Applied to a Job

After months of applying for jobs with little to no response, I finally figured out what was holding me back. I had been following all the conventional advice: I crafted a solid CV, applied widely, and kept my pipeline full. However, most of the time I received no replies at all—not even rejections. It was frustrating because I had no idea if I was close to getting a job or just completely invisible in the process. The turning point came when I realized that sending the same CV to every job was a losing strategy. Many applications never even reached a human being; they were filtered out by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) that prioritized how closely my application matched the specific job posting. The candidates who were getting interviews weren’t necessarily more qualified than I was; they were just tailoring their applications to mirror the job descriptions and highlight the relevant experience right away. This realization was tough to accept, especially since tailoring each application can take up to an hour, which is why many people don’t do it consistently. To tackle this, I built a tool that automates the tailoring process for me. It grades each application and removes anything that wouldn’t pass an initial ATS screening before I send it out. Surprisingly, this approach has helped me land three interviews in just one month. I didn’t expect it to be so effective, especially since some of the CVs it produced looked less visually appealing than what I could create manually, but it seems that the ATS doesn’t care about aesthetics. In any case, this method ultimately led me to secure a job, so I wanted to share my experience and hopefully help others in their job search.

I recently received a rejection email for a part-time barista position I applied for at a hotel. This was particularly disheartening because I have prior experience as a barista and have worked in kitchens as well. It's been a tough journey for me, as I haven't had a job in two years and have faced numerous rejections while applying for various roles. I’m only 20 and will be turning 21 in September, and I'm feeling the pressure to find work. I’m genuinely trying my best, but it feels like I'm getting nowhere despite having the skills and determination to succeed. I just want the opportunity to prove myself. Thanks for letting me share my frustrations.

I recently started my job search after leaving my previous employer due to health issues. It's been about a week or two, and honestly, the experience has been pretty discouraging. I've applied to several positions in my area and managed to secure a few interviews. One company, FedEx, even requested information for a background check, which gives me some hope, but after that, it's been radio silence. I feel like I present myself well in interviews—I'm respectful, professional, and always dress nicely, even in this sweltering heat. I've tried to remain optimistic, but I can't help but wonder if my age (I'm 19) or my background in customer service and food service is holding me back. My mom thinks it might be a gender or race issue, but I'm not sure how to navigate that. It's really disheartening to feel like I'm not making progress and to be living at home when I feel like I should be independent by now.

I currently work as a salaried employee in the automotive industry, typically on a night shift from 6pm to 7am, which often stretches to 13 hours. My schedule can lead to working up to 78 hours a week, and while I appreciate the financial benefits—around $80k annually with opportunities for advancement—I'm feeling overwhelmed. The long hours leave me little time for my family or personal interests, like filmmaking, which is my true passion. I've spoken to my boss about reducing my hours to 11-12 a day, but he insists that's not possible. It feels frustrating because my day shift counterpart has a lighter workload yet works fewer hours. I love my company and have applied for other positions, but I suspect my superintendent may be hindering my chances of moving up since I perform well in my current role. I worry about missing out on my kids' lives, especially since my own father was often absent due to work. The job market here isn't great, and I'm not sure where else I could find a similar salary without years of experience. Balancing this demanding job with my personal life is becoming increasingly difficult, and it's affecting my mental health.

I recently applied for a position as a Medical Screener, but after informing the company about my limited availability, they sent me home before the interview could proceed. A month later, I noticed the job posting was still open and decided to reapply since my availability had improved. However, I realized that the scheduling process uses an AI system, which made me question whether it was still appropriate to schedule an interview after my previous rejection. I'm considering reaching out to the hiring manager to confirm if the position is still available and if I should proceed with scheduling the interview.

Today, I had a call regarding a job application for a position that is quite a distance from where I currently live. The company wanted me to come in for the first round of interviews, which would require a 2-3 hour drive. Given the circumstances, I suggested that it would be more practical to conduct the initial conversation via Zoom or Teams instead. I framed it as something I would be happy to do after establishing mutual interest. However, they couldn't accommodate my request, and I politely thanked them while wishing them luck in finding the right candidate. I'm left wondering if I was too forward in asking for a virtual interview. It feels like a reasonable request in today's world, especially considering the time and effort involved in traveling for a brief first-round interview. The inability to offer a virtual option feels like a red flag to me.

