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I was recently laid off from my first job as a fresher, which was a Data and Automation Engineer role that I enjoyed. I graduated in Computer Science from a tier 2 university in October 2025 and landed this remote position right before graduating. Unfortunately, I was let go due to what they described as a "lack of proper communication." As a newcomer, I find this reasoning puzzling; I think communication skills can be developed over time rather than being a reason for termination. Since my layoff, I have sent out over 700 applications through platforms like LinkedIn, Naukri, and Instahyre, but I’ve only landed one interview. The silence from most applications is disheartening, and the rejections I do receive rarely provide feedback, leaving me unsure of what I need to improve. Currently, my job search strategy includes tailoring my resume for each role instead of sending out mass applications, reaching out to founders and HR via direct messages on LinkedIn, and applying daily on major job portals. I have about six months of experience in data engineering and web scraping, along with a backend project and a mobile app that I've launched, so I feel I have relevant skills to offer. Despite my efforts, the high number of applications with minimal responses is mentally taxing. I’m committed to staying positive and treating my job search like a full-time job, but I could really use some advice: 1. What changes would you suggest for my workflow? 2. Is it worth the effort to cold DM founders and HR, or should I focus my energy elsewhere? 3. Where should I concentrate my efforts as a fresher? 4. If anyone knows of teams hiring freshers or has referrals, I would greatly appreciate it. For context, my tech stack includes Python, Dart, Java, SQL, FastAPI, Flutter, and more. Thanks for taking the time to read this; any guidance would mean a lot to me right now.

As a recent college graduate with an international business degree, I've been on the job hunt since May and it's been incredibly frustrating. I've applied to countless positions but have only landed three interviews. Out of those, only one company followed up to let me know they chose another candidate. The rest just ghosted me after I submitted my applications. I'm left wondering if my resume is even being seen by a real person or if it’s getting filtered out by some AI due to a lack of relevant keywords. I've noticed that while big cities have a lot of job openings, the competition is fierce and the cost of living is so high that even if I secured a job there, I would barely scrape by. In smaller towns, the cost of living is lower, but the job opportunities are scarce and often require 1-2 years of experience for entry-level roles, which is frustrating since I'm applying for basic positions like administrative assistant and office coordinator. I’ve had my resume reviewed and it seems fine, and I have some internship experience. My interview skills are decent too. I know I can do these jobs, yet I find myself reaching out to hiring managers on LinkedIn, practically begging for a chance. I’m not aiming for anything extravagant; I just want a job that pays enough to cover rent. Living with my parents has become unbearable due to a toxic family situation, and I really need to find a job and my own place soon. What am I doing wrong?

I applied for a Data Entry position at a company that specializes in language courses. Today, I received an email outlining the next step in the application process, which involves recording a 5-minute intro video where I explain why I want to work there. This is supposed to happen before the actual Zoom interview. The job description emphasized the need for high attention to detail and the ability to follow instructions, which is reflected in the steps provided for the video. However, I find it a bit strange that a Data Entry role would require a video presentation. Given the current concerns around AI, I'm also feeling uneasy about this requirement. I'm curious to hear what others think about this process.

Feeling a mix of anxiety and depression lately. I have three interviews lined up this week, and I've already completed one. Tomorrow is the big day for my top choice, and I’m really struggling to practice my elevator pitch out loud. I can't decide if the anxiety of the upcoming interview is worse than the depression from feeling stuck in this endless cycle of applying and not hearing back. The only time I feel relief is right after I finish an interview, especially when I think I did well. Just hoping this all comes to a positive end soon.

I was laid off just a month after returning from maternity leave. Last year, I lost my dream job while I was on leave following a complicated delivery. They made me finish a high-value project, and right after it shipped, I was let go. I had sensed this might happen even before my leave, despite submitting my request way in advance. Once I was laid off, I spent three months focused on building and learning AI. I went through four interviews and applied to around 230 roles. After four months of unemployment, I finally landed a new job. I was really passionate about learning during that time, and although it took longer than I expected, I secured a position that offered a $70k pay increase. My interview process was swift, taking only seven days. I want to encourage others in similar situations: keep looking for roles, especially at competitors. Remember to prioritize your own development and growth. Stay curious and keep learning; you deserve it.

I recently had my first group interview experience while trying to transition into a new industry. I've been in my current role for a few years, but I applied for an entry-level position with a lower salary to gain relevant experience. During the interview, I was taken aback by the other candidates who had decades of experience, which made me feel quite anxious. I was the last to answer every question, and I struggled to present myself well. It was really uncomfortable, and I felt embarrassed since I could only share that I'm pursuing a part-time degree related to the role. The next day, the HR consultant reached out and asked if I would be open to redoing the interview one-on-one because she was worried that the group interview recording might not reflect my potential. I'm torn about whether to go for it. Is it common for companies to conduct group interviews? I found it much more challenging than a one-on-one. Also, is the job market so competitive that experienced professionals are applying for entry-level jobs?

