I've been applying to jobs for over a year, and feel like I've run out of options.

18 Comments

1. AnonymousJuly 20,2023 at 4:02PM UTC

   Not sure of your industry and experience. Try adding professional certifications. Costly but an investment

2. AnonymousJuly 20,2023 at 4:11PM UTC

   I would get someone to review your resume. It sounds like something is off.

3. Mary GearyJuly 20,2023 at 5:06PM UTC

   I'm nearly 4 months into my hunt with nearly 300 applications, SO many rejections and scams. The scams are ridiculous. And I've had one legit interview that is taking forever to get back to me so of course I'm 99% sure I didn't get it. I know how you feel....no one wants to give anyone a chance. What happened to TRAINING if someone didn't have the experience? Good luck!

4. Rockie96July 20,2023 at 5:12PM UTC

   Maybe try chatgpt…. I’ve heard chatgpt can be helpful with improving resumes (just be sure to remove your personal identifying info), you can prompt it to tailor your resume to a specific position & include keywords from the job description.

   Keep your head up & best of luck!

5. AnonymousJuly 20,2023 at 5:18PM UTC

   It's a numbers game and the system IS rigged. Honestly, I would love more virtual Zoom call job support groups. Thiss is devastating todo on your own.

6. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJuly 20,2023 at 11:37PM UTC

   So if you're not getting any traction, it's typically either the resume or the positions you're applying to or both.

   I can't tell you how many times I've gotten to the end of an interview and said "I really like your background/experience but we need to fix this resume" only to be told "but I just paid to have it professionally redone".

   Typically 75% of the people who apply to my open requisitions are not a fit. In the last month or two, it's been running 90% or even higher. This tracks with what other recruiters I know and network see.

   You're getting asked why you're leaving your current position on applications? That's unusual. I don't think I ever saw that question on an application when I was in my own last job search.

   I don't typically pay all that much attention to answers to compensation questions on applications unless they're waayy out of the ballpark (like $100k out of the ballpark - and then I'd probably think it was a mistake). Comp listed on an application would not stop me from reaching out to a candidate that looked like a good fit.

   What do you do?

   I'm not sure what you mean by the system is rigged. What is it you'd like explained?

   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? Do you have the green "open or work" banner and/or the other open to work indicator that can be seen by recruiters with a LinkedIn Recruiter license turned on?

   Are there any specialty job boards you could be utilizing? Do you have a degree? Have you been utilizing your university's alumni network and/or job board?

7. AnonymousJuly 21,2023 at 12:13PM UTC

   It's not a rigged system. Yes, how you answer questions are important, but pause. It must be frustrating for sure, but pause. Are you applying to the correct positions, if you are looking for growth from your prior I'm going to be honest of what I see in the current hiring climate. You may need to look at a position level you already have not a step up. I see hiring not looking at candidates who 'could' be ready for the next step. They need seasoned subject matter experts. Also, employment just got a little bit more precarious just like this month. Companies are hiring but layoffs have grown . Focus on 5 companies, do research, and find out why you'd like to work for them. Connect with them on LinkedIn, find their hiring partners, connect. Learn their culture. Salary questions, yes, be negotiable at this point of possibly accepting less. hang in there .

8. AYANNALYSEJuly 21,2023 at 5:19PM UTC

   Watch Andrew Lacivita on youtube

9. WendyJuly 22,2023 at 12:35PM UTC

   If you know any working professionals, I would ask them to look at your resume. You can also have them do a "mock interview" with you. Also on LinkedIn, follow job recruiters or search for recruiter for the jobs you want. I have found job coaches and professionals on LinkedIn who give out free advice.

10. AnonymousJuly 22,2023 at 12:49PM UTC

    its Not a quick thing most of the time to find a new job or just a job these days.

    are you tailoring your resume and cover letter to each job?

    There are few free tools out there to tell you find the key words on each job you apply for this way you can use them on your resume so the software they use has a better chance of keeping your resume .

    I practiced my interviewing skills using software that allows you to practice interviews for free check in the internet or use your computer video setting and have some questions ready and practiced until it feels better watch how you look are you looking at the interviewer? Do you look confident ?

    network, reach out to hiring managers attend job fairs , I went on several at fairy godboss and met a few recruiters as well as a ceo of a company they can be very helpful, and don’t forget friends and family

    don’t give up it will happen eventually !

11. AnonymousJuly 22,2023 at 1:03PM UTC

    Recently I was told by a recruiter when they get resumes for a job they look for an external employee first to fill the position. Then they look for a veteran to fill the position if there wasn’t an employee wanting the job. After all that if an employee or veteran doesn’t qualify they look externally. The problem with this is each position, especially if it’s a good paying job, hundreds of people apply. Your resume can be number 103 and the recruiter will only look at the first twenty resumes.

