Planning

I just had a major realization about my job search that I want to share. For the past six months, I’ve submitted over 400 customized applications for various roles, but I received absolutely no callbacks. I was beginning to think the job market was just unresponsive. Last week, I decided to run my resume through an ATS scanner and discovered that it was being read as a completely blank page. It turns out that the 'aesthetic' template I purchased online, which included columns and text boxes, was causing the corporate hiring software to filter my applications out before they even reached a human. I quickly switched to a clean, single-column, ATS-friendly format and sent out 15 applications this week. Already, I have two interviews lined up for next Tuesday. If you’re struggling to get responses, I highly recommend checking your resume formatting. Avoid multi-column templates or text fields, as they can confuse the ATS systems.

I recently started as an IT specialist at a large corporation and I'm currently in my probation period. I'm feeling quite frustrated with the onboarding process, which has been anything but smooth. From day one, my assigned trainer has been negative about the company and expressed doubts about my commitment, saying he wouldn't teach me everything like he did with the previous hire who left after two months. The training has been disorganized; I've mostly been sitting next to different team members or joining Teams meetings where I get bits of information about internal systems. There’s no structured training plan, and when I asked a lot of questions initially, I was told I was asking too many and needed to figure things out myself. I tried to adapt by researching on my own and asking fewer questions. However, during a meeting with my actual manager, I was told to ask for help whenever I needed it, which contradicted what my colleague had said. I’ve faced criticism for not knowing processes that I wasn’t taught, and sometimes asking a simple question turns into a quiz on terminology instead of a straightforward answer. To cope, I started creating my own manual to organize the fragmented information I was receiving. I shared it with my colleague, who promised to review it, but after a week of silence, I received an email with a new assignment to expand my notes into a comprehensive document that should be usable by someone outside my position. The catch? I have only five days to complete it, including a public holiday, while managing my regular support responsibilities. This situation feels like I joined a company without a proper onboarding process, and now my notes have turned into an assignment to create the knowledge base that the company lacks. I’m seriously considering using my probation period to leave, as I’m struggling with the expectation to independently reconstruct years of company knowledge while being judged on things I wasn’t properly taught. I’m curious if others in corporate IT have experienced similar onboarding issues and if this seems like a major red flag.

I’ve been working as a Universal Banker at a credit union for the past 6 months, but I've come to realize that the sales pressure and cross-selling quotas just aren't for me. I'm preparing for an interview for an Indirect Loan Processor role focused on auto and dealer lending at another credit union. I'm seeking insights on a few things: - What does the daily routine look like? How much time is spent on file reviews versus dealing with dealerships over the phone? - How intense does the month-end volume get? - Any advice on what I should emphasize in my interview to showcase my transition from branch retail to this new role? I’d love to hear about others' experiences in this position—what did you enjoy, what did you dislike, and if you've moved on, where are you now?

I’m feeling pretty anxious about my job situation right now. I’m almost certain that I’m going to get fired during my next shift at work. I’m weighing my options: should I go in and let them fire me, quit and text my manager, or just stop showing up altogether? My shift is later today, and I’m looking for advice on what to do. I’ve read that if I let them fire me, I might be able to collect unemployment, which could help while I search for a new job. But I’m also considering quitting if things have been really bad lately. I’m just not sure what the best course of action is. Should I trust my gut and go in, or take the leap and quit?

I'm currently two years post-graduation with a degree in health and nutritional science. I started my first job in January at a federally funded health program, but I've realized that I really dislike it, and the pay is only $45,000. I've been trying to pivot towards the corporate sector, specifically in operations and compliance, and I'm open to health-adjacent roles in pharmaceuticals and biotech. So far, I've had two interviews with a top advertising company and a growing health tech startup, but neither led to anything. However, those experiences have boosted my confidence that I can make this transition soon. I have an upcoming interview with a city-funded program through a nonprofit, and the pay range is $27-30 an hour. It's a hybrid position with decent benefits, and while the work is similar to what I'm doing now, it leans more into compliance. My main concern is that this isn't the pay raise I'm looking for, and I really want to leave the public health nonprofit space altogether. I'm wondering if I should seriously consider this interview or potential job offer, especially since I'm based in NYC where salary is crucial.

