Applied to a Job

After 3.5 months of job searching, I finally landed a position! I sent out 171 resumes, faced 154 rejections or ghostings, and managed to schedule 17 interviews. Unfortunately, 2 interviews were cancelled before they even took place because the companies suddenly found other candidates. Out of the 14 first-round interviews I had, 12 resulted in rejections or ghostings. I did make it to the second round for 2 interviews, but one of them rejected me after I performed well, citing they found an internal candidate. However, the second interview went well, and I received a job offer the very next day, which I accepted. I feel incredibly lucky to have found a job in just 3.5 months, especially considering the current job market is the worst I've ever seen—much worse than during the 2008/09 financial crisis. Interviewers often seemed hostile and disinterested, asking bizarre questions that felt more like psychological tests than genuine assessments. It felt like they were looking for any reason to disqualify candidates. Building rapport was challenging, especially when interviewers were unfriendly and used trick questions. Interestingly, I discovered that both of the second-round interviews I passed were because I accidentally found common interests with the interviewers. It's disheartening to realize that so much of this process is based on luck and numbers, rather than fair assessments of skills and fit.

I recently found myself in a tough spot at work. I'm 24 years old and have been placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) due to what I believe is a toxic management situation. My manager has created a hostile environment, and it feels like she's targeting those of us who don't conform to her expectations. Last week, she initiated the PIP, and today I have another one-on-one meeting with her, which has me feeling anxious. Despite my colleagues recognizing my decent performance, it seems like there's a bias against certain team members, and I'm the last one standing after 16 people have left in just the first half of the year. I don’t have a supportive family to fall back on, and the pressure is mounting. I've been applying for new jobs nonstop, but the response has been slow, and I'm starting to doubt my chances of finding something in the next couple of months. I’m reaching out to see if anyone else has been in a similar situation with a PIP and managed to land a better job afterward. I could really use some encouragement and success stories to help me through this mentally exhausting time.

I finally received a $100k offer for my first tech job as a cloud engineer! I've been applying since February and it's been quite a journey. Last year was tough; I made a bad crypto trade that wiped out my entire net worth and left me with about $60k in credit card debt. I spent the last year freelancing, building a portfolio, and honing my skills. I even completed several certifications in just three months, which usually take years. Despite the negative narratives about the job market, I stayed positive and focused on the high-demand tech skills I was developing, particularly in AWS and Kubernetes. I went through numerous interviews, faced many rejections, and learned something valuable from each experience. One final stage interview in February didn't work out, but I kept pushing forward. The interview process for this new role was straightforward: an initial screening with a recruiter, a technical and architecture challenge on-site, and a values interview with four senior team members. From the initial screen to receiving the offer took about a month. One key takeaway for me was that thorough preparation made a significant difference. I found that when I over-prepared, I could excel in interviews and engage with interviewers more effectively. I learned to maintain a calm and confident demeanor, which helped create a comfortable atmosphere for discussion. I realized that the less I chased opportunities, the more they seemed to come my way. By applying to numerous positions, I created a sense of abundance and trust in the process. I hope my experience can inspire others to stay persistent and believe in their journey.

I've been really struggling in the job market as an engineer. This month, I applied to three positions and managed to land interviews for all of them, but unfortunately, I faced rejection each time. I even took a day off from my job at the post office to attend one of the interviews. During one interview, the interviewer was so impressed that they thought I was using AI to answer questions. I was taken aback by that but assured them I wasn't. They mentioned moving me to the next round with the regional sales manager, but then I was ghosted completely. I checked my application status and saw I was not selected, and despite reaching out for an update, I didn't get any response. It hit me hard, and I shed a few tears over it. But reflecting on it, I realized that getting three interviews in such a short time is a sign that I'm on the right track. I just need to keep refining my approach and applying more. The job market feels like a numbers game, and I'm determined to keep pushing forward. Tomorrow, I plan to use tools like Claude to help tailor my applications and apply to even more jobs. Additionally, I applied for a pre-apprenticeship program specifically for women, which is unpaid but offers valuable trade skills. I tested into the program and received an email for a physical assessment, which I'm grateful the post office allowed me to take another day off for. This program could significantly improve my chances of getting a job with the Illinois Department of Labor. I refuse to go back to school and take on more loans after my experience with my mechanical engineering degree. Instead, I'm pursuing this trade route, which only takes three months and offers certifications like OSHA 10 and First Aid/CPR. This is my Plan B if I can't find a job soon.

