn't good enough because I hadn’t heard back from anyone. They say what is for us will surely be for us and some things do take time and honestly life works weird sometimes. This is definitely not easy to accept, but it's the truth. I was stressed af and redoing resumes like crazy. One person tells me it's fine, the other tells me I need to do it a different way...it all depends - people will tell you different things. I got my resumes checked from a professional and someone who's got great jobs at big companies and it was always something to "tweak." Don't be discouraged, I'm sure you're doing fine. There is no harm learning and improving, but also remember there are many other reasons why they're nit getting back to you, which doesn't involve your ability or perfect resume form.

2. Shannon McMillanApril 29,2024 at 5:14PM UTC

   I appreciate that, but I do have different resumes for different types of jobs that I'm qualified for, so I'm just not sure what I'm doing wrong. I'll keep trying, it seems like a lot of folks are struggling right now

3. Akanksha GuptaApril 29,2024 at 5:45PM UTC

   I am going through the same thing

4. AnonymousApril 29,2024 at 6:06PM UTC

   What I discovered is that in my own region, there were no jobs in my field that I would enjoy. But, if I looked outside my territory, there were placed that would offer double the salary if I moved there. Just a thought - look for the place that has a real need for your skill set.

5. Tiana CarrollApril 29,2024 at 6:12PM UTC

   1000 jobs is a LOT. I know it sounds counter productive but other than to find a 'for now' job, I would apply to less and actually focus on finding a place that would make you the most happy. I know that may sound a little 'woo-woo' to say, but I'm sure you have applied to many jobs you were overqualified for thinking you would for sure get contacted. Guess what? The hiring manager probably looked at your resume and went "She's way overqualified, why does she want this job?". Or jobs that you 'could do' but wouldn't have been a perfect match. The hiring manager was probably thinking the same thing. There isn't anything wrong with you or your resume, you just haven't found 'your place' yet. Try having that outlook and only apply to places that seem like 'your place'. I wish you lots of luck!! <3

6. AnonymousApril 29,2024 at 6:13PM UTC

   I'm in the same boat! I've been applying for jobs since March of last year and have had maybe 12 interviews. It's rough out here and extremely discouraging. I'm sure you've done nothing wrong, this job market is just ridiculous. It's like there's a million job openings but none all at the same time.

7. AnonymousApril 29,2024 at 6:44PM UTC

   I'm not sure you're doing anything wrong.
   The market is extremely tight. Employers have their pick of highly qualified candidates and internal recommendations.

   I would network to get inside referrals so your application has some heat to it. At least with a referral, your application gets consideration.

   Just sending out 1,000 resumes won't get you noticed in this market.

8. Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachApril 30,2024 at 1:43AM UTC

   I'm sorry you are having a tough time Shannon.

   My immediate thoughts are : are your networking before the job is posted? are you positioning your skillsets for what the company is looking for in the job description? do you have measurable proof on your resume of results you've created?

9. AnonymousApril 30,2024 at 12:24PM UTC

   Apply to fewer jobs and tailor your resume to the listing. Have a bullet that addresses each responsibility and each qualification with a quantitative metric to demonstrate success.

10. GirlBossanova934974April 30,2024 at 12:41PM UTC

    The math says 1,000 jobs in 5-6 months is around 6 jobs per calendar day that are being applied to. That is just too many. Some tips: 1) Make sure you are qualified for the job in at least 7 out of 10 things the company is looking for. 2) Try to apply to jobs where skillset and INDUSTRY experience are being sought out. This narrows the applicant pool. 3) Be sure to use 2-4 DIFFERENT resumes depending on what job type/title you are applying to. When times get lean, employers ALWAYS look to hire specialists. 4) Build relationships with GOOD local recruiters. 5) Make sure your LINKEDIN profile is filled out properly and your skillsets are clearly called out. LINKEDIN has a tendency to have many people with all sorts of VAGUE descriptions of what they did. Stand out. 6) SEARCH out jobs from companies on their company job sites. If the job does not listed on a job board, your chances are 10 times better as the applicant pool plunges in size. Good Luck!

