Good Day,

44 Comments

1. AnonymousApril 2,2024 at 2:33PM UTC

   Reports of joblessness, employment, and unemployment, often don't specify which sectors are or are not hiring, and also do not account for people who are under unemployed, or have found a new position outside of their intended field.

2. Cindy BockApril 2,2024 at 2:38PM UTC

   It may depend on the industry but I’ve been told that hiring is way down (as are wages), and layoffs have increased. The unemployment office just told me that gov stats are not reflecting those who have fallen off of UE benefits and that’s it’s a lot worse than they’re indicating. The government is considering extending benefits for an additional 13 weeks, it’s that bad.

   Professionally update your resume, begin your search knowing that it can take 6-9 mos to land a role in this job market. With your experience, a good company will appreciate all that you have to offer. Good luck!

3. Jennifer Danielle McSherryApril 2,2024 at 3:13PM UTC

   I completely agree with you as I am in exactly the same boat. I am being told to remove some of my prior qualifications but those are very strong ones to showcase. Age is definitely a factor I believe even though I would not be an employee who would jump ship. I would be there for the long haul which is atypical for the rising generations. Very frustrating.

4. AnonymousApril 2,2024 at 4:47PM UTC

   I think you mean is something amiss. Yes, many companies have reduced their talent teams (recruiters internally) because they are cost center hires. They are using ATS ( applicant tracking systems) to sort candidates using AI and other tech tools that immediately either reject by using keyword or simply bank you until the search is over. Other times the company is wanting to look like they are hiring and so they have what are called evergreen roles always posted to make their company seem healthy. Lead times for hiring have gone from 6 months to now nearly 9 months and if you are more experienced it can be over a year. Applying just doesn't work any more its about social and business connections and getting a leg into places where you know people and get referred in.

5. AnonymousApril 2,2024 at 6:22PM UTC

   Thanks for the correction. I assume I should proof read even when typing in frustration. Nonetheless, I agree that it doesn't hurt to socialize for opportunities. However, there are no recruiters like in the old. AI is weeding out potentially good candidates and many of these jobs are just not real. I remember once applying to a role and less than 5 minutes later I received a message stating after a review of my resume, they decided to pursue other more qualified candidates. How is that possible? I can't even review my own resume in 5 minutes. How did they? How do you ask others that are barely keeping their jobs to help you find a job. It is all too much and a game that is not being played fairly. I would like to create a network of hiring professionals and recruiters that are actually hiring and actually reading resume. That would be amazing.

6. AnonymousApril 4,2024 at 6:18PM UTC

   Let's definitely not generalize here, my team of experienced recruiters would never reject you within 5 minutes. Let alone within 48 hours. That is the rule here. If you are talking about making relationships happen with external recruiters (mine are in house in a specific company) you need to think about how they get paid. 3rd party agency ones often work on commission so they only engage when you fit a job order. Alternatively, the ones that are retained usually only work with executive level hires. To really create relationships with ones that work independently you should always treat their reach outs favorably even if you don't fit the roles they are pitching you, and refer others to them when you can. Yes, you are correct that AI is taking the personal experience out of job searches but companies these days are too cheap to hire real recruiters any more..

7. AnonymousApril 2,2024 at 5:27PM UTC

   Like others have said, yes unemployment numbers are down, and that's not those that have fallen off, or like my case couldn't file at all. It also doesn't take into account those that are underemployed.

8. AnonymousApril 2,2024 at 6:26PM UTC

   Thank you for the feedback. And just about every recruiter I speak with wants my resume shorter. I've been working as a consultant for over 25 years. It is hard to have just one to three jobs on my resume. I can tell recruiters all day that I have 25 years of experience but I can never show it. I'm always asked to add things to my resume that are already there or it is implied. However, no one reads resumes anymore. I don't think I've spoken to a direct recruiter in years. They are all third party staffing agencies that I never hear from again. I didn't understand the concept of the great resignation until I started feeling that way myself.

9. AnonymousApril 2,2024 at 7:04PM UTC

   I noticed the same thing at the beginning of the year. I thought it would improve by February, but it seems to have gotten worse. I am also hearing horror stories of folks being out of work and unable to find employment in 9, 12, 18 + months.

10. AnonymousApril 2,2024 at 7:45PM UTC

    First up, I definitely put more than my last three gigs on my resume in the tech field. I have actually grouped some older similar roles together under one heading to save space but I don't think you should limit yourself if you don't feel it showcases you in the best way.