    I was told you have to be on LinkedIn constantly and get notifications of when new jobs post. Then send your resume immediately.

    I hope this helped. Good luck!

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

    This is solid advice that was given to me and it has paid dividends. I was hired by a major tech company for an amazing job that they posted on LinkedIn. Of course, I’m qualified, but I also made sure I was one of the first to apply - within 24 hours of the REQ being posted.

    Sourcers and recruiters are busy and if they find five to ten great applicants in the first 30

    who apply then experience and the math suggests that they don’t have review the submitted resumes that were 31st or greater.

    A winning combination is a great resume, good experience and submitting the application within a day or so of the role being posted.

13. Tara JamesJuly 22,2023 at 1:07PM UTC

    I have been looking for a job since January and have only a made it to one final interview. I thought my writing could use some improvement so I started playing with ChatGPT. It’s an amazing tool. I copy and pasted my resume, instructed it to revamp my resume and the result is fantastic. I started putting in job descriptions for the positions I wanted and then pasted my résumé and asked it for a cover letter They are better than the ones I have written. You have to be careful and check it closely, because there are some inaccuracies you will need to correct or you might not like all of the wording. But it cleans up the writing and takes some of the burden off. Try it and see what you think.

    Also with the job search, I’m beginning to think that it’s true that networking is everything.

14. KimBley GriffinJuly 22,2023 at 1:43PM UTC

    I'm job-searching now for another Sr. QA Engineer position, but because I got my last two QAE jobs by word-of-mouth recommendations, I'm thinking that the same will be true for this next opportunity. So, yes, networking is everything. Until that golden call comes, we job-seekers have to continue searching and applying to those prospective positions that we come across.

15. AnonymousJuly 22,2023 at 4:41PM UTC

    Don't give up hope, it is taking 6 months on average for folks to find a new role in some circles. If you are out of work it is a bit longer. Don't just apply, reach out to people in your network that are once removed and ask for a leg in. Look at forums where the companies products are being spoken about and reach into those networks too. Look for competitive companies that are similar to where you applied and also look at venture capital companies that list startups, unless you prefer big corps. Spend an hour a day focused on the search and always do follow ups persistence helps and so does getting out into meetups to see what others are doing. I'm not sure that any of what I said is any different than what you already know but sometimes you need someone to reinforce and cheer you on from the sidelines! You got this!!!!!!

16. AnonymousJuly 22,2023 at 6:30PM UTC

    I'm going to shift the focus a little from the “perfect resume” and “the system is rigged” theme I'm noticing and try a different approach. You seem like you have a good head on your shoulders and are asking the right questions but like many in this thread, you are an unknown factor.

    If you don't have a LinkedIn, indeed, or glass door account, to name a few, most recruiters may be weary. To remove that unknown factor start engaging online providing the knowledge you have and the enthusiasm behind it. You want to remove the doubt about who you are when they search (and they will search) and show potential opportunities why you're it. Things to think about in this ever evolving landscape of “job hunting”.

    Cheers

17. AnonymousJuly 23,2023 at 8:59PM UTC

    I wish I had great advice but I am sitting here wondering what I have to offer. I guess what I have learned along the way. I do think it is important to always keep in mind that you are not alone. You never are as so many are going through the same pain. You are valuable. Tell the truth as people can see right through it when you don’t. Authenticity is valued by everyone. But you can tell the truth artfully and always with positivity. “I learned a lot, had a wonderful team.” For example, then a brief reason. Never say too much. And don’t offer what is not asked about why you left. People also value discretion. If an interview doesn’t go well, you can learn what you didn’t like about it and do better the next time. And pay attention to whether you like the people interviewing you. That matters too! When screening resumes to get that call, I think people are right here - key words to describe what you do relative to the opening matter. Do your homework before interviews, as I’m sure you are. You deserve what you want and when you approach it with integrity you will get it. We have all been there, discouraged. I certainly have. It sucks. It will get better. Keep trying and never give up. Treat yourself to walks, good books, etc. You will get a great job if you haven’t as I write this. I am pulling for you! You’ve got this.

18. AnonymousJuly 24,2023 at 2:43PM UTC

    Here are two resources that may be helpful:

    • How to create a resume targeted to a specific job: https://www.bigmarker.com/naa-career-webinar-series/Bullseye-How-to-Create-a-Resume-Targeted-to-a-Specific-Job?bmid=d977f859884e
    • How to build internal advocates in Target Organizations: The 2-Hour Job Search, 2nd edition, by Steve Dalton.