11. AnonymousApril 30,2024 at 1:04PM UTC

    Hi Shannon...Many job seekers do not bother applying online for this exact reason. I suggest engaging with a couple dozen recruiters. If they see a decent match, they will get you an interview. Important to remember that recruiters are like realtors. Some are great and some are awful, so hang on to the good ones and build those relationships. Aside knowing an employee at a company, recruiters are the next best bet. Also important, stop applying online. If you go the recruiter route, they wont get paid if you've already applied online usually in the past year). So, you want them to have incentive too. No, I'm not a recruiter...I just have had some success with this strategy in the past.

12. Dawn McDonnellApril 30,2024 at 1:08PM UTC

    Hi there,

    under the current economic real data , my advice USE them! Look what the range is and take the pay cut! Get the job first and worry about salary later. Yes, your ego is bruised & your in a tight mode BUT lower your expectations for the job - pay your bills and KEEP Interviewing for a better salary or get a side hustle. Trust me - They don’t care. When the costars havin a hard time ….FIFO method rules The fist one in is the first one out. Take care of you cuz no one will bail u out .

13. AnonymousApril 30,2024 at 4:34PM UTC

    You cannot just apply because then you are just a part of the applicant pool and will not stand out. Get out there, attend events, write a blog about your expertise, reach out to those who you have worked with before and ask for endorsements and introductions to those who could further your application. Always if and when you do apply write a well thought out cover note and add a slice of the job description into your resume for that specific role. In the near term take whatever classes you can to fill in the gap in between to take some of the edge off of the search, and spend only 1-2 hours per day doing the job search. Keep a spread sheet of who you applied to and what the response was and how long etc. 5-10 columns in there with the things that matter to you. And then cross reference your items by the folks you know and can reach out to in each company. Aim for larger companies to take longer and small companies reach out directly to the CEO or any C level person in there. They often push your interest forward because you were bold enough to reach directly. Don't give up, stay positive and note that these days it is taking 6-9-12 months to find a new role.

14. AnonymousApril 30,2024 at 6:29PM UTC

    I'd go for QUALITY vs quantity and tweak resume/cover letter accordingly. Don't waste time on those roles you don't want or over, under qualified for-

15. Sue Gordon- retired Career CoachApril 30,2024 at 8:13PM UTC

    Echoing quality over quantity arguments. If you've applied to that many jobs you cannot be creating effective applications.

    Take time to tailor the applications and be selective. And, most importantly, get out there an meet people. Make connections - join clubs, talk to neighbors. Talk about your career goal- you never know who can help. Try volunteering, or even temping as well.

16. AnonymousMay 1,2024 at 12:43PM UTC

    agreed with the other comments about tailoring your resume and cover letter to each job, which isn't possible at the volume you've been sending out applications.

    also from the hiring side, i'm always surprised at how many cover letters spend a lot of time telling me why the candidate is perfect for the role but never say why they want to work *at this organization*. even a sentence or two can go a long way there.

17. AnonymousMay 1,2024 at 12:54PM UTC

    Step one: Look in the mirror. Tell the truth! There's no way that you've thoughtfully researched a company, customized your cover letter and adapted your resume for more than 1000 jobs since November. There are not enough hours to make that happen.

    If you are just shotgunning your resume out to random companies, I totally get why you haven't found a job.

    Take an honest look at your efforts and then come back for help. If you are going to tell this community that you've done all the things and can't get hired, you are living in a world of delusion.

18. AnonymousMay 1,2024 at 9:05PM UTC

    Maybe she is overestimating how many she's sent but as a job seekers it IS tough out there. You're kind of being out if lube by suggesting she's lying and delusional is harsh. Why don't you look in the mirror and let us know if you see any compassion in you. If you do, well maybe YOU'RE delusional.

19. Dale RosenbergMay 1,2024 at 1:04PM UTC

    I agree with those who say you have been applying to too many jobs indiscriminately. That said, I totally get the need to quantify your accomplishments and feel like you are doing *something* in this difficult time. I think you should set some realistic goals for yourself and stick to them.

    When I was laid off at the beginning of the Great Recession, I knew I was likely in for a long haul. I set weekly quotas for myself. I applied to 2 jobs a day five days a week - this was enough to feel that I'm really working at it, but also a small enough number to target my resume and cover letter to each job.

