I'm feeling really anxious about my job search and worried that I might be un-hirable. After graduating in 2023, I landed a low-paying internship where I was eventually promoted to an SEO content writer. However, I got let go, possibly because my boss was frustrated with my inquiries about my paycheck. I took on several contract jobs in graphic design and video editing, but my performance suffered due to chronic illnesses I wasn't aware of at the time. After about a year and a half of contracts, I had to step back to focus on my health and ended up working at my former college in a job that wasn't fulfilling. Now, I'm back in school for mental health and applying mainly through Handshake. I've been hesitant to list my past contracts as references because I'm worried they might give me bad reviews, even though I've reached out for feedback and received positive responses. Lately, I've been getting interview requests but then getting ghosted, which adds to my anxiety. I can't help but wonder if there's some background check system that might be affecting my chances. I'm really concerned about my future and how I'll manage financially. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I recently graduated and dove headfirst into the job search, following the common advice of applying to everything. I optimized my LinkedIn, sent out dozens of applications each week, and attended networking events. However, after a few months, I realized that the act of applying wasn't the toughest part; it was the isolation that came with it. I was doing everything alone, receiving little to no feedback, and I found myself convincing myself that I would take just about any job to escape the silence of rejection. Talking to other recent grads, I noticed a similar pattern: we all started with hope, but after facing a wall of ghosting and rejections, many of us began to settle for whatever job came our way, rather than holding out for something that truly fit us. I've also observed that when people share specific challenges online, the responses often miss the mark, filled with generic advice that doesn't address the real issues we're facing in this tough job market. I'm curious if anyone else has felt this way and if you've found any genuine support or advice that helped you through the isolation of job hunting.

I graduated recently and have applied to nearly 700 jobs, but I haven't received a single screening call. I'm starting to wonder if my resume is the issue. I make sure to tailor it for each job, aligning it with the job descriptions and incorporating relevant keywords to pass the ATS filters, yet I still have no luck. I've been advised that the current IT job market is tough, and there might be concerns about my need for sponsorship as a non-US citizen, which could be deterring recruiters. I'm seeking guidance on what I can do differently to improve my chances.

I've been unemployed for a while now and I'm really trying to figure out how to escape this situation. It's tough out here, and I feel like I'm putting in effort but not getting anywhere. I read some comments suggesting to look in creative places for job openings. One person mentioned checking out the City Hall's website, which I hadn't thought of before. They pointed out that there are a variety of job openings that don't get much publicity. I'm considering exploring that route to see if I can find something that fits my skills.

I have been working at a small IT company in Illinois for the past three years, but things have taken a turn for the worse. Since December 2025, no one in the company has received any pay due to severe cash flow issues. The only reason I’ve held on this long is that our health insurance is still active, and finding a new job has been incredibly difficult. I rarely get interviews, and when I do, I often don’t move forward in the process. I filed a wage claim with the Illinois Department of Labor back in February, but they informed me that it could take 12 to 18 months for any resolution. It feels absurd, especially since we recently secured work with a large client, meaning back pay is on the horizon. However, I know it typically takes 60 days to receive payment after invoicing, and I can't afford to wait that long. My emergency fund is dwindling, and with a pregnant wife and a daughter to support, the situation is becoming dire. I’m considering resigning due to not being paid for six months. I’m wondering if I would be eligible for unemployment benefits in Illinois if I do this. I have documentation, including written communications and recordings from meetings where the owner acknowledged the payment issues. I’ve been trying to contact the unemployment office, but they are overwhelmed and haven’t been able to take my calls.

I recently found out that my company is offering a Voluntary Separation Program (VSP) with a pretty attractive package: 20 weeks of severance pay and 5 months of paid COBRA. However, I’m feeling uncertain about my eligibility for unemployment benefits in Missouri after accepting this offer. I work in the marketplace division, which feels quite unstable given the upcoming restructuring announced for this fall. I’m hoping to hear from anyone else who has gone through a VSP in Missouri and managed to still receive unemployment benefits. Any insights or experiences would be greatly appreciated!

I received a last-minute call for an interview with a company, but it was scheduled for the very next day. The location was a couple of hours away, and unfortunately, I was feeling unwell. I knew I couldn't make it, nor could I provide a timeline for when I might be able to reschedule due to my illness. I communicated to them that I couldn't prepare or attend the interview under those circumstances. I sensed that they were looking for someone to come in immediately, which made me feel pressured. In hindsight, I wonder if I should have suggested a later date for the interview, even if it meant waiting a week. I'm left questioning if there was a better way to handle the situation or if I should have approached it differently.

