Got a Job

After sending out 850 applications, I finally landed a job at NVIDIA, and I want to share what changed in my approach. Initially, I was sending out about 30 tailored applications daily, but I was met with nothing but rejections, despite holding an Ivy League master's degree in engineering. I also tried reaching out to numerous recruiters on LinkedIn, but I received no responses. Then, I shifted my strategy to target hiring managers specifically for entry-level roles in my field. I invested in LinkedIn Premium and searched for positions that weren't on the first couple of pages of results, as those were often inundated with messages. I even gathered job titles and names from various publications and other search results. I reached out either through LinkedIn or, when possible, via email. I made sure to craft concise messages that would capture their attention. I started with a personal connection, referencing something specific about them, like their involvement in a project or their educational background. Then, I briefly highlighted my relevant skills and experience in one sentence, asking if they would be open to a chat. This approach yielded a response rate of about 10%, and half of those conversations led to interviews. Ultimately, this strategy helped me secure my dream job at NVIDIA. I learned that sometimes, there may not be a job posting available, but if a hiring manager likes you, they can create an opportunity. This method may not work for every industry, but the key takeaway is to connect with people in hiring positions rather than just recruiters. Once I realized this, my job search transformed significantly. Referrals didn't yield any results for me, but this direct approach made all the difference.

I recently started a new job at a local business, but after just a month, I was given a two-week ultimatum to prove myself or face termination. The owners, including the general manager who is the owner's daughter, pulled me into a meeting and expressed their dissatisfaction with my performance. They claimed I lacked the 'fire and hunger' they expect, which left me confused since I believe I am doing my job as trained. The training I received was inadequate; my supervisor was on vacation for three weeks, and I was trained by another new hire who wasn't fully equipped to teach me. I haven't even completed the state-mandated sexual harassment training yet. The owners seem to favor the other reps who go out of their way to please them, such as running errands for them during lunch and volunteering for tasks that seem more about personal loyalty than job performance. I have a good rapport with some regular customers, including a local police chief, and I joked with him in a way that the owners found inappropriate. They also criticized my need for clarification on complex invoices, which I think is reasonable for someone still learning the ropes. I feel like I'm being held to a different standard compared to my coworkers, who often use their phones for personal matters while I was reprimanded for checking an emergency text. I'm really struggling with this situation and questioning if I'm overreacting or if this is a toxic work environment.

After 8 months of job hunting and submitting 847 applications, I finally received a job offer today, and I can hardly believe it. It’s been an emotional rollercoaster filled with 31 interviews and countless rejection emails. I actually cried—like, really ugly cried—in my car after getting the news. I want to share what changed in my approach because I know how discouraging this process can be. Around month 5, I decided to try something different. Instead of just applying through job portals, I started reaching out directly to people at companies I was interested in. I sent personalized emails to hiring managers and department heads, explaining why I wanted to connect, without attaching my resume. The response rate was incredible compared to the silence I’d experienced on platforms like Indeed or LinkedIn. In just 3 weeks, I managed to book 6 conversations, and one of those led to a referral, which then turned into an interview and ultimately this job offer I accepted this morning. For anyone currently struggling in their job search, please know it’s not a reflection of your worth. The system is tough, but there are ways to navigate around it.

I recently had an interview for a position at a manufacturing company after a long gap in my employment. I had previously posted about my concerns regarding how to address this gap without resorting to dishonesty. During the interview, I was asked only two questions: why I applied for the job and what hobbies I have. After that, the interviewer gave me a tour of the facility, and I engaged by asking questions related to my past experiences and even made some jokes to lighten the mood. I felt the interview went well, and I was just informed that I got the job! I'm relieved and excited to start this new chapter.

I recently took a job as a pizza delivery driver, just a temporary gig for the summer while I looked for something better. The manager was upfront about the limited hours and responsibilities, which I accepted because finding work has been tough. However, just two days in, he informed me that he would be going on a two-week vacation and expected me to manage the place in his absence. This was never part of the deal, and I feel completely blindsided. I'm now responsible for running the operation, working long hours with no written schedule, and under immense pressure to perform perfectly. I feel guilty about wanting to quit, but this isn't what I signed up for. I'm torn between my obligation to help him out and my frustration with how I've been treated. Should I just walk away?

I recently accepted a new position at a company that promised me close to full-time hours, which made me excited to leave my previous full-time job. However, once I started, I discovered that they had only scheduled me for a mere 4 hours twice a week, claiming that was all part-timers received. Feeling misled, I reached out to my old job, and they welcomed me back immediately. Now, I’m juggling both jobs for a couple of weeks while I plan to put in my two weeks' notice at the new job. It feels awkward since the team at the new place is genuinely nice, but I can’t ignore the fact that they weren’t honest about the hours. I hope going back to my old job works out well and that I won’t face any issues after returning.