I received a call from a recruiter today regarding a final loop interview for a position I applied for. After not hearing back for over a week, I was surprised to learn that the hiring manager wants to move the interview up by a week. The recruiter explained that the hiring manager initially planned to have the interview after returning from travel but changed their mind while away. They mentioned that both the hiring manager and the team are excited to have me on board. Additionally, they are waiving a time-sensitive essay requirement, allowing me to submit it before the interview instead of three business days prior. I've had interviews pushed back before, but this is the first time one has been moved up, especially with the hiring manager traveling. I'm wondering if this is a positive sign.

I applied to my dream company on February 15, 2026, thanks to a referral. Just two days later, a recruiter contacted me, and the interview process kicked off. I was informed there would be three rounds, so I prepared myself for a lengthy journey. The first round involved a technical assessment, which I had 10 days to complete. I took every single one of those days, but by the time I submitted it, I was convinced I had failed. The stress was overwhelming, and I hesitated to follow up with the recruiter for almost two weeks after submitting my work. Eventually, I decided I needed closure and sent an email. To my surprise, a week later, I received a reply saying I had actually passed that round. I was shocked and elated. After some time passed, I followed up again and learned that the second round was a take-home assessment, again with a 10-day deadline. This assignment consumed my life for those ten days, and I submitted it at the very last moment. Two weeks went by without any news, so I reached out again. Shortly after, I found out I had cleared that round too. Now, fast forward to today: it's been five months since that initial recruiter call, and I'm still waiting for the third and final round. Each time I follow up, I hear about another delay. They’ve recently informed me that there are currently no roles available. What’s frustrating is that I can see open positions listed, and the role I applied for was supposed to be generic and team-matched later. At this point, I’ve officially lost hope in landing a position at my dream company.

I recently applied for a position at a local grocery outlet and had a great first interview. The hiring manager mentioned that I was a good fit for their team, but the only issue was that I needed to be 16 years old to be hired. During our last conversation, which was about two months ago, he suggested that I call him back once I turned 16. My birthday is coming up in a month, and I'm eager to secure this job. I'm planning to reach out to him again in the next week to see if they still want me on board. I'm looking for any advice on steps I should take in the meantime, or tips for my second interview. I want to make a good impression and show that I'm responsible and ready to work.

Applied at hospital for Registration Representative

I recently got laid off from my job, and honestly, I can't believe how tough the job market is right now. It feels like every time I apply for a position, there are hundreds of other candidates vying for the same role. I keep wondering if this is just the state of the economy or if the remote work trend has made things even more competitive. The whole situation feels pretty hopeless, and I'm struggling to stay positive as I navigate this challenging time.

I'm feeling really lost right now in my job situation. I'm a 23-year-old recent college graduate with a bachelor's degree in Mass Communications Broadcast and Production. To be honest, I feel like I wasted three years learning about communications and only got practical videography training in my last year. I wanted to pursue video editing, but financial constraints led me to this program instead. After graduating, I landed an internship with a marketing team at a small company, but it's been a nightmare. I'm working for minimum wage and taking on the workload of a previous videographer who quit, which is overwhelming. I asked for a pay raise due to the increased responsibilities, but they just said they'd see if it's in the budget, which feels disheartening considering their revenue is over a million a month. I’m really struggling mentally and financially. I can’t easily transition into the entertainment industry where I live, as there are few production studios hiring entry-level editors. The creative industry seems to be in a downturn, and I’m terrified of being stuck in this corporate job forever, especially since I’m underpaid compared to what professional editors make. I can’t quit because I desperately need the money. I’m limited to 29 hours a week to avoid benefits, which makes it hard to save. I have medical issues that require regular doctor visits, and while I can stay on my family’s insurance for a bit longer, it doesn’t cover everything. I’ve thought about other job options, but my medical conditions prevent me from doing hard labor. I have narcolepsy, which complicates my situation further since it’s not recognized for disability without a lengthy process. I’m just looking for any advice on how to navigate this tough spot. I’m applying to other positions, but there aren’t many entry-level roles available. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

