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Are there any advocates for the long-term unemployed?

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Anonymous

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Are there any advocates for the long-term unemployed?

I don't know why my job search isn't resulting in more interviews. This isn't the first time I've had to look for a job. Someone mentioned that my application must be falling in the black hole of resume applications, which isn't reassuring. For someone who has been unemployed for a while now, it's nice to see that others are able to get job offers or promotions, but it's also distressing as more time has passed and I can barely get human replies for an interview.

When speaking with people for advice I'm told I'm doing everything I'm supposed to be, and this is just part of the process. Also not that reassuring, even if that's what they're trying to do.

A few months ago I applied for a role that I really wanted and was sent a WOTC questionnaire. For those who aren't familiar, a WOTC is a hiring incentive for employers to hire a candidate experiencing economic hardship. I provided my information and still have not heard about the position or whether they are even interviewing.

At my most recent interview, after it seemed like it was going well, one of the people on the panel wanted to know what prompted me to leave my last job. It was as if the pandemic shutdown and layoffs have been forgotten.

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  1. Anonymous

    I hear you. Short terms memory issues prevai when just 8 months ago companies couldn't hire fast enough.

    I would try an have your resume reviewed and get some feedback. Maybe a few tweak are needed to get you more attention.

    Finally, bear in mind that we are coming down to the holidays and many companies slow down on all fronts during this time. So that not to say there won't be companies hiring but it is just the volume of opportunities won't be there until after the new year.

    So bottom line is it may just be the market, time of year and things slowing down.

    Keep your chin up. Things will get better.

  2. Lisa Wernau

    You’re not alone. I was also laid off due to Covid and have been looking for a job for about a year. Just keep plugging along, that’s all we can do. Good luck on your job search and I hope you find something soon.

  3. Anonymous

    Hi there, I'm in the very same boat. I've been looking for a good job technically the past 5 years (found a part-time cake decorating gig that turned into a full-time bakery management position, and things went south fast when I began managing people who'd been my peers)...All of this to say that the answer "hang in there" has never really cut it for me. I'm working with a career coach (have worked with a couple different ones) and I was really hoping to turn a corner this time. So far, no luck, and I'm getting coached to continue conducting online research to find companies of interest. It is disheartening to hear there's "nothing wrong" with my resume, cover letters, or approach, yet nothing is panning out.

    My personal plan is to dig deeper into finding companies of interest, or look at my LinkedIn network and reach out to folks who seem to enjoy their workplaces. Reaching out blindly or applying online have not yielded any results for me. I'm prioritizing in-person work (vs. remote), so that may limit my options quite a bit for now, but I'm walking into places/ looking at companies where I can observe the day-to-day interactions a bit and look for a positive vibe. That may mean more retail jobs in the immediate future (as opposed to a professional/ office job), but I'm hoping work will beget work. I wish you all the best and will be following this thread, too!

  4. Anonymous

    I sympathize! I am in the same boat with you you are not alone I am getting zero traction and even denied from retail jobs for being “overqualified” this is such a difficult time but we will all get through it! My best wishes!

  5. Anonymous

    I was on a call with one of my networking groups and Someone who is a recruiter said It’s best to send a word document of your résumé instead of a PDF. It should not be more than two pages long and it’s important to tailor your resume to align with the job posting. You might consider having someone review your résumé, there are some free organizations out there that will do it for you.
    It’s so frustrating and exhausting, but hang in there! Best wishes to you.

  6. Anonymous

    Ime recruiters like word docs because they're very easily editable. Obviously not all recruiters are shady, but enough are that I'd be hesitant to not stick with pdf

  7. IntentionGirl929256

    Yes, WorkSource staff have been working with job seekers ( offering resume workshops, mock interviews, job coaching) throughout the pandemic. We are attached to the Employment offices in every state in the US, and do not charge for our services.

  8. Tracy Trimblett

    Www.Christian HELP.org/employment free one on one career coaching to get you in your next job. All service free and all virtual

  9. Rebecca Ali

    There are online groups like The Mom Project and iRelaunch. iRelaunch has a great "roadmap" to work through to get your networking, resume etc. up to date. Definitely check that out to see if it's a fit. Good luck. I know it's hard.