I recently drove 50 miles for an interview with an international CPG brand that is expanding in the US market. I had a great conversation with the team lead and felt that my experience aligned well with what they were looking for. I left the interview feeling confident about my fit for the role. However, a few days later, I received an automated email stating that I didn't make it through the selection process. I was shocked and decided to reach out to the senior recruiter for feedback, especially since the initial screening had been a bit confusing when she called me about a job I hadn't applied for. I thought it was reasonable to ask for honest feedback given the effort I put into the interview and the positive chemistry I felt with the hiring manager. To my dismay, she responded with the same robotic email, stating, "after careful consideration... not the right overall team fit." I simply replied with a polite, "thank you for the insightful feedback," but I was left feeling frustrated. I understand that companies aren't obligated to provide detailed feedback, but the lack of consideration in this situation felt particularly disheartening. At this point, I'm viewing all recruiters as NPCs in this job search game.

I’m in my late 20s and feeling the pressure from my parents to find a job that pays a living wage. Right now, I’m working part-time in retail, averaging about 15-20 hours a week, which barely covers my groceries. I had a full-time job in robotics earlier this year, making $60k, but the company downsized and let go of a significant portion of the staff, including me. My parents are understandably concerned about my financial stability, especially since I’m helping them with their retirement planning and doctor visits. I have minimal debt, mostly student loans, but the job hunt has been tough lately. I used to land jobs quickly with just a few applications, but now it feels like I’m spending more time searching for jobs than I would in a regular 8-hour shift. They think I’m just playing video games when I’m actually trying to find opportunities. I appreciate their concern, but the job market is nothing like it was in the early 2020s, and I’m struggling to get even a response to my applications. I’m trying to apply to as many jobs as I can, but it’s disheartening to see how much harder it is now.

I've been on the job hunt for a couple of months now, and while I've received a few offers, I turned them down because I'm really looking for a good fit. I have a specialized degree, so I know I can find something that pays well enough. Recently, an old coworker recommended me to her manager, highlighting why I would be a great fit for a role they had open. I applied on a Sunday night and was surprised to hear back the very next morning, asking for an interview that same day. I walked into the interview feeling okay, but as it progressed, I became increasingly uncomfortable. The atmosphere was informal and lacked structure, which made it feel awkward. I ended up being in there for an hour and a half, and I felt like I didn't perform well because of the overall vibe. At one point, they tried to get me to commit to the job right then and there. I explained that I had other interviews lined up throughout the week and needed to consider my options. The hiring manager seemed concerned about my hesitation and kept pushing the benefits of the role. We went in circles for a while until I finally made a move to leave. After the interview, I spoke with my former coworker again, who provided some insight about the person I would work closely with. She mentioned that this person has clear expectations but can come off as harsh due to her accent. The previous employee had a lot of anxiety, which made me wonder if the environment could be challenging. The role itself seems a bit boring, but I'm okay with that; however, it also feels like a dead end. Now it's Thursday, and I've received a call with an offer. I had already mentioned to the manager that I couldn't commit so quickly, but now I'm expected to call back in the morning with my decision. This feels really pushy and rushed, and I already feel like I'm having to set firm boundaries with them. I'm unsure about how to proceed and would love to hear thoughts on this situation.

I’m preparing to apply for my first job at a few local food places. I’ve submitted my applications online, but I’m unsure about how to follow up in person. I’ve heard that going in and asking if they’re hiring can be beneficial, but I’m not sure how to approach it. Should I just walk in and ask outright? I want to make sure I come across as relaxed and confident. I’m considering acting like a customer first, maybe ordering something, and then bringing up my application. I really want to make a good impression and stand out, so I’m planning to bring a copy of my resume with me. Any tips on how to start and end the conversation would be greatly appreciated!

After months of rejections while applying for software engineering internships, I finally started receiving interview calls. Initially, I was sending the same resume to every position, believing that a high volume of applications would eventually yield results. Unfortunately, this approach only led to more rejections and silence. Things began to shift when I dedicated time to improving my resume and focusing on projects that I could discuss confidently during interviews. One notable project was an AI-powered cybersecurity tool where I developed an NLP-to-KQL Query Copilot. I made sure that every project listed on my resume showcased measurable impact rather than just a list of technologies. Interview preparation was another hurdle. While I could solve LeetCode problems, I found it challenging to articulate my thought process. To overcome this, I practiced mock interviews and revisited data structures and algorithms fundamentals, which significantly boosted my confidence. I also discovered Linkjob.ai, which helped me customize my resume for different job descriptions instead of sending out a generic version. While it didn't guarantee offers, it made my applications feel more targeted and saved me considerable time. Although I'm still on my job search journey, I've noticed a significant increase in online assessments and interview opportunities compared to when I started. For anyone else facing similar challenges, I can't emphasize enough the importance of tailoring your resume, working on projects you truly understand, and practicing how to communicate your problem-solving process—not just solving coding challenges. I'd love to hear what strategies others found most effective in their internship or new-grad job searches.

