I am really struggling with getting an interview in this job market.

48 Comments

1. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistOctober 5,2023 at 12:25AM UTC

   How are you addressing looking for another job so soon on your resume?

2. AnonymousOctober 5,2023 at 3:51PM UTC

   This has been really tough -- I have been doing it in Cover Letters, but I also struggle with whether or not I should even put the job on my Resume. My previous job was a Manager role and this one is a Senior Manager, so I like that it shows that on my Resume to hopefully attract Senior Manager roles; however, I keep going back and forth on whether it's doing more bad than good.

3. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistOctober 5,2023 at 4:40PM UTC

   I highly recommend you address it directly on your resume and take the issue off the table - something like this:

   XYZ Company

   Senior Director of Everything

   May, 2023 to December, 2023 (being impacted by Reduction In Force or layoff, your choice on the verbiage)

   Or something along those lines.

   Do you have the green "open to work" banner up on your LInkedIN profile? If not, I would also recommend you do that. Many recruiters prioritize those folks.

   Please let me know if you have any questions.

4. AnonymousOctober 5,2023 at 7:34PM UTC

   Hi Joan - This is great info! Thank you so much.

5. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistOctober 5,2023 at 8:10PM UTC

   You're very welcome! Good luck!!

6. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistOctober 5,2023 at 6:17PM UTC

   Also, meant to add - many recruiters don't read cover letters so if there's important information, it should be on your resume. In addition, they may open the resume first so you want to have that important info in the first thing they see otherwise they may not even open the cover letter.

7. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netOctober 7,2023 at 12:46PM UTC

   This is true

8. AnonymousOctober 7,2023 at 12:48PM UTC

   Don’t worry about this so much. It’s out of your control that you took on a position and then major lay offs occurred. If you include it (you don’t have to) mention what was positive about the experience and how it connects to what you want to be doing next. My most recent job I told them I had been at the previous job for 4 months. I had quit because I hated my job and I was upbeat and truthful about it. It did not effect their decision making at all. The reason I included it was because it was helpful to getting the position I was applying to.

9. AnonymousOctober 5,2023 at 1:26AM UTC

   The job market is tough, so you need to do what you can to stand out from the rest. Tailor each resume you send with ChatGPT. Be as active as you can on LinkedIn but commenting on posts and sharing posts. Send connection requests to recruiters and directors in companies that you’re targeting. Be sure you have the green Open to Work banner turned on so recruiters can find you easily.

10. Aleah B.October 5,2023 at 11:31PM UTC

    I am struggling as well. I am glad you were able to get an interview.

11. GirlBossanova934974October 7,2023 at 12:45PM UTC

    The thing that should be kept in mind is emphasize quality over quantity. Applying for 2 jobs that are a good fit for vs. 10 so so applications is key. Thus, first priority is to STOP applying for jobs that have too many applicants. IF the jobsite shows that the job spec has seen dozens or hundreds of applicants, move on. Second, find smaller companies that advertise on Indeed and places like that. Smaller companies don't have the budget for the big sites. Third, make sure your resume is NOT too complicated. If the recruiter has to figure out that (2 + 2) > (1 +1), you may have a problem. Fourth, LIST financial achievements on the resume. Fifth, be on the lookout for jobs that appear to have a real need aka someone wants to hire rather than collect resumes. With the exception of government jobs which can stay out for weeks or months and still be valid, AVOID applying for jobs that have been advertised for several weeks or months. To be candid, there is no urgency there. No priority. People are looking for perfect candidates, usually for a bargain price. Sixth, apply directly to the company website and always sign up for their career opening emails.

12. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netOctober 7,2023 at 12:45PM UTC

    Can you say what your field of work is?

13. AnonymousOctober 9,2023 at 7:40PM UTC

    Yes, I work in Marketing! Sorry, I should have mentioned that in my post.

