Job searching is exhausting.

41 Comments

1. Cheryl ShawFebruary 11,2024 at 2:34PM UTC

   Do you have a role where you could work contract or temporary for a while until you land a permanent role?

2. AnonymousFebruary 11,2024 at 2:39PM UTC

   It is challenging, but you can't get discouraged. Try earnbetter.com. It will help you improve your resume and tailor it to each position you apply for. I'm in the same boat (laid off since June 2023). But as soon as I started using earnbetter.com I started getting interviews.

   A job offer is around the corner! Good luck!!

3. AnonymousFebruary 11,2024 at 3:57PM UTC

   I'll try that out, thank you!

4. Dr. FeeFebruary 11,2024 at 2:39PM UTC

   I feel your pain…I have been out of work since, wait for it…11/2022!!!

   I have over 30 years of experience and hold a Doctorate in my career field. I have only heard back from 15 organizations. Each one stating that my experience exceeds the position requirements, WTH???

   It seems that lack of response has become the ‘silent rejection’ method. Resulting in self doubt in the applicants and a boat load of applicants. The best unsolicited advice that I can give is to ensure that your information on the various job sites is up to date and reflects the ‘key words’ aligned with your field. AI does a lot of the pre-screening, machines have ‘Zero Emotion’.

   I hope this was helpful, I wish you success as you continue your job journey ✨

5. marcia wilburFebruary 11,2024 at 3:01PM UTC

   Ok I have had challenges too with 30 years.. masters in IT and solid career. Was told after an interview I was overqualified and was like WTH! Took a full time… the company was in the red… had 4 ppl in same role, told me role was eliminated… guy hired after me was kept on… so… got a lawyer.

6. Stephanie Branch LekowskiFebruary 11,2024 at 5:01PM UTC

   It's called ageism. Telling us we're overqualified is the "It's Not You, It's Me" of the corporate world. It's BS.

7. AnonymousFebruary 11,2024 at 5:22PM UTC

   If any firm does take the time to respond, if only to reject you, they at least have the courtesy to let you know. That's a firm you can apply to again.

8. Ashley CrawfordFebruary 12,2024 at 1:17PM UTC

   Have you thought about while searching starting your own side business? I know it may seem challenging, but I myself started my own and am glad I did. It can be something that teaches you other skills as well and to add those to your resume. Just a thought, here is you have any questions on it !

9. Mesha HamptonFebruary 12,2024 at 2:18PM UTC

   That long without at least an interview makes me think it’s your resume but it’s hard to tell without more info. For instance, how competitive is your field? What are you doing to stay current in your field?

10. AnonymousFebruary 12,2024 at 7:45PM UTC

    I'm a graphic designer, and I'm finding that the biggest competition is AI. I've been learning more about it, but am not sure how to express that in my resume. I try to keep up with the current trends, but it changes so often.

11. MelissaFebruary 12,2024 at 2:48PM UTC

    I’ve been doing the same since March 2023 knowing that my last contract job was ending. It’s almost 6 months being unemployed. The market is flooded with HR IT roles.

    Best wishes for you!

12. AnonymousFebruary 12,2024 at 7:01PM UTC

    Check out Phyl Terry's Never Search Alone. Just joined a Job Search Council and am hoping that helps. I am in the same boat and so interested in what tools others have used to get past the resume screening process.

13. BrendaFebruary 13,2024 at 3:04PM UTC

    Have you considered getting a career coach? I know it's an investment, but it could be worth doing it. LinkedIn Learning has some resources on how to tailor your resume, cover letter for specific jobs. If I remember correctly, it may give you 1 free month to try it out. There are classes on how to leverage ChatGPT for your job search. Just a few thoughts, and I hope you find your new job soon!

14. AnonymousFebruary 13,2024 at 3:59PM UTC

    I know how you feel. I too have been applying and no luck. Even when my credentials perfectly align not one single response. I have been trying to look at job posting sites and other places where people provide their experience and overall it seems that it’s not an isolated problem. Not only that it looks like some companies are putting up ghost postings to make it look like they are growing as a company, others are doing it to gather information of external applicants and using that as a metric on their internal employees within that position.

    Overall the general message I’m getting from other people in the same position is that half the time the reason your résumé does not make it downstream is because of AI technology doing all this filtering.

    Not sure if you have Reddit but there is a resume subreddit that you can submit your resume too and get feedback. Same thing with career guidance etc. there are some good subreddits on the various topics that you may be interested in. It provides a platform for people to share their experiences and provide some insights.

15. AnonymousFebruary 13,2024 at 8:02PM UTC

    Thank you for the insight. What is the subreddit?

16. Ashley CrawfordFebruary 13,2024 at 5:22PM UTC

    There are opportunities that require $0. If you look at being an Affiliate for a company, many require no money to be an affiliate to promote products.

    that is one way to try to make some money on the side.