    I also set a quota of making 3 phone calls or emails to people I knew or knew people who knew to make an appointment to have coffee and talk about possible contacts they had or jobs they knew about.

    I went to at least one event a week that had networking potential.

    I cold called at least one small business or non-profit each week to offer my skills for part-time contract/consulting work. I got a few gigs that way - generally pretty low paid but kept my hand in.

    Hang in there! Good luck to you.

20. AnonymousMay 1,2024 at 4:17PM UTC

    Good ideas here!

    At one point when I was jobless, I spent my mornings researching and applying to a few (2,3 etc) jobs each morning. There were only a handful of new listings each day that I’d really be interested/marching for…

    And in the three afternoons per week worked a part time job. Low paid but enjoyable just to get out of my head and keep my spirits up.

21. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netMay 1,2024 at 1:47PM UTC

    Have you reached out to recruiters? Have you posted your resume on Linkedin, Indeed. Careerbuilder and other sites that target your industry?

22. AnonymousMay 1,2024 at 1:49PM UTC

    Yes, you're burning yourself out blanketing the market with needless volumes of applications. Of course you're feeling discouraged.

    You need to network, target your search and thoughtfully tailor your applications. Spend more time researching than applying. Slow down the frenzied applying.

    You should spend 3 hours a day on researching, networking and applying/following up. The rest of the time take care of yourself and attend to your life. You don't want yo be burned-out and desperate when you begin your interviews. It shows. No matter how well you think you hide it.

23. Andrea Ch.May 1,2024 at 2:05PM UTC

    When I was looking for a job, I applied indiscriminately to hundreds of jobs. It got me exhausted and didn’t work.

    Then I hired an expert to help me with career guidance, enhanced my resume and LinkedIn, and trained me for interviews. I got my job a few months later.

    Maybe what you need is support and guidance from an expert. Ps: a lot of people will tell you what you need to do, and they will end up confusing you and feeling more insecure. Make sure you work with an expert. I can even share mine to make sure you have the help you need.

24. AnonymousMay 1,2024 at 7:18PM UTC

    Please share!

25. Andrea Ch.May 2,2024 at 7:02PM UTC

    Just did! Check my last comment :)

26. AnonymousMay 2,2024 at 1:30PM UTC

    Hi Andrea, Can you also share the with me as well! Thank you !!

27. Andrea Ch.May 2,2024 at 7:02PM UTC

    Just did! Check my last comment :)

28. Sarah Mackenzie DyckMay 2,2024 at 2:10PM UTC

    Hi Andrea can you please share with me also?

29. Andrea Ch.May 2,2024 at 7:01PM UTC

    Just did! Check my last comment :)

30. Andrea Ch.May 2,2024 at 7:00PM UTC

    Hi all, I’m glad my experience can help a bit. I worked with Ricardo Lárez. He speaks Spanish and English. I definitely recommend him. Send him a DM on LinkedIn, that’s the way I contacted him the first time.

    his LinkedIn profile is:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardolarez-coach-de-carrera-y-asesor-de-empleabilidad?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

31. AnonymousMay 1,2024 at 2:18PM UTC

    The market is flooded right now with people in account and project management experience, especially with the tech layoffs hitting this group hard. So, part of it is just the market.

    One thing that I did when I was looking was tap my alumni networks (I hadn't before). My college alumni network actually had a nice community and I found some fellow job seekers. I also realized that I was able to access career services as an alumni. This gave me access to more up to date resources on resumes, etc and even a resume review. I am not sure if this applies to every college, but this was certainly useful for me and I didn't even know it existed!

    The other thing that I did was stop relying so much on LinkedIn. A lot of jobs there seem to be "ghost jobs." I actually used Google search and put up very specific keywords to match my job search ie "technical program manager ai remote" and found different jobs and job sites that way.

    Finally, I started to apply less and tailor my resume more. I used AI to check to make sure my resume summary matched the job description and AI to suggest keywords to include in my resume. It slowed me down, but I got three offers after I started doing that, so it worked!