After months of sending out applications and facing rejection after rejection, I finally started to receive interview calls. It feels like a huge relief to see my efforts paying off. I've been applying for various roles in marketing, and I'm excited to see where these new opportunities might lead. I’ve been preparing thoroughly for each interview, hoping to make a strong impression and secure a position soon.

After being laid off for 9 months from my previous job where I worked for 5 years, I finally feel like I might have a job lined up. The process has been incredibly frustrating, as I sent out thousands of resumes and only landed about 10 interviews during that time. I made some progress with an IT staffing company, but it feels like I’m constantly being led in circles. The start date for the project I was promised keeps getting pushed back. Initially, I was told I would start in the first week of July, then it moved to mid-July, and now it's pushed to the end of July. This has been really stressful and I can’t shake the worry that this opportunity might fall through. I've signed an offer letter and have been completing onboarding tasks, but I'm also told I won’t receive any pay until the contract officially starts. I just hope this doesn't turn out to be a waste of time.

I recently graduated high school with strong grades and am currently pursuing my bachelor's degree. I can speak four languages and have skills in Adobe Creative Cloud, website building, and graphic design. Additionally, I hold a certificate in advanced waiter skills and have experience working in five-star hotels. Despite this, I've been applying for cashier and grocery stock jobs, yet I haven't received any responses, not even for positions that require no experience. I'm starting to wonder if I'm doing something wrong in my applications or if it's just the current job market. Some feedback suggested that I might be perceived as overqualified for these roles. I'm considering simplifying my resume to focus on my availability and customer service experience while downplaying my other skills for these lower-level positions. It's frustrating, especially knowing that the job market has been tough lately.

I’ve been laid off for about two months now from Upwork, and honestly, the job hunting experience has been pretty tough. I used to work in big tech but transitioned to remote contracts, and now I'm struggling to find opportunities in either area. Out of countless applications, I’ve only made it to one interview, which is disheartening. I understand the frustration many are feeling in this community, and I think it’s important to share some useful tips rather than dwell in despair. Here are a few strategies that I’ve found helpful: 1. I avoid using the 'Easy Apply' feature on LinkedIn. Instead, I search for jobs on LinkedIn but apply directly through the company's career website, especially if I don’t have a referral. 2. I’ve started focusing on jobs that were posted recently, ideally within a few days. This approach seems to give me a better chance of getting noticed. 3. I’ve also been using the Blind app, where people occasionally share insights about companies that are actively hiring. I’d love to hear how others are approaching their job searches and any additional advice you might have!

I have some great news to share! After a challenging two and a half month job search, I signed an offer yesterday. I’m based in Canada and have over seven years of experience in analytics and research, along with a graduate degree and legal credentials. I was laid off back in April due to a departmental restructuring following a leadership change, which left me unemployed for about two and a half months. During that time, I applied for over 30 positions, customizing my resume and cover letter for each application. I utilized AI tools to help identify keywords and sharpen my messaging to better align my experience with what employers were looking for. The first two months of my search were quite tough. I faced numerous screening calls that didn’t lead anywhere and received a lot of rejections, even for roles where I felt I was a perfect fit. It was a struggle to stay positive during that time. However, things started to turn around earlier this month. I attended a job search webinar that provided some valuable insights, leading me to completely revamp my resume to focus on results, alignment, and business impact. I condensed it to one page and prioritized the strongest information at the top. I also updated my LinkedIn profile and actively engaged with my network, reaching out to former colleagues weekly. As a result, three out of my four strongest opportunities came through warm connections who introduced me to internal decision-makers. Interestingly, the role I ultimately accepted came from a cold application via the company’s website. In just two weeks, I transitioned from having little traction to evaluating four solid opportunities. I decided to withdraw from one that didn’t seem like a good fit, continued with the others, and was thrilled to receive an offer from my top choice after a very positive second interview. The new position is with a large, stable company close to my home, offers a fully hybrid work environment, and includes a 20% pay increase. Most importantly, it aligns much better with my long-term career goals. I’m feeling thrilled, relieved, and still amazed at how quickly things changed once I gained some momentum. Here are my three biggest takeaways from this experience: 1. Leverage your network. Reach out to former colleagues; many are genuinely willing to help. 2. Use AI for more than just keywords. It can help clarify your value, connect your experience to the employer’s needs, and focus your resume on outcomes. 3. Explore every avenue. While warm contacts led to several great opportunities, the job I accepted originated from a cold application. Remember, you only need one employer who values what you bring to the table. Just one. Don’t give up!

