I am writing to share my recent experiences and frustrations in my job search process. It has been a challenging journey, and I could use some guidance or insights on how to navigate through this difficult period.

31 Comments

1. AnonymousJuly 3,2024 at 4:22AM UTC

   You might consider more networking and less applying cold to a job listing.

2. AnonymousJuly 3,2024 at 9:41PM UTC

   Tell me more about this networking?

3. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJuly 3,2024 at 8:04AM UTC

   If you've applied to 100 positions and have received no requests for interviews, my first place to look would be your resume.

   Put yourself in the recruiter or hiring manager's seat. If I was looking for a candidate, does your resume - particuarly your experience, and most importantly the results shown on your resume - show me that you have the experience I'm looking for?

   What positions have you held previously and what positions are you applying for?

   What have you done so far in your job search? Where do you have your resume posted? How often are you updating those profiles?

   Is your LinkedIN profile up to snuff? Are you utilizing speciality job boards like HIMSS other healthcare job specific sites?

   Is geography an issue?

4. AnonymousJuly 4,2024 at 12:49PM UTC

   Why are you applying online?

   Everyone knows networking is how you get a job, especially jobs that are highly sought after.

   Stop applying online with 1,000s of other applicants who are just as qualified as you, if not more so, and start networking!!!

   Applying online is expecting a stranger to hire you. What are the odds of that happening?

5. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJuly 4,2024 at 8:30PM UTC

   I hire people - at all levels - who apply to my open requisitions all the time. Direct applys are my number one source of hires. Many other recruiters will tell you the same thing.

   Networking is great. Referrals are awesome. But applying absolutely works too. The vast majority of the positions I've filled in the last 3 years have been from people who either applied or who I sourced.

   Those were followd by internal promotions. A small percentage were from networking or referrals. Every company had a referral bonus program in place and I also ask for referrals. The number of referrals that were hires throughout a 20+ year recruiting career is also very small.

   If companies were able to fill the majority of their positions by networking, they would not need to employ the teams of recruiters and sourcers and outside agencies who spend all day, every day working to fill their positions.

6. AnonymousJuly 5,2024 at 12:14PM UTC

   As a so-called "Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist," I'm not surprised you're outright lying. That's what people like you do—lie to serve their agenda.

   Read this: "Why Networking is More Important than Ever Before" (https://www.dice.com/career-advice/why-networking-is-more-important-than-ever-before)

   NOTE: " data shows that 87 percent to 92 percent of jobs are filled through introductions or referrals from your network,"

   You know why people are having an extremely hard time finding a job: the jobs are being offered to candidates who have been referred.

   Stop lying and start telling the truth about today's job market and what it takes to get hired.

   Oh, by the way, the positions being eliminated en masse are positions like yours. LinkedIn is full of laid-off recruiters sobbing they can't find a job.

7. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJuly 8,2024 at 8:18AM UTC

   First off, I don't lie. Full stop.

   You wrote: "As a so-called "Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist,""

   So-called? There's nothing "so-called" about my recruiting experience. I have over 20 years recruiting experience - contingent, in-house and executive retained search - at all levels from C-level to technician.

   You wrote: "That's what people like you do—lie to serve their agenda."

   Do I know you? You seem to think you know me, so what's my "agenda"? Do tell.

   I'm surprised that given all the posts on this forum and others about scams and lies told to jobseekers that there would be folks on here gullible enough to be one of those "it's on the interwebs so it must be true" people. But there you are.

   And calling people liars based on ridiculous BS lies.

   "The results speak for themselves: data shows that 87 percent to 92 percent of jobs are filled through introductions or referrals from your network, noted Jeff Ton, IT speaker, author and president of Ton Enterprises."

   So you truly believe that only 8% to 13% of job are filled by direct applications and sourcing candidates?

   And that companies employ teams of recruiters and sourcers and outside agencies to fill just 8 to 13% of their jobs??

   Does that even sound like it makes any sense?

   And the author used an "IT speaker" as a citation - not a recrutier.

   And "data shows that" - does it? Because the author did not provide any citation for the "data" this nonsense is supposedly based on. Or didn't you notice that?

   I understand that many people have to hustle - especially in this very tough job market - but how people can publish such lies and then look at themself in the mirror or sleep at night after feeding such ridiculous nonsense BS disinformation to jobseekers is beyond me.

   I am telling the truth. Direct hires are my number one source of hires - that and candidates I recruited (sourced) myself. Depending on the position I was working on - higher level positions tend more toward candidates I recruited - but I've filled Senior Global Director positions with direct applicants. If you ask other recruiters, many will tell you the same thing regarding direct applicants being their largest sources of hires.