  10. Victoria Mikulan

    I definitely can relate! I was laid off Dec. 2019 and didn’t find anything until April 2021, and that found me from someone I worked with when I was an intern in college! Even so, the role is only part time (I’m a contractor) and while they want to extend my contract, there is no timetable for me to become a salaried, full time employee. Hard to live off of.

    My time unemployed has left me with a lot of time for self-reflection lol. Network, especially outside of your current circle. That’ll be beneficial regardless. I did a lot of researching into resumes, cover letters, and interviews and I have evolved lol. If you aren’t already, tailor your resume for each position you’re applying for. You won’t need to overhaul your resume each time, but showing how your skills can align with the role is beneficial. Also, initially a lot of resumes are looked at by a computer rather than a person and they’re looking for those keywords. Consider hiring a resume writer to help with your resume. I did, and it was transformational lol.

    Keep written things short and succinct. Clear and concise is the way to go.

    I wouldn’t worry about people asking why you left, I think that’s just routine. I say that I was laid off before the pandemic, then the pandemic happened. When they ask why I’m leaving my current role, I say PT isn’t sustainable. Don’t overthink it; easier said than done. But there are really good resources on the internet!

  11. Anonymous

    If you are willing, please share what industry you're coming from. we might be able to give more specific suggestions if we know just a wee bit more about you. Also, consider doing volunteer work. I continue to be a volunteer twice/month in an activity that is aligned with my professional interests (and also gives me joy). I believe, for me, that this is a good connection as I continue to try to eek out a living doing Contract work (lost my full time gig a while ago). As another poster shared here, having time to reflect is super important during this season. More time off has made me a nicer, more appreciative spouse and more available mother. I like these changes. I don't like less income, but I can't seem to have both (time/quality and larger income). Time is money, and I've also come to realize that more time (for me) has helped to enhance the things I value most in my life. Godspeed friend. But consider my volunteerism suggestion; it will help moreso with your networking.

  12. SMK

    Thank you for your post! I left my job during the pandemic ( for health concerns) and after the vaccinations became public began applying for jobs. First I began only applying in my field and now I am applying for anything and everything. I've gotten a few interviews, for positions I am overqualified for, and nothing else. Friends and family think I am not trying hard enough to find employment, they have no idea the frustrations ir hours of time I spend online, in groups, on my resume, etc.

    I have faith things will work out in time, but the frustration is overwhelming....

  13. Sarah

    Hi all! Yes there are advocates! Check out iRelaunch, the Mom Project. They have excellent support systems and corporate connections to get you BACK to work. I just relaunched GM's career "relauncher" program, Take 2. We are now offering full time employment for relaunchers. We have specific areas we are targeting in Manufacturing, Engineering and IT at this time. Feel free to hit me up! sarah.deladurantey@gm.com. More info here: https://search-careers.gm.com/c/career-reentry-programs-jobs

  14. Sarah

    Check out this relauncher job board: https://jobs.irelaunch.com/info

  15. Sarah

    You can also share your resume and receive job alerts etc: https://jobs.irelaunch.com/info

  16. Anonymous

    I have more questions than answers… questions that might help you reflect on how you are being seen as as a prospective employee. How’s your social media presence? Does it match the qualities the employer is looking for? Do your skills ad experience directly match the position? If not, are you able to clearly communicate how your skill set will help the company grow if you were to be hired for the position? As others have said, have someone review your resume and also rehearse your responses to common interview questions. If the search is taking too long, consider getting an additional certificate or other credential your field. Network with the people in the class and perhaps even your professor would know of open positions that would be a good fit for you. Sometimes volunteering can lead to a paying job. I know there are plenty of jobs still out there. Keep applying for the jobs that are the best fit for your skills and experience and you will get there eventually.

  17. Bosslady287732

    Make sure the resume is tailored for the specific job. You should use same key terms and phrases. If they use AI to screen resume it will search for that phrase or term and delete any resume that doesn’t have it even if the is something synonymous. Double check spelling. If the job requires detail and you miss something like that it sticks out. Most interviewers are busy and read from a script so may not acknowledge issues pertaining to the pandemic. Just answer the question anyway.

  18. Anonymous

    People are getting jobs through connections. It appears to be the old-fashioned press the flesh triumph. If you are unsure about your next adventure, don't rule out two part-time, flexible jobs. Just make sure that you or your partner carry health care insurance for the family.