I'm currently on the hunt for a full-time or part-time remote job that aligns with my interests. I recently tried my hand at data annotation, but after two weeks of applying, I haven't had any luck, which is quite frustrating. Most of the positions I'm coming across are in the insurance sector. While I'm not completely opposed to it, I applied to one company and got accepted, but I'm being assigned to a role that wasn't what I expected. This seems to be a recurring theme with the new opportunities I'm finding. I realize that many insurance roles require strong social interaction skills, which I struggle with. The idea of having to engage with numerous people to secure contracts feels overwhelming, and I prefer more personal interactions rather than purely transactional ones. My priority is to find a stable job that won't leave me in a tough spot financially, especially since I feel a responsibility to support my family and can't rely on my parents for help right now. I'm wondering if there's a better fit out there for me, or if I should just hold off until I finish my degree in psychology to find something in my field.

I recently went through a bit of a stressful situation regarding a job offer I received from a tech company where I was referred by a former coworker. About two months ago, I applied for a role there, but I didn’t get it. However, a month later, my referral helped me apply for the same position in a different department. This time, there was no official job posting, and no one asked about my educational background during the process. I ended up receiving an offer, which was great news! However, I had to undergo a background check that included education verification. On my resume, it appears that I have my degree, but the truth is I never completed it. When prompted during the background check, I selected 'currently enrolled' as my status, thinking it was the most accurate option since it doesn’t imply I graduated. Now, I’m feeling anxious because they will be verifying my education, and I worry they might think I’m lying based on my resume. The offer I received states that it’s conditional based on their satisfaction with the background check and conflict of interest check, but it doesn’t explicitly say I have to pass it. I have to give notice at my current job on Monday, and I'm really worried that if they find out about my education situation, they might rescind the offer after I quit my current job. I’ve been advised to wait until the pre-employment checks are cleared before giving notice, but I’m feeling a lot of pressure. I hope everything turns out okay.

I've been actively searching for jobs and it's been quite a rollercoaster. Recently, I learned that LinkedIn is under investigation in Texas for ghost jobs, which are essentially job listings that don't actually exist or that companies have no intention of filling. It's estimated that 20 to 33% of online job postings might fall into this category, meaning that a significant portion of applications could be going nowhere. On top of that, I've noticed that Indeed's new AI features aren't much help either; they often recommend jobs that don't align with my background or show listings that are no longer available. With the two major job boards being so unreliable, I'm left wondering where to focus my efforts. I’ve been applying directly through company career pages for the last three months, and I've managed to secure two interviews this way. I find that using LinkedIn mainly to identify companies and then visiting their career pages has been more effective than applying through LinkedIn itself. I've also heard from others that referrals seem to be a reliable way to land interviews. A former coworker of mine recently helped me out by sending my resume to his manager at his new company, which I think is a great strategy in this tough job market. I’ve also explored other platforms like Greenhouse, Glassdoor, Click Hired, and Wellfound, which have yielded better results for me. It seems that applying through company sites directly is the way to go, as they tend to be more trustworthy than the job boards right now.

I've been feeling really stuck in my current job as a flooring installer, and it's taking a toll on my body. I have a solid background with a bachelor's in business management and a certification in construction management, but I feel like that was a waste of time. I ran my own salon from 2017 to 2020 and have over 10 years of experience in flooring and customer service, often in managerial roles. Despite this, I've been applying for new jobs for almost a year now and either get no responses or am told I'm overqualified. I've even tried applying to home builders, leveraging my construction experience, but they keep saying I need a master's in construction management. The pay for starting positions is also disheartening. I'm considering getting another certification in tech since I've always had an interest in it, but I'm hesitant to invest time and money into something that might not pay off. I really want to make a change but feel lost on how to proceed.