Planning

I recently interviewed for an internal position at my company, but after some reflection, I've realized that it's not the right fit for me. I didn't send a thank you email right after the interview because I got caught up with work, but I'm still within the 24-hour window to follow up. I'm contemplating whether to combine my thank you note with a message to withdraw my application in one email or to keep them separate. I think it might be more efficient to include both in one email, but I'm concerned it might come off as rude. I appreciate any advice on how to approach this situation.

I recently gave my notice at a small cleaning business where I worked, expecting a smooth transition. Instead, they called me and fired me immediately. Now I'm left wondering how to handle this situation in future job interviews. Should I mention this job at all on my resume? If it comes up, what should I say about why I left? I’ve received some advice suggesting I can simply state that I was let go after giving notice, which is the truth. It feels frustrating, but I want to be honest without it reflecting poorly on me.

I graduated in 2024 and I'm currently applying for a job that requires a reference. I only had one summer internship in 2023, and I've been trying to reconnect with my former office for a reference, but I haven't had any luck. Even if I did manage to reach someone, I'm worried they wouldn't remember me. I found a contact on LinkedIn, but he was actually quite dismissive of me during my internship, and I doubt he would give a positive reference. I've searched through LinkedIn, the office's website, and even search engines, but I can't find anyone else to use as a reference. This job opportunity feels like a perfect fit for me, and I really don't want to miss out just because I can't provide a reference. I'm feeling stuck and unsure of what to do next.

I just got laid off for the first time from my job in Canada, and I'm feeling a bit lost on what to do next before my termination takes effect. I know I need to accept the situation, but I'm also trying to figure out my next steps. I've seen some advice about taking a few days to process everything and spend time with family and friends, which sounds good. I plan to keep my costs minimal during this time and start my job search next week. I need to update my CV and file for unemployment benefits as soon as possible. I've also been told to take advantage of any benefits I have left while I can. Gathering contacts for references and making sure I have all the HR information for offboarding is on my to-do list too. I’m considering negotiating for more benefits if possible. I’ll print out personal documents like pay stubs and certifications that might be useful later, but I’ll make sure not to take anything that belongs to the company. Lastly, I’ve started looking at my expenses to see where I can cut back—maybe I’ll cancel a few streaming services and switch to a cheaper mobile plan. It’s a lot to think about, but I’m determined to hit the ground running.

I just received a job offer after a year of searching, and I'm feeling both excited and anxious. The role is with a great company, and the compensation package is set at $100k, which includes an annual bonus. However, this is a significant pay cut for me, and I'm worried it won't cover my family's expenses since my wife can't work right now due to our two kids and a baby at home. I initially agreed to the salary during the HR screening call, but now I'm contemplating whether I should negotiate for a higher amount. I believe that with my experience and the job requirements, asking for $110k would be reasonable. I'm stressed about this because I really don't want to lose the offer, especially in this tough job market. I'm wondering if I should suggest an increase and how best to approach it. Should I request a phone call to discuss this or handle it via email? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I've been actively searching for jobs that align with my experience, but I'm struggling to find effective resources. I'm curious to know where others are successfully landing interviews. Are there specific job boards, networking events, or strategies that have worked for you? Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

I recently accepted a job offer and I'm feeling a bit uneasy about it. I want to ensure that this opportunity is legitimate and not a scam. The company seems reputable, but I've heard stories about people getting involved with fraudulent organizations. I'm currently in the onboarding process, and I plan to do thorough research on the company and reach out to current employees to get their insights. I just want to be sure I'm making the right decision before fully committing.

I'm feeling really anxious about my job search and worried that I might be un-hirable. After graduating in 2023, I landed a low-paying internship where I was eventually promoted to an SEO content writer. However, I got let go, possibly because my boss was frustrated with my inquiries about my paycheck. I took on several contract jobs in graphic design and video editing, but my performance suffered due to chronic illnesses I wasn't aware of at the time. After about a year and a half of contracts, I had to step back to focus on my health and ended up working at my former college in a job that wasn't fulfilling. Now, I'm back in school for mental health and applying mainly through Handshake. I've been hesitant to list my past contracts as references because I'm worried they might give me bad reviews, even though I've reached out for feedback and received positive responses. Lately, I've been getting interview requests but then getting ghosted, which adds to my anxiety. I can't help but wonder if there's some background check system that might be affecting my chances. I'm really concerned about my future and how I'll manage financially. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I graduated recently and have applied to nearly 700 jobs, but I haven't received a single screening call. I'm starting to wonder if my resume is the issue. I make sure to tailor it for each job, aligning it with the job descriptions and incorporating relevant keywords to pass the ATS filters, yet I still have no luck. I've been advised that the current IT job market is tough, and there might be concerns about my need for sponsorship as a non-US citizen, which could be deterring recruiters. I'm seeking guidance on what I can do differently to improve my chances.