I’m Peter, a 19-year-old university student studying IT in a small town in Puerto Rico. For the past 3 and a half years, I’ve been applying to numerous jobs but have not received a single follow-up. I often feel ghosted by employers, which is disheartening. My situation is tough; I rely on a small stipend of $25 a month from the organization that funds my studies, which is barely enough to cover living expenses or food. I’m actively seeking employment to help my mom and gain financial independence, but I've hit a wall. I've applied to local businesses, job agencies, and even attended job fairs, but nothing has materialized. I’ve also explored student work opportunities and fast food jobs, but they are all unavailable. I’m feeling lost and desperate for guidance on how to secure a job and improve my situation.

I reached out to a recruiter from a cosmetics company back in January 2026 regarding a Spring 2026 Quality Internship. I was excited when she initially contacted me and confirmed my availability to work in their NYC office three days a week. However, after our conversation, things went quiet. I sent two polite follow-up emails over the next few weeks but never heard back. Later, I applied again for the Summer 2026 internship cycle and reached out to the same recruiter to express my continued interest, but once again, I received no response. Now, I've applied for the Fall 2026 Regulatory/Quality Internship. Since my last applications, I've gained relevant industry experience and have significantly improved my résumé. The recruiter is still with the company and appears to be handling internship recruiting. I'm considering sending a brief email to her to let her know I've applied for the Fall internship and to attach my updated résumé. However, I'm unsure if it's appropriate to reach out again since she hasn't responded before. I don't want to come off as overly persistent, but I also want to express my interest in this new hiring cycle. Should I go for it or just leave it alone?

I recently had my first interview for a part-time position at a local retail store. After the interview, I was left wondering about the next steps. The HR representative mentioned they would keep my application on file and contact me if a position opens up. I'm unsure if this is a good sign or just a polite way of saying they aren't interested. I'm hoping to hear back soon, but I also want to manage my expectations. Any advice on what this typically means?

I recently applied for a training program position at a company I really want to work for. About two months ago, I went through several interviews for the same role but wasn't selected, even though I was a finalist. During the process, the manager mentioned that new openings would arise as team members complete the program at different paces, so I was encouraged to keep an eye out. Two weeks ago, the position I interviewed for became available again, and I submitted my application. I have the manager's email, as she was in regular contact with me throughout the interview process. I'm considering reaching out to her directly to express my interest in the role again. I'm unsure if this is a good idea or what exactly I should say. Any advice on how to approach this would be appreciated!

I’ve been job hunting for a year and a half now, and honestly, I’m feeling defeated and ready to give up. I’ve applied to countless positions, tailored my resumes, and even tried using AI tools to optimize my applications, but I still keep getting ghosted. It’s disheartening to receive dozens of rejection emails daily after sending out over 1000 resumes and cover letters. I’ve sold everything I owned just to make ends meet, and now I’ve booked a flight to move back home with my parents. At 31, my life feels hopeless. I’ve tried reaching out directly to employers, going in person, and following up, but nothing seems to work. I’ve applied for retail jobs, seasonal work, and even offered to work without pay in exchange for housing in Alaska. I’m willing to relocate, travel, and take jobs I’m overqualified for, yet I still can’t catch a break. I’ve branched out to different fields and even looked for jobs involving AI training, which I’m against, but I feel like I have no choice left. My mental health is shattered, and I just don’t know what else to do. What am I doing wrong?

