I’ve been looking for a new job since December’24 while I was still employed.

I’ve been looking for a new job since December’24 while I was still employed. Towards the end of February’25, I got laid off. I just can’t seem to make any progress in getting a job even after submitting so many applications. I interviewed last week and I thought it went well , the interviewer said they were impressed and would make a decision by end of the week but there’s been no communication. I sent a thank you note and follow up email but there’s no response. It’s absolutely disappointing and I don’t know what to do. Any advice?

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42 Comments

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  1. Anonymous

    The Market is very very slow. Everyone is strong right now. So it's not you....its expectations that this market is like any other. It's very slow and extremely competitive.

  2. Anonymous

    IF you dont hear by tomorrow Maybe give them until Monday but keep applying in the meantime. Good for you on getting interviews though! I have been applying all month and got rejections so far

  3. Anonymous

    Please don't tell women to color their hair. It costs a lot of money to make your hair look decent and when you are laid off money is tight. I've gotten jobs with grey hair. I'm glad it's on its way out with the younger generations.

  4. Anonymous

    I've been coloring my hair for years now and I buy the box color and I do it myself!

    I was going to let it go grey, but a friend of mine, that's in HR told me not to because it makes you look older than what you are and age discrimination IS a REAL thing, even though it's illegal, companies do it anyway, because HOW are you going to prove it.

  5. Anonymous

    I know it seems like forever but in today's job market - 3 months is not a long time. The avg time seems to be around 4-10 months .

    Keep getting those interviews and perfecting your craft . Something will definitely come through .

  6. GirlBossanova934974

    What to do? Keep on applying! NEVER stop applying until you have a written job offer n your hand. Keep pumping several job applications per day. The numbers game does work if you are applying for jobs you are qualified to do. And NETWORK with former coworkers etc.

  7. Anonymous

    Networking doesn't work.

    At least it's been a dead end for me.

  8. GirlBossanova934974

    Networking is critical these days. I don't know how many jobs I lost out because the company went with the INSIDE candidate. The INSIDER got the nod and that is the biggest vote for networking..

  9. Michelle

    I disagree.

    I've been networking for over a year now and it's gotten me NOWHERE!

    I've been to countless Job Fairs as well and met people that are on the INSIDE, and it's gotten me NOWHERE! They've told me that they got me the phone interview, and then they dropped the ball, saying they couldn't help me any further!

    It's a disappointing dead end!

  10. Anonymous

    Question ---what if you don't really want your former coworkers in your business like that ? Mine didn't seem very helpful when I worked with them I certainly don't want to ask them for anything.

  11. GirlBossanova934974

    It is up to everyone/anyone to cultivate a group of coworkers that will do things for you after you leave the organization. Sure! There are plenty of jerks out there. But there are really good people too. The broad brush is a bad idea. My former supervisor at my last company is a real standout. She would give me an A++++ rating to any person doing a background check. She has put me in for 2 jobs at the company we worked at. I did a lot of things for her too. You give something.........You get something.......

  12. Anonymous

    I have been unemployed for over a year. With the recent layoffs in the government sector, I anticipate that the job market will become even more competitive and challenging. While I took some time off, I began actively searching for work at the start of this year.

  13. Laura S

    Stop applying to jobs online. Reach out to your network--your alma mater, your former colleagues, your friends. This is really the only reliable way to get a job.

  14. Anonymous

    Networking doesn't work.

    It's always been a dead end for me.

  15. Anonymous

    Perhaps consider a PT or Temp Role in the meantime - This could give your Confidence the boost it needs to keep pushing for something better in your profession...

    Breathe-Exhale-Rinse-Repeat!

  16. Anonymous

    I've been considering PT as well, and applying, and getting nowhere.

    With my skills and experience, companies aren't going to hire you if you're overqualified for the position and they know you're not going to stay!

    I'm an EA and I recently applied for an Administrative Assistant position that I heard about through a friend and I never heard anything back.

    I recently went to a Dollar Store and wanted to apply and the manager said that they weren't hiring, because people don't stay!

    They get hired, they work for a little while and then they leave and it costs them a lot of money to train people, just for them to leave a short time later.

  17. Anonymous

    what happened to you has been with me too many times.