   You wrote: "Oh, by the way, the positions being eliminated en masse are positions like yours. LinkedIn is full of laid-off recruiters sobbing they can't find a job."

   Indeed. Recruiters have been massacred in the last two years of layoffs. Many times we are the first to go as companies tend to see Talent Acquisition as a cost center and short sightedly think "why do we need recruiters when we're laying people off".

   What does that have to do with direct applicants being the number one source of hires?

   I strongly encourage you to start using your critical thinking skills.

   Try educating yourself:

   https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/myth-80-jobs-advertised-debunked-origin-discovered-kristen/?trackingId=OSUrWPdVS4uIcovIFJ%2BanQ%3D%3D

8. Maggie SoldanoJuly 4,2024 at 2:36PM UTC

   The best advice I've received is to job hunt in reverse. The idea is to reach out to companies you want to work for, connect with the people that have the power to hire you, and start your search from that direction. I know it feels backwards and presumptuous, but with your qualifications, I'm betting they'll be very interested to connect with you.

   There's a service called "ramped" that can also take a look at your LinkedIn profile — it's very personal and you get the company's highest executives to provide recommendations on how to do this.

   You got this! Good luck!

9. Tricia WenteJuly 5,2024 at 12:32PM UTC

   This is what a job coach I hired suggested as well. Still struggling but I think a lot of that is that the job market is tough for professionals right now.

10. AnonymousJuly 5,2024 at 3:26PM UTC

    Make sure you don’t put dates on your resume that might tell them how old you are. They aren’t supposed to discriminate because of age, but my first experience with ageism was at 32 when I was in college. Also, only put the last 10 years experience on your resume.

11. AnonymousJuly 5,2024 at 4:36PM UTC

    Twenty years ago, it worked to apply online. Now you are just going to be one of thousands, because many people apply for the same position. The way to get a new job, as others have already pointed out, is networking. Find groups that you can join with people who do the work you are looking for. Get to know people who can inform you of openings and vouch for you with their organization.

12. Krystin MorganJuly 5,2024 at 5:08PM UTC

    It's important to note that this job market is abysmal; it's not personal to you, even if it feels that way sometimes! It's very possible you aren't doing anything wrong.

    That said—for work in healthcare, which is in demand—if you aren't getting any response to your applications at all, you want to make sure your resume is doing its best work to reflect you. One mistake I often see is people are (rightfully!) very proud of their extensive education, but they're applying for jobs that really don't require it, thus appearing overqualified and like they're not going to really enjoy or stay in the role.

    As someone else said, I recommend only keeping experience that goes back 10-15 years. You can remove the dates from your education as well. Ageism is unfortunately real and it's best to try and mitigate it where you can.

13. AnonymousJuly 5,2024 at 6:08PM UTC

    You cannot just apply and wait for a response. You have to network, especially now. Take the time to research companies that align with your values and use your experience to reach out to those connected in the network, keep your skills up to date and always follow up. These days the job search is taking 6-9 months for many. Be resilient when you get a rejection and use the wording in their specific job post if you do apply within your resume. Excerpt it word for word if need be. Take the time to breath and do things to booster your skills while not working and if you need to volunteer or mentor others do that too. The bigger the company the more likely they have many applications for each role they post. Take out your location and only share your email address and a phone number on your entire resume so you don't get eliminated for location. If its been more than 5 years since graduating put your degrees on the bottom and the work experience on the top. Don't give up and keep going! You got this.

14. AnonymousJuly 6,2024 at 12:50PM UTC

    What part of "data shows that 87 percent to 92 percent of jobs are filled through introductions or referrals from your network," which appears in the article "Why Networking is More Important than Ever Before" (https://www.dice.com/career-advice/why-networking-is-more-important-than-ever-before) didn't you understand?

    As the data shows, only 15%, probably even less, of jobs are filled via an online application. Are these odds a serious job seeker wants to play against?

    You laughably call me an "alarmist" for pointing out the truth about getting a job in 2024. Just because you don't like the truth doesn't make it untrue.

    Instead of supporting the likes of Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist, who's only spewing nonsense that will serve her self-interest, try looking at the facts, which I presented.

    Denying the fact that the majority of jobs are filled via referrals doesn't serve anyone. Apply online is why most job seekers have a prolong and frustrating job search.

15. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJuly 8,2024 at 8:20AM UTC

    You wrote: "Instead of supporting the likes of Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist, who's only spewing nonsense that will serve her self-interest"

    What, specifically, is my "self-interest"? Do tell.

