Thinking

I'm currently navigating my job search in Illinois and have been curious about how many applications I should be submitting each week. I've heard a range of opinions from different people — some suggest aiming for 5-10 applications, while others say 3-5 is more realistic, and I've even encountered folks who only apply to one job a week. Personally, I find it challenging to find a large number of suitable positions that align with my experience; often, I only come across 1-2 jobs that truly interest me. If I were to increase my application count beyond that, I'd likely have to apply for roles that don't match my skills just to hit a number. I'm looking for guidance on what is considered an acceptable number of applications to send out weekly.

I have been unemployed for the past six months and I'm finally starting a new job at the end of the month. While I'm thrilled to have found a position, I can't shake the anxiety about returning to work. The thought of getting back into a routine, dealing with stress, and meeting expectations feels overwhelming. I also feel guilty for not completing personal projects I had planned during my time off, like reorganizing my house. I'm worried about whether I can perform at the same level I did before and if I'll be able to earn the salary I used to make. I know I need to give myself grace during this transition, but the anxiety is real. I'm curious to hear how others have adjusted after a long break from work.

I recently faced a frustrating rejection after applying for a role at a company I used to work for from 2017 to 2019. I've been job hunting for over six months, submitting more than 1,200 applications and interviewing with about 50 companies, making it to nine final rounds without any offers. When I saw the opening for a position I originally built in 2018, I felt it was a perfect match. I left the company on good terms when they decided to focus on Europe, and since then, they've been known to rehire former employees. I applied for the role, reached out to my network, and even got a recommendation from the CTO. During my chat with the recruiter, I highlighted my direct experience and how my technical skills have expanded over the years. However, ten days later, I received a rejection stating there was a lack of "technical alignment." This baffled me because I helped create the role and my experience aligns closely with the requirements. Even my career coach was confused by this feedback. What frustrated me even more was not even getting a first-round interview with the hiring manager. I felt like my background wasn't communicated properly to the hiring team. In an effort to understand the disconnect, I reached out to the Head of HR, who initially referred me to the recruiter. I don't like going over someone's head, but the rejection reason didn't match my qualifications, and I felt compelled to seek clarity. Has anyone else dealt with a situation where the feedback seemed completely off given their history with a company?

I'm currently job hunting as a Project Coordinator/Analyst and I'm feeling the pressure of the tough job market. I've been trying a variety of modern tactics to improve my chances of getting noticed, but I'm looking for more strategies to really stand out. Here's what I've been doing so far: - I focus on applying to jobs that have fewer than 50 applicants and try to submit my application within the first few hours of the posting. - I actively search for the hiring manager or recruiter's email online, or I leverage my connections to get in touch with someone at the company who can flag my application. - To speed up my application process, I use AI tools to fill out applications faster, allowing me to apply to more jobs in a shorter amount of time. - I've updated my LinkedIn profile with a professional headshot and optimized my bio, skills, and job descriptions for better visibility. - I also run my resume through Claude AI against job descriptions to see how well I match the requirements. - To stay on recruiters' radars, I post and engage with relevant industry content on LinkedIn. Despite these efforts, I've noticed that while recruiters are checking my LinkedIn shortly after I apply, I don't seem to be getting much further than that. I'm considering applying to employment agencies and contract companies to see if that yields better results. If anyone has additional tips or insights on what I might be missing or what I could improve, I'd greatly appreciate it!

Today marks my first day at what feels like a dream job, and I can't help but feel incredibly lucky. After six months of unemployment, I was desperate for any opportunity, so landing this role is a huge relief. The pay is good, especially compared to my previous options, and the work-life balance is fantastic. I also feel a strong sense of job security here. I know the job market is tough right now, and I have mixed feelings about the impact of AI and offshoring. I just wanted to share my excitement, as I don't have anyone else to celebrate with. My only advice is to put in the effort and hope for a bit of luck. Good luck to everyone still searching!

I recently started the onboarding process for a pharmacy job and I'm feeling anxious about how to handle my previous employment history. I was fired from my last job due to tardiness, and now I'm worried about how to explain my departure when they ask for a reason. I included the store's phone number on the application, and I'm concerned they might actually reach out to HR for a reference. I'm really eager to secure this new position and am tired of being unemployed. I'm contemplating whether to lie about the reason for leaving, but I know that could backfire. I've heard from others that companies can and do call previous employers, especially in regulated fields like pharmacy. I'm considering putting something less specific like "attendance issues" instead of the full truth. If it comes up in an interview, I think I could own it and explain that I've learned from my mistakes and am working on improving my punctuality. But I'm still torn about how to approach this.

