How bad is it out there?

29 Comments

1. sayantika mukherjeeJuly 18,2023 at 6:36PM UTC

   Hey there,

   First off, I want to say that I totally understand your frustration. Job searching can be a rollercoaster ride, and it's even more challenging when you're dealing with a toxic work environment. It's great that you have a lot of experience and have been proactive in updating your resume and networking. But hey, sometimes, despite all our efforts, things just don't seem to fall into place as quickly as we'd like.

   The job market can be unpredictable, and factors beyond our control can influence how companies respond to applicants. It's possible that the current economic climate or specific industry trends might be impacting the number of job opportunities available.

   Don't let this rough patch deter you, though. Keep pushing forward, and don't be afraid to reassess your approach. Maybe try expanding your network even more, attend industry events or virtual job fairs, and explore online communities that are relevant to your field.

   I know Linkedin has a lot of Private/open groups that are focused on networking. I just started my very own group to help women like you in their confidence to get out there (https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14286263/)

   Sometimes, it's all about being at the right place at the right time.

   Additionally, take a closer look at the way you're presenting yourself on your resume and in interviews. Make sure your skills and accomplishments shine through clearly, and tailor your applications to each company you apply to. It's crucial to stand out from the crowd, especially when competition is fierce.

   If you haven't already, consider seeking advice from career counselors or mentors. Sometimes an outside perspective can shed light on areas of improvement that you might have overlooked.

   Lastly, hang in there and don't get disheartened. The right opportunity will come along, but it might just take a bit more time and patience than you anticipated. Remember, job searching can be a challenging journey, but with your determination and experience, you've got what it takes to land the right position.

   Wishing you the best of luck in your job hunt! Keep pushing forward and stay positive.

2. AnonymousJuly 18,2023 at 7:25PM UTC

   I read where it's normally taking 6 months of concentrated effort to land legitimate offers.

   I took my time and it took me 9 months while working on contract projects.
   It is extremely competitive and companies are changing their minds on titles, compensation etc throughout the process

   So while the media is reporting things are robust, it is very different from a year ago.

3. AnonymousJuly 18,2023 at 9:45PM UTC

   There are jobs available but it is taking much longer and 3x more interviews required for each role. I'm am finding mire assignments being requested and much longer gaps between interviews.

4. Nicole HillebrandtJuly 19,2023 at 12:44PM UTC

   I'll give you some perspective. I was part of the Great Resignation. I have plenty of sales experience and am accomplished. I've been like a machine looking for work, almost every day. I have been getting interviews, as well as rejections. The job market data is for labor, not office/white-collar employees. The income I made, well I'm still looking but I've already lowered my standards a bit.

   This is an ever-evolving environment right now and my friend is trying to teach me content creation so I can write ebooks and make money. I do feel it was best to leave where I was and make this my FT job, however I was in a position to do so and realize that is not possible for everyone.

   There is a lot of great advice on here...keep looking and plugging away. It's great you got your resume professionally written for you. I'm working with recruiters and on every job board possible, Indeed, Glassdoor, etc. I used to make myself invisible, but now that I made the decision to leave my last employer, I'm searching almost nonstop. It's been six weeks for me (which is nothing compared to what other people have gone through) and I've turned down one low paying job offer. I am ready for the next opportunity and fortunately can afford to be a little picky.

   I hope this helps you. GOOD LUCK! Just keep pushing.

5. AnonymousJuly 19,2023 at 1:08PM UTC

   I am in similar situation took a contract role to avoid layoffs and turned out to be toxic. I thought I would only be there for a few months max as usually only takes me that long to get newjob. It took me just over 6 months solid job hunting/ applications applied to over a hundred roles and now got 2 job offers. Is tough but few things that helped:tailor resume and write a cover letter even if it’s optional. the job I got was more lateral move.
   so the job descriptions I have specific experience (even though may be more experienced than the job description) are the ones I got interviews / responses for. I also found luck using easy apply on LinkedIn. if you are wanting to get out quick there is more contract work out there. I also found the last 3 months there were lots more jobs than jan-March so may have better luck now. It has been hard going but to be able to resign from toxic company and going into a job/ industry and work culture which is much more positive has been worth it. Keep applying, keep on trying is worth it to get out of a toxic place. Your mental health and happiness are far more important! Good luck!

6. AnonymousJuly 19,2023 at 3:07PM UTC

   Ageism is real. If you are over 50 like me, it is that much tougher. I wish you the best. I am in a toxic work environment as well.

7. AnonymousJuly 20,2023 at 11:25PM UTC

   I will acknowledge this, but I will also say that if you lead with that mindset, that's what will show up in your life. I know I'm valuable and I know the right people and place are looking for me. We just haven't found each other yet.