  19. Karen Gongaware

    When you are dealing with clearly an idiot, just smile and state Covid layoffs. Then let it go. Be confident in your interviews. Do not be desperate. A company has to hire talent to stay in business. They also have to be willing to compensate talent or they get what they paid for. You are that talent. Personally I would not fill out a WOTC form. Everyone is experiencing hardship, but the form basically screams desperate for a job.
    And the others are totally correct in telling you to tailor your resume for each job, including your cover letter. In the meantime take some training courses in your field to show you just didn't sit around. Have faith, the right job is there for you.

  20. Caroline

    I was in a similar situation from last November to this past June. Applying to jobs. Some interviews. Very few nibbles. It seriously sucks and I’m sorry you’re stuck in that loop.

    The best advice I have is to make sure your resume and LinkedIn are up to date. I ended up finding my current job through a recruiter on LinkedIn because I used their “I’m open to opportunities” section and they found me. That’s a great resource and it’s nice to have someone advocating for you and setting things up with the potential employer on your behalf.

    Something that is expensive but I think is worth the cost is to have a professional resume writer do your resume for you if you haven’t already. I’m a professional writer so for a long time I thought “I don’t need to pay someone to do something I know how to do” but I wasn’t getting any traction because I don’t know how to game the ATS software. It doesn’t matter what a great candidate you are or how perfect you are for the job if no one sees your resume because it gets screened out by the ATS software.

    Another massive help is your cover letter. I know it sucks to have yet another step in applying for a job (because it’s a numbers game so you end up applying to soooo many) but that’s a great resource to market yourself. Be honest about your situation. Address why you’ve been unemployed as long as you have and why that won’t be an issue because XYZ reason. Tell them specifically (based on the job description) why you’re the perfect person for the job due to XYZ accomplishments. Keep it short, but advocate for yourself. Hiring managers do read those and it’s a great tool to go ahead and address any elephants in the room that might possibly be giving them pause about bringing you in for an interview.

    There’s a lot of shifting going on in the workplace these days with a lot of availability out there. I’m confident that simply getting in front of people and telling them “I want this job” will help you land an exciting new opportunity.

  21. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    YOU SAID:

    "but I wasn’t getting any traction because I don’t know how to game the ATS software. It doesn’t matter what a great candidate you are or how perfect you are for the job if no one sees your resume because it gets screened out by the ATS software. "

    As a recruiter with over 20 years experience, I can tell you that there is NO "gaming the ATS". Resumes are also not screened out by the ATS.

    The ATS is basically an electronic filing cabinet. It's a data base. It stores resumes.

    Occasionally, they are set up with "knock out" questions. Those questions were set up by humans. Like if the position requires a specific degree. If you respond that you do not have that degree, you will be "knocked out". Even you are knocked out, your resume is still stored in the ATS and still very much visible to any and all recruiters.

    I look at every single resume that gets submitted to my jobs. With my eyeballs.

    You know what gets a resume noticed? Being qualified for the position.

  22. Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume Writer

    You don't mention networking - what percentage of your job search time is spent talking with people who can help you get your foot in the door? This is the single best job search activity you can engage in.

  23. Anonymous

    You're definitely not alone. I was laid off two years ago next month. I was able to score a consulting gig not long after, but then COVID happened and the gig ended in April 2020. I've been looking ever since.

    I've applied to over 100 jobs, worked with a career coach, got my resume professionally redone, been networking on and off LinkedIn, taking online courses to keep my skills sharp. In other words doing everything I'm supposed to do and I've gotten a dozen interviews out of it at best.

    So I totally understand your frustration. I can't add to the good advice that the others have given, but I will say take things one day at a time. If you start thinking too far ahead about interviews, bills, etc. it can become quite overwhelming. If you can get through the end of the day in one piece, so to speak, that is a victory.

    Here's hoping that the coming months will bring a positive turn in fortunes for you, me, and everyone else in this crappy situation.

  24. Jody Laflen

    I am sorry for how hard this has been, I have been there. There may be advocates, but all I’ve ever heard of are career centers at community colleges who serve the whole community (not just students). It depends on the college and their resources though.

    The other audit is to look at whether it’s your skill set that’s not getting you the job. Really look at the required skills for each job and be honest with yourself - are you proficient enough in all of them to hit the ground running? Employers don’t want to train.

