After being laid off over a year ago, I've sent out 675 applications in my job search journey. The results have been quite revealing: 246 rejections, 276 cold ghostings, and 18 deep ghostings. It seems like the most common outcome isn't even rejection anymore, but rather getting no response at all. On a brighter note, I've managed to reach the interview or final stages multiple times, which indicates that my efforts are not entirely in vain. I'm curious if anyone else in the North American IT job market is experiencing similar outcomes in their application pipelines.

I recently started my job search at 16, hoping to land my first job at McDonald's to help pay for gas and have some fun. However, I found their hiring process to be incredibly frustrating. I scheduled an interview a week in advance, but when I arrived, the manager informed me that they weren't taking interviews at that time. I didn't follow up right away, but my mom encouraged me to keep trying, so I applied again. This time, I actually got an interview, but it lasted only about 30 seconds. The guy told me he would call me back by Friday, but that call never came. I even called on Saturday to check in, and the lady I spoke to said they would get back to me, but again, no call. I get that it's a low-level job, but I expected at least a little communication. Is this kind of treatment normal, or am I just having a bad experience?

I'm a 21-year-old community college student looking to break into the retail job market. I graduated high school about 3-4 years ago and feel that a retail position is my best option right now. I'm considering applying for a seasonal sales associate role at the local Spirit Halloween store, but I'm struggling with my resume since I have no formal work experience. The only relevant experience I have is from high school, where I assisted the school librarians and volunteered to set up chairs for events. I also led a school club meeting once, but I'm unsure if these activities are worth mentioning on my resume. I haven't done any babysitting, dog walking, or lawn mowing, so I'm at a loss for what to include. I'm seeking advice on how to present myself to potential employers and whether I should highlight my limited high school experiences.

I recently applied for a Underwriting Assistant position at AXA XL and had my first video call interview with HR. I was excited to learn that I made it to the next round and have an in-person interview scheduled in a couple of weeks. The HR representative offered to set up an optional Interview Prep Call with me before the big day. I’ve never encountered this before, and after asking around, it seems that others haven't either. From what the HR person mentioned, it sounds like this call is meant to help me prepare for the interview, and it will be with the same HR rep I spoke to initially. I did some research and found that some companies do offer this kind of prep, but it doesn't seem to be common at AXA. I even reached out to someone who interviewed for a different role at AXA, and they weren't offered this prep call. Now I'm curious if this is a standard practice for this specific position or if it’s just because they liked my application. I’m trying to figure out how to approach this prep call—should I treat it like a real interview or expect guidance on how to prepare for the actual interview? Any insights would be greatly appreciated, especially since I'm based in the U.S.

I'm currently weighing a tough decision about my job in event sales at a smaller company. I've been here for a while, earning a $50k base salary with a 2% commission on certain sales, which hasn't been very lucrative for me. This year, I've made about $1.2 million in total sales, but my commission has only netted me around $17k. My company recently offered to double my commission to 4%, but my base salary would remain the same, and I don't have benefits like health insurance or a 401k. On the other hand, I've received a job offer from another company for a base salary of $65k, along with a $12k annual car allowance, a potential $2k/month discretionary bonus, and benefits including health insurance and a 401k match. The new role would also be at a Director level, which is appealing. I'm torn because I genuinely like my current job and the people I work with, but the new offer is significantly better financially and comes with more security. I’m considering going back to my current employer to see if there's any possibility of increasing my base salary, especially since they know about the other offer. I'm seeking advice on whether I should negotiate harder with my current employer, accept the new job, or stay and hope for better commission earnings. It's a tough choice!