    -OP

14. AnonymousOctober 7,2023 at 5:52PM UTC

    I got laid off in May. I've been actively looking since June and have had no interviews. I have to honestly say nothing posted here is making me feel any better about my situation. Recruiters don't read cover letters, but we are asked for them. I've been told they barely look at resumes for more than 10-30 seconds. I've even had a couple of jobs where my network has passed my resume along and not been contacted. That leaves me little hope for blind applications. I just started reworking my resume using ChatGPT after "professionals" helped me and I like it better. So maybe this will work.

15. debra martinOctober 8,2023 at 12:54PM UTC

    I’d like to learn about about how ChatGPT can help me rework my resume. Any direction should be appreciated.

16. AnonymousOctober 9,2023 at 12:55AM UTC

    I just googled it and found articles with directions on how to prompt the program depending on what you're trying to accomplish are out there with step by step instructions. It really depends on what you're looking to accomplish, which I didn't realize until I started searching. Start with something simple like "refresh resume with ChatGPT"

17. tiffany birchOctober 7,2023 at 6:17PM UTC

    Keep the faith. I was laid off in 2020 followed by a sports injury. I recently accepted a new job that is a very good fit for me and came through networking on Linkedin. When I reach out to other in a networking situation, it provides me with support, helpful tips and most of all connects leading to good opportunities. My connections helped me to stay positive and be in alignment with the energies of what would work for me. It's not the quantity of resume blasting, it is the quality of connections and support. When I feel supported and focused on a positive outcome it happens. Keep going, success is yours. Be very clear what you want. Write it down and focus on getting it.

18. Katherine Metres Akbar, Interview Coach & Resume ExpertOctober 7,2023 at 8:38PM UTC

    How frustrating to be laid off soon after hire! Here's the thing: You are very valuable to employers. Based on what I'm hearing, you need some better tools to show that. We have a lot of great free resources on our website, YESwriting, about how to optimize your resume and improve your other job search skills, such as interviewing. If you want a very short summary of the how-to-get-more-interviews advice, it's to keyword optimize your resume for each application. Apply far less but much more selectively and with much greater attention to matching the qualifications they listed, using their words. You are also invited to book a free Career Success Consultation if professional help would be a welcome relief. Best wishes, and please keep the faith! Many employers out there are hoping and praying for someone just like you to help them out.

19. AnonymousOctober 7,2023 at 10:01PM UTC

    Unfortunately, the job market is giving everyone the short stick right now. It’s been a major challenge for people to get jobs that aren’t only remote, but also pay a livable wage and come with full benefits.

    With that said, could you show your resume? You’ve gotten a few interviews, which is already a great sign, but there may be ways to get even more. But, displaying your resume would make it easier to figure out what steps you need to take to make it more appealing to recruiters.

    Plus, you could try applying for temporary jobs, as well as jobs through a staffing agency. Oftentimes, the companies who use staffing agencies for temporary jobs are more desperate to hire, meaning that won’t be as picky about whom they select. You could try looking at a staffing agency for assistance.

20. TomOctober 8,2023 at 12:33PM UTC

    Great advice from anonymous! Also, I've paired up with a friend who is also job searching. This wasn't an intentional move, but it helps to support each other and we refer jobs to each other. Hang in there...you have a great benefit that your current job is keeping you on until December...that's a big silver lining!

21. S JOctober 8,2023 at 12:30PM UTC

    I wouldn’t be surprised we work at the same place… same thing with me…all of the accounting department has been hit and we got up to December. I’m feeling the same way and applying to everything…I been reaching out to recruiters and hearing crickets. Had one interview but it doesn’t look like a place I want to be..just another fire spot.

    The way of getting interviews these days is tough it I’m going to keep on trying and apply to everything.