    Then look at the ideal requirements. Are you proficient in 1-2 of these? Nobody expects you to be more than that, but the job market is very competitive,.

    The interviewers know the pandemic exists, but your answer should include what you learned, projects you completed, etc. while at home, and not just used as the reason (even though it is and the question is ridiculous).

    Anyway, if, being honest, you don’t feel you could confidently do the work requirements, think about retraining (you can get low-income grants at community colleges). Look at job requirements where you can describe career highlights that are similar to what their job post seeks, so you can shine.

  25. Taylor Hutchinson

    Oof. First, breathe. they don't call it a jungle out there for nothing my friend. This "ghosting" thing is real, on both sides...

    perhaps this is from my particular professional orientation, but here goes: Most states, perhaps including the one where you live / work have various public / public-private partnerships to help people boost their vocational prospects. (Disclosure: I've been the beneficiary of a few of them.) From the public aspect, that is usually state/federal-funded, check out your state's vocational rehab office -- in Washington, ours is sponsored by DSHS and is called DVR (Department of Voc Rehab -- clever, I know). Also we have something called WorkSource here which is run by DES and is a place to take classes, work on your resume, meet with experts -- veterans, TANF, etc. -- and generally pick up research tested advice on the employment landscape. you can also work your career game, resumes, etc., in the Resource Room/ Computer Lab. If that's not your thing, or you get a referral somewhere -- like you might with DVR -- there's also various public private partnerships depending on your situation.

    Above all else, though, keep swimming! Those who ghost you, I assure, aren't ready for your awesomeness. Go forth and kick some career butt my friend. I've heard the career search process compared often to dating / matchmaking. Sometimes you have to kiss a few (or many!) frogs in the process...

  26. GirlBossanova934974

    Be sure you are on Linkedin with a very up to date resume, profile, and skillsets. Next be sure you are subscribed to 1-2 daily emails from Linkedin using a wide variety of keywords. Log in twice per day on Linkedin to apply for jobs with less than 30 or so applicants. The secret is to get a critical mass of applications out there with several interviews lined up at a time. Recruiters are searching LinkedIn 24 hours per day looking for candidates like you.....

  27. Michelle MAHLSTADT

    I'm in same boat, so unfortunately I can't help, but I do feel your pain.

  28. Danielle Simon

    Something's obviously not right. You don't give enough info here to know what. I don't know how you're applying for jobs, what kinds of jobs and what kinds of work experience you have. But you have to do something different from what you've been doing, or else you're not going to get different results.

    What I tend to see from people who are struggling to find a job right now is either they're recent grads with very little work experience or they're trying to get jobs for which they have no related experience. Almost all of the people I've tried to help have resumes that need improvement, as well. And they're relying on Indeed--which, I'm sorry, in my experience has been mostly a dead end for trying to find a job--they're applying on company web sites and getting filtered by the ATS and/or they're applying through staffing agency web sites vs being recruited by one. I've never found any of these to be effective. Unless I feel confident that an actual person is going to look at my resume and cover letter, I don't apply. That means applying through LinkedIn (but not if they send me to an ATS system-looking site) or directly to an email address, usually.

    I also don't see anything wrong with or unusual about an employer asking you why you left your last job. It's a standard question, and they can't assume why you left. You could just as easily have said you had problems with your previous boss, which would have been a red flag to them. The pandemic is not why everyone, among people who are looking for a job, is looking for a new job.

  29. colleen

    I have to get better at using linkedin. I like how indeed is set up but haven't had any luck with it and I have applied for 100 jobs on there. I am trying to go from a retail job to an office job , so I am not sure if that is the problem or what

  30. Anonymous

    I've had a lot of success with LinkedIn, but also AngelList. If you're interested in startups or scaleups totally worth trying out

  31. Anonymous

    Sometimes your higher power is trying to grab your attention that you are supposed to be doing something else, which is why you aren't finding another position like you are hoping for and need. In my case I was wrongfully terminated due to being disabled by my last traditional employer. I applied for over 500 positions, had about 10-15 interviews and not a single offer in 6 months of looking. I even had one potential employer send me a private message on Indeed after an interview that they weren't going to hire me due to being disabled even though I could've easily done the job with some minor accommodations. After that experience I was very disheartened and went to go and visit with a good friend of mine, and he told me that he thought I should go back to the basics and use my education by becoming a self-employed bookkeeper. I took his advice and started my own small business where I almost exclusively work with other micro-business owners (5 or less employees including the owner), which is my specialty due to having grown up in a household where my parents small business fit into this category of small businesses and I loved working for them. Sometimes, what we want and what we are supposed to be doing are two different things, which is what I found out. I was wanting a sit down office job, instead I eventually realized that I was supposed to open my own small bookkeeping firm and help other micro-business owners like myself to have a great set of books at a rate that they could afford. I love what I do and I now can't imagine doing anything else.

