What's wrong with me - or the job market?

23 Comments

1. AnonymousSeptember 8,2025 at 4:53PM UTC

   I am so sorry to hear this! It's so frustrating how difficult the job market has become. I'm unsure what contracts you're looking for but in the tech world, this time of year happens to be the best time for recruitment possibilities (also known as "September Surge").

   What's your presences like on LinkedIn? What about in-person networking / meetups/ workshops/ conferences in your local town or online?

   Depending what your business offerings are, perhaps attending / getting connected to orgs/spaces in your industry could be also a great way to make connections. Also, referrals from any of your past clients or people who have worked with you could be helpful.

   Also, this time of year could be some options to pick up some seasonal work! I know, it might not be ideal but it could be something until you land the next thing.

   Again, I know it is a stiff job market out there but do not give up! All you need is one "yes" to change things and something great will be coming your way soon.

2. Tami CannizzaroSeptember 9,2025 at 7:27PM UTC

   Agree here - and with others - that networking is huge when it comes to obtaining your own clients. When I started out, networking was how I spent the majority of my time. This included contacting everyone I knew, attending networking events and alumni events, etc. Get out of the house and meet people! As others have stated, it's important to remember that networking is not about selling. It's about establishing a relationship; learning about the other person and asking how you might be able to help them. Eventually they will give you the opportunity to share what you do. Be able to communicate what you do in 2-3 sentences - no more. Have an electronic business card on your phone that you can share, including your website and LinkedIn profile. Then let them think about it. The more you see them at these events and build the relationship, the better chance of gaining clients - either they become clients or they recommend you to their friends.

3. AnonymousSeptember 14,2025 at 2:46PM UTC

   I'm fairly active on LinkedIn but I haven't done much networking other than with the writers I know.

   I've contacted various recruitment agencies for temp/admin/seasonal work but they just never got back to me. I didn't know how to take that. Overqualified? Not needed? Post already taken? Recruitment agencies sometimes aren't very helpful.

   But thanks for the encouragement. I definitely need to boost myself.

4. AnonymousSeptember 8,2025 at 6:48PM UTC

   A profound shift has happened in the past couple of years. With a.i. and the economy, new president and the hiring constricting policies companies have adopted means a huge lack of jobs and budgets that don't allow prior salaries to be offered.

   All of these factors mean job seekers are having a terrible time.

   When things will turn around is anyone's guess. I'm not certain we will see am upturn soon.

5. AnonymousSeptember 8,2025 at 9:42PM UTC

   Things in the short-run are tied to political and economic factors employers are more hesitant to hire—as reflected in recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data—and may feel more impose their preference for in-person work on a labor force

6. AnonymousSeptember 9,2025 at 2:41AM UTC

   The job market is a shit show right now, and has been the past 3 years or so.

7. AnonymousSeptember 9,2025 at 12:17PM UTC

   With the uncertain economic outlook, companies are running scared because they have no way to understand whether they have a supply chain or what the goods they need to operate or sell will cost them. If you are wondering if it is a sign of the times, that's certainly part of it.

   If you are concerned about the large gap, you can start looking for seasonal work to get you through the holidays, because even if it is out of your career path, it's an income that is better than zero. I feel like this will be a long holiday season that starts early, so get in somewhere early.

   Next, start looking for agencies that work with people in your desired industry, as they have a better chance of getting you consulting gigs, and right now, you are "competing" with them (perception is reality). If you are more of an individual contributor (especially administrative) than a subject matter expert/technical, you may also want to register with some temp agencies.

8. AnonymousSeptember 9,2025 at 12:48PM UTC

   A lot of these comments will not help your anxiety. I have it too and it sucks. But hey chime in that ADHD super power and become adaptable. Who cares if the market is a sh*t show go into that interview show your skills and show your worth and most important show that confidence! None of that I won’t get this job. You will get this job! There’s a company out there for you. Don’t give up and if you have to take something you don’t want to get money coming in it is what it is it’s money. There’s always better opportunities down the road.

9. AnonymousSeptember 14,2025 at 2:36PM UTC

   Thanks for the vote of confidence and the kick up the bum :) I need to keep reminding myself all of this.

10. GirlBossanova934974September 9,2025 at 1:02PM UTC

    I have seen the same thing. My conclusion is that companies have incentivized a lot of wasteful and foolish behavior on the part of hiring managers. Burning bridges these days is a normal day in the office.

    Why not put out a job req with a huge list of requirements that very few can meet? If the candidates that come in, reject them and claim you TRIED to fix the problem the job was supposed to address. Better yet, hand it to a staffing agency and waste their money and time. Even better, do that to several staffing agencies. Have them compete against each other.

    Going to hire your BFF and try to make it legit? Do same but tell staffing agency and candidates that an internal hire was ID'ed at the end. Make that sound really eloquent.

    Have a candidate that you sent out an offer letter to already BUT not sure, they will accept? Call Staffing agencies again and collect resumes and then tell them the job has been filled a day after resumes were collected.

    AND BEST OF ALL? Never but never hire anyone who might make you look than stellar or might know more than you do! You were given this title you have now and darn, that candidate might expose the fact that you are not quite the EXPERT you claim to be.........

    LAST, never never admit there are any sort of problems in your organization. All good here. Time to rush off to the next meeting and drone on about some vanity metrics.......

    When does this stuff end? When the competition leaves your company in the dust and then you better hope and pray that you haven't ticked off too many staffing agencies as your own HR Dept wants nothing to do with you and "your team" as heaven knows, you burned a ton of bridges there.