16. AnonymousJuly 8,2024 at 6:38PM UTC

    Your self-interest as a "Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist" is to convince companies and job seekers that you offer value.

    As was pointed out here, with supporting numbers, the vast majority of jobs are filled via referral. I'm sure you're aware of people in your charlatan profession being let go left and right as employers don't see any value "talent acquisition specialists" offer.

    To support your self-interest you use false narratives... lies. The undeniable fact is "As the data shows, only 15%, probably even less, of jobs are filled via an online application."

    Stop with the lies, Joan, and start telling the truth regarding how to find a job in 2024. (It's not by applying online.)

    Do you deny this stat from a reputable source?

17. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJuly 8,2024 at 11:33PM UTC

    You wrote: "Your self-interest as a "Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist" is to convince companies and job seekers that you offer value."

    What companies, specifically, am I supposedly trying to "convince that I offer value"? And why, specifically, would I be trying to convince companies of anything?

    I don't have to convince jobseekers of anything. They apply to my open requisitions and if they're qualified, I reach out to them and we proceed through the interview process.

    You wrote: "The undeniable fact"

    LOL. You haven't post anyting that was either undeniable nor fact.

    You keep blathering on about my "self interest" yet you still haven't explained what that self interest is nor how I might in any way be benefitting from telling jobseeekers the truth.

    You wrote: "Do you deny this stat from a reputable source"

    What source? The author of the article didn't bother to cite a source for her bs made up stat.

18. Evelyn LivantJuly 6,2024 at 1:31PM UTC

    I recently faced the same problems in March, 2024 when I was unexpectedly laid off. I’m in my 50s and a woman.

    Jobs in my field had over 100 application LinkedIn within an hour of being posted.

    When I face challenges like this, it just means I have to work 5x harder and come up with additional strategies.

    I understand that keeping a positive attitude is difficult, but it’s as necessary for survival as eating, drinking water and breathing. My husband kept bringing up negative thoughts and I explained why we could only have positive discussions.

    I began to doubt that I’d find another job before my unemployment ran out. I put together a worst-case scenario budget and I found the structure gave me peace of mind.

    I didn’t doubt my qualifications. Here is what I did differently than other job searches:

    1. I found YouTube tutorials for how to make the most of LinkedIn and leverage it.
    2. I paid for the LinkedIn premium service so I could send follow-up messages to recruiters after applying. I realized I was getting lost in the crowd.
    3. I reached out to connections for written referrals that I could showcase on LinkedIn
    4. I joined groups on LinkedIn for my speciality
    5. I engaged in polls, commented on questions, wrote intelligent articles and posted my progress in developing additional job skills
    6. Got submitted to roles with references
    7. Applied to approximately 30 - 40 roles / week

    I wound up having an initial interview with someone interested in hiring me as a part time consultant for his company. I’m in the process of possibly picking up some additional side work now that I’m working again…. And Much to my shock, I actually wound up getting competing offers and I started a new job 3 months almost to the day after I was hired. The role I turned down was really upset because “no one else interviewed as well as she did”.

    And I’m getting a few stray rejections from some of those applications. I just think it’s their loss.

    Best, Evelyn

19. Kristine GatesJuly 8,2024 at 4:47PM UTC

    Great advice and story Evelyn. Thank you.

20. Tami L CannizzaroJuly 6,2024 at 10:32PM UTC

    It's difficult to weigh-in without seeing how you present yourself on your resume and LinkedIn. I'm assuming you have years of job experience, in addition to your education? As others have stated, applying online is 1 tool used in the job search process, combined with leveraging your network and actively seeking out new people to network with. Back to the resume and LinkedIn profile: Does each experience bullet begin with an active verb to showcase your achievements? If bullets begin with the phrase, "Responsible for..." then we need to work on this. Employers want to see quantitative results - what did you do that helped the company achieve its goals? Preferably financial goals, yet whatever it is it should be quantified.

    As others stated, if there are any words that relate to age, such as "Seasoned Professional" - remove them. Same with the dates of your degrees. Work experience that is more than 10 years old is considered obsolete as well. The only reason to include old work experience is if that's the only experience you have relevant to the position for which you applying. Be sure the experience on your resume matches what's on LinkedIn - employers want to see consistency.

21. Kristine GatesJuly 8,2024 at 4:45PM UTC

    Great advice. Know that many career sites now require both the starting and completion date of a degree as well as jobs. Only showing the last 15 years is good advice. The AI insists on dates. If not provided one cannot proceed with application.