    Emotionally, it can be devastating. What it has taught me is that I do my best trying and trying without seeing that the current interview will be the job for me.

    just do your best. All interviewers have the same behavior, that is: encourages the candidate for their company to remember that is the interviewers job to treat you well and leave you with a good impression. In conclusion, you have to prepare your mind for negative and of course for positive encounters.

    good luck

  18. Anonymous

    I am a legal professional. I had been looking for a new position for almost a year while still employed.

    I had multiple interviews with some very good law firms that went very well, yet I only received one offer that I eventually accepted.

    Interestingly enough the position/offer that I accepted turned out to be far better fit for me than I could have ever imagined.

    Please don't lose hope, keep pressing on and keep an open mind and perspective. Something will come up for you that will be better than you had even imagined :)

  19. Michelle

    Keep looking.

    Whenever I have an interview, I forget about it and keep looking.

  20. Anonymous

    I don't believe in networking. It's always been a disappointing dead end for me.

  21. Anonymous

    Yeah tell me about it . I've been looking since 2024. Had to get a part time job survival job. It's rough out here. I'm wondering if I'll ever get back on my feet

  22. Anonymous

    Hi.

    what kind of survival job do you have now? I’m contemplating doing the same but I’m not sure which direction to take. I hope you don’t my asking. Thanks

  23. Anonymous

    I completely understand your frustration! I was laid off last June 2024, due to company reorg, and all I have had up until now is been rejection after rejection. I've revamped my resume and LinkedIn profile by a professional and nothing. So, I know it's not me, it's just this crappy economy. Hang in there it will have to get better!

  24. Anonymous

    Sorry to hear you’re having trouble with the job search. I’m searching too right now, and I’m experiencing the same problem. Please understand that this is the “new normal” in job hunting. While it is awful and so unprofessional, it happens with companies in every industry. You have to change your mindset to expect this to happen. Remember it’s not you! It’s them !! Good luck.

  25. Anonymous

    Even u am also experiencing the same and now frustrated with this.

    can anyone help me on this

  26. Anonymous

    There are thousands who go through this don't worry. Either they will fill internally or give up citing budget reasons. The latter is legit. Tap into your network. After applying on LinkedIn, reach out directly to recruiter there.

  27. Danielle S

    The job search is hell right now! My situation sounds similar to yours, I was laid off in November 2024, still looking. Very common to not hear back from companies. I’ve developed a thick skin , it doesn’t phase me anymore, I’m like to the left to the left!!!! : )

    I’m grateful for this post , others going through the same thing, let’s keep encouraging one another.

  28. Anonymous

    Don't put all your eggs in that one basket. Keep going, spend an hour per day on the search and the rest of each day doing something to gain more skills or learn something new that will help in the search. Network network network and don't just apply. Do something unique in your applications, but not crazy, and reach out to those in the company that may push your application in further. Give it time and don't give up! The average search time these days is 6-9 months....yes that long.

  29. Anonymous

    Absolutely agree the average job search is 6-9 months in this market. Unfortunately with all the government layoffs, it may worsen.

  30. Katherine Akbar

    I would not sweat it. You probably didn't get the job, but they may just be behind. In any case, I would continue to plant seeds by applying with a tailored resume (and ideally, cover letter) to jobs that you are perfect for and would love to have. If you have submitted a lot of applications but not gotten at least 10% interviews, I would recommend getting your resume professionally redone. If you'd like a free Career Success Consultation, just let me know.

  31. Anonymous

    i was laid off in fall of 2023, not many places are calling back after interviews or even email convos. you have to keep going and move on like you didn't get the job. never stop until you're in the seat doing the work. look for freelance or temp jobs, i've been freelancing this whole time but not quite full time yet. the job market sucks unfortunately.

  32. rgstaffing@bellsouth.net

    what kind of job and what city are you in?

  33. Anonymous

    That seems to be the way they handle things these day. Even recruiters are doing the ghosting. I have been out of work since the 11th of Feb. I am applying, phone interviews and person to person. I am so over this job hunting, it is crazy!! I have been ghosted so many time!!

    If anyone needs an experienced EA or AA please contact me. I am open to remote, hybrid, and in office. In Phoenix area.

    Good luck to you! If they can't return an email or text they aren't worth you chasing!