    Second, the job market in tech middle manager/mid-career is super-intense right now and people with the word manager in their title have been laid off in droves recently. Meanwhile, tech companies are streamlining and downsizing on manager roles in general and are trying to save money, which I am convinced make us more mature folks a liability.

    I am one month into a job search and I am experiencing more trouble than I ever have before even getting interviews. I also have had two recruiters call and then tell me the job is on hold. I actually am holding out hope that since Apr 1 is a new fiscal quarter for many companies that jobs will open up, but I am not sure anymore.

    So, you are definitely not alone in experiencing this. It may be other sectors are recovering but tech is still bleeding out.

11. AnonymousApril 2,2024 at 9:25PM UTC

    Yes, something is wrong. On paper there are many open roles, but nobody even contacts you on any of these. I also had the experience of being contacted by recruiters and then ghosted. Networking also doesn't work - maybe because there are no real jobs? I am at a more senior level due to my age, so if I am let go I probably will be stuck unemployed with some minimal wage jobs. It is scary.

12. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistApril 2,2024 at 10:57PM UTC

    I'm sorry that you're having a tough time in your job search. It's a tough job market right now - especially in the tech space. Massive, massive layoffs.

    As a recruiter, please let me say that never have I ever "hoarded resumes". For those that may not know, I have multiple meeting each and every week where my manager and the other recruiters on the team go over our open requisitions and where we are on each one. Most recruiters have KPI that they have to report out on and that they are continually evaluated on.

    Myself and every recruiter I know and network with look at every resume that applies to our open requisitions. We process applicants as quickly as we can. We WANT applicants - otherwise, I have to go out and source (find) applicants.

    Good luck in your jobsearch!

13. AnonymousApril 3,2024 at 11:45AM UTC

    I respect you for this, but am feeling very discouraged by other recruiters. Companies want an unicorn, but very often treat candidates very disrespectfully.

14. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistApril 4,2024 at 5:19AM UTC

    I'm sorry that you're having a difficult time in your job search.

    Companies should be treating candidates respectfully - they should be on their best behavior when they're trying to convince a jobseeker to come work for their company. I'm a big believer in everything happens for a reason - and I know it's tough when you're out of work, believe me, I've been there - but if that's their best behavior, that might be a bullet dodged.

    Recruiters do not set the parameters for what is being looked for in candidates - hiring managers do that.

    Good luck!

15. AnonymousApril 4,2024 at 12:38PM UTC

    Thank you for your honesty. Can you also advise why recruiters contact you telling/flattering you about how strong your resume and/or Linked In profile is, how all you have to do is tweak it or beef it up a little, then you never hear from them again? Why waste my (the candidate's) and their time if the client is going to take one look at my resume and say no?

16. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistApril 4,2024 at 7:06PM UTC

    Ghosting is wrong. Full stop. I always try to close the loop with candidates. Sometimes it takes a while as we work through a slate of candidates. Sometimes it's like pulling teeth to get feedback or to get a hiring manager to make a decision. All my candidates have my contact info so if they think I've forgotten about them, they can always reach out to me.

    YOU ASKED: "Why waste my (the candidate's) and their time if the client is going to take one look at my resume and say no"

    You're asking why the recruiter doesn't know the hiring managers answer in advance. How in the world would it be possible to know that?

    Recruiters are under tremendous pressure to get our open positions filled. I guarantee you they are not in the business of wasting their own time.

    Sometimes *I* think the candidate is a fit and the hiring manager disagrees. How could I possibly know that in advance.

17. AnonymousApril 8,2024 at 4:18PM UTC

    Ok

18. AnonymousApril 3,2024 at 1:38PM UTC

    So as a recruiter, I am curious what in your opinion it actually makes it through ATS systems. I've had jobs where I was 80% + match on ATS scores and have just been told they're moving on with other candidates (if I hear back at all). So, wondering what people are actually screening for beyond ATS scores. Do people actually look at the resumes these days, or are companies relying mostly on ATS to put through good candidates? I have noticed when some systems autofill from resume, they mess it up where others are 100% accurate, so not sure ATS can always be relied on.

19. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistApril 4,2024 at 5:15AM UTC

    I'm sorry you're having a hard time in your job search - it's a tough market out there.

    There is no "making it through" or "getting past the ATS". The goal is to make it INTO the ATS. So you can be considered as a candidate. I can't interview someone who has not applied.

    I have experience with 7 or 8 different ATS and with different configurations of those systems.

