Applied to a Job

I’ve been unemployed for over a year now, and it’s really taking a toll on me. I’m 28 years old and hold both a B.A. and an M.A., yet I’m struggling to find a job. Despite applying to numerous positions and even reaching out to recruiters, I’ve only landed two interviews this year, both of which ended in rejection. One of those was for an internship, and it’s disheartening to think I can’t even secure an entry-level position. I can’t help but feel like a failure, especially as I watch my peers advance in their careers while I feel stuck. It’s like my 20s are slipping away, and I’m left wondering what’s wrong with me.

I've been unemployed for 16 months now, and honestly, I feel pretty helpless. I used to work as a software engineer for 5 years, but personal issues have kept me from the job market. I'm just starting to apply for jobs again, but I've heard that the job search can take a year or more. If that's the case, I could be looking at nearly 28 months without a job by the time I find something. It feels overwhelming, and I can't help but wonder if I'll ever get back into a software engineering role. I know I could probably find something like a job at McDonald's, but that's not what I want. I really want to be a software engineer again, but I'm starting to doubt if that's even possible anymore.

I was laid off from my role last October and since then, I've submitted 128 applications but only landed 3 interviews. I feel completely exhausted by the job search process. It's been nearly 10 months, and I know that means I'm averaging about 3 applications per week, which seems low. I’ve received feedback that my resume is too dense and wordy, making it hard for hiring managers to quickly grasp my skills and experience. I’ve been advised to simplify my resume and maybe even use AI tools to help tailor it for each job. I’m considering looking for temporary positions, especially with the political campaign season in full swing, as it might lead to opportunities in data roles. Any further advice on how to improve my approach would be greatly appreciated.

Applied at Walmart for Unknown

Applied at Aritzia for Retail Position

Applied at Uber for Business Operations

I had a 3rd round interview for a Program Management role with the Global Director on August 3, 2026. I felt confident about my performance in the initial, second, and third rounds. On August 13, HR reached out to ask for my salary expectations, and I provided a figure in the middle of the posted range. After following up on August 21 for any updates, I still haven't heard anything back as of today, August 31. I'm starting to feel like I've been ghosted and that my chances of getting an offer are slim. It's really stressing me out because I was hopeful about this opportunity. I'm wondering if I should consider this a silent rejection and if I should ramp up my job search elsewhere.

I recently had a video interview for a position at Target. Unfortunately, I really messed up the last question. I had two attempts, and on the third try, I ended up cutting the video short and submitted it by mistake. I'm feeling pretty anxious about it because my first four videos were flawless. I called the hiring team to see if there was any chance I could retake that last question, but they told me it wasn't possible. Now I'm left wondering how this will affect my chances of getting hired.

I was recently laid off on a Friday from a company where I truly enjoyed working, thanks to my supportive boss and wonderful coworkers. It's hard to find such a pleasant work environment, and I genuinely liked the work I did. Since the layoff, I've been surprised at how mentally challenging the adjustment has been. On the day I was let go, I had an interview lined up with another company, but I didn't perform my best during that interview, which is unusual for me. I'm feeling anxious about the job market and the uncertainty of finding a new position, even though I believe I have a solid job search strategy. I've managed to secure at least six interviews in the past month and a half, including one with a hiring manager. Despite my efforts, I find it difficult to see the silver lining amidst this situation. To cope, I've decided to get out of the house tomorrow and clear my mind, hoping that something positive will come my way soon. I'm curious to hear how others have managed their mental health after a layoff.

I recently came across a job listing on Indeed that caught my interest, but shortly after I applied, the listing was taken down. I have an interview scheduled, and I'm feeling uncertain about whether I should still prepare for it or not. I wonder if this means the position has already been filled or if they just have enough candidates. I've heard from others that it's common for employers to remove listings once they feel they have enough applicants, but I still want to make the most of this opportunity. I'm considering reaching out through Indeed to clarify the situation, but I'm not sure if that's the right move. Any advice on how to handle this?

I applied to five different cashier and customer service positions about a month ago, but only one company acknowledged my application with a thank you, and then I never heard back from them. I'm feeling really frustrated because finding a job has been incredibly difficult for me. It seems unprofessional for companies not to respond at all, and I'm left wondering what this lack of communication means. I really need the money, and it's disheartening to put in effort and not receive any feedback.

I recently made the decision to reapply for my old job after leaving it a year ago due to salary issues. I had been working as a [specific role] at [Company Name], where I enjoyed the team and the work environment, but I felt undercompensated and sought a new opportunity that offered a 20% higher salary. I took the leap and joined a new company, but it turned out to be a mistake. In my current role, I'm overwhelmed with responsibilities that are far below my skill level, and I find myself doing a lot of administrative tasks rather than the engaging work I was hired for. I've even asked HR for additional support, but it seems like I'm stuck in a position that doesn't allow me to grow. After much consideration, I decided to go back to my old job, thinking that even if the pay wasn't ideal, my happiness and job satisfaction would outweigh the financial aspect. To my surprise, they offered me a salary that matches what I'm currently earning. This has left me questioning why they let me leave in the first place. I'm looking forward to hopefully returning and finding fulfillment in my work again.