I recently started applying for new jobs and I'm facing a dilemma about how to handle my work history. I've held most of my positions for over six months, which I've included on my resume. However, I have two jobs where I only lasted 1-2 weeks. One was a cleaning position at a hotel where I felt uncomfortable cutting corners to meet the time constraints. My mother got me that job, and while she was a top housekeeper, I couldn't compromise on the quality of my work, so I left after a week. The other job was at a restaurant where I felt unsafe due to inappropriate advances from older male coworkers, and I wasn't getting enough hours. My sister, who also worked there, warned me that management wouldn't address the issues, so I decided to leave after two weeks. I also worked as a maid for three months, but again, I was pressured to cut corners and leave homes unfinished to meet the demands of the next job. I was working long hours and earning less than minimum wage due to the pay structure based on ratings. Now, I'm unsure how to approach these short-term jobs on applications. I'm also struggling to remember who my supervisors were for those roles. When asked why I left, I want to be honest without making myself look bad. I’ve heard from others that it’s common to omit jobs under six months from resumes, but I’m not sure if that’s the best route for me.

I wanted to take a moment to vent about my job search journey, which feels like it has been going on for years, even though it's only been 11 months since I left my last position. I made the tough decision to leave my job in August 2025 due to a toxic manager, choosing a career transition over a performance improvement plan. Since then, I've sent out around 200 applications and only managed to land 4 interviews. It's frustrating to feel inadequate, especially when I see how long I've been searching with so few responses. I know I should be grateful for any opportunities, but I'm really hoping to find something that I will enjoy and not just settle for any job. If anyone has suggestions on companies to apply to or avoid, or tips on how to improve my job search, I would really appreciate it. It would be great to hear from others who are in a similar situation.

I've been actively searching for a job lately, and honestly, it feels like the market is in a terrible state—maybe even worse than during the Great Recession. I've tried everything: applying online, tailoring my resume for each position, visiting career centers, and even reaching out to temp agencies. Despite all these efforts, it seems like my applications just disappear into a void. I can't help but feel hopeless with so many candidates competing for so few opportunities. It's frustrating to see that even with a solid background, I can't seem to catch a break. I've heard some people say that jobs are out there, just not in my field, but that doesn't make the search any easier.

Today, I reflected on my recent experience as a Software Engineer at a startup where I worked for six months before being laid off. Initially, my start was quite challenging, but by May, I received positive feedback on my performance. However, June brought personal challenges, including graduations and illness, which affected my work. After returning, I was given an ultimatum to improve my performance, and while I made significant strides and received encouraging feedback from coworkers, I was still laid off two weeks later. My manager cited reasons such as not being a cultural fit and lacking proactivity, despite acknowledging my improvements. I was left with a termination letter that provided no specific reasons, just a month of severance. Since then, I've been applying for jobs and facing the common question from recruiters about why I left my last position. I'm unsure how to answer this effectively, especially when they ask if I chose to leave or was laid off. I’ve seen advice suggesting honesty is the best policy, simply stating that I was laid off, as many others are in similar situations.

I recently interviewed for a base-level position at a local restaurant, and I thought the interview went well with the kitchen manager. However, he informed me that there were other candidates in line and promised to get back to me within a week. After a week of silence, I reached out and learned that the position had already been filled. I accepted that and continued my job search. To my surprise, just three days later, the kitchen manager contacted me again, asking if I was still interested in the position. I was hesitant because I had never encountered such a situation before, but given my financial struggles, I decided to express my interest. He mentioned he would follow up the next day, but once again, he didn't reach out until today. Now I'm feeling uncertain about this opportunity due to the inconsistency in communication. I've had a bad experience with a previous job, which makes me wary. I'm torn between passing on this role and continuing my search or taking the chance for the sake of my finances. I'm looking for opinions or advice on whether I should pursue this further.