    Here's what happens (on all the systems I've ever used) when a new candidate applies to one of my open requisitions:

    I click on their name in the list of new applicants for that requisition. Their resume has not been ranked. It has not been sorted for keywords. It has not been "scored". It has not been filtered.

    There typically is no sorting involved with the application process – which is where keywords come in.

    I click "download resume". It downloads in whatever format - Word doc or PDF - the candidate uploaded it. I look at their resume. With my eyeballs. Every one.

    There's no need for me to search by keywords for new applicants because you're sitting right there in the list of new applicants.

    There really are no "ATS scores" that are actually used to make decisions on candidates - even on systems that do score resumes, recruiters generally do not pay any attention to them because they are notoriously bad at it.

    The ATS does not "put through candidates" - good or otherwise. The ATS is basically an electronic filing cabinet. It's where we move candidates through different steps in the process, schedule interviews, generate offer letters from.

    Many ATS are notoriously bad at "parsing" the resume. When I was in my own last job search, I would groan every time I was taken to a Taleo, iCIMS or Workday ATS because I knew I was going to have to copy and paste every company name, every job title and every experience section when it screwed up the parsing. That has nothing to do with me being able to see your resume attachment nor does it have anything to do with your candidacy. The parsing is for your profile - I view your resume from the document you attached, not the profile.

    You may have been an 80% match, but in this very competitive market, there were likely candidates that were just a bit better match.

    If you are in the US, there is no system - no matter how much resume writers and job coaches want you to believe it - that make decisions about whether candidates are moved forward in the process.

    There is not such thing as an "ATS compliant" resume - no matter how much someone wants to charge you $1,000 for one.

    I know most candidates don't seem to want to hear this, but when they're being rejected, they're being rejected by a human. I'm the bot.

    Please let me know if you have any questions.

    Good luck!!

20. AnonymousApril 4,2024 at 6:21PM UTC

    That’s great feedback. Thank you for taking the time to respond.

    ATS compliance is pushed at a crazy level with companies making bank on scoring resumes against job listings. Almost every webinar I’ve attended is the same advice over and over - use ATS scoring, tailor your resume, age proof it, etc., yet so many people are still struggling regardless of all the advice. And nothing about the $1000+ coaching services seems revolutionary to me and is no way a guarantee.

    I would rather know a human is rejecting me than some computer bot. lol

21. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistApril 4,2024 at 6:58PM UTC

    When considering job search advice, I recommend jobseekers consider two things: 1. What does the person dishing out the advice have to gain? FOLLOW THE MONEY! Job coaches and resume writers WANT job seekers to think that unless you shell out big buck for their services, the jobseeker doesn't have a chance.

    There is tons of free advice being given out by actual recruiters on places like LinkedIn - given out FOR FREE. Because we want y'all to understand the process. If you're not already, I would highly recommend you follow folks like Amy Miller and Kristen Fife - they are working recruiters who have tons of free content. Amy has a YouTube channel called "recruiting in yoga pants" with hours of free content.

    It really works my last good nerve that these folks tend to use fear as their main marketing tactic. I don't know how they sleep at night using a business model set up to take advantage of vulnerable jobseekers. But what else are they going to say. They can't make any money if they tell you the truth - that you can write your own resume. That you don't need their Secret Sauce Coaching Course to get a job.

    The second thing I recommend jobseekers consider when encountering these folks is ask yourself is this person qualified to be dishing out job search advice?

    Sooo many of these folks have never worked as a recruiter, have never even logged into an ATS - nevermind used one on a daily basis. Many times they are someone who got themselves a job and now consider themselves an expert or they're out of work and hang out a shingle calling themselves a coach.

    Also, a "certified resume writer" may not mean what you think it means. You know what qualifications you are required to have to get a license from the internet to be able to marry people? It's like that.

    The third thing I recommend (I know I only said two things, but talking about these charlatans gets my blood boiling) is ask yourself does this advice make any sense.

    Like the guy who's telling folks to stop applying to positions and use all their time networking. Soooo, instead of applying to open positions that companies are actually hiring for, spend all your time trying to connect with people who probably don't have open positions and won't be hiring you - does that sound like it makes any sense? Not to me it doesn't.

    Regarding the tailoring of your resume - personally, this I really don't get. Yes, add something in if you see it in the job description and you have that experience but unless you are applying for wildly different positions, how much can you tailor your resume. Your experience is your experience. Yes, you should absolutely have a resume that clearly lays out your experience and accomplishments but I see some folks say they're spending hours tailoring there resume - WHAT?! If you need to spend that much time tailoring your resume, you probably need to narrow your search.