I've been deep into my job search lately, applying to countless positions in my field. At first, I thought the more applications I sent out, the better my chances would be. I tailored my resume for each role, but after sending out dozens of applications with little to no response, I started to feel like I was just playing a numbers game. It became clear that I needed to change my strategy. I began to consider reaching out to my network for referrals instead of just relying on online applications. A friend of mine had success landing a great role through a referral, and it made me realize I should tap into my inner circle for potential leads. I'm now focusing on building connections and seeking advice from people who might help me get my foot in the door.

I recently had an interesting experience in my job search. I initially met with HR and then the hiring manager for a position I was really excited about. I was scheduled to meet with a potential coworker next, but I just found out that they decided to skip that step entirely and move me straight to the on-site interview. This is a bit surprising, especially since some of the team works remotely, but I would need to relocate if I receive an offer. I'm curious if this is a common practice and whether it's a positive sign for my candidacy. I've heard from others that skipping steps can indicate that they see me as a strong candidate and want to move quickly to secure me before I get other offers. I'm hopeful about this opportunity!

Today, I completed an assessment for an entry-level digital marketing and social media position I applied for in the construction and real estate industry. I've already had two interviews, and they sent me this assessment to complete before a potential third interview. The request caught me off guard, especially since it was due today. The assessment required me to perform a competitive analysis, including a SWOT analysis of two competitors' social media channels, and to identify opportunities and strategic recommendations for their current social media strategy. I also had to create two social media posts that fit their brand, complete with copy and creative concepts. While I understand that assessments can be part of the hiring process, this felt excessive and like free labor. I have a portfolio and examples of my previous work that could demonstrate my skills, so I’m unsure why they wouldn’t just ask me about my ideas in the interview. I feel like this type of analysis is something I would typically do after being hired, not during the application process. Now I’m debating whether to just throw something together quickly or withdraw from the application altogether. Is this a normal practice, or should I see it as a red flag?

Today, I reached a low point in my job search journey. After over 12 years in a specific industry, I've made the tough decision to change careers entirely. I've been pursuing something I'm passionate about, and I've even obtained certifications to support my transition. However, the reality is hitting hard. I applied for a position today and was once again turned down because they chose a candidate with more experience. This isn't the first time; just a few months ago, I lost out to someone who had fewer certifications but more professional experience. It's incredibly frustrating to feel stuck and to wonder how I can advance in this new field without the opportunity to prove myself. I'm really hoping to connect with others who have successfully changed careers later in life and can share some encouraging stories or advice.

I applied to two Target locations on July 30, looking for a second job to work after my main job. One location rejected me quickly, but the other sent me a video interview, which I completed. After a week of silence, I called HR, and the representative told me to be patient and that she would check on my application. I followed up again the next week, and she mentioned there was an issue with my availability since I have another job. She said they might still work with my schedule depending on the hiring manager's decision and promised to email me with an update. Another week has passed, and I still haven’t heard anything. I've made it a routine to call the HR lady every Wednesday after her lunch break, and I haven’t missed a call in August. My hope lies in the fact that the rejected location changed my status to "No longer considered," while the location I interviewed for still shows "In progress." I’m torn between wanting to keep following up and wondering if I should just move on. Should I call again this Wednesday or take the hint and search elsewhere? Does "In progress" mean I still have a chance, or can Target leave applications like that even if they’re no longer considering someone?

I was laid off from my insurance sales position on August 20 and jumped right into my job search. I reached out to my references to ensure they were ready to support me, and two of them referred me to a position at an agency about 20 minutes from my home. I emailed the agent with my resume, completed an assessment, and had a great in-person interview on Friday. During the interview, I was caught off guard when asked about my salary expectations. I hadn’t seen the job listing since I hadn’t formally applied yet, but I knew similar roles were offering between $40k and $60k. I aimed for the higher end and said $55k-$60k, hoping not to price myself out without knowing the actual salary range. After the interview, I sent a thank you email and asked if there was a formal application to complete. On Saturday night, I received an email from the agent saying she would present me with an offer on Monday. I was thrilled but also noticed a potential red flag about work-life balance since she emailed me at midnight. This morning, I looked up the job posting and discovered the base salary is actually $85,000. I realized I had undervalued myself by $25,000-$30,000. Now I’m anxious that she might offer me around $60k when the role is clearly worth much more. I’m seeking advice on how to renegotiate for a salary that reflects the true value of the position.

I am currently seeking job search advice as I look for opportunities in the administrative and customer service industry in Portland, OR. My last contract ended in May 2026, and since then, I have been actively applying to various positions. I've averaged about two interviews a week over the past four months, but I haven't secured a job yet. At 49 years old, I'm eager for any recommendations or leads on where to look for jobs in this field. Thank you!

I recently applied to a fintech company on a Sunday night, sending out around 30 applications that weekend. However, I made a pretty big mistake in my cover letter. I accidentally addressed it to their competitor in the first line and then mentioned my excitement about the competitor's recent Series B in the third paragraph. I realized this blunder at 2am and felt a wave of embarrassment wash over me, lying still in bed and cringing at my mistake. To my surprise, they emailed me on Thursday. The recruiter opened with a comment about my enthusiasm for the competitor, saying they'd take it as market research. I have a phone screen scheduled for Tuesday. I'm not sure if the recruiter found it amusing or if they just don’t read these applications closely. It’s a bit of a learning moment for me, realizing that maybe not everyone pays attention to every detail. Has anyone else managed to get through a broken application process?