I am currently working part-time while attending community college, taking two classes that don't require much of my time. My work hours have been reduced to three days a week with four-hour shifts, and there's a possibility I might lose more hours soon. This means I will have a lot of free time but without a consistent schedule. I'm eager to find a new job that fits around my studies. I've been considering a career in IT, although I'm unsure how long it would take to break into that field. I'm currently pursuing CAD certificates and my Associate's degree, with plans to transfer and start a Mechanical Engineering degree. Any suggestions for entry-level positions that could work with my schedule?

I've been job hunting for almost three months now since graduating college, and I'm feeling really stuck. I’ve applied to numerous entry-level IT roles, but I haven't received a single reply. It’s frustrating because I thought my degree would help me land a position, but it seems like the market is incredibly competitive right now. I’ve seen comments suggesting that the job market is worse than ever for new graduates, and I can’t help but feel overwhelmed. I’m starting to wonder if I should be looking elsewhere, maybe even in construction, since my lack of recent work experience might be holding me back. I’m not sure what to do next.

Since January 1 of this year, I've been actively job hunting and have gone through a series of interviews and work tests, but the results have been disheartening. With just one year of full-time work experience, I've managed to get past the application stage with 16 organizations and am currently in progress with one more. Here's a breakdown of my journey so far: - I completed a work test but was rejected afterward. - I also went through a paid work test, which ended in rejection. - I faced a short screener with a founder and was rejected. - After passing three rounds of online tests, I was rejected after the first interview. The feedback was that my alignment with the role was good, but other candidates were deemed more correct and insightful during the problem-solving portion. - I had to decline an interview for a traineeship due to start date conflicts. - I was rejected after a first interview for a part-time job. - I passed a work test but was rejected after a one-way asynchronous interview. After these experiences, I decided to invest in interview coaching to improve my chances: - I received an internship offer after three interviews but declined it due to the interviewers badmouthing the company, an insultingly low hourly rate, and the fact that it wasn't a permanent position. - I was rejected after a first interview with a hiring manager who hadn't even read my resume. - I was told they would circle back for an autumn hiring cohort, but ultimately, that didn't lead anywhere. - One interview ended early due to start date and location requirements. - I faced another rejection after an HR screener. - I was praised for my interview and work test performance, but ultimately rejected because they thought I’d be a better fit elsewhere, citing my lack of direct experience in their specific work environment. - I faced multiple rejections after HR screeners and first interviews. - The organization that said they would circle back eventually rejected me after a second interview, stating they couldn't see the underlying analysis behind my recommendations in a case-style interview. - I passed a work test but was rejected after an HR screener. - Finally, I passed an HR screener and took a work test, only to be rejected because they opted for candidates with more experience. All these roles were generalist and non-technical, and honestly, this bottlenecking makes me feel like I may never get my life off the ground.

Today, I received an email regarding my formal probation meeting, which has left me feeling confused and anxious about my future at the company. I work in a role that has been under scrutiny for communication issues, protectiveness, and training engagement. First, the email mentioned that my communication is improving, yet it still flagged it as an issue. I genuinely don't understand why this is still being brought up. Secondly, I recognize that my protectiveness can be an issue. I often feel awkward during quiet moments at work and struggle to find tasks to fill that time. During this probation period, regular checks are conducted, but once those are done, I often find myself at a loss for what to do next. Lastly, regarding training engagement, the feedback indicated that I lack engagement during training sessions. However, whenever I sought help, the person assigned to train me would take over instead of guiding me through the process, which left me struggling to learn on my own. I completed one training task over a week ago, but it was still mentioned in the email as incomplete. I’m feeling a constant state of anxiety about possibly being dismissed. The email stated that I have the right to bring someone to the meeting and that they might extend my probation or terminate my employment. I’ve started applying for other jobs, but the thought of being dismissed is overwhelming. I’m scheduled to work for the next three days, and if I do get let go, I know I’ll be devastated while I’m there.