I’ve been trying to break into case management for almost a year now. My background is primarily in business and retail, but I also hold an associate degree in behavioral and social sciences and a bachelor’s in Business Administration. Currently, I’m working towards my master’s in Public Health. To align with my career goals, I've completed several certifications related to case management. Despite my efforts, I haven’t yet landed a true case management role. Most of the interviews I’ve had revolve around my lack of direct experience in case management, despite my relevant roles in intake with immigrants and as a recovery specialist. Interviewers often steer me back towards recovery specialist positions, even though I’m specifically applying for case management roles across various demographics. Recently, I interviewed for a case management position at a shelter in Boston. The director gave me a tour of the facility and mentioned that I would be working with disabled and elderly residents on the second floor. However, I noticed there were no offices upstairs, and we didn’t delve into the specifics of the case management duties during our discussion. I’m concerned that I might be funneled into another recovery/support role instead of gaining the actual case management experience I’m seeking. I’m currently waiting for the offer from her, which she mentioned HR would send in a week. I’m looking for advice on how to approach this situation and what steps I should take next.

I recently started working at Popeyes about a month ago, but I've realized that fast food isn't the right fit for me. This is my first job, and I'm looking to transition into retail. I'm unsure whether I should list my current job on applications for retail positions. On one hand, I worry that if I include it, potential employers might contact my current job and that could jeopardize my position. On the other hand, having some work experience might improve my chances of getting an interview. I'm torn between wanting to be honest about my experience and not wanting to raise any red flags about my short tenure.

I was a delivery driver for an Amazon DSP in Michigan for three years until I was fired in April. My termination was based on claims of time card fraud, stating I made two unplanned stops on my way back from my route, including a 32-minute stop at a gas station. However, I only stopped once to refuel and use the restroom, and my Google Maps timeline shows I was there for only 18 minutes. I didn't take any of my paid breaks that day, which I could have used while at the gas station. I appealed the decision by providing evidence from my Google Maps timeline and a detailed account of my drive back, but my claim was denied again. Now, I'm waiting for a telephone hearing to discuss my case. I feel like the appeal reviewer didn't fully consider the information I submitted and just sided with my employer. On the day of the incident, the Amazon warehouse was two hours late preparing our packages, causing many drivers to return late. I managed to finish my route without taking breaks, but I had to wait in line at the station, which added 20-30 minutes to my return time. My termination letter claimed I took 1 hour and 10 minutes from my last stop to when I punched out, but that doesn't account for the time spent getting gas, cleaning the van, and waiting behind other drivers. I'm looking for advice on how to effectively prove that I was doing my job properly during this hearing.

I'm currently taking a summer college course and I'm feeling overwhelmed about finding a part or full-time job. Once the summer ends, I need to start making enough money to cover my monthly rent payments and eventually save up for an instrument. I'm looking for guidance on how to start this job search, as I really need to earn some money in the next two months, ideally around $100 a month. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated!

I recently started working as a junior specialist at a small company focused on organizing BIM processes. The work is partially remote, but I noticed that there are no work computers in the office, just monitors. I brought my own Mac, but I'm concerned that it will wear out with 8 hours of daily use. Additionally, they asked me to buy a cable for the monitor out of my own pocket, which feels off to me. Is this common in the job market? More importantly, I haven't received an employment contract yet. Although I've signed a statement of employment, it's been two weeks and I still haven't signed the contract in two copies. Should I be worried about this situation, or is it typical? I'm considering whether I should leave this job or if this is just how things are in smaller companies.

I recently went through a series of interviews with a small boutique consulting firm for a consulting role. I completed my third round of interviews last week, and during my initial call with the recruiter, I was told that after the third round, the process would be smooth sailing. I was expecting just a call with the HR manager and to provide some references. However, I received a vague message last week asking to connect for a call this week, which felt different from the previous, more formal interviews. I'm starting to wonder if this call could be a polite way of delivering a rejection. It seems odd to me that they would schedule a call without mentioning any feedback or updates, just a simple 'thank you for doing the third round, can we schedule a call?' I'm anxious about what this might mean and if anyone else has experienced something similar.

I recently resigned from my position at an Indian product company where I worked since last September. The work environment wasn't very professional, which led me to make the decision to leave. The company has a 90-day notice period policy, and I communicated with my new employer to set a joining date after this period. I officially resigned via email on June 5th, but since my probation had just ended, the system hadn't updated my status for separation. Since then, I've been in limbo. I've gone through multiple calls, HRBP rounds, and exit interviews, yet I still haven't received a formal Last Working Day (LWD) confirmation. I've sent several reminder emails, but there's been no response. My resignation email, which included my reporting manager and all HRs in CC, hasn't been acknowledged either. In a WhatsApp call, my manager mentioned that they are looking for my replacement and that I would be allowed to leave once they find someone, with a proposed overlap of three weeks. This situation is causing me a lot of anxiety as my joining date with the new company approaches. I'm unsure how to proceed without creating further complications. I've received some advice to send a formal email to HR regarding my resignation confirmation and LWD query, maintaining a professional tone and attaching previous correspondence for clarity. If I don't hear back in a few days, I might need to escalate the issue to the HR head. I'm hoping to resolve this soon.