8. AnonymousJuly 20,2023 at 12:35PM UTC

   I just read something from a former recruiter that said from July 4th until Labor Day is the worst time to job hunt with everyone taking end of summer time off. Supposedly Labor Day thru Thanksgiving she would many more roles to fill. I hope you find something soon that is a better fit.

9. AnonymousJuly 20,2023 at 12:43PM UTC

   To be honest it took me over a year to find a new job and get out of a very toxic company , I wanted to give up many times and I redid my resume 5 times talked to a job coach etc but honestly I think it boiled down to it just took time u til the right job appeared

   good luck don’t give up

10. Karin MorrisJuly 20,2023 at 12:55PM UTC

    It’s tough out there! You are doing all the right things, but there is a ton of competition. I think this job market is all about networking. I am struggling too. I’ve not been in this type of job search situation before. It’s mentally draining. Hang in there. Your hard work and persistence will pay off.

11. lorilucasJuly 20,2023 at 1:56PM UTC

    What is making the job market so tough these days?

    @anonymous I feel your pain as I too have deep experience and

12. AnonymousJuly 20,2023 at 2:11PM UTC

    I might be the only one that found a job in less than 5 weeks. I was termed from a position in April that was growing more toxic by the day. I had been job searching since February but hung in there to be termed to be able to collect unemployment. I reached out to a recruiter based on a job listing she had on LinkedIn, secured a phone screen that same week, and then interviewed the hiring manager and the team the following week. Within two weeks I had the offer and started a week later.

    What differed for me this time was the time I spent on LinkedIn, searching out recruiters and really honing in job postings that were an excellent fit for me. Also, make sure you post or re-post content on LinkedIn daily so you are making it into the algorithms. Your name will only appear in searches if you are active.

    Connections are everything! Send connection requests to recruiters and people in management positions at companies that you are targeting. Let them know that you are open to new opportunities and would like to hear more about their company.

    Above all else, hang in there. I truly believe toxic workplaces are only going to get worse as managers are emboldened by the fact that it is a hard job market.

13. Marcia SmithJuly 20,2023 at 4:03PM UTC

    Oh how I feel your pain! I am also in a VERY toxic workplace - and looking for work. I am in the nonprofit field - and am specifically looking for work in grants - but not grantwriting - managing grantees. I am also looking for a Full-time 100% remote position...so here is my progress so far...

    I started my search in June and had 3 interviews and a job offer, but they only wanted to offer 3 weeks of PTO - so I declined the offer.

    I started my real job search on June 23 - I have applied to 38 jobs, had 2 more interviews, and 3 declines.

    I spend 1/2 my time applying for jobs - and 1/2 my time networking on LinkedIn and with all my peers and friends.

    I'm in it for the long haul and meet with my therapist often to help support my emotional and psychological health

    You can email me at marcia.smith.dba.mba@gmail.com if you want to chat and compare strategies

14. AnonymousJuly 20,2023 at 4:58PM UTC

    Its that hard of a market, things are slow because many companies have let go of their HR/Talent teams and since those teams are usually robust when a company is doing high volume hiring and they are a cost center now they are often reduced to 1-2 people just filtering through piles of resumes. Also automation has choked the he// out of the interview process too. Keep pushing, send out as many resumes as you can to anything that looks good and as much as possible write cover notes. It is often taking 6 months or more to find something new...hang in there.

15. AnonymousJuly 21,2023 at 6:58PM UTC

    Depending on who you talk to, cover letters can be a distraction and many AI programs reject them along with your resume. HR folks don't have time to review resumes AND cover letters and most have said they don't have any interest in a 'self-promotion' letter when all they can do is keep their heads above water. It's just churn and hope you were among the first 50 to apply, you hit all their keywords and experience, and yes they (person/AI) is seeking 100% match. So who knows where the truth lies, but it's definitely a broken system and many, many, many great people are overlooked.

16. AnonymousJuly 21,2023 at 1:23AM UTC

    I am going on the 8th month of unemployment. I have 30+ years in the workforce; 2 Master's Degrees, 2 Bachelor's Degrees and a couple certifications and licenses across business and healthcare....lots of ghosting and even more vast nothingness. I've reached out to an extensive network, applied to close to 800 jobs, written

    'so-called' connections on LinkedIn, attended conferences to mingle and advertise myself and here I am...still looking. Best to you, hope you have better luck.

17. AnonymousJuly 21,2023 at 1:40AM UTC

    what industry do you work in?