I've just hit the one-year mark at my current job, and I'm feeling really conflicted about whether to stay or start looking for something new. I applied to hundreds of positions last year and ended up accepting this job as it was the best of three offers I received at the time. Since then, I've casually applied to a few other roles, but I keep getting ghosted. I'm starting to wonder if it's even worth the effort to keep applying elsewhere. Here’s a bit about my current situation: the pay isn't great, but it's enough for me to save a little. The benefits are decent, which helps with my healthcare costs. I really appreciate my supervisor, but the management above them is pretty terrible. One of my coworkers is incredibly toxic, and despite my complaints to HR, nothing seems to change, so I know I'll have to keep dealing with their harassment if I stay. Most of my work is administrative, which feels like a waste of my skills. I've been able to engage in some side projects and assist other staff members, but that effort goes unrecognized beyond a simple thank you. There’s no real potential for advancement here, and the location is just awful—there’s nothing to do, bad schools, and limited access to healthcare and grocery stores. Given all of this, I'm really struggling with whether I should continue putting energy into job applications. It takes so much time to sift through listings, and I often feel discouraged when I don’t hear back. As someone who is intersex and disabled due to an injury, I know my options are limited, especially since I need a workplace that accommodates my needs, particularly with accessible bathrooms and reliable healthcare. My field tends to be in government, which makes things even trickier. Any advice on whether I should keep pushing for new opportunities?

I recently encountered a situation that raised some red flags regarding a potential job opportunity with Microsoft. An external recruiter reached out to me about a Senior Data Engineer position in Redmond, and the job description seemed to match my experience well. After I submitted my updated resume, I received positive feedback from the hiring team, indicating that I had passed the initial screening stage. However, before moving forward to the interview stage, the recruiter requested that I prepare several documents: a Strategic Value Proposition Letter (SVPL), a Leadership Vision Statement (LVS), an Executive Impact Brief (EIB), and additional leadership statements. To make matters more suspicious, she offered to connect me with a 'specialist' who could assist me in preparing these materials. What concerned me most was that the recruiter was using a Gmail address instead of an official Microsoft or recruiting agency domain. Additionally, I had not received any Microsoft Careers requisition ID or an official job posting. I reached out to the community to see if anyone else had experienced similar requests for such documents before interviewing for Senior or Principal-level engineering roles at Microsoft. The responses I received were overwhelmingly cautionary, with many suggesting that it was likely a scam. I'm now left questioning the legitimacy of this recruiting process.

I recently started getting interviews for new job opportunities, which is exciting, but I’m facing a challenge. I won’t be able to start any new position until the end of November due to prior commitments. I’m wondering how to handle this situation if I receive an offer before then. Should I be upfront about my start date during the interview process? I’ve seen advice suggesting that I should just communicate my availability if asked, but I’m unsure how that might affect my chances of getting hired. Any tips on managing this would be greatly appreciated!

I'm currently working as an estimator/project manager for a construction company where I'm making very good money, but I’m feeling increasingly miserable. On paper, it seems like a great job, but in reality, I find myself constantly fighting preventable fires due to micromanagement, poor planning, and questionable project decisions. I often raise issues early on, only to be ignored, and then I end up being responsible for fixing the problems that arise. This situation is draining my energy and preventing me from focusing on the work I'm actually skilled at. I've reached a point where I don't see myself retiring from this company, which is important to me. I'm at a stage in my career where I want to find a long-term position where I can contribute and eventually transition into part-time work when I'm ready to retire. Before taking my current job, I had discussions with the owner of a smaller construction company who recently reached out again, expressing his desire for me to join his team. The new position would pay about $10k–$15k less per year, but it would offer mostly work-from-home flexibility, jobsite travel as needed, and significantly more autonomy. I believe this change could greatly improve my quality of life, and I genuinely think I could make a positive impact at this smaller company. However, I have concerns about financial stability since it's a smaller operation, and I'm not entirely convinced the owner can support my salary long-term. I don't want to leave a stable but frustrating job just to find myself job hunting again in six months if the smaller company struggles. I feel like I have three choices: 1) Stay in my current role, collect the higher salary, and keep looking for a better opportunity; 2) Take the pay cut and leave for my peace of mind, risking the stability of the smaller company; or 3) Negotiate protections with the smaller company regarding salary, severance, and clearer responsibilities before making the move. Financially, I can manage the pay cut, but I need to weigh whether the benefits of autonomy and a better fit are worth the additional risk. I'm curious to hear from others who have made similar moves from a higher-paying but dysfunctional construction company to a smaller operation. Did you regret it? What should I know about their finances before accepting a senior-level position?