I graduated with a B.Com (Hons) from SGTB Khalsa College, Delhi University, with a CGPA of 8.03 in 2025. I spent a lot of time learning SQL, as I found it fascinating, especially after completing two significant projects in my final year—one focused on credit risk and the other on retail analytics, both using SQL, Python, and Excel. I took the CAT exam in 2024 and scored in the 94th percentile, but I didn't apply to any schools that year. In 2025, my score dropped to the 92nd percentile, and I applied to a few places but only got an interview with XIMB (Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar), which I didn't do well in. I initially didn't want to pursue an MBA right after graduation, but due to family pressure, I'm considering it. Since April, I've been actively applying for jobs in data, business, and credit risk roles, but it's been tough. I've applied to numerous positions, but half of them have gone unanswered, and the other half have resulted in rejections, mainly from MNCs and larger companies. I've connected with over 300 people on LinkedIn and even received one referral, but it didn't lead to a job. I'm also contemplating government bank exams as a backup, but I've seen a lot of negative comments about the work environment in those roles, which doesn't appeal to me. I'm okay with work pressure, but I want to be in a place where my input is valued. I'm feeling a bit lost and unsure of what my next steps should be.

I graduated with a B.Com (Hons) from SGTB Khalsa College, Delhi University, in 2025, achieving an 8.03 CGPA. I spent a considerable amount of time learning SQL, which I found fascinating, but unfortunately, it hasn't translated into job offers yet. I attempted the CAT exam in 2024 and 2025, scoring 94 percentile in the first attempt and 92 percentile in the second. Despite the decent scores, I didn't apply to any colleges after the first attempt, and when I did apply in 2025, the only interview I landed was with XIMB (Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar), which I didn't perform well in. Initially, I wasn't keen on pursuing an MBA without work experience, but due to family pressure, I felt compelled to explore that path. During my final year, I developed two significant projects focused on credit risk and retail analytics using SQL, Python, and Excel, which I was proud of. Since April, I've been actively applying for jobs targeting roles in data analysis, business analytics, and credit risk. I've reached out to over 300 people on LinkedIn and received one referral, but it didn't lead to an offer. The response to my applications has been disheartening—I've faced numerous rejections, particularly from MNCs and larger companies. I've also considered government bank exams as a backup option, but I've seen many negative comments about the work environment in those roles, which doesn't appeal to me. While I can handle work pressure, I want to be in a place where my contributions are valued. I'm feeling stuck and uncertain about my next steps. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I’ve been on the job hunt for a while now, applying to what feels like hundreds of positions without much luck. I would submit application after application, only to receive a handful of responses, if any at all. It was incredibly frustrating to see my efforts seemingly vanish into a black hole, with no rejection emails or feedback to help me understand what went wrong. After reflecting on my situation, I started to wonder if the issue was with my resume rather than my qualifications. I decided to analyze my resume against various job descriptions and discovered that while I had the right experience, my resume was lacking crucial keywords and skills that recruiters and ATS systems look for. This meant that I was likely being filtered out before my application even reached a human recruiter. In response to this realization, I created a tool called CareerMauka.in. This platform allows users to paste their resumes and job descriptions to get an ATS Match Score, Callback Likelihood, missing keywords, skill gaps, salary insights, and even which jobs they’re most likely to get shortlisted for. I tested one of my resumes and saw a significant improvement in my match score, jumping from 28% to 92% after making targeted changes. It was the same experience but a completely different outcome. Now, I’m curious about others’ experiences—how many jobs have you applied for before finally landing an interview?

I'm currently a backend Python developer at Tata Consultancy Services in Bengaluru, and I'm approaching my two-year mark with the company. I'm looking to explore new opportunities as I've been applying for various roles, but the responses have been quite limited. Many of the job listings I've encountered have turned out to be for coaching or training institutes, which has been frustrating. In my role, I've gained substantial experience in Python backend development and MLOps, and I'm currently expanding my skill set by learning Go. I'm primarily seeking backend Python roles but am open to adapting to new technologies as necessary. While I prefer to stay in Bengaluru, I'm willing to relocate anywhere in India for the right position and am also interested in remote work. If anyone has referrals, job leads, or advice on how to effectively navigate the job market, I would greatly appreciate your help. Thank you!

I just quit my job after twelve years without a concrete plan, and I'm feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. For the last two years, I felt completely drained; my workload increased while my pay stagnated, and I kept telling myself to hang on a little longer. But yesterday, I reached my breaking point and messaged my manager to say I needed to leave. She wants to discuss it before I make it official, but I’ve seen how those conversations typically go, and I doubt anything will change. Now, I’m in my mid-forties, with solid experience in my field, but I haven’t had to job hunt in over a decade, and the current job market feels overwhelming. I can’t afford to be without income for long, and I don’t have a backup plan. I don’t regret my decision to leave; I just wish I hadn’t waited so long to take this step. I’m seeking practical advice from anyone who’s been in a similar situation about what the first few weeks look like and what I should focus on right now.

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.