17. AnonymousFebruary 14,2024 at 1:10PM UTC

    I feel the same, and I'm working 1.5 jobs to get paid enough to make ends meet. I have an MPA, and I'm an Operations and F for a statewide non-profit. My boss keeps hiring more people, and to keep things equitable wants to make everyone pay the same. However, some new hires, and less qualified, are getting paid more than I do, while my workload increases with each staff addition. I'm too tired to keep on applying for jobs, and not even hearing back. I'm done with the BS of equity while some people have to work more hours to get their jobs done (me), and the rest is demanding unlimited PTO and 4 day work weeks (not good for operations managers who handle HR and finances). I'm even considering moving out of my state because everyone knows each other here, and I can't even complain.

18. AnonymousFebruary 14,2024 at 1:20PM UTC

    I have 10 years experience and I'm experiencing the same thing. I change my resume to fit each posting to try and make it past the filtering system only to have a rejection email shortly thereafter. I'm so tired. I'm lucky that I have a contract position currently, but that could change any day now. I'm terrified.

19. AnonymousFebruary 14,2024 at 1:57PM UTC

    I am in the same boat!

20. AnonymousFebruary 14,2024 at 1:24PM UTC

    Places are hiring, they just don't care about experience and are hiring their family members with no experience over other people.

21. AnonymousFebruary 14,2024 at 2:19PM UTC

    There is no supporting evidence for this, and every company in every field cannot be doing it. Simply untrue.

22. AnonymousFebruary 14,2024 at 3:55PM UTC

    this made me laugh, thank you

23. AnonymousFebruary 14,2024 at 1:28PM UTC

    Are you networking? Have you been upping your skills? If your resume isn't getting through, perhaps you need it to be rewritten?

24. EmployeeFebruary 14,2024 at 1:32PM UTC

    What is your profession? I am a Software Engineer and I am experiencing the same, just to know if it is something related to the field

25. AnonymousFebruary 14,2024 at 7:22PM UTC

    I'm in Graphic Design. It's not just one field.

26. S. LazareFebruary 14,2024 at 2:25PM UTC

    I understand. I have been out of work since 2022. The amount of rejection is exhausting. It can make you feel like you are worth less than you are.

    I don't know if you are comfortable with using AI as a tool but I have been asking ChatGPT to strengthen my resume based on a job description. Just copy and paste them in and let AI generate a resume for you. If you don't like it you can regenerate a new response. I started getting hits and interviews directly after. I am still looking as well so I'm right there with you.

    I know it's hard but you are still worthy of a good job and great pay. We will get there. The game rules have changed so we must play differently. YOU GOT THIS!

27. Koka MiltonFebruary 14,2024 at 2:25PM UTC

    I am sorry you have had a hard few years.

    My suggestion would be to join a group to support you on the job search journey with like minded professionals. That groups will help you do career life together such as resume, job search, interviews, and best job fit for you.

    It may not be you, it maybe what you are applying for there maybe a better role that aligns with your skill set. A support system will help you with these questions.

    I would also suggest for ideas and best path forward look at LI "Job Search Council" and lunch club platform to meet people and share your thoughts for feedback on how to be more successful at finding a perfect role for you.

    Also use chatGPT as your job search partner. In other words what do you lack? Ask Chat how to remediate that weakness.

    Important note, you do not have to pay for support, everything is at your disposal online. Be a student and find people who walked the path for a trail for your journey.
    Hope this helps.

28. AnonymousFebruary 14,2024 at 3:11PM UTC

    Get a new point of view with your resume. It really can make a big difference. I've been laid off a few time and it was rough many times, but after focus on my resume I did get more attention.

29. Anabel Ruiz-MoralesFebruary 14,2024 at 3:41PM UTC

    I recommend this newsletter: https://www.jobseekingishard.com.

    He has really good content for free and of course he also has premium content you have to pay for. But the free content is good and may help you better navigate your job search.

30. NinaFebruary 14,2024 at 3:48PM UTC

    The right job will come your way. Do not give up the search. In the interim, as you wait, sharpen up your skills and learn new skills. Cousera is a good site. You can learn something new to enhance your resume further. There are employers hiring and the right one will come your way.

31. AnonymousFebruary 14,2024 at 3:55PM UTC

    I am in a similar situation too, Its been 6 month post graduation(MBA), gotten some interviews but no offer yet. Rejection emails definitely suck and the worst are recruiters who reach out and ghost you and those you don't get rejection emails from till after 2-3 months, and you are like oh, so I applied there.

    I am very sure you have tried a lot of trick to fit in, but if you haven't already done this, a lot of people have suggested using AI like chatGPT, I would say give Jobscan a try, they have this free trial that has features like power edit that can help you align your resume with the job description while still meeting ATS standards.

    Also this rejections could be for several reasons, could you share more information on what you think could be the reasons. For me , I require sponsorship sometimes in the future, I believe this is one of the biggest factors that might be turning this people off. I recall, i was suppose to have an interview by 10 am, the recruiter calls by 10:05 am to tell me they don't offer sponsorship, after I had spent 2 days preparing for it.