  34. Anonymous

    They are probably interviewing more people and taking their own time to make a decision. Ask the recruiter for feedback and tell them that they should let you know either way the interview went.

  35. Anonymous

    I doubt the recruiter has gotten any kind of solid feedback that they are allowed to share .I know I never do. And you should probably ask them to let you know how it would either way and not tell them....

  36. Celena Barton

    You are fortunate! Many people have been looking for a lot longer without even an interview. It sounds like yours went well and it’s only been a week. Give them some time. It’s the end of the quarter, and for some companies such as mine, the end of the fiscal. A lot of things are going on and budgets are likely being looked at. Be patient for a week or two and good luck! Really hoping it works out for you ?

  37. Anonymous

    It took me 13 months to get a job and I had to move out of state by myself to a city completely unknown to me. It is a renowned healthcare institution, so I took my chances plus I was a total of 2 years of unemployment and knew I was in a position of disadvantage for this job market. The interview was in October 2024, I sent a thank you email in less than 24 hours. Got a response from the HM. I did not hear back from this job until December 23, when the recruiter called me with the verbal offer. It is not easy to get a job these days. Keep applying even if you think the interview went well. It’s brutal out there!

  38. Anonymous

    I agree with others. the Job Market "is" Brutal right now. (if you don't know this, just go on LinkedIn and you will see people posting who have been looking for a year or more). I am assuming you are able to collect unemployment, right? I have found that your personal network often works better than just sending applications and resumes everywhere- employers are getting bombarded with electronic applications and honestly, I think you did GOOD just to get an interview last week. :) You sent a thank you email- now wait. Do not be pesky about this (employers don't want someone emailing them every 5 days). In the meantime, it's a season of very careful spending (see stuff on marketplace, if you need to)- look for a side gig (waitressing? uber eats?)- I lost my job about 9 mos ago and did I learn a few tricks to get by! It can be done. You will get a job, but you're going to need friends, prayers, professional networking, volunteering (??)-- all that. Good luck friend!!!

  39. Stephanie Samantha Hesbacher

    On average, it takes 6 months to 1 year to find a job. I know that is especially not helpful when you've been laid off. But remember that it's not you, and the company who isn't responding may not be able to respond because of HR rules or they don't have an answer yet. Again, not ideal, but I know in my last job, HR wouldn't let us answer until the final candidate accepted and signed their offer, which may take months after interviews take place.

  40. Alice Njoki

    Have you called them. maybe the have a lot on the table but by calling them you show that you are interested in that job. believe in yourself and never give up keep trying

  41. Anonymous

    Check you spam folder and/text messages for any updates. Has it been over a week- If so, It all depends.

    If you feel as if you had a really good interview or not so much. If you feel as if you ace'd the interview based on the interaction with the interviewer(s) then I would reach out via LinkedIn via a direct message which you can use Claude AI to assist with the message showing a continued interest in the position. If it's the latter then you can possibly contact the assistant who scheduled you for the interview and ask for feedback. Usually companies are open to providing honest feedback about the process.

  42. Anonymous

    I'm disabled and had a hard time finding another position after I was wrongfully terminated due to being disabled. I eventually received an undisclosed settlement from my former employer with the help of the EEOC, which I used part of it to pay a few bills and the rest to start my own small business working in the accounting industry as a self-employed bookkeeper. It hasn't been easy at times, however, I really love what I'm doing now as I can set my own schedule and decide who I want as clients, and I'm able to fire my clients when they do something that is very definitely illegal or unethical that other bookkeepers in my industry would also fire for cause. While my former employer tried to break me, they actually made me stronger.

    It was my friends and family that suggested that I take my knowledge, experience, and education and go to work for myself. I'm glad I listened to their advice now and took the plunge to becoming my own boss. So, don't feel scared to take the plunge into unfamiliar territory, especially if you feel moved to apply to certain positions even if you don't meet all of the requirements for the position. I applied for a few positions that I was interested in, and while I didn't get the job I did land an in person interview for some of them including management positions with no prior management experience! This helped me feel more courageous about taking the plunge to opening my own small business. Don't worry about who does or doesn't respond back, it just means that they weren't meant for you, just keep moving forward the right place for you will show itself. Talk to your friends and family members for things that they may know about, or for advice on what they think you should do next. Even on days it's hard to do so, remember to stay positive.

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