Applied at McMaster-Carr for Management Track program

I recently interviewed with three different companies across various industries as I work to get back on my feet. I was excited to receive and sign job offers from all three last Friday. However, it's now Wednesday, and I haven't heard anything from any of them. I'm starting to wonder if I've been ghosted after accepting the offers. I'm feeling frustrated because it seems misleading to receive a job offer and then not get any follow-up communication. I'm unsure how to proceed in this situation.

I recently applied for an "Entry Level Verizon Assistant" position, which sounded like a typical sales role in a Verizon store, with a pay range of $50–55k a year. I had my first interview over Zoom, where I was joined by another candidate. The interviewer was nice but seemed to be reading from a script, which felt a bit robotic. I struggled during the interview due to my anxiety and blanked out when asked why I would be a good fit for the sales position. My answer was short compared to the other candidate's lengthy response. The interviewer explained that the role involves starting in entry-level sales, learning from managers, and eventually moving into one-on-one sales with customers. They mentioned a path to leadership and the potential to build our own team within 6–9 months, which could significantly increase our pay. However, none of this management aspect was mentioned in the job listing, and I found it odd that the listing referenced "INNO Technologies," while I was told the company was "Vega Innovations." The pay structure also seems confusing, as the initial listing suggested a fixed salary, but the interview made it sound more commission-based. Despite my performance during the interview, I was informed that I would be moving on to the second part of the process, which is an in-person interview in Riverside. The work hours are 10am - 9pm during the week and 9am - 4pm on weekends. I'm left wondering if this is a standard sales-to-management setup or if it leans more towards an MLM or pyramid scheme. Has anyone had experience with Vega Innovations or INNO Technologies?

I've been actively searching for a part-time job and noticed that several places in my area are hiring for cashier and sales associate positions. Although I lack direct experience in these roles, I have a solid background in tech, math, and administrative jobs. I'm looking for advice on how to reshape my resume to apply for these positions. I’m bilingual and have good communication skills, which I believe could be beneficial. I understand that I may not get hired immediately, but I want to create a resume that effectively showcases my abilities and readiness to learn. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

I recently quit my job at the end of August because it didn't align with my expectations, and I felt the need for a break to clear my mind. I had two interviews yesterday with different companies, and I have another screening interview scheduled for tomorrow. I'm contemplating whether I should take a vacation now or wait until after I hear back from these interviews, especially since the next round would involve in-person meetings. I'm based in Los Angeles and really want to travel to Europe. I'm leaning towards taking the trip soon, but I also want to be strategic about my job search. Any advice on how to balance this?

I was laid off in early April 2026 and had to switch to a dependent visa. Currently, I'm on a waitlist, facing an 8 to 15-month delay before I can legally work or interview again. At first, I thought I could use this time to focus on interview prep and side projects, but after about two months, I hit a wall and felt burnt out. I've managed to create a couple of AI systems-based projects and contributed to some open-source initiatives, but I'm at a loss for what else to do to fill what will likely be a significant employment gap once my visa situation is resolved. I initially aimed to dive deeper into open source, but the competition is fierce, and opportunities are snatched up quickly. I'm reaching out to see how others in similar situations are managing their time productively without burning out. What strategies have you found effective for bridging the resume gap beyond personal projects? How do you explain this forced gap to recruiters when I eventually re-enter the job market? Any advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated!

I recently interviewed at a local liquor store just a five-minute walk from my house. The atmosphere seemed really chill, and I felt like I connected well with the manager during our conversation. I even ran into an employee later who mentioned that the manager liked me, which was encouraging. The store is quite low-tech; they don't even have a publicly available email, and the manager's computer was running Windows XP! During the interview, she asked if I was good with computers, which made me laugh a bit. Now I'm wondering if I should follow up on my interview since I can't send a traditional email. I'm considering stopping by the store to check in. It seems like a good opportunity, and I really want to know where I stand. Any advice on how to approach this would be appreciated!