    So, the best thing I'd say is go and talk to your trusted friends and family in person, or through other means of communication if you aren't able to meet with them in person. In my case it helped me a lot to refocus on what I needed to be doing, instead of what I wanted to do.

  32. colleen

    I left my retail job after 16 years and have been applying like crazy the last 3 months, for an office job but don't hear anything back usually. I left my retail job because of my disability it was getting to hard to be on my feet all day. Thought I would try and get an office job or something from home. I can and want to work and if it was an office job I would need little to no accommodations

  33. Anonymous

    i love your reply here and agree!

  34. colleen

    I am in the same boat. It least it sounds like you are getting interviews. I just keep applying and either hear back that I am not qualified and don't have the right skills. which I feel I have most of the skills they ask for. Or I hear nothing. It is frustrating. Not sure what to do next. I have changed my resume around a few times hoping that would help but no luck yet. I have reached out to a recruiter but get the voicemail from him days later. and I finally got him though e mail, but nothing has really been set up yet.

  35. Joanna Poe

    There are resources through your state's unemployment office, like resume review, coaching, interview practice, etc. It's easy to get discouraged in this market and these times, but keep trying, and something is sure to stick.

  36. Pattie Vargas

    It's been said but the percentage of people who land a new position via responding to job postings is woefully low - think less than 14%. Your best bet is to leverage LinkedIn and networking contacts. When you see a job posting check to see who you are connected to in LinkedIn who is connected to that job posting. Getting a warm referral in is a much more effective way to land.

  37. Anonymous

    This is a total myth; referrals absolutely do not account for 86%+ of job offers. Recruitment budgets (not to mention the existence of recruiters) just don't support this narrative.

    This isn't to say that referrals aren't great - they totally are! You're pretty much guaranteed to have your materials looked at and a thumbs up from a current employee could be gold.

    But an unenthusiastic referral (like connections of connections tend to be) isn't going to hold much weight. And if the person passing your info along is a low performer, an asshole, or otherwise not well-respected it will totally reflect on you in a bad way.

    All of this is to say - if you have a good in, definitely take it. But efforts are generally much better spent on making your application stand out so much they can't help but want to talk to you.

    I personally ALWAYS look at applications, even if I have a strong referral candidate. Why? I might find someone better suited. Or someone who could be a great fit on another team. Or someone I'm so excited about, I have to find a place for them - even if that means creating a new role. All three of these situations have happened more than once in my three years of management.

    Just a note: there are some industries that are impossible to break into unless you know someone. These are the exception and you 100% know if you're in one.

  38. Anonymous

    Any openings at your organization?! I'm just beginning my job search and realize that it may take some time to find a perfect fit. It has been a challenge to stay positive since my work environment is very toxic and is beginning to impact my mental health.

  39. Anonymous

    Actually yes! What is your industry?

  40. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    That is absolute BS. If that were true, companies wouldn't have entire teams spending all day, every day sourcing for candidates. They would just work through their "86% referrals".

  41. Phyllis Reid

    The job application process has now become tedious, frustrating and a complete waste of time. Also there is tremendous age discrimination in the hiring process. The younger personnel doing the hiring cannot relate to the informed and intelligent older well trained, educated and experienced older applicants. That is why you get stupid questions. The talents of the smart, motivated job hunters now go to entrepreneurship, which is difficult to start, but it is the only way out for talents, smartness and skills.

  42. Anonymous

    yes, yes yes! I've blown away job interviews...I knew I scored 100% on questions with substance and experience. I've come to the conclusion that MOST places don't want "that person" with experience/wisdom/tenacity---because you are perceived as a challenge to management when in fact, you would be the greatest and most enthusiastic contributor! Your points are On Point.

  43. Paula Draper

    Phyllis, your are so right!