22. AnonymousOctober 8,2023 at 1:00PM UTC

    I lost my job due to being wrongfully terminated due to my being disabled, which the company that I was wrongfully terminated from knew about all of my various disabilities since I need accommodations for several of them. I felt really depressed after this happened to me, however, I was luckier than most because I had strong support from my family and my friends when they found out what had happened to me. I even had to fight to get my unemployment, because my former employer lied to my state's unemployment office and told them that I was terminated for cause which wasn't true. I was lucky in that I was able to talk to an unemployment specialist in one of the smaller unemployment offices in my area, and she was able to help give me advice on how to word things for my appeal for my unemployment benefits. I did exactly what she said, and I filed my appeal on Friday morning and by the following Monday afternoon I had all my back pay plus the prior week's pay in my mailbox. I also filed an official complaint with the EEOC for discrimination due to being disabled, and for workplace bullying and harassment due to being disabled. Eventually with the help of the EEOC I received a settlement that was enough for me to pay off a few smaller bills and start my own small business. I'm now working for myself in the accounting industry, and I love it. I work from home for myself and I set my own hours, which works great for me. While working for myself was never part of my original plan, I'm glad now that my friends and family encouraged me to take the plunge and do it. Working for myself has helped me grow a lot both as an individual and as a professional in my industry. So, therefore, I'd recommend either looking at going to work for yourself or looking at smaller companies for employment opportunities, as many medium to large size companies use AI (artificial intelligence) to look for certain keywords for them before HR even sees the resumes.

23. AnonymousOctober 10,2023 at 6:19PM UTC

    Thank you for the helpful advice!

24. LORI-ANN BURLINGAMEOctober 8,2023 at 2:13PM UTC

    What were/are your expectations? I have over 30 years of experience, and the job market has always been challenging. Because I am self-supporting, I always listed with at least two temporary/contract employment services. I had bills to pay.

    Do you have a job search plan that you are following? Do you have a list of what's important to you in your next job?

    The old saying in the business world of throwing "spaghetti against the wall and some of it will stick" -- is not true and does not work!

    When seeking a new position, you cannot take the easy way out. You need to do some work and get organized. You have applied for numerous jobs, but how has that worked for you?

25. AnonymousOctober 8,2023 at 3:54PM UTC

    This response isn’t helpful or encouraging. It’s all good to say “tailor each resume and have a list,” but that doesn’t get you interviews.

    To the OP — I’m in a similar position, struggling to get interviews after a restructuring. I’ve only had a few so far, but they’ve all come from people I know personally who were willing to connect me to others. Put your OPW banner up and be transparent about your situation. This is a particularly tricky market, and it may help to plan to do some freelancing while you work to land your next role.

26. AyianOctober 8,2023 at 4:17PM UTC

    Hundreds of applications indicates to me that you aren't tailoring your resume to each posting and writing a compelling cover letter. Slow down, you have some time. Even after the layoff is complete, you'll be eligible for unemployment if you were working before this job. You've probably been applying to roles on job boards, which is fine, but so is everyone. Many companies don't put their open roles there and only keep them on their websites, so take a moment to identify some companies in your field and area that you would actively like to work for and explore their employment listings directly. Only apply for positions you're excited about whether it's direct out on job boards and include a cover letter echoing that excitement. Actively ask for the interview or phone call in your closing statements and try to reference the organization's core values in the body. These things will draw the attention of HR and hiring managers.

    If you will not be eligible for unemployment due to a gap in employment before this role, look up some staffing agencies in your area and develop some relationships with the recruiters. They can probably help you keep busy while you seek a long term role or even help you into one. Often when the economy is precarious, companies will use contract workers to get work done.

    Also, put directly on your resume why you are leaving your current role if you haven't already. Sometimes the people screening resumes will ignore applicants who haven't been at their current role for long, so knowing you're being laid off may circumvent that kind of judgement.

27. AnonymousOctober 8,2023 at 6:17PM UTC

    Thank you so much!!

28. AnonymousOctober 8,2023 at 6:56PM UTC

    I disagree. I sent out over 300+ applications… tallied each and every resume and cover letter. Iver the course of about 9 months, I received only a handful of phone screens.

29. AnonymousOctober 9,2023 at 1:59PM UTC

    That's awful but it confirms what I said about low ROI for that effort.

30. AnonymousOctober 8,2023 at 6:28PM UTC

    Hang in there. If you're not already, have a professional Resume service revamp your resume. Attend open job fairs and sessions as able. Lean into every one in your family, friends, past work associates, anybody you can to put their feelers out for potential leads at their current or past employers. It only takes one right potential interview opportunity.