I recently got fired from my job after a heated argument with my boss. I was late to work by 15 minutes on a day when we had a VIP client visiting. My boss, who is quite overweight, confronted me about my tardiness and called it disrespectful. In a moment of frustration, I lost my temper and called him a 'fatass' in response to his criticism. He was understandably furious and fired me on the spot. Now, I'm trying to figure out how to explain this situation in future job interviews. I know I need to take responsibility for my actions, but I'm worried about how to frame this incident without making it seem like I'm just making excuses. Any advice on how to handle this would be appreciated.

I’ve been working at a nonprofit organization for almost two years now, and it’s been my first job since graduating college. Recently, I’ve been actively searching for new opportunities as I feel ready for a change. During my annual evaluation with my supervisor, we discussed my performance and how I’ve been adjusting to working remotely after moving to a new city. She asked if I could commit to staying for the next nine months of our fiscal year, and I agreed, thinking it was just a verbal commitment. However, today I received an email with a formal commitment form to fill out, which states it’s meant to assess staff commitment and enthusiasm. I’m in a tough spot because I don’t want to lie on the form, but I also don’t want to jeopardize my relationship with my current employer. I’m feeling pressured to stay, but I’m also determined to keep looking for a new job. What should I do?

I recently experienced a layoff and it hit me hard emotionally. I always feel like a complete wreck during these times, and with the current state of the economy, my anxiety has only intensified. I'm trying to figure out how to cope with the uncertainty and stress that comes with job loss. It's frustrating to see comments suggesting I should just avoid getting laid off, as if that's a feasible solution. I'm considering whether I need to pivot to a more stable field to prevent this from happening again.

I had an interview with McDonald's yesterday for a position, and they mentioned they would get back to me by the end of the day regarding a second interview. However, I haven't heard from them yet. I'm debating whether I should follow up with an email today or wait until tomorrow. Part of me thinks I should give them another 24 hours to respond, but I also don't want to seem too eager. I'm looking for advice on the best course of action.

I recently got laid off and found a great opportunity to connect with others in similar situations. I joined a weekday hiking group in the Bay Area, California, specifically for those navigating layoffs or job transitions. This Monday, September 28, at 11 am, we're hiking at the Audubon Williams Sisters Ranch in Portola Valley. It's a 3.6-mile loop with a 400 ft elevation gain, and we're getting special access to this beautiful ranch. The group usually splits into smaller ones based on pace, which helps everyone enjoy the hike without feeling crowded. Mondays are chosen for hikes because the trail traffic is low, making it a perfect day for a group like ours. While hiking is our main activity, the community also engages in co-working sessions, job search assistance, and social events like coffee meet-ups and biking. It's open to everyone, even those who are currently employed, as long as they understand the focus on supporting those in transition. I'm looking forward to clearing my head and making some new connections!

I recently applied for two positions at a bank: one as a lockbox processor and the other as a payment research clerk. Both roles offered similar pay, and I had conversations with recruiters for each. Unfortunately, I received a rejection email for the payment research position, but I do have an interview lined up for the lockbox processor role. Despite not being unemployed and only casually looking for a better-paying job, I’ve been feeling quite down since the rejection. I can’t quite figure out why I’m feeling this way, especially since I’m still moving forward with the interview. Has anyone else experienced similar feelings during their job search?

I’m currently navigating a tough situation at my job as a catastrophe modeler at a large insurance brokerage. I earned my PhD in Civil Engineering last year and chose to move into the industry instead of staying in academia. While the role is relatively easy—mostly running software and supporting other teams—I’ve taken the initiative to build and maintain our team’s data pipeline and repository, along with developing in-house models for portfolio optimization. Despite receiving "exceeding expectations" on every performance review, I’m feeling demotivated due to the lack of a meaningful raise and a clear path to promotion. My manager initially mentioned a 6-8% raise, but when I brought it up during my August review, he didn’t recall making that promise and suggested I was asking for too much. I provided metrics showing my contributions and achievements, but upper management only recommended a 2% raise, which feels inadequate given the rising cost of living in San Diego. I appreciate my manager and the work-life balance, but I need fair compensation and a real promotion pathway to stay motivated. Knowing that promotions are slow here and that many coworkers have been waiting for years without progress adds to my frustration. Currently, I’m interviewing for a contract-to-full-time role elsewhere that offers a salary nearly double my current pay, along with benefits like insurance and a 401k. Although contract work makes me nervous, the potential for a career jump is enticing. I’m torn between staying in a comfortable position with supportive management and pursuing this new opportunity that could lead to better financial stability. I’d love to hear from others who have made a similar transition from contract to full-time.