    Something strange is going on in the job market. It's not what it seems.

22. AnonymousJuly 7,2024 at 12:22PM UTC

    Without seeing your resume or linked in....

    Be sure you do not have the years of your education and remove everything past most recent 15 years.

    Also how our resume is written can age us. Have a resume professional modernize it.

    Again you may have done all these things already

23. rasheeta owensJuly 7,2024 at 12:56PM UTC

    A lot of these comments have great advice, so rather than reiterate them I'll give another option that worked for me in the past. Have you tried going through a Temp agency to get into a company/field you really want? Networking and showcasing your talent is essential, by already working inside the company it allows you the opportunity to meet key players and show them intangibles that they otherwise cannot see from a resume.

24. Debra Myers AdamsJuly 7,2024 at 10:59PM UTC

    I'd be interested in passing your resume along to the COO and HR at my Healthcare Revenue Integrity & RCM company. Things are a little crazy at the moment, but from the sound of it, we'd be crazy not to consider your expertise and application.

    Not really sure how we can get in touch with each other outside of FGB.

25. Carol23July 8,2024 at 12:42PM UTC

    I would strongly suggest to take a vacation to refresh and replenish your heart and soul. It will help dramatically.

26. AnonymousJuly 8,2024 at 1:35PM UTC

    I didn't see this mentioned in other comments, but go to the Universities where you received your degrees and connect with their career services. Most universities have this service for alumni. They can help you with your resume, help you network with other alumni in your field, connect you with HR at companies where you want to work. This is a great resource that you've already paid for with your degree.

    Also, look for other alumni at the companies where you want to work and connect with them. You already have that connection from going to the same university. Many times they can get a referral bonus if they refer you and you get hired, so it's a win-win.

27. AnonymousJuly 8,2024 at 2:29PM UTC

    Someone mentioned your alumni associations but I'm going to add check with your state and local governmental agencies. Sometimes they are hiring but they also may have workforce development programs that help connect community members to employers in their area. Some offer networking opportunities and have hiring fairs and it's not always just light industrial or entry level jobs.

    Another great resource would be to check your local library. They often have job boards and/or may host events to help connect community members to employers. Check with your reference librarian, they know everything.

    Good luck.

28. LORI-ANN BURLINGAMEJuly 8,2024 at 3:52PM UTC

    It may not be what you are looking for, but have you considered contract/temporary work? It is a great way to network and meet new people.

    In addition, do not be put-off by job opportunities that may not be in your field, but where you education/experience would be a good match.

29. AnonymousJuly 8,2024 at 4:31PM UTC

    i think you have to have some kind of preference in an specific job that you mainly want to concentrate. For example, there are many places where they need people well prepared in health care adm. Also, business administration has a lot of feld to cover. All cities wherever you go there are business and they are looking for people like you to help them to be administer by people like you.

    the game growing up is to try jobs and then you will see by yourself which one is the best for you.

    Asking for an advise about what to do to get security in a job and be align with your expertise will come with your personal experience in different job fields that you will experience.

    Good luck!

30. Dele KooleyJuly 8,2024 at 6:59PM UTC

    This job market has created challenges to finding a job unlike anything we have seen in years past. It makes sense that after 100 applications you would feel all of the things you are experiencing. Happy to spend an hour on a strategy call and at the end of the call you will have actionable steps to help you moving forward. No charge and no hidden agenda, just an offer to help because I want to help women achieve the success, they have worked so hard to have. https://calendly.com/delekooleycoachingcalendar/catalyst-strategy-session

31. Janet ParkhurstJuly 9,2024 at 4:30AM UTC

    Dear Frustrated,

    You sound like you have AMAZING qualifications and experience. Any firm would be lucky to have you. But here's the rub... you're just passively looking to see "what's out there" or "what's available." That's why you're going nowhere and wasting your time. Try this: Think back on your years of experience and pick out the highlights and the "highs" of those jobs. Give a brief nod to the "not-so-hot" aspects of your background, too. Then, write out your Perfect Job Description. As for requirements, write what YOU require of a company, a boss, a team, etc., Perfect Company for ME. In this way, you are creating your own future, rather than letting fate or companies or people dictate it. They should adhere to YOUR needs, not the other way around. You are an experienced, educated person. But YOU must drive. Stop sitting in the passenger seat. In a nutshell, find the company that fits YOU, not the other way around. As for the "competition?" You won't HAVE any, because all the other knomes will be applying only for "what's out there." Best of luck! Let us know how you do...