31. AnonymousOctober 8,2023 at 7:27PM UTC

    I was laid off July 2022, I am an engineer with 5 years experience and still no job.

    I had many interviews and I made it to the final rounds, but I either get ghosted or get rejected. The system is broken, the only way to get interviews is through referrals and nepotism but that doesn't guarantee anything. Most interviewers and recruiters are out of touch and think they are a FAANG; they want to put the candidate through a hazing process just because they went through it themselves. Hang in there, it has to get better.

32. AnonymousOctober 8,2023 at 7:56PM UTC

    Hang in there and know it's not you. I know that doesn't pay the bills. A couple of recommendations- I know the knee jerk reaction is to apply to every job - focus on ones where you are a 80% or more match. Take the effort to customize your resume and cover letter to the job description. If you see the recruiter name - send them a note or message in LinkedIn. Don't be afraid to take advantage of your network. Finally, also don't be afraid to find the recruiter. I have gone to the company LinkedIn page, searched for recruiters - sometimes there's only one, sometimes you need to make a choice- I usually will pick a mgr or director level. Good Luck

33. AnonymousOctober 9,2023 at 12:24PM UTC

    It isn't you, it's the economy. I would love to hire two more for my team, but there is no way that the funding would come through right now. Listen to the others, tailor your search toward your best matches, and hang in there.

34. AnonymousOctober 9,2023 at 12:25PM UTC

    There are already many great comments in here before mine, but perhaps I’ll give you support from a psychological side.

    I know in achieving our goal, we need to put effort. However, sometimes there are moments that we just need to let things be and let things take its own course.

    I know you must feel very anxious as the clock ticks down to your last day, but perhaps u can try to refrain from wanting a new job so much and be patient and wait. Because sometimes the more you want something, and if you’re anxious aout it, it tends to get further away from you. Or another analogy is that the more we wait for things, the more it won’t come.

    Opportunities have always come to me when I feel calm and at ease and trust the universe. And I believe this is the case for everyone, and so is the case for you.

    Take care :)

35. AnonymousOctober 9,2023 at 1:57PM UTC

    For all the people advising to tailor to each posting, it's really frustrating to put forth so much effort f0r so little ROI.

    This market is a clusterf$$$ and so are most companies at this point.

36. AnonymousOctober 10,2023 at 9:45PM UTC

    SECOND THIS!! At this point, I just need a job so I can pay my bills.

37. Michele PeaseOctober 9,2023 at 3:00PM UTC

    I was laid off in July. The only times I actually received interviews was through recommendations from former colleagues who work at those companies. Someone might have already suggested it, but getting that foot in the door with a personal recommendation is paramount. Same for my other colleagues who were laid off at the same time.

    Are you connected with the others who were part of the reduction in force? That can be a huge resource for both job leads and camaraderie. Best of luck!

38. Jenn EtheridgeOctober 17,2023 at 8:35PM UTC

    Just want to echo this one. I've been part of a RIF twice in the past. Working with recruiters can be very helpful (as they walk your resume in directly to the hiring manager) and then making connections with former colleagues or friends is super helpful too. Lots of companies have referral bonuses so people will be motivated to refer you in, and most companies take a closer look at resumes that are referred in from someone internal. I know that I've always appreciated those discussions, even if it didn't move forward to a job. Don't hesitate to look far back in your network as well -- I had someone reach out to me recently that I last worked with in 2015 -- it was great to catch up and see how I could help.

    And then...don't get discouraged -- Q4 is really difficult for hiring (not impossible!) -- its budget season. Sometimes roles start to hold until the new year. I know that my department is poised to do some big hiring, but waiting on a couple market-event-related triggers. Keep applying (personalizing cover letter and resume to the roles and company)!

    And OP if you're in the pharma marketing space by any chance...shoot me a message.

39. Peggie Arvidson * Career Consultant | Adoptee Advocate | RecruiterOctober 9,2023 at 3:03PM UTC

    I am so sorry it's been so tough.