I was laid off last year from my role as an Office Manager, where I was earning $98k. Now at 62, I’ve been actively searching for a new position for the past 7 months. I've sent out over 210 resumes and attended numerous interviews, but I can't shake the feeling that my age is working against me. Despite looking much younger than my years due to a healthy lifestyle, I’ve faced rejection after rejection. Eventually, I accepted a job offer at a company for significantly less pay, just to have something. Unfortunately, the role has me doing tasks outside of my job description, which I really dislike. Recently, I spotted a position at a firm where a friend works. I applied, got a call the next day, and interviewed. They even hinted at a better position that wasn’t listed yet, and my friends mentioned they were going to make me an offer. However, after waiting for weeks, I was told they were going in a different direction. I can’t help but think my age played a role in their decision, especially since the interviewers were likely around my age. Now, I'm stuck in a job I hate with the nagging feeling that no one will hire me due to my age. It’s frustrating to see ageism so prevalent in the job market.

I applied for a position at Google about a month ago, and my application has been stuck in the 'Assessment Passed' status since then. I'm feeling a bit anxious about it and wondering what my chances are of moving forward in the hiring process. Has anyone else experienced this with Google? Any insights would be appreciated!

I just had an HR interview scheduled for a position at a company, but after reviewing their job listings, I found another role that I’m actually more interested in. I hadn’t applied for that position yet, but I just submitted my application for it. Now, with the HR interview approaching, I’m contemplating whether I should mention to the HR representative that I’m also interested in this other role that I just applied for. I’m unsure if this would be seen as a positive or if it might complicate things.

I recently gave my two weeks' notice as a milk tanker driver after nearly 11 years with my current company. With 16 years of overall driving experience, I decided to apply for local fuel hauling positions after relocating to a larger city. I received calls for interviews and was invited to take the drive test, but since I was out on the road, I couldn't make it back in time, which led to me being sidelined while they hired someone local. At least one company was kind enough to inform me about the situation. Currently, I have a potential offer with Loves for a fuel driver position. If I get the green light, I might just skip the two-week notice altogether, clean out my truck, and leave it at the terminal. I want to ensure that the new job works out for a few years. I'm sharing this experience because I've seen mixed advice about giving two weeks' notice. It seems to work well for corporate jobs, but in the trucking industry, it's often better to jump ship once you secure a new position, especially after dedicating a decade to your previous employer. It's interesting how frequently terminal managers change in this field, which adds to the unpredictability.

I've been actively searching for a new job lately and primarily using Indeed and LinkedIn to apply. Unfortunately, I haven't received much feedback from my applications, which has been quite discouraging. After some reflection and feedback from others, I've realized that LinkedIn might be more beneficial for networking rather than direct applications. I'm now focusing on reaching out to connections and sending cold messages to expand my network. Additionally, I'm exploring smaller job boards that seem to have more frequent updates and might offer better opportunities. I'm hopeful that this new approach will yield better results.

I recently had a virtual interview with HR for a position I'm really excited about, and I was thrilled to be invited to the second round of interviews in-person. During the second interview, I felt confident and wanted to show my eagerness, so I offered my references at the end. I had a printed copy ready and mentioned that I could also send a digital version if needed. Now, I'm second-guessing myself and wondering if that was too presumptuous. The interviewer seemed friendly and accepted the references, but it's been a week since the interview and I haven't heard from my references being contacted. I'm starting to worry that I might have jeopardized my chances for this job by being too forward. Did I shoot myself in the foot?

I’m currently at my company where I sense that layoffs are imminent within the next 30-90 days. Leadership has been giving me signals that I might be on the chopping block, like not being reassigned to new projects while my peers are. Honestly, I’m not too upset about it because I’m feeling really burned out and in need of a change. I've been averaging 50-hour work weeks, and it's taking a toll on me. Fortunately, I’ve been fast-tracked for a new role at a different company thanks to a connection from a former job, and I have an offer on the table. However, I’m torn because the new position comes with a 23% pay cut and significantly worse health insurance. I’d also be moving from a leadership role to an individual contributor position, which has its pros and cons. One downside is that the new company barely mentioned AI during the interview, whereas I’m currently learning about it at my job. On the upside, the new role is fully remote and likely only requires 35-40 hours a week, which would give me more headspace to pursue interests outside of work. I’m grappling with whether to take this job that I wouldn’t normally consider unless I was desperate, or to hold out for a layoff and potential severance. I know that leaving on my own terms might sour my relationship with current leadership, while being laid off could keep things amicable. I’ve heard mixed advice from others: some suggest taking the new role as a bridge job while continuing to look for better opportunities, while others warn against making a hasty decision out of fear of unemployment. I’m trying to weigh my options carefully, considering both the financial implications and my overall well-being.