11. Alexis GladstoneSeptember 9,2025 at 1:15PM UTC

    I can't speak to the job market, except from reading what others share, but I can to freelancing. It's great you've created your online presence but it's not enough. You need to network. People need to know who you are. If you're in a small community, find online networking groups that may contain your target market. It takes time to build these relationships so keep at it. Don't try to sell when you network. Get to know people. The conversations will be more natural.

12. AnonymousSeptember 10,2025 at 1:31PM UTC

    I concur, freelancing is about making connections in your community more than anything. And connections can be made anywhere, I was looking at a piece of art a thousand miles away from home, started chatting with the artist and boom, I had freelance work that wasn't even the type I usually look for. I don't know what you do for a living, but try to find things to attend that are adjacent. There are women in business luncheons, events put on by the BBB, art fairs and farmer's markets and even taking your kid to a splash pad can make a connection. Freelancing is not easy, you can have everything set up perfect online but that physical contact is more important than anything. I have been freelancing for 20 years now and still make those connections.

13. AnonymousSeptember 9,2025 at 3:30PM UTC

    It's definitely not you, and it is for sure the market. Things are looking pretty bleak, but there is always hope. I am about to lose my job so I get the sinking feeling in your stomach, but you can't let that get you down.

14. AnonymousSeptember 14,2025 at 2:31PM UTC

    Thanks, I'm trying to keep the hope. Good luck to you too, I hope you're not out of work for long.

15. PatriciaSeptember 10,2025 at 12:52PM UTC

    It doesn’t sound like there’s anything “wrong” with you — you’ve clearly been putting in the effort, learning from feedback, and doing all the right things. The fact that you’re consistently making it to second interviews shows that employers do see value in your skills and experience.

    The reality is, the job market right now is incredibly tough. Many roles are getting hundreds of applicants, and sometimes the decision comes down to things outside your control — timing, internal candidates, or even budget changes. That doesn’t mean you’re not capable or employable.

    A couple of thoughts that might help:

    Don’t take the rejections as proof you’re not good enough. They’re more about the market than about you.

    Leverage your freelance business differently. Even if it hasn’t brought in clients yet, it still shows initiative and skills you can highlight on your CV and in interviews.

    Consider narrowing your job search focus. Instead of applying everywhere, target fewer roles that align most closely with your strengths — it can improve results.

    Keep your confidence up. Employers can sense discouragement, and you want them to see the motivated, capable person you are.

    This is a really hard season, but it won’t last forever. You’ve already proven you can adapt and keep going — that resilience will eventually pay off.

16. AnonymousSeptember 14,2025 at 2:30PM UTC

    Thanks for the tips, Patricia, these are helpful. The confidence thing is my biggest roadblock and I'm going to work on this so I can nail my next interview.

17. Claire McDanielSeptember 10,2025 at 12:59PM UTC

    I definitely don't think it is you! These are crazy times, everyone is having a hard time. I have been looking for 6 months. I also have similar thoughts and wonder what will become of me.

18. AnonymousSeptember 14,2025 at 2:26PM UTC

    I hope you get what you're looking for :)

19. Katherine AkbarSeptember 10,2025 at 1:22PM UTC

    I'm so sorry to hear this, Anonymous. It's tough out there, both for entrepreneurs and job seekers!

    First, there is nothing wrong with you. It sounds like you have a lot to offer--writing skills, initiative, perseverance, openness to growth are immediately obvious.

    Second, Facebook and Google Ads are an easy way to lose money. You need to invest a lot in them and have a consultant help you figure out how to reach your target market, or it's just money down the drain. I would never recommend them to a start-up.

    Third, your CV seems good at this point, since it is getting you plenty of interviews. The place where you can make progress is your interview skills, including possibly approaching this from a novel angle. The method my husband and I developed, Interview AikidoTM, is a spiritual and interrogative method that reduces stress, improves rapport, and enables you to sell yourself into the problems the hiring manager has, as opposed to just shooting off random benefits and hoping they hit the target. Feel free to check it out on my website, success-YES. Go to Resources, Interviewing, and look for the video there where I am wearing a green jacket. If I can help more, please book a free Career Success Consultation. Regardless, best wishes and keep the faith!

20. AnonymousSeptember 14,2025 at 2:26PM UTC

    Thanks Katherine, I'll check out your website :)

21. AnonymousSeptember 10,2025 at 2:21PM UTC

    I'm sorry. Tariffs + general uncertainty + immigration raids, etc. have made things so very volatile. It sucks.

22. AnonymousSeptember 10,2025 at 5:42PM UTC

    I am sorry you are experiencing this. Yes, you are doing all the right things. I am in a similar situation. Looking since January 2024. Something to consider, find a staffing / recruiting firm that handles your type of work. Also consider thinking beyond your traditional roles - such as complementary work to what you do and where it can be applied. Apply for some of those types of jobs.

    Do you use AI? If so have it generate interview questions for you. If not, you can find many here or on other websites. Sit down and think about and write out your responses, along with who you are interviewing with. What is their title/role. The length of your responses will differ depending on recruiter, hiring manager, peer or panel interview. Set yourself up like you are interview and record yourself on your phone. It will help you see how you are coming across.

    It's possible asking for questions in advance is an issue. TMI on any health information may also cause some concern.

    Be yourself. deep breaths. You've got this. Soon you will be working again in a job you love.

23. AnonymousSeptember 14,2025 at 2:25PM UTC

    Thank you!

    Getting interview questions in advance is the best way of preparing for an interview, for me. Without them, I'm a ball of anxiety wondering what questions I'll get! It's all very well preparing for potential questions but I went to an interview where they asked me questions I would never have predicted or been able to answer as well if I didn't have the questions beforehand. I've been interviewing with disability confident employers and they've been very supportive so far.

    I'm connected to a few recruitment agencies and I got a couple of interviews through them. I keep watching their LinkedIn pages to see what's available.