    All I have to say is, please don't give up, keep up skilling, ask for help just like you are doing now, seek volunteer positions that could give you experience while you are waiting for full time position(to avoid gaps) and get all the love and support you need from family and friends while you wait.

    All the best to both us ! This too shall pass...

32. Béatrice Denise ChahineFebruary 14,2024 at 4:41PM UTC

    I read this and I can't give advice because I've been in it since what feels for forever. I can only agree that it is a nightmare. Full-time, part-time, just putting the foot through the door, and even years ago, when I was looking for internships. It's enough to go through several burn-outs, before and during the pandemic. You're not alone.

33. AnonymousFebruary 14,2024 at 5:30PM UTC

    I am in the same boat.
    Several job applications have led me to a few interviews with recruiters and hiring managers and I am trying everything - tailored resume to JD, lower title, higher title, AI prompts, etc... I just had a 4 minute-interview with a recruiter that rushed me out. It is pathetic. Hang in there! Take a break if you can afford such thing. This too shall pass.

34. Kelsey BurnesFebruary 14,2024 at 5:46PM UTC

    I'd say your resume is the issue if you haven't gotten one interview. I've seen resume tools like some of these: https://topai.tools/s/Resume-review-tool - there are different tools that can help you use the right formatting and wording for any companies using HR software for auto candidate qualification. Next, I'd ask a few veteran recruiters to review your resume for tips.

    Be open to the companies/roles you are looking at (if you aren't already) from size, industry, role title, pay, etc.

    Also, get linkedin premium so you can send inmails to hiring managers or recruiters at the companies you are most interested in after applying. Create cover letters per job application, or at least the ones you are very interested in, if you are not already.

    Join groups of others in your space/role. Network at events or in online communities. Most candidates are placed via someone in their network.

    Finally, don't burnout from applying to jobs. Be sure to take days off and enjoy time off.

    Best of luck!

35. AnonymousFebruary 14,2024 at 5:47PM UTC

    I wish I could help, but I've been at it for 19 months. I've had a few interviews, some of which went very well but have gone nowhere. I've got 25+ years of experience and I'm starting to think my age (mid-50s) might be an issue. Sorry, I couldn't help. Just keep your head up and keep at it. Good luck!

36. sherri jonesFebruary 14,2024 at 7:40PM UTC

    It's all the wrong emotions sometimes, rejection, exhaustion, sadness

37. LORI-ANN BURLINGAMEFebruary 14,2024 at 10:15PM UTC

    Have you had your resume/cover letter(s) reviewed by an objective third party? Many unemployment office have employment specialists on staff that can help with this (at no cost to you).

    Often times, it can be the tone of the resume that can be a red flag to companies. Also, make sure that your resume format is easy for the company to review.

    Sending you positive energy!

38. Uma CharlesFebruary 15,2024 at 3:45PM UTC

    Any particular agency who does this? can you share the name and contact no please?

39. AnonymousFebruary 15,2024 at 3:48PM UTC

    Firstly, just know that your perception of the job market is 100% accurate. it's a miserable place right now, the market is ruthless and people simply don't care. So yeah, you get ghosted and rejected like crazy. it' happening everywhere (if you go on LinkedIn, you will see this and know you're not alone). So...it's NOT YOU. and yes, you'll have people tell you to do cartwheels, update your resume, change your profile picture, get off social media and 100 other things. But often, none of this works. I am a medical professional...years of experience and degrees. I was approached by a hospital system 4 mos ago (THEY APPROACHED ME about their need for another provider in an office)---they were DESPERATE and wanted to hire me "yesterday" (their words). I went thru 2 hour long interviews, filled out background check info, had/have local stellar recommendations and then, on Jan 11...I get an email: "We appreciate your service to this community and your excellent reputation. But we've decided to not fill this position" (Mind you, THEY HAD APPROACHED ME IN OCTOBER)...omg. (AND, this email was after about 6 weeks of SILENCE....even the recruiter apologized to me and said "Call me. I don't want to email this conversation")....So yeah, it's bad out there. What can you do? Well, you need money. and I am assuming you've run out of unemployment by now. Can you work as a substitute teacher? The schools are desperate for good folks to sub....and do some volunteer work. Sell stuff on FB marketplace, pray, EXERCISE (very important)... Something is going to open up for you, but it won't be thru a traditional avenue- those aren't working for most of us. It's going to be thru someone who recognizes you, as a person, as someone of value...not AI or a computer generated job application. Dig deep and low and get out there. I'm serious about subbing for the schools. We need good people like you. Hang in there.

40. AnonymousFebruary 15,2024 at 7:52PM UTC

    Thank you very much ?

41. Suzie S.March 11,2024 at 4:33AM UTC

    I have been on a job hunt since I received my MPA in 2021. I still make only 60k and cannot afford rent in New York. I have been applying almost every day, and I have received numerous rejection letters. I refuse to give up! I have two more job fairs coming up this week.