I used to work in supply chain for a local hospital, and I was really proud of my reputation there as a top performer. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of leaving for what I thought would be a better opportunity, but it turned out to be a regretful decision. Before I left, my manager assured me that I could return anytime, and I even received a call from the Recruiting Director expressing their desire to have me back if I was ever interested. Now, I am eager to return to that role, but I've been facing challenges. I've applied for the same position multiple times, but it seems like my applications are getting filtered out by an AI system. I understand that the company often hires internally, which adds to the competition. I reached out to my former manager, who I still keep in touch with, but he mentioned that the hiring process is managed by the recruiting department and he can't intervene. I also tried contacting the Recruiting Director, the same person who reached out to me when I left, but I haven't heard back. I'm feeling quite desperate to get back into that role, as it was one of the best jobs I've ever had. I'm looking for advice on how to navigate this frustrating recruiting process and hopefully secure an interview. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

I applied for a position again and received a message about an interview for a different shift, but it was sent just 7 minutes after the scheduled start time. This experience has solidified my decision that I never want to work there. I have extensive experience in this field, so it's frustrating to see them not acknowledge that. It feels like they're being dishonest about their reasons for not moving forward with my application. I’ve already been told ‘no’ twice, and it seems like they’re not able to recognize my qualifications. It's disheartening to think that despite meeting all the requirements, I’m still being overlooked. Maybe I just didn’t fit their company culture, but it’s disappointing that they won’t be straightforward about it.

I had my first interview with a small company for an Account Manager role on July 21st. The interview with the Account Director went really well, and I was excited to move on to the next stage with the two co-founders. That second interview took place on July 28th, and afterwards, I received positive feedback about my salary expectations and was told to expect further communication once the Director returned from vacation. However, on August 4th, I got an email from one of the co-founders informing me of a family death, which understandably delayed things. I sent my condolences and waited, but by the following Friday, I still hadn't heard back. On August 9th, I decided to follow up again, expressing my condolences and reiterating my enthusiasm for the role and the team. Now, I'm unsure about when to follow up again, considering the company is small and likely has a lot to catch up on. I'm used to the timelines of larger companies, so I’m looking for advice on how to adjust my expectations and when it might be appropriate to reach out again.

I recently applied for unemployment after retiring from the military and I'm currently navigating the process. As a disabled veteran, I can still work as a civilian, but I've been having a tough time getting through to the EDD. I've spent hours on hold, and sometimes the automated system just hangs up on me. I'm currently filling out the work search record for my continued claim, specifically Section B, where I need to indicate if I've worked in the past two weeks. I've applied to five different jobs, but unfortunately, I've been informed that they are moving forward with other candidates. I'm stuck on what to put in the "Results: Please explain" section since I wasn't hired. I want to avoid using the term "declined" because I’m worried the EDD might interpret that as me turning down a job offer, which isn't the case. I’m looking for the right terminology to use here, and any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

I recently completed a final interview for a role that I really want, and the wait is driving me crazy. I feel well-qualified, especially since I have a referral from my sister, though I'm not sure how much that helps. The process has been extensive: I had a recruiter screening, two take-home assessments, and an interview with the hiring manager. Most recently, I had a technical interview with the team manager, which I felt went really well. I had prepared answers for all their questions and even expressed my interest in the top pay they listed, while also being open to negotiation. They mentioned they had three more interviews to conduct the day after mine and promised to get back to me by early to mid-week. Since Monday morning, I've been refreshing my email non-stop, convinced that they might have already sent an offer to someone else and are just waiting for that person to accept before telling me no. This job feels like my white whale. I applied for a different position at this company a year and a half ago and was the second choice, but this new role aligns perfectly with my experience. I even took the initiative to complete a certification for the CRM they use after my first interview, which I was excited to mention in the second interview. I've wanted to work at this company for four years. The role is remote with unlimited PTO, which is a huge draw for me. Currently, I'm stuck in an office job in a blue-collar field that I find unbearable, especially with the uncomfortable work environment. I really need to get out of this situation, and I'm just losing my mind waiting for a response.

I'm feeling really overwhelmed after four months of job searching without success. I've been actively looking for work for nearly five months now, and it's starting to take a toll on my mental health. I've had several interviews where companies seemed interested, but then they either ghosted me or chose to go in another direction. Just in the past month, I've gone through five drug tests and background checks, only to end up with no job offers. I’ve reviewed my own background and driving record since I’m applying for positions mainly in the driving and warehouse sectors, but I can't pinpoint why I'm not getting hired. Some employers have even told me I'm overqualified, which feels frustrating because I thought that would be an advantage. I'm currently doing Uber to make ends meet, but it's barely covering my food and expenses. I've even applied to places like McDonald's, but nothing has panned out. I know the job market in Florida is tough right now, and I've seen others experiencing similar challenges, but I'm genuinely at a loss. I'm applying consistently and willing to work, yet I can't seem to catch a break. If anyone has gone through something similar or has advice on what I might be doing wrong, I would really appreciate it. I'm trying to stay positive, but it's becoming increasingly difficult.

I applied for a position at a hotel a few days ago and received an email instructing me to call the department Director. When I called, she mentioned she was busy and would return my call in 30 minutes, but I never heard back. After waiting for four hours, I tried calling again, but there was no answer, so I left a voicemail. Feeling a bit discouraged since this is the first response I've had in two months, I'm considering going to the hotel tomorrow to drop off my resume and speak with someone in HR or management if I don't hear back today. However, I've seen mixed advice about whether this is a good idea. Some say it could be frowned upon, while others suggest it's a proactive approach. I'm really eager to get my foot in the door and explore any opportunity.