I just had the shortest interview of my life. I previously worked at a company where I earned $25 per hour, but the best offer I received from this new opportunity was only $14.70. I couldn't justify taking such a significant pay cut, so I decided to walk away from the interview. It was a tough decision, but I know my worth and I'm not willing to settle for less, especially when I have experience that commands a higher salary.

I previously worked in a nursery for two weeks as part of an apprenticeship, but I ended up quitting due to several serious issues. The nursery was engaging in illegal practices, which put my future at risk, and the staff were quite unpleasant to me. Despite these negative experiences, I genuinely enjoyed working with children and still have a passion for it. Currently, I have a job in a completely different field, but I'm exploring other opportunities. I'm open to working with kids again and have registered with an agency for teaching assistant roles, although I would prefer a nursery environment. I know I would need to pursue another apprenticeship since I'm not officially qualified, though I do hold various certifications in childcare. I'm curious if anyone has had positive experiences in a nursery setting, as most of what I've heard has been discouraging.

Today, I witnessed my girlfriend get fired from her job at a coffee shop after just over a month of employment. She had a performance review a couple of weeks ago where everything seemed fine, but after taking two days off for a wrist injury, she was called in and abruptly let go. They asked her to leave the premises immediately and instructed her not to speak to any other employees. This feels really harsh and unusual to me. I’m trying to understand if this kind of treatment is normal in the workplace. It seems like they might be worried about her being upset, but it feels excessive. I’m also concerned about the legality of the situation, especially since her injury might have been work-related. I think we need to look into her rights and possibly consult a lawyer.

I recently applied for several entry-level jobs in retail and warehouse settings, including a position at Tesco. I submitted my CV and a cover letter, highlighting my availability to work up to sixty hours a week, as I'm currently on holiday from university until October. I also completed any assessments they provided and emphasized my customer service experience from my previous role as a steward for a year. Despite all this effort, I haven't received any job offers, which has left me confused about what employers are really looking for in candidates like me. I'm 19 and just finished my first year of university in London, and I'm eager to understand how I can improve my chances of landing a job.

I recently had an interview scheduled with a company where I was really excited about the opportunity. However, the interviewer didn't even show up for the meeting. It's incredibly frustrating to think that companies expect us to be overqualified, work for less than we deserve, and be the best employees possible, yet they can't even manage to have their hiring team present for initial meetings. When they do show up, it often feels like I'm dealing with the least competent person in the organization. This job search process is really testing my patience.

I recently went through a frustrating experience during the hiring process for a position I was really excited about. After being hired, I received an email with onboarding tasks, but I couldn't log in or find my User ID on the company's site. I called the hiring manager the next day, but she wasn't available, so I left my name and number. When I called back the following day to explain my login issues, she brushed off my questions and told me I should have registered sooner. Frustrated, I expressed my annoyance and hung up. I later reached out to HR, who informed me that the hiring manager was supposed to provide me with a registration code but had already removed me from the hiring process. They mentioned that I could reapply if I wanted to. When I contacted the hiring manager again, she said they were still hiring and that I could reapply. Now, I'm hesitant to do so because I feel like I dodged a bullet working under someone who wouldn't take responsibility for the onboarding issues and was unhelpful when I needed assistance. It's disappointing to think that I might have to deal with such poor management if I were to reapply.

I recently faced a situation where I had to navigate a job interview after losing my job. I had applied for a position while still employed, but by the time the interview came around, I was no longer with my previous company. During the interview, the recruiter asked me questions based on the assumption that I was still employed, like "Why do you want to leave your current job?" I was unsure if I should clarify my employment status or keep it to myself. I noticed mixed opinions on whether to disclose my current unemployment. Some suggested that I should remain silent to maintain leverage, while others, including a recruiter, mentioned that honesty is key and that there are many valid reasons for being unemployed. Ultimately, I decided to be cautious and only address my job status if directly asked.