32. Amanda MathewMay 1,2024 at 3:11PM UTC

    It def is a tough market in tech sales/account management right now! Besides tapping alumni networks as someone mentioned, make sure you’re looking at AI to maximize your resume against the job description for each position. JobScan has a free version that’s fantastic. Note that all of these companies are using some sort of AI to filter through applicants so AI telling you what to change is not a bad idea!

    Also be sure that you’re writing tailored cover letters to each position. This is really important, and don’t just talk about your skills and experience. Briefly do so but more importantly write why “that” company and what value you can add to them. With some excitement for that initial convo.

    Make sure you’re looking at other sites for job postings like this one, experteer, Glassdoor, etc.
    Make sure you’re reaching out to recruiters directly who may have reached out to you in the past on LI.

    Proactively go to company websites of companies that are competitors for your past companies, and see if they’re posting jobs.

    If you’ve applied for a job you really want, look on LI for someone in the role or who you’d report to, and write to them saying you applied to the role, would really be an asset and drive value for the team, and if they can put you in touch with whoever the hiring manager or recruiter for that role is….

    These are all things that have worked for me in the past and all hiring managers want to find someone proactive.

    Good Luck!!!!

33. AnonymousMay 1,2024 at 7:18PM UTC

    I was in the same boat. Only getting interviews with small startups that kind of ghosted lol. I finally found a thread on reddit about resume tips, and found a guy who fixes CVs on the side and had great results. I was against hiring someone to do this for years because of all the info that's out there to do it yourself. Problem is, it's over saturated with outdated info. My resume was great for 2013-2019 hiring, but in 2024, it sucks by modern standards and I wasn't even aware. If you're qualified and not getting any interviews, the resume format and content is for sure the issue.

34. Nancy CincottaMay 1,2024 at 7:52PM UTC

    I did not read a negative attitude at all.
    I see someone asking for help and acknowledging she may be doing something wrong. That shows accountability and willingness to adapt. Neither are negative at all. The only negative I saw was your attack. Let’s try to keep this a supportive environment.

35. AnonymousMay 1,2024 at 8:29PM UTC

    She's exhausted and frustrated-not negative. I like your suggestion to watch those types of videos and meditations to get into a healthy energy. However, your tone seems dismissive. It is very, very, very difficult out there right now.

36. Farah BajwaMay 2,2024 at 4:22AM UTC

    Its not you, its the current market. I've been looking for another PM role for almost a year myself. Take things in stride and be gentle with yourself. Without having any detail on what strategies you've already tried, I can offer this:

    Make sure you have key words in your resume. Have a strong headline at the top and make sure to use metrics when describing your roles (remember potential employers want to know what's in it for them)

    Networking is key nowadays. Target your preferred companies and network with those who can give you inside scoops and even provide you with referrals.

    Feel free to connect with me.

37. Tamara GMay 2,2024 at 12:07PM UTC

    I feel you. I’m in a similar situation but I just landed a role. In retrospect, when I look back at what got me here, since March of 2022, I applied to over 1100 jobs and only had 25 interviews. Since January, I’ve been actively interviewing. My new role took approximately 4 weeks.

    So what changed? My resume. I got with a career coach and learned how to create my resume so it showcased my value for the company as opposed to the things I did. Since changing my resume, I’ve had success.

38. Sarah Mackenzie DyckMay 2,2024 at 2:14PM UTC

    Hi Tamara. Can you share who you used as a career coach?

39. Tamara GMay 2,2024 at 6:24PM UTC

    Sure, Sarah!

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/izzydoesizzy/

40. AnonymousMay 3,2024 at 1:16AM UTC

    Only 25 interviews? Thats a lot lol! :)

41. AnonymousMay 2,2024 at 12:51PM UTC

    You likely aren't doing anything wrong. It's just a tough market right now. Be skeptical of anyone who tells you that it's a formatting issue or the like.

42. Lori GoldenMay 2,2024 at 2:01PM UTC

    You should always remain open to feedback on your resume if it's not getting you interviews. Only be skeptical of people who have a price tag on said feedback and have never been a recruiter.