I was laid off from my finance job two years ago, which was a tough transition for me. Instead of trying to find another position in finance, I decided to take a leap and enrolled in an apprenticeship program at an HVAC company. After completing the program, I recently landed a new job that pays me twice what I was making in finance. Looking back, I feel like I should have pursued this path from the start instead of going to college.

I recently signed on to a new contract job and I'm excited about the company I'll be working for, as they have been really great so far. However, I've been having a frustrating experience with the recruitment agency that helped me land the position. Since I accepted the job, their communication has been terrible during the onboarding process. They often don't answer my phone calls, are slow to respond to emails, and at times, I feel completely ghosted. I'm wondering if this is a common issue others have faced and if anyone has tips on how to handle it. I'm based in Canada.

I started a remote job about a month ago, and it hasn't been the easiest experience for my anxiety. My role involves responding to emails with just one Zoom meeting each week with my boss and another team member. As the end of the month approached, I asked my boss for feedback, hoping to gauge my performance. He responded positively, saying I was doing a good job and appreciated my initiative in checking in, but suggested we discuss it further on Monday. Now, I'm feeling a mix of relief and dread. Since I'm technically a temp employee, I can't shake the fear that our meeting could turn into a conversation about my termination instead of a performance review. I'm trying to figure out how to keep this anxiety from ruining my weekend.

I was recently hired as a server at Ricky’s All Day Grill in Edmonton, Alberta, but after completing 10 hours of training over three days, I was unexpectedly let go. I had been upfront about my availability, working part-time at another job with a set but flexible schedule. The manager initially seemed okay with my availability, but after I submitted my June schedule, he claimed he was having trouble with scheduling. When I called him today, he informed me that it wouldn’t work out due to my limited weekend evening availability. I was frustrated because I had clearly communicated my schedule from the start. I reached out to his wife, who also works there, and she was surprised by the news and said she would discuss it with him. I also contacted someone overseeing the Edmonton franchises to report the unprofessionalism of the situation. It’s disheartening because I had turned down another job opportunity thinking I was secure here.

I recently received a job offer for a marketing position at a tech startup, and I was really excited about it. However, I rushed into accepting the offer without fully reviewing the terms and conditions. After taking some time to think it over, I realized that the salary was lower than what I had initially expected and there were no benefits included. I feel like I made a mistake by not negotiating or asking more questions before accepting. Now, I'm considering reaching out to the company to see if there's any chance I can discuss the offer again. It's a tough situation, and I'm feeling a bit anxious about it.

I finally received a job offer today after an exhausting 7-month job hunt, and I couldn't be happier! I'm looking forward to resigning from my current position, which has been toxic and soul-sucking for the past 10 months. I've been doing the work of three people while dealing with a micromanaging manager and a colleague who was promoted to my supervisor despite being incompetent. The last eight years have been a struggle, but now I can’t wait to see the look on their faces when I hand in my resignation. I plan to give my two weeks' notice, even though they don't deserve it. Here's to a brighter future ahead! For anyone still searching, don’t give up!

I'm starting a new job at an agency on Monday, but I'm having serious doubts about my decision. I'm a 25-year-old female, and the stress of this situation is weighing heavily on me. I accepted the offer, but after reflecting, I realize that my current job pays significantly better, and with my move-out plans, it makes more financial sense to stay put. I had actually tried to resign from my current position weeks ago, but my supervisor managed to convince me to stay at that time. Now, I'm in this awkward position where I'm still employed but also expected to start this new role in just a few days. I'm really anxious about how to handle this without burning any bridges. I want to maintain my professional reputation, especially since I'm in grad school and don't want any negative repercussions down the line. Has anyone faced a similar dilemma? I'm looking for advice on how to approach this situation professionally without jeopardizing my future opportunities.

I recently accepted a management position at a tech company, excited about the specific project structure and responsibilities we discussed during the interview. However, just before my start date, the company underwent a major strategic shift that completely altered the role I had accepted. Instead of overseeing and coordinating within a defined framework, I now find myself handling significantly more complexity and responsibility than I initially anticipated. I wasn’t informed about this potential change during the hiring process, and by the time I started, the decision had already been made. Now, a few months into the role, many of my initial concerns have proven valid. The job is far more demanding than what I had negotiated for in terms of compensation and expectations. I'm left wondering how others would view this situation. Is this just a normal evolution in business, or does it reflect poor communication on the company's part? Should this have prompted a discussion about adjusting my compensation or expectations? Or is it time for me to start looking for new opportunities?