  44. Violet Cassidy-Maroke (She/her)

    If you are in Canada, yes they have them in every province and city. Employment Offices.

    I hope the USA has something similar?

    If not some community centers and non profits help job seekers

  45. Anonymous

    It's nice to see these comments and advice. I have been applying for roles in two industries (architecture and tech), and being ghosted or not considered at all. I spent the first 8 months of this year networking, in addition to resume rewrites, redesigning my LinkedIn and portfolio,work with career coaches, read books on job searching, writing numerous cover letters, attend online events, enrolled in a training course to add new skills.

    I am glad that I was able to speak with many new people and add them to my network. Many have been kind and willing to spend time speaking with me. But when it came time to ask for guidance or a job referral, I have been politely steered to look elsewhere, that this is just part of the process, or I am ghosted. Networking isn't easy for everyone, nor is asking for help, so it gets frustrating when it seems like people won't be able to extend some help in the job search, yet this is the one method that I keep hearing must be done if anyone wants to get a job.

    I've never had this much difficulty in finding a job before.

  46. Anonymous

    I feel your pain. I too have NEVER in my 15 year career had such a difficult time landing a new role. I wonder if employers just don't know what they are looking for and are anxious about making the wrong decisions. Not our fault. It's really hard and I know how you feel :-(

  47. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    Sorry that you're having such a hard time.

    What do you do and what do you want to do? 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 up to snuff?

    If you're not getting interviews, I'd start with the resume. Reach out to me if you'd like me to take a look at it.

    Please let me know if you have any questions.

    GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR JOB SEARCH!!!

  48. Anonymous

    Thanks for your comments and well wishes. I am a senior level designer with management skills. So far in my job search, I have rewritten my resume several times and have had it reviewed by career coaches and resume writers. I have also updated my LinkedIn profile a few times to match my resume, redesigned my portfolio, attended networking events, reached out to people on LinkedIn, wrote and published articles about working in my profession and sharing those online, and updated my skills.

    I've had a few (5) interviews but for the most part, I receive the generic email informing me that the company will not be considering my application and will move on with other candidates. I don't apply to jobs that are beyond my skill set or experience, and I've had career coaches review job posts for me before I applied to be sure I'm targeting the right roles. I've also reached out to people on my network or I find the hiring person on LinkedIn and introduce myself about a role I'm interested in. Sometimes it might work to get my application in front of the hiring team, but most of the time I don't get a response.

    Is there something I'm missing or not doing?

  49. Carol Brumer Gliksman

    Networking. Online and in person. Use your alumni network too. Volunteer in the industry you want to be in.

  50. Anonymous

    So, a very close family member is a "senior designer" , graduate of a nationally ranked design school, etc. She left a design firm 3 years ago (the firm was sinking and she was miserable). She went out on her own. Her first 15 mos were miserable and she did little bits of "this and that"...contract work/short stints...stuff that her peers would throw to her, like dog bones, but she took them. Inch by Inch, she got more work...then did some contract work for a large agency in another nearby city - they loved her and wanted to hire her full time (ofcourse!)--but at that point, she decided that she liked working autonomously. She's now almost 3 years into her own thing, has LLC/website...and just got a HUGE contract (big girl scary-sized) and she's so busy that she is outsourcing to others! All of this to say that it might be useful for you to get your own LLC and do some side/contract work while waiting in the wings. You might not ever want to be self employed, but it will keep you current/fresh and in the conversation. It costs so very little to get LLC/sole proprietor with your state (like $49 online application). and great tax write offs too.

  51. N Butler

    I can second to this approach! I do freelance change management and organizational design It appears that traditional businesses may not want to hire someone with a mature work history, but they definitely want them as consultants. This is where age and experience pay off.

  52. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    Sigh. I hate to tell you this but 9 times out of 10 when I tell someone "I really like your experience but we need to fix your resume" I hear "I just had it professionally redone."

    Where are you searching for jobs? Do you have your resume posted? There are recruiters searching every day all day for people. If you don't have your resume posted, you're doing all the work. Are there specialty job boards you could be using?

    Approximately how many jobs are you applying to per week?

  53. Anonymous

    Yes, I have my resume on LinkedIn and Indeed. I’m searching these and other job boards. First half of the year I was applying to about 10 jobs a week. Now, about 5-6 per week.