43. AnonymousMay 2,2024 at 4:57PM UTC

    I'm going to push back on this because there's a big divide on what makes for a good resume, and nearly all of it is subjective. For instance, some insist that you list your skills before your work experience. In contrast, others maintain that this isn't the correct format and that the more traditional way of listing skills last makes more sense because the person reviewing your resume doesn't want to go far down the page to see your work history. Of course, neither is right because both are subjective opinions. Insinuating that all someone has to do is reformat their resume ignores the fact that fewer companies are hiring than they were even a few months ago and that job seekers no longer have the pick of positions as they did in 2022 or 2023. Stop making people crazy by telling them they can outmaneuver a tight market because sometimes you just can't.

44. AnonymousMay 2,2024 at 6:08PM UTC

    Statistically, your claim is invalid. Applying to over 1k jobs that match her skills with no interview most definitely points to a resume formattting/content issue. If she said 50 job apps, I'd be inclined to agree with your statement invalidating the resume format feedback.

45. AnonymousMay 6,2024 at 6:39PM UTC

    I'm sorry, I didn't realize a person needed a goddamn work cited page to post a response on this platform.

46. AnonymousMay 2,2024 at 1:06PM UTC

    I’m sorry you feel this way you are not alone!

47. AnonymousMay 2,2024 at 1:54PM UTC

    I get it but you have to keep in mind that they have a lot going on with competing priorities. It’s okay to wait a few days. Even more so if there’s been some vacations or folks apart of the process being out. They’ll need to get up to speed on everything as is. It’s not unusual to not get back to you for at least a day or three so. I would not get too into and committed to it. They know you’re interested and ready to interview and when you’re available. So leave it alone! Keep moving, networking and applying in the mean time. They have your number and email if they want to further you in the process… until you have your signed offer in hand, keep going!

48. AnonymousMay 2,2024 at 2:16PM UTC

    I've been going through the same thing since September 2022. I've had 2 interviews and changed my resume at least 5 times. All these companies are "creating" jobs but not actually hiring. It's so discouraging.

49. AnonymousMay 2,2024 at 3:28PM UTC

    I think a lot of these companies post job offerings to show they have offered the job publicly, and then hire from within. May just like to keep an applicant pool and really aren't interested in hiring.

    I once knew someone who always kept an advertisement out there "just in case" and also to make the point that anyone is replaceable at any time. He liked to make it look like someone was due to get fired any time.

50. AnonymousMay 2,2024 at 3:47PM UTC

    Check your social media presence. I know a lot of younger prospects are great at creating a brand. Does anyone in your network have access to your "personal" pages- not meaning they can change them but are they "friends" with you, or connections with a few degrees of separation? How much do you trust your contacts, connections, and/or friends?

51. Grainne SherlockMay 2,2024 at 4:31PM UTC

    Try my perfect resume.co.uk and do a 7 day trail. Its amazing at fixing your CV so it is more likely to score highly on ATS...

    And keep the faith! It's horrible out here for us xxxx

52. AnonymousMay 2,2024 at 5:02PM UTC

    I have been in a similar position some years ago. Every rejection would discourage me and I would change my resume all over again. Other mistakes I did: not letting a a professional help me with my resume, not letting others edit my resume, being too humble in my cover letter, thinking quantity instead of quality and so on.

    So, I know that it's hard not to be discouraged by a rejection but try to think this way: you only need 1 job, and it's out there waiting for you.

    Then focus on quality instead of quantity. 1000 jobs are a lot. Try to apply to the half of that you intended to apply but do it as if these applications are job tasks for that future company you are going to work with. If you are feeling overwhelming or lack a motivation take a break. Then update your profile and your resume on LinkedIn, choose a professional photo for your profile and put the badge "Open to work".

53. Misha SmithMay 2,2024 at 5:34PM UTC

    I’ve been having the same issue!

54. Sharleen ThibodeauxMay 3,2024 at 12:12AM UTC

    Have you looked in the construction industry! Good Pay + Benefits! Stay Positive and Good Luck!