18. AnonymousJuly 21,2023 at 6:53PM UTC

    My work allows me to work in any industry. I have been in healthcare, aviation, academia, retail, medical device, etc, etc. I strongly believe my age is currently working against me along with my gender, as the companies I have spoken to...are opposite to my age and gender (however have been of various races). I have a lot of knowledge to share from several industries that apply just about anywhere, and have had great success, so it is quite disappointing and discouraging to where I am today.

19. AnonymousJuly 21,2023 at 9:42PM UTC

    I’m feeling the age bite too ?

20. AnonymousJuly 21,2023 at 8:58AM UTC

    Me too

21. AnonymousJuly 21,2023 at 8:58AM UTC

    It’s bad I started at the beginning of this year and still looking. I have applied for so many jobs. I have had a couple of interviews but nothing. It’s almost like they don’t know what they want. I wish I had some good advice. It’s just totally different since COVID. Everyone be careful of the scam job postings They are getting more polished so you have to go research on these companies. I get people contacting me like I applied for a job and I never applied at the company Good Luck All we need it.

22. AnonymousJuly 21,2023 at 1:12PM UTC

    I am in a toxic workplace as well full of " mean girls". I've been looking too but since I'm over 50 wondering if I should stay put. I even applied for a state job doing what I went to college for. I got through the first round. I am very nervous if I was to get it because I don't have a lot of experience in the field. Maybe check your states Job listings. Anyway, I have a last card to pull if it gets too bad. I am going to call a temp agency and start there if nothing else happens.

    Maybe look into that. It at least can help pay the bills until you do find the job you are searching for.

23. Cheryl WilburgJuly 21,2023 at 1:51PM UTC

    My suggestion is to get professional help with your resume. Things that once caught the eye of an employer no longer work, and keywords for the "sorters" have changed. A resume refresh just might be the boost you need.

    Also, look into any options you might have to branch out as an entrepreneur instead of an employee. The working world has changed so much over the last 5-10 years.

24. AnonymousJuly 21,2023 at 11:36PM UTC

    You missed it. She said she did get her resume professionally done.

25. Cheryl WilburgJuly 22,2023 at 6:20PM UTC

    You're right, I did miss that

26. AnonymousJuly 22,2023 at 10:32PM UTC

    But you still gave food for thought with good advice!

27. Titra HamiltonJuly 21,2023 at 6:42PM UTC

    Yes, it is that bad. I am seeking employment. Most of 50+ former colleague, men included, have found employment one of two ways. First, they leveraged their network to find roles. We are finding ourselves in small groups for other companies with which one of several of us have relationships. For example, I had lunch with a former colleague who is going to float my resume in her organization. I know their senior leadership, too, so fingers crossed. Lastly, are creating "portfolio careers". For example, two of my former bosses (We were all laid off together), each have started businesses that include factional COO, life coach and math academy franchise. I am going the latter route until I find the right opportunity.

28. AnonymousJuly 21,2023 at 9:41PM UTC

    It’s that bad. Last year at this exact time I was looking for the same role I am now. Laid off twice in 12 months. Last year it was a lot of opportunity, interviews, remote, solid pay. The same time this year, crickets. There seem to be more jobs at smaller companies (never again) and hybrid or saying remote but you have to live in that place. “Remote Seattle” which is bs, imo, and not really remote. If I didn’t have a good comparison, I would be questioning my experience. SO, I’m not sure what I need to refine because the job descriptions are the same as last year. I’m not sure what to say other than to assure you that you aren’t alone.

29. Lisa MarieJuly 23,2023 at 2:41PM UTC

    Hello,

    I'm guessing it probably depends on the market or career field you are in, because there are some roles that are getting filled pretty quickly.

    LINKEDIN

    Do you have a profile on LinkedIn? My advice is to create/maintain a LinkedIn profile, making sure you turn on OPEN TO WORK on your profile picture, and also use its Jobs feature to find and apply for the job you want.

    I did not advise you to be on there reading/responding to every post. Simply use the to advertise yourself by way of a full/complete profile thT lists and explains your past job roles/experience and accomplishments. In other words, your profile needs to mirror your resume - which should be your own Super Bowl Ad.

    My personal experieince with LinkedIn has been extremely positive. Recruiters (or head hunters as some folks refer to them), who have jobs to fill for companies, do respond to that OPEN TO WORK banner on your profile picture. Many will also send you emails or messages directly if your profile reflects experiences/accomplishments they are recruiting for.

    Additionally, you can find and apply to jobs directly from the LinkedIn platform, and you are able to message (follow up with) the job poster directly from LinkedIn as well.

    INDEED

    This website pulls jibs from company websites (when companies turn on that feature), so there are many job opportunities listed there as well. You are also able to message the job posters/recruiters directly via Indeed as well.

    Good luck with finding your next best opportunity.