I've been unemployed for a while now and I'm really trying to figure out how to escape this situation. It's tough out here, and I feel like I'm putting in effort but not getting anywhere. I read some comments suggesting to look in creative places for job openings. One person mentioned checking out the City Hall's website, which I hadn't thought of before. They pointed out that there are a variety of job openings that don't get much publicity. I'm considering exploring that route to see if I can find something that fits my skills.

I have been working at a small IT company in Illinois for the past three years, but things have taken a turn for the worse. Since December 2025, no one in the company has received any pay due to severe cash flow issues. The only reason I’ve held on this long is that our health insurance is still active, and finding a new job has been incredibly difficult. I rarely get interviews, and when I do, I often don’t move forward in the process. I filed a wage claim with the Illinois Department of Labor back in February, but they informed me that it could take 12 to 18 months for any resolution. It feels absurd, especially since we recently secured work with a large client, meaning back pay is on the horizon. However, I know it typically takes 60 days to receive payment after invoicing, and I can't afford to wait that long. My emergency fund is dwindling, and with a pregnant wife and a daughter to support, the situation is becoming dire. I’m considering resigning due to not being paid for six months. I’m wondering if I would be eligible for unemployment benefits in Illinois if I do this. I have documentation, including written communications and recordings from meetings where the owner acknowledged the payment issues. I’ve been trying to contact the unemployment office, but they are overwhelmed and haven’t been able to take my calls.

I received a last-minute call for an interview with a company, but it was scheduled for the very next day. The location was a couple of hours away, and unfortunately, I was feeling unwell. I knew I couldn't make it, nor could I provide a timeline for when I might be able to reschedule due to my illness. I communicated to them that I couldn't prepare or attend the interview under those circumstances. I sensed that they were looking for someone to come in immediately, which made me feel pressured. In hindsight, I wonder if I should have suggested a later date for the interview, even if it meant waiting a week. I'm left questioning if there was a better way to handle the situation or if I should have approached it differently.

I previously worked in a nursery for two weeks as part of an apprenticeship, but I ended up quitting due to several serious issues. The nursery was engaging in illegal practices, which put my future at risk, and the staff were quite unpleasant to me. Despite these negative experiences, I genuinely enjoyed working with children and still have a passion for it. Currently, I have a job in a completely different field, but I'm exploring other opportunities. I'm open to working with kids again and have registered with an agency for teaching assistant roles, although I would prefer a nursery environment. I know I would need to pursue another apprenticeship since I'm not officially qualified, though I do hold various certifications in childcare. I'm curious if anyone has had positive experiences in a nursery setting, as most of what I've heard has been discouraging.

I recently applied for several entry-level jobs in retail and warehouse settings, including a position at Tesco. I submitted my CV and a cover letter, highlighting my availability to work up to sixty hours a week, as I'm currently on holiday from university until October. I also completed any assessments they provided and emphasized my customer service experience from my previous role as a steward for a year. Despite all this effort, I haven't received any job offers, which has left me confused about what employers are really looking for in candidates like me. I'm 19 and just finished my first year of university in London, and I'm eager to understand how I can improve my chances of landing a job.

I recently went through a frustrating experience during the hiring process for a position I was really excited about. After being hired, I received an email with onboarding tasks, but I couldn't log in or find my User ID on the company's site. I called the hiring manager the next day, but she wasn't available, so I left my name and number. When I called back the following day to explain my login issues, she brushed off my questions and told me I should have registered sooner. Frustrated, I expressed my annoyance and hung up. I later reached out to HR, who informed me that the hiring manager was supposed to provide me with a registration code but had already removed me from the hiring process. They mentioned that I could reapply if I wanted to. When I contacted the hiring manager again, she said they were still hiring and that I could reapply. Now, I'm hesitant to do so because I feel like I dodged a bullet working under someone who wouldn't take responsibility for the onboarding issues and was unhelpful when I needed assistance. It's disappointing to think that I might have to deal with such poor management if I were to reapply.