  54. Sabrina Rahman

    My best advice would be to get some recent certification on your CV. Even if you have the right education, it can be helpful to get on a free or cheap/discounted online course.

    I say this because one Sage line 50 certification course that cost me £15 was enough to change my fortunes from no job to a small job(direct application to the company) which moved onto a bigger job(recruiter seeing recent experience on my CV) and now I have some kind of career path.

    Keep applying. But also keep adding to your learning so that your CV has something recent on it.

  55. Jackie Ruka

    So sorry you are experiencing this, unfortunately the job market is saturated with job seekers. My advice, go local. Small businesses are growing and need help even if it’s part time. In the meantime, qualified, smart women with an expertise are pivoting and creating a signature offer and to connect with your dream clients. If you need help, please connect and learn about the Pivot Profit Path. It’s easier than you think to get your self out there without the hassle of trying to compete in a crazy job market.

  56. Anonymous

    Hi there! Just wanted to give you a different perspective on this situation. I have read most of the comments and they all give great advice. But you said something that triggered a mental note on an issue I recently spoke to my recruitment friends about.

    I am a two times first responder. I have worked in recruitment and recently attended school to get into the medical field. During a recent conversation, my friends that work in human resources and recruitment disclosed how they felt about people who have stayed home and allowed a large gap in between employment. Believe it or not, people actually feel bitterness and judgment for those adults that stayed home and collected funds. Either from the Federal government or retirement accounts. They believe that people "milked" the system for free money and now that their "free ride is over or ending" they want to come back to work. These people are resentful. If you don't have a child or elders that hendered your work schedule you may be facing a backlash of the workforce who deemed these citizens as lazy or freeloaders who add to a toxic work environment. They figured if you abandoned your last boss, you'll leave us too. They don't empathize. Since the resume pool is full of competition they will choose the person who actually worked to keep that business a float while "everyone else stayed home". Or if you took a lower pay job doing "anything" they feel like this is a person did anything they needed to keep the lights on and food coming in. It's definitely stereotyping. That's not everyone's story.

    People that are landlords are doing the same thing, if you rented and didn't try to pay your previous landlord due to pandemic issues, they won't give you a chance because the news propagated that people were getting thousands of dollars in assistance and PPP money and people were taking trips and shopping instead of paying rent or mortgage. Now they are affected by the pandemic AND resentful employers, lenders and landlords.

    I tried to explain that most people had no choice. Their families were heavily affected and most children needed that stability from their parents or guardians. We didn't have a choice, we HAD to come to work. Most of our families suffered and so did we because we had to stay away from them due to our work environment making us susceptible to Covid.

    I know this sounds silly sis but I had REAL conversations with grown people who literally blamed the people who said they had to stay home during the pandemic. When they ask you why did you leave your previous job and how have you sustained, they are judging you! You may want to close that time gap of unemployment or make up a story about your volunteer efforts or caregiving to a loved one. Sometimes the truth is an excuse to some people. If you know you're the better employee and an asset to your career, say what you have to say to get into the door and work your butt off to network and move on or up to better positions. Just my free two cents sis. Good luck!?

  57. Anonymous

    Thank you for your reply. I was laid off due to the pandemic, it wasn’t my choice. I also enrolled in a 3 month training program, paid on my own, and did freelance work to build on the skills I learned. I haven’t been sitting around. But I am aware there could be some old stereotypes about people who haven’t had a job for a a length of time.

  58. Connie Csizmadia

    I went through a job search in 2020 and started my new job Jan 2021. I rewrote my resume slightly for every job making sure I had at the majority of the words from the skills wanted in my resume. I never lied. I went through a workshop that told me that's how you get through the AI in application processes and get your resume in front of real people. It was time consuming but I found a a great job. Before I applied I also found the hiring manager on LinkedIn in as well as the people that would likely be my managers and read their profiles, then applied. When I did all this, I usually got interviews.

  59. Jennifer Falandys

    Hello,
    I am sorry that you are having so much trouble. I agree with some of the comments that suggest re-writing your resume, but most of all I wanted to tell you to hang in there. I agree, it feels like the pandemic layoffs and the shut down have been forgotten. I would also never tell you to alter your truth about your experience to get a job. This will always be one of those things that has a fine line. If someone blames you for staying home without recognizing that you didn't have a choice, maybe they aren't the kind of people to work for.

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