I am currently on the job hunt and have been for a while now. I work as a Delivery Driver, which I'm grateful for, but I find it mentally unchallenging and it's really taking a toll on me. I'm trying to maximize my chances for interviews while being careful about how much time I spend on each application. I usually check company websites for job listings, but I primarily use Indeed and LinkedIn. I'm curious if there are other job sites that have a good number of listings that I should explore. A few weeks ago, someone mentioned temp agencies, which I think could be a good way to transition into a full-time role. I'm also concerned about applying for positions where I might not meet all the qualifications. I want to be realistic but also give myself credit for my skills and experiences. I wonder if hiring managers dismiss resumes that don’t perfectly match the job description right away. I feel confident in what I can bring to the table based on my past experiences, but I sometimes question if I'm wasting my time applying for jobs that seem out of reach. For some background, I'm 31 and have been working since I was 15, starting with basic jobs like lawn care and data entry. For the last 14 years, I’ve been involved in Graphic Design, typically spending 2-3 years at each job. I believe my previous supervisors would speak positively about my work ethic and contributions, but I can't help but wonder if they’ve been contacted during my job search and if that’s affected my chances of landing a new role. I’d love to hear about others' experiences with references and whether they think they have a significant impact on job applications.