    And cover letters - I wouldn't spend a ton of time on them. I don't consider them a good ROI time investment. Personally, I don't read them - cover letters are opinion pieces - resumes should be factual documents. I'm interested in facts. The only time I'd really recommend a cover letter is if the jobseeker is looking to pivot and I would not recommend that as a job strategy in this job market - unless you have a lot of time on your hands and a good financial cushion. There are too many already experienced people you'd be competing with.

    Sorry for the rant - please let me know if you have any questions.

22. Randi PerryApril 5,2024 at 12:02AM UTC

    You just validated so much of what I have been thinking and feeling, and I really appreciate it! The recruiter real talk is exactly what I’ve been wanting and what I think is desperately missing. These coaches and resume services have applicants stressed right out (including myself). I followed both ladies you suggested on LinkedIn and will check out YouTube as well.

    I stopped tailoring my resume recently because it started to feel silly. I started tracking match scores and the calls I have gotten have been low match scores, so it just didn’t make sense (it’s also not free, jobscan for instance is $50 a month). The resume I created myself got more calls than the one the outplacement service created for me. I feel like you can’t really explain your professional life or passion to somebody who doesn’t know you and only spends 30 minutes with you.

    I’ve seen the networking advice more than once now and always shake my head. Networking is great if there are jobs to be had that you’re qualified for. Otherwise it really doesn’t matter as far as a job search goes.

    I really appreciate your rant and your time! You’re the best.

23. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistApril 5,2024 at 2:32AM UTC

    You are very welcome! If you ever have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

    GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!

24. Rene LottApril 3,2024 at 11:58AM UTC

    Whew!

    This! The market is very rough, news outlets are reporting the data they're fed by Bureau of Labor Statistics that I suspect isn't comprehensive. Honestly, I believe we are in a silent recession and the many job boards and sites are indicators. Like you, I was asking the same questions during my search and also have worked in the government contracting industry, with some positions only a year or year and a half. I have about 10 yrs of exp. but at the senior level in my field and it was a challenge. Also, I posted about similar concerns on LinkedIn and one thing I noticed is that using a diversity of job boards seemed to help. There are even specialized job sites outside of the most widely known sites. Sending high hopes that you find a new opportunity soon!

25. AnonymousApril 3,2024 at 12:43PM UTC

    I think companies are now searching for the unicorn. I see jobs posted and reposted . They are asking you have an advanced degree, be able to do multiple levels of work , make high level decisions, then they are offering salary anywhere between $60,000-160,000 a year. It's ludicrous and honestly disingenuous.

26. AnonymousApril 3,2024 at 12:57PM UTC

    I am pretty sure you're dealing with "all of the above". I work in healthcare and have extremely useful, in demand (shortage) and necessary skills, tons of experience, etc. I've applied for lots of positions- rarely get a call back or email. It's every industry and YES YES YES, companies are hoarding applications. I have a brother who is CEO in the power industry, He says that stocking resumes "just in case" is the way it's done now.

27. GirlBossanova934974April 3,2024 at 1:21PM UTC

    There are 3 things going on right now in the job market. First all that "strong job market" talk coming out of Wall Street and Washington, DC is pure fluff! YES! It is a good market if you are a nurse, in the building trades, have super in demand tech skills, and in government. The rest of the job market is awful. People are taking on multiple part time jobs to pay bills. Second, many people who have jobs are getting out of any place that might be having any sort of ideas of laying off workers. So you are competing with lots of people who already have jobs. Last, company insider recruiter ranks are very thin. Too many applicants. Too few people to look at and go through resumes. Hiring managers are also being very careful NOT to hire anyone a little too skilled aka smart as in make the hiring manager look bad or feel insecure.

28. AnonymousApril 3,2024 at 1:41PM UTC

    You are correct, I am in the same boat. I have been laid off for 4 months and have few interviews. There are jobs if you want to work fast food, retail, construction and other items but not jobs in corporate America which is what I am seeking. Hang in there. It just takes one YES.

29. AnonymousApril 3,2024 at 5:41PM UTC

    Consider editing your resume to showcase your 25 years of experience. The “job” is your consultancy name and then list all your top accomplishments for various clients. This way you are able to show the length of time working as a consultant as well as the value you’ve brought to each engagement. No need to name the client if that is a concern.

30. AnonymousApril 4,2024 at 11:36AM UTC

    I agree, the multitude of contracts can be 'one job', approach it that way and not as stand alones.