I have been navigating the corporate world for over 4 years, but I still struggle to find a stable job. I did manage to find a stable position once, but it was low-paying. My career started with a sales job that lasted only 45 days due to a verbally abusive manager, which led me to resign from that toxic insurance aggregator firm. During the pandemic, I secured another job, but it lasted just 35 days because they insisted on working from the office during peak COVID-19, and I eventually got sick. After a few months, I found another position that lasted 7 months, but the company canceled my leave on my birthday and made me cover shifts for teammates, leading to burnout. I resigned after an incident where a supervisor insulted me for asking for help. I then took a job that lasted only 5 months because the client closed the account with the vendor. I got lucky and found a job that lasted a year, but once again, the business was sold to a third party. I managed to stay on for 2 years, but the micromanagement became unbearable. They started tracking every click and performance review every two months, and I eventually resigned after a manager called me at 6 AM about an unresolved ticket. I spent 8 months unemployed trying to start my own business, but only managed to sell a few cars. Out of desperation, I took a graveyard shift job with an okay salary, but it was detrimental to my health, and I resigned after a disagreement with my manager. After another 7 months of unemployment, I learned about AML/KYC and joined a well-known fintech company. Unfortunately, I was fired within 4 months for not meeting their high efficiency and quality metrics. Now, I feel mentally and physically exhausted. I've been trying to make this work for almost 5 years, and with the ongoing pandemic, wars, and the rise of AI, I'm at my breaking point. I really need guidance on how to strategize my job hunt and land a stable position.

I joined a startup about 11 months ago, excited for growth after leaving my previous job with a significant salary hike of 48%. As the first employee, I thought I could really make a mark in my role as a Video Content Creator and Social Media Manager. Initially, I achieved great results, with two of my videos surpassing 1 million views and one of my social media pages growing from 200 to over 3,000 followers. My founder was pleased with my work and began involving me in discussions about various business challenges. However, this led to me taking on responsibilities far beyond my original role. I found myself managing website redesigns, hiring, CRM selection and implementation, and training the sales team, all while trying to keep up with my video and social media tasks. I felt overwhelmed, like I was juggling the work of multiple people. Despite raising my concerns about the workload, my founder insisted that these operational issues were more pressing than my video work. After months of extra responsibilities, I requested a salary revision, but my founder initially postponed it, citing the company's lack of profitability. Eventually, I received a small increment, but the micromanagement began to escalate. My breaking point came when I was blamed for not creating videos during a month when I was focused on CRM projects. On September 20, I resigned, expecting a standard handover process, but my founder has ghosted me completely. He hasn't acknowledged my resignation or provided any guidance, leaving me confused about what to do next. I also lack proper employment documents, which adds to my anxiety about receiving my salary for the month. I'm reaching out for advice from anyone with experience in similar situations, especially in the startup scene in India.

Today, I learned that Orange Romania has announced a voluntary departure program and early retirement schemes for its employees. This decision comes as the company seeks to adapt its operational model to the changing market conditions. It's a tough time for many of us here, as we navigate these changes and consider our options moving forward.

I recently found myself in a tough spot after losing my job in retail management. I had been focused on customer service roles and avoiding warehousing, but with my lease ending soon, I realized I needed to make a change. I've applied for over 300 positions in customer service and retail management, and while I've had several interviews, none have led to a job offer. Now, I'm faced with the reality of taking a warehouse job as a pick and packer just to keep my finances afloat. The pay is decent compared to other roles I've applied for, but it's not what I envisioned for myself. I'm trying to stay positive and get back on track with my savings, but it's hard to accept going back to a role I wanted to leave behind. I'm curious to hear how others have coped in similar situations.