I recently received a job offer from a government agency, which is exciting, but I'm facing a challenge with employment verification from my previous employer. I worked at my last company for 1.5 years before moving on, and during my time there, I had a difficult relationship with the office manager, who was known for her pettiness. Many colleagues left due to her behavior, and I made it clear in my exit interview that I was leaving because of her. Now, my potential employer has been trying to verify my past employment, but they've informed me that my former employer is not responding to their calls or emails. Given that it was a small company with only five employees, I suspect that the office manager has instructed the HR team not to respond to any inquiries about me. I'm concerned that this could jeopardize my job offer, and I'm looking for advice on what I can provide to my potential employer as proof of my previous employment. I know that for government roles, they might be strict about verification, but I'm hoping to find alternative documentation that could help, such as pay stubs or my W-2. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

I recently graduated with my master's degree in public health during a challenging job market. After working various side jobs, I've finally landed two interviews related to my field. One is a Zoom interview, and the other is an in-person interview where I need to deliver a PowerPoint presentation to a panel. I'm particularly anxious about the presentation, even though I know I can present well; it's just the nerves of being in front of others that get to me. Additionally, this in-person interview will include an analytical exercise that I have to complete on-site using a laptop. I'm feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety, and I'm eager to hear any tips or advice to help me prepare and perform well in these interviews.

I recently found myself in a challenging situation after being placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) at my current job as an ERP QA Engineer. With over 7 years of experience in ERP and HRMS Testing, including 5 years in Functional Testing and 2 years focused on SAP ERP workflows and test automation, I was taken aback by the circumstances leading to this decision. The PIP was triggered by a late-night call I missed while having dinner with my family, which my manager cited as a sign of poor contribution and lack of ownership. However, he also acknowledged my punctuality and consistent presence in the office. To complicate matters, many of my responsibilities have been reassigned to a new hire, which has left me feeling sidelined. I see this as a sign to explore new opportunities, but I'm anxious about finding a new role quickly due to financial obligations. I'm reaching out for advice from QA Leads, SDETs, ERP Testers, SAP Testers, and Hiring Managers on the best path forward. Should I continue focusing on ERP/HRMS Testing, or should I pivot more towards Automation? What skills should I prioritize to enhance my marketability in the next 30-60 days? Are companies currently hiring for ERP QA or SAP QA roles? Any insights, referrals, or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

As a fresh graduate, I'm currently navigating the challenging transition from college to the job market. I've recently completed my degree and am dedicating my free time to becoming more employable. Right now, I'm enrolled in a web development course and working on small projects to enhance my skills. However, I often feel overwhelmed by the pressure to apply for jobs even though I don't feel fully prepared yet. On one hand, I hear that building skills takes time, but on the other hand, there's a constant push from peers suggesting I should start job hunting immediately. This conflicting advice has left me feeling anxious. Reading posts online has only added to my stress. I see many experienced individuals struggling to find jobs, which makes me question my own prospects. Although I have some internship experience in the power platform domain, I still feel like my skills aren't quite up to par. I find myself torn between various paths—should I continue with web development, learn SQL, explore QA, or pivot to Business Analysis? Every time I settle on a direction, I worry that I might be making the wrong choice. This indecision has led me to spend more time contemplating my employability rather than actually building my skills. I'm really curious about how others have managed this stage in their careers and whether they faced similar dilemmas.

I was recently let go from my position as a Data Analyst at a private healthcare company in the UK that handles referrals from the NHS. My termination came after I raised concerns about our data submission process. I noticed that my manager was submitting data without reviewing it, which led to the NHS being double charged for our services due to duplicate referrals. I felt it was important to address this issue, as it involved public funds and integrity in our reporting. However, my manager dismissed my concerns, stating that the NHS had never raised issues about it and that they typically issue credit notes instead of full refunds. Today, I was called in and informed that my probation period was being extended due to what they termed a 'cultural disconnect.' This was a tough blow, and now I find myself officially unemployed. I'm feeling lost and disheartened, especially with the current job market. I'm seeking advice on how to navigate this situation and what steps I should take next.