I recently received a job offer from a government agency, which is exciting, but I'm facing a challenge with employment verification from my previous employer. I worked at my last company for 1.5 years before moving on, and during my time there, I had a difficult relationship with the office manager, who was known for her pettiness. Many colleagues left due to her behavior, and I made it clear in my exit interview that I was leaving because of her. Now, my potential employer has been trying to verify my past employment, but they've informed me that my former employer is not responding to their calls or emails. Given that it was a small company with only five employees, I suspect that the office manager has instructed the HR team not to respond to any inquiries about me. I'm concerned that this could jeopardize my job offer, and I'm looking for advice on what I can provide to my potential employer as proof of my previous employment. I know that for government roles, they might be strict about verification, but I'm hoping to find alternative documentation that could help, such as pay stubs or my W-2. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

I recently graduated with my master's degree in public health during a challenging job market. After working various side jobs, I've finally landed two interviews related to my field. One is a Zoom interview, and the other is an in-person interview where I need to deliver a PowerPoint presentation to a panel. I'm particularly anxious about the presentation, even though I know I can present well; it's just the nerves of being in front of others that get to me. Additionally, this in-person interview will include an analytical exercise that I have to complete on-site using a laptop. I'm feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety, and I'm eager to hear any tips or advice to help me prepare and perform well in these interviews.

I recently found myself in a challenging situation after being placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) at my current job as an ERP QA Engineer. With over 7 years of experience in ERP and HRMS Testing, including 5 years in Functional Testing and 2 years focused on SAP ERP workflows and test automation, I was taken aback by the circumstances leading to this decision. The PIP was triggered by a late-night call I missed while having dinner with my family, which my manager cited as a sign of poor contribution and lack of ownership. However, he also acknowledged my punctuality and consistent presence in the office. To complicate matters, many of my responsibilities have been reassigned to a new hire, which has left me feeling sidelined. I see this as a sign to explore new opportunities, but I'm anxious about finding a new role quickly due to financial obligations. I'm reaching out for advice from QA Leads, SDETs, ERP Testers, SAP Testers, and Hiring Managers on the best path forward. Should I continue focusing on ERP/HRMS Testing, or should I pivot more towards Automation? What skills should I prioritize to enhance my marketability in the next 30-60 days? Are companies currently hiring for ERP QA or SAP QA roles? Any insights, referrals, or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

As a fresh graduate, I'm currently navigating the challenging transition from college to the job market. I've recently completed my degree and am dedicating my free time to becoming more employable. Right now, I'm enrolled in a web development course and working on small projects to enhance my skills. However, I often feel overwhelmed by the pressure to apply for jobs even though I don't feel fully prepared yet. On one hand, I hear that building skills takes time, but on the other hand, there's a constant push from peers suggesting I should start job hunting immediately. This conflicting advice has left me feeling anxious. Reading posts online has only added to my stress. I see many experienced individuals struggling to find jobs, which makes me question my own prospects. Although I have some internship experience in the power platform domain, I still feel like my skills aren't quite up to par. I find myself torn between various paths—should I continue with web development, learn SQL, explore QA, or pivot to Business Analysis? Every time I settle on a direction, I worry that I might be making the wrong choice. This indecision has led me to spend more time contemplating my employability rather than actually building my skills. I'm really curious about how others have managed this stage in their careers and whether they faced similar dilemmas.

I am currently applying for an internal entry-level service desk position at my company, where I've been employed for two years and received a promotion last year. I've been pursuing my education in the IT field, which has motivated me to seek this new role. However, I'm facing some concerns regarding my resume. I've been advised to only include the last five years of employment, which means I would need to list a previous job where I was terminated after three years. When I applied for my current position, I included that job without issue, and it didn't hinder my hiring or promotion. Still, I'm anxious that the recruiter might contact my former employer and find out about my termination, which could jeopardize my chances for this internal role. I'm unsure if my current employer will conduct background checks for past employment when considering internal candidates. Despite my worries, I have consistently received positive performance reviews in my current role as a dispatcher, which I believe has relevant similarities to the service desk position. However, I lack the higher-level certifications that many IT candidates possess and couldn't secure an internship while in school, making me doubt my competitiveness for this role.

I wanted to share my experiences with interviews, particularly how I perform differently in online versus face-to-face settings. Since 2016, I've noticed that I consistently receive job offers when I interview online, but I struggle significantly with in-person interviews. During online interviews, I feel more at ease, possibly because I'm in a familiar environment. However, in face-to-face interviews, I often start strong but then become overwhelmed with anxiety, leading to stuttering and forgetting my points. It's frustrating because I know I'm capable of presenting well; I've even spoken in front of large audiences before without issue. But when it comes to interviews with just a few people, I freeze up. I wonder if it's the pressure of direct eye contact or the feeling of being scrutinized that triggers my nerves. I'm reaching out to see if anyone else has experienced this and if there are any strategies to overcome this anxiety. I don't use AI tools for my interviews; I rely on storytelling, which I excel at. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!