55. AnonymousMay 3,2024 at 12:25PM UTC

    I would enlist the help of a professional recruiter who works in your industry. Look on LinkedIn. I think it’s a competitive job market in many fields, and the candidate pool can be robust. It’s time for professional assistance, I think. You could also consider paying for a professional CV review and prep. Good luck.

56. Wanda ShawMay 3,2024 at 12:32PM UTC

    You’re not doing anything wrong. It’s the process and it can be discouraging. Been there. But please don’t quit. Keep on applying for those positions that you know you’re qualified for. And if you’re not already doing this, let everyone in your inner circle and outer circle know that you’re looking for work, so that the word gets around. Also know that the saying is true - for every “no” you receive, you’re that much closer to a “yes”. Best wishes.

57. Ashwini VasudevanMay 3,2024 at 12:44PM UTC

    Maybe the places you are applying to, have frozen hiring but not taken the listing off.. I've seen that happen. My only advice is - try to lean towards building relationships or the relationships you've already built, and reach out to them for any openings. In a difficult market, getting a job this way, might be the only way. Best of luck!

58. Jessica FerlandMay 3,2024 at 12:52PM UTC

    Just want to acknowledge that it is SO DISCOURAGING out there. And you have no choice but to power through and keep going. So give yourself some credit. Some options might be to request informational interviews -at a minimum to practice interviewing for when job interviews come upon you, which they will, and at a maximum, to build relationships. They may have positions coming around the corner that you are a match for.

59. Nilce LandauMay 3,2024 at 1:10PM UTC

    I understand this is a very frustrating situation. My suggestion besides maintaining your enthusiasm and good attitude, would be to select a few companies of your interest and connect with the hiring managers on Linked in. Maintaining contact with them about your area of interest so that they will think of you when the next position you are a fit opens.

60. AnonymousMay 3,2024 at 2:23PM UTC

    Look into contract roles. There is a lot of demand for contract PMs. Many people scoff at the idea but contract roles can be short term or long and can offer benefits comparable to permanent roles. I have been in one for 3 years and there is no end in sight. They also typically pay 20-30% more than the role if permanent. Best of luck.

61. AnonymousMay 3,2024 at 2:57PM UTC

    I have honestly been going through the same thing. Here are a few recommendations I can offer that have helped a bit. You may have already done this but just throwing this out there.

    1. Review your resume to ensure your responsibilities indicate that you performed or were responsible for.
    2. Check the dates and titles you held. Titles should match the roles you are targeting. (Not saying to lie, just be direct and specific)
    3. I find more success applying directly to the company vs search engines. Sorry, it is true. Do your research to see if a company on say Indeed is actually hiring. You will be surprised at what you find or don't find.
    4. The city where you live and are looking to work matters. Big cities like New York, Chicago, California, etc. much harder to land a job. Your competition is higher. At the same time, smaller cities have fewer openings. It also matters the field you are in. Are you looking for remote, hybrid, both, etc. Some cities are offering to relocate you if you move to their city to work in a specific field.
    5. Fields that have a season for hiring peaks: Project Management, Accounts/Accounting, Product Managers, and similar. Some Tech roles as well like Developers, architects, and designers.

    I've been a business consultant for over 32 years as well as a Program Manager so I know your pain. If I can help you with any more information, please let me know. The market is hard right now. I do wish you the best of luck.

62. AnonymousMay 7,2024 at 12:45PM UTC

    I found that no one calls you back unless you either have a connection or use the right words in your resume and cover letter to make the cut. They use technology to find their candidates so you should use technology to be found. I use a website called jobscan. They have a free version and that helped me get my current job — which was a career change so it worked!

63. Amanda HaasMay 7,2024 at 2:48PM UTC

    One of the methods I chose while applying for jobs at home, look at internships near and far. I was in grad school, and faced this 2 different times. It was beyond discouraging, I really thought I was a loser. I applied to even fast food without success. In a random delusion I decided to apply and take internships far away that helped. Both offered virtual opportunities, but I decided to move since I had the stability to do so. I feel like it saved my life. I was able to crack into the nonprofit sector much easier, and that chip on my shoulder diminished. If you have the availability and funds, look at opportunities, look at virtual internships. Volunteering is good, but an internship can help you gain the skills, experience, connections to land a job.