I was laid off last month from my job in Pennsylvania and was approved for unemployment benefits, but I still haven't received my first payment. I recently accepted a new job offer, which I plan to start soon, and I will end my benefits when I have my start date. However, I'm feeling anxious about the commute to this new job; it's not ideal for my family situation. I'm taking this job out of financial necessity because my unemployment benefits aren't enough to cover our expenses, especially with my son's daycare costs. Since this is my first experience with unemployment, I'm worried about what happens if I find the commute unmanageable and have to quit shortly after starting. I heard that if I leave the new job soon after being laid off from my previous job, I might still be eligible for unemployment benefits. But after reading some comments, it seems that if I quit the new job for reasons like the commute or childcare, I wouldn't qualify for benefits anymore. I understand that a voluntary quit is a tough situation in the unemployment world, and the burden would be on me to prove I had a compelling reason to leave. I'm feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about my options, especially since I've never navigated this before.

I was laid off in March from my role as an agency contractor, which made me an easy target during the recent wave of layoffs. Thankfully, I managed to secure a new job that pays better, but it’s still just a one-year contract. It feels like the software engineering field is losing its stability; layoffs are happening everywhere, and companies seem to prefer hiring contractors over full-time employees, only to let them go later. This uncertainty makes it hard to plan for the future—how can we think about buying a house, getting a mortgage, or even getting married? The software industry used to be a reliable and lucrative career path, but now it feels like it's crushing the dreams of countless people around the world. I’m curious to hear what others in the software engineering community think about this situation. It seems like no one is immune to layoffs anymore, and the system feels broken. We used to think that job security was a given, but now it’s just a relic of the past.

I recently accepted a salaried PhD position at a university two weeks ago, but I’m really struggling to keep applying for other jobs as a backup. The job market feels so unstable right now, and I’ve been on a relentless job search for the past five months, facing countless rejections. My mental state is really taking a toll; I feel completely drained just thinking about job postings. My official start date isn’t until August, and I haven’t even signed the official offer letter yet, though I do have an unofficial confirmation and have set up my HR profile. I know I should keep applying because anything can happen, and I don’t want to be caught off guard if this offer falls through. But after submitting over 100 applications and going through more than 20 interviews, including five final rounds, I just can’t handle the pressure anymore. It’s frustrating to feel like there’s no job security, even with an accepted offer. I remember how stressful it was when I had a job in 2025, constantly worrying about layoffs. It feels like this job market is creating a cycle of generational trauma, where no one feels safe anymore. I’ve considered taking a break from applying, but I’m torn because I know I need to keep my options open. The advice I’ve seen suggests that networking might be more beneficial than just applying for jobs, but I’m still feeling overwhelmed. I just want to find some peace of mind in this chaotic job landscape.

About three weeks ago, I was blindsided by a layoff from my role as a graphic designer for a charity in the UK. I had been working fully remote for about nine months, which allowed me to move in with my girlfriend in a peaceful suburban area. We were just starting to build our life together when everything changed. On the same day I was let go, my girlfriend received a Stage 2 Lymphoma diagnosis. We were both devastated, and it was a surreal moment as we cried together, trying to process the news. Since the layoff, I've managed to secure some freelance design work, including a one-day retainer starting in July, which pays about twice my previous monthly salary. My goal is to build a financial buffer to help us through this tough time, especially as my girlfriend begins her chemotherapy. I've had several meetings and calls about potential opportunities, and even if nothing materializes, the retainer will cover our basic expenses. I'm committed to going all-in on freelancing to maintain flexibility and support my girlfriend as best as I can. It's a challenging time, but I'm taking it one day at a time for my own sanity and to stay strong for her.

I was laid off from Meta recently, where I worked as a software engineer. It was a tough blow, especially seeing so many colleagues also losing their jobs. After the layoff, I took a different path and started working at a local butcher shop. It’s a significant change from tech, but I’m finding it rewarding in its own way. A friend from college shared a video on LinkedIn that got me thinking about the current job market. It seems like layoffs are becoming more common across various industries, not just tech. My brother, a talented software engineer, is also struggling to find a new position, which makes me worried about the future. I’ve been hearing from others in the insurance sector that they’re anticipating layoffs as well. It feels like the job market is tightening up everywhere, and I’m curious if others are experiencing the same thing.

I was recently laid off from my role as a support engineer, initially with a retention period of 12 months. I spent nearly a year in a state of anxious uncertainty, job hunting and preparing for interviews while dealing with the stress of my situation. During this time, I had three interviews but none progressed far. I even made the tough decision to break up with my ex and move back home, as my lease ended at the same time as my retention period. I faced countless sleepless nights, especially working night shifts and having to wake up early for interviews. Just two months before my planned transition, I was informed that I could stay if I wanted, as the company was now hiring to increase headcount. Their initial plan to automate my role had backfired, and they were now scrambling for night coverage. While I'm relieved to have a job again and appreciate the retention bonus, I can't shake the anger and frustration. It feels irresponsible on their part, as they seem to have jumped on the layoff trend without considering the long-term implications. Half of my team was let go last year, and now I’ll have to train new hires while struggling with a lean workload. They present this situation as if they are my saviors, but the reality is that I still can't take sick days or PTO without extensive planning. It's all just a mess.