31. Stephanie Branch LekowskiApril 4,2024 at 12:25PM UTC

    I agree, it's a Catch-22- I've also tried putting previous positions on but leaving the dates off- doesn't work, a recruiter will ask and/or imply you're lying. You have to back up everything, even if it leads to you being "overqualified".

32. Randi FrancisApril 4,2024 at 12:30PM UTC

    I hope you don’t mind but I just had to share this on LinkedIn as I know people look at these posts and they make good contacts. Also because you got it right on the head! I see the same thing and it truly baffles me as to what is really going on? I see this as ageism but also a tactic of stalling to see where AI is taking over some key aspects of the roles they need. AI can take those repeated tasks and automate them while eliminating the need to have heavy-laden staff numbers.

    I worry about where this can be heading. however, do not give up! It will happen for you at the right time and I give you hope for strength and patience in your search. Best of luck

33. Stephanie Branch LekowskiApril 4,2024 at 12:48PM UTC

    How did you put earlier jobs with no dates? I've tried that, only to have recruiters gently but firmly push back by asking me for the dates. I revised the resume because I felt "busted" and never heard from them again; my best guess is they perceived me as dishonest. Did you ever encounter this and how did you handle it?

34. CMTApril 4,2024 at 1:12PM UTC

    I think its optics of companies wanting you to think things are much better than they appear on paper.

    I believe it’s some resume hoarding as well.
    I have the same issue here in NC . It will be months before you may hear from a potential employer

35. AnonymousApril 4,2024 at 2:03PM UTC

    I totally respect your point of experience and empathy you seem to have a great 25 yr of education on your exp and that field..with my experience I think getting any job out here is not so much what they look for it’s about the way you can handle the job you apply for and that’s not 2 yr or 25 years it’s about your commitment and can you comprehend the job you want to pursue.but good luck to your success

36. AnonymousApril 4,2024 at 6:12PM UTC

    I would suggest reviewing, maybe rewriting, your resume. Why are you only able to put 3 jobs on it? Resume for an experienced person can be 2 pages without batting an eye.

    You can state you have 25 years of experience or if you think ageism is the issue, try stating something like 15+. Lump some roles together if the responsibilities were similar and just state a few accomplishments. Have a summary section.

    There are a lot of jobs out there but I agree with the sentiment that it’s not as rosy as recruiters say it is.

37. Nichole SimsApril 5,2024 at 1:06AM UTC

    This is the comment I was going to make had I not found yours.

    Never in all my years of talent acquisition did I toss a strong candidate's resume because it was 2 pages.

    You must show what you are bringing to the table, and the way to do so is perfectly described here.

38. StacyApril 4,2024 at 8:10PM UTC

    In same boats as many others - and news of great job market make it harder -but it's all with grain of salt!

    As others have noted -you have a ton of experience to narrow it down to 3 positions. If you need help with resume - some libraries/ state agencies offer free or low-cost assistance - Be careful of those offering free resume help!

    Hang in there - you're not alone!

39. KathyAnn KrajcikApril 4,2024 at 10:32PM UTC

    Generally speaking, I think a resume should go back at least ten years.

40. Lisa McCartneyApril 6,2024 at 3:39AM UTC

    I've heard 10 - 15. I generally try to do 15.

41. AnonymousApril 7,2024 at 3:12PM UTC

    I agree! No more than 10 years.

42. Afo Ogbeyalu KaluApril 5,2024 at 4:14PM UTC

    Consider using a skills-based resume or combo skills/chronological order resume format. There are templates online for clarity.

    Also consider registering with an Executive Search agency, and let that entity do the "heavy lifting" , by securing interviews in your desired field.

43. M BApril 5,2024 at 5:29PM UTC

    If you think of yourself as middle-aged and not as marketable/promotable, then your approach to moving up may reflect that mindset.

    Work on your confidence and approach each opportunity for advancement like you deserve it. Sometimes we create our own roadblocks.

    If you believe you are the best candidate, say that. Also, if you are passed over, find out why.

44. KathyAnn KrajcikApril 5,2024 at 8:32PM UTC

    No, you're not. I'm thinking the same thing. This is the WORST job market I've ever seen. I'm unemployed since August and haven't found anything yet. I've been unemployed before, and never reached the point of running out of unemployment benefits. Well, there's a first time for everything. Not only that, I was making $56/hour in my last role. I've seen executive assistant positions offering $12 and $16 per hour. What an insult. I can't afford the mortgage payment on that. Unbelievable.