    I'm not sure what you do (or want to do) and how you've gone about applying, but it can feel very personal when you aren't getting traction.

    My advice, go small.

    Seriously, dive in deep to your strengths and knowledge, understand your unique contributions to a company. Dive in and determine what type of organization would best support you and how you can add value. Then aim for that particular zone - build your personal network of people related to that type of company (or exact company) and showcase how you add value to the bottom line.

    Companies are tightening their belts (thus the layoff) and they are now able to pick from all the best possible candidates because so many brilliant people (like YOU!) are on the market.

    That means the more specific you are the better your odds.

    One of my clients applied to over 100 openings at the same company before eventually getting hired there - she knew what she wanted and why and that helped.

    I'm not going to lie, there is no magic button, but there are processes to help - and most importantly, help you stay in the game and not get dejected.

40. AnonymousOctober 9,2023 at 7:37PM UTC

    THANK YOU!! I appreciate it.

41. Crystal HowellOctober 9,2023 at 3:20PM UTC

    Take a breath, think out of box!

    Don't tell new employers you were laid off, you are looking for better opportunities.

    Call your local chamber of commerce they have jobs posted, call staffing services, call county employment HR director. Don't be anxious on the phone or in person. Play it cool. Good luck!

42. Sarah ROctober 11,2023 at 2:20AM UTC

    Some companies still give preference in layoffs (for who they keep) to people with seniority, so a newer employee being impacted by a layoff in an economy where there are so many is not something she needs to "cover up."

    But while still working, spin the story however it best suits you!

43. LORI-ANN BURLINGAMEOctober 9,2023 at 3:26PM UTC

    Has the company offered you a severance package and/or access to an outscouring company? The fact that the company gave you notice of the upcoming layoff gives you time to prepare.

    What are your expectations? Are you aware of how challenging the job market is? As suggested in another FGB's comment, customizing your resume and cover letter for the job is a good first step.

    Confidence, empowerment and self-awareness are qualities that we all need to have. However, I wonder, if you believed that company's would be chasing you down the street with job offers? This believe is an exaggerated sense of self-importance. (As psychology major his is an observation, and not an evaluation.)

44. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistOctober 10,2023 at 11:02PM UTC

    Holy cannoli. How do you get from the OP saying she's struggling and feels defeated to "an exaggerated sense of self-importance"?!

    I strongly suggest you hit those psysch books again. And brush up on your empathy and people skills.

    I can't even with this.

45. AnonymousOctober 9,2023 at 7:40PM UTC

    Just for clarity, I work in Marketing.

    -OP

46. AnonymousOctober 10,2023 at 9:45PM UTC

    Agree -- I don't feel as though you are creating a supportive space with that "self-important" remark.

47. Farah BajwaOctober 11,2023 at 12:50PM UTC

    It's not easy but you're not alone. Always know that the universe is always working in your favor. You really never know - COVID came out of nowhere and shut the whole world down. Who knows, maybe the higher up calling shot leaves the company and they decide to retain you permanently in November. We can only take action with what is in our control so keep doing what you're doing - network, apply, find people on linkedin that can apply internally on your behalf, mark yourself as "open to new opportunities" for recruiters to reach out to you, have your cover letter and resume looked at for improvements, connect with a job search buddy for comradery in the process. So long as you're taking action on behalf of your future, something in your favor will happen, even if it feels like a step back. Stay strong and good luck!

48. Michele Cresmen-BlockOctober 11,2023 at 6:38PM UTC

    There's a lot of great advice (and some iffy) here. Here's mine:

    One thing you have going for you is your experience in marketing. Take a moment to step back and think about how you're marketing yourself. What advice would you give a client? How would you create their marketing plan? Can you apply that to your job search? I know sometimes it's easier to do this for others/clients, so do you have other marketing people or friends in business who can be your "board of directors" and help you through when you get stuck on your marketing plan? Also, think about what got you the interviews you did have, can you do more of that? When it comes to interviewing - what did you learn? What were you asked that you could refine your message?