I recently applied for a position at Mount S. Hospital in New York City and went through the medical clearance process. A week ago, I had my medical examination, but I just received an email stating that my medical clearance was not approved. They want me to come in person to discuss this with a provider. I'm feeling really anxious about it because I was open about my mental health due to my medication. I only disclosed this because they administered a toxicology exam and mentioned a fair chance for disability. Now, I'm worried that this could mean I'm out of the running for the job, and I'm panicking because I genuinely want this opportunity. I have my mental health under control and have systems in place to manage it. I just don't understand what went wrong and what this means for my application.

I'm currently weighing a significant career decision. I work for a state environmental agency as an inspector, making about $60,500 a year. My boss is fantastic, providing me with a lot of flexibility in my schedule, which I really appreciate. I have a compressed workweek, allowing me to work longer hours Monday through Thursday and a short remote day on Fridays. I only commute three days a week and have a comfortable amount of accrued leave. However, I've become disinterested in my current role, which mainly involves inspecting septic systems and handling complaints. I'm also a certified arborist with 18 years of experience, and I own a small tree-consulting business. I'm considering a municipal arborist position with a large city, offering $65,000 a year. This role aligns better with my background and could lead to more opportunities in urban forestry and help my consulting business grow. The new job has a set schedule from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM and is expected to transition to a hybrid model after a six-month probation period. While the pay increase is modest at $4,500, the potential for career growth and promotions is much greater. The downside is the commute, which would be about 40 minutes each way for the first six months, compared to my current shorter commute. I’m really torn about giving my notice to my current boss, as I value the comfort and flexibility of my current job. I need to make a decision soon, ideally by Friday or Monday, and I'm feeling both excited and anxious about the change. It's a tough choice between a great work environment and the chance for a more fulfilling career path.

I recently faced my second layoff and wanted to share my perspective as a child-free individual. I’ve been laid off twice now, and I believe my lack of children has given me significant leverage during these tough times. Unlike many who feel pressured to accept the first job offer they get, I’ve been able to hold out for better opportunities. During my first layoff, I went over two years without taking a lowball offer, and now I'm approaching a year since my second layoff in 2025. I’ve always been careful with my finances, avoiding lifestyle creep and keeping my debt minimal—my only debt is my mortgage. When I’m laid off, I become extremely frugal. I cut out all unnecessary expenses, including dining out and subscriptions that don’t serve me. I even travel as cheaply as possible, staying with family to save money. My philosophy is simple: if corporations are taking money from me, I’ll respond by cutting my spending wherever I can. I believe that if we all band together and minimize our consumption, we can send a message to these companies about our power as consumers. I know my views might not resonate with everyone, and I’ve faced criticism for my choices, but I truly believe that being child-free has allowed me to navigate these layoffs with a level of freedom that many others don’t have.

I’ve been on the job hunt for almost a year now, and it’s been incredibly frustrating. I hold a BA and an MA in English, and I’ve completed three internships in marketing, literary journal publishing, and social services with a nonprofit. Additionally, I volunteer as a copy editor for a literary journal. Despite this background, I’m still struggling to land my first job. My dream is to work in publishing, but I’ve expanded my search to include any field that might be a fit. I’m open to remote positions, but I’ve also been applying to jobs in the US where public transportation is accessible since I don’t drive. Since January, I’ve submitted what feels like an ungodly number of applications, but I haven’t received a single interview. I make sure to tailor my resume and cover letter for each job, incorporating keywords from the job descriptions to pass through ATS filters, yet nothing seems to work. I’m at a loss and unsure of what I’m doing wrong. I’m reaching out for any advice or leads on job opportunities in any field that I might be suited for, particularly in areas with good public transit. I’m feeling quite desperate at this point.