Thinking

After struggling for six months with my job search, I decided to automate the entire process to improve my efficiency and response rates. Initially, I was manually tracking applications using spreadsheets, which involved a lot of copy-pasting and refreshing job boards daily. It was exhausting, and I often found myself dropping the ball on follow-ups. To tackle this, I built an automated job search system using Claude Cowork, Google Sheets, and App Scripts. The results have been remarkable! My response rates have doubled from around 5% to between 12-15%. Here's how I did it: 1. **Automated job discovery:** I created a script that pulls new job listings that match my criteria directly into a Google Sheet. Now, instead of hunting for jobs every day, I just review this list once. 2. **Automated follow-ups:** For every application I submit, a follow-up email is drafted automatically 48 hours later. I can review, edit, and send it in just 2-3 minutes, compared to the 15 minutes it used to take. 3. **Tab queue:** Each morning, the roles I’ve queued up open automatically in Chrome, allowing me to work through them efficiently. Overall, this system has reduced my mental overhead significantly and made my job search much more consistent. While I still experience a lot of silence, I feel more in control and productive. If anyone is interested in the details or has questions about my setup, feel free to ask!

I'm currently on the job hunt for a work-from-home position, and I'm finding it quite challenging. I've been applying to various roles but haven't had much luck so far. I'm looking for advice on how to improve my chances of landing a remote job. Any tips on where to look, how to tailor my resume, or networking strategies would be greatly appreciated!

I recently found myself in an interesting situation regarding a job opportunity that I wasn't actively pursuing. I had been networking on LinkedIn, expressing my interest in moving to France in about three years. I connected with a hiring manager at a company I admire, whom I'll refer to as Person A. I made it clear that I was primarily looking to gather information and make connections rather than apply for a job immediately. However, I also connected with another engineer, Person B, at the same company. To my surprise, Person B pushed my application forward without me formally applying, and now I've received an invitation to interview with Person A. The catch is that I'm currently settled in my new job, and my family isn't quite ready to move yet. While the company offers great relocation resources, I'm torn about how to approach this opportunity. I wonder if I should still go through with the interview, even though I'm not looking for a job right now. Some advice I received suggests being upfront about my situation during the interview. I could mention my timeline and see if they might be open to remote work for a year or a delayed start. Worst case, I get some valuable interview practice and keep the connection warm for when I'm actually ready to make the move.

I received a call yesterday informing me that I’ve been offered a position at a company I interviewed with. However, they mentioned that the official offer letter might take a few days to arrive. I’m considering whether I should send a thank you email now or wait until I get the offer letter. I already expressed my gratitude after the interview, but I’m unsure if it’s appropriate to send another thank you at this stage. Most advice I’ve seen suggests waiting until I have the official offer in hand, as it might seem premature to thank them for a letter that hasn’t arrived yet. I plan to follow up if I don’t hear back in the timeframe they provided.

I currently work at Bank A in Canada, earning $108k CAD with a $12.5k bonus last year in the deposits space. Recently, I received a competing offer from Bank B for $120k CAD, along with a slightly higher bonus of around $4k, and a title bump. However, the role is completely different, as it's within capital markets, and the team mentioned that during earnings season, they start their days as early as 5:30-6 am. The HR representative was quite tough during negotiations and stated they wouldn't budge on the base salary. While the salary increase is appealing, I'm concerned that it may not be worth the stress of early mornings and potentially demanding work hours outside of earnings season. They also seem to have lowballed me due to my limited experience, and I feel that I should be compensated fairly for the additional responsibilities that come with the title bump. I'm currently negotiating a signing bonus, but I realize that I would be giving up my year-end bonus at my current job. Additionally, I have about $1.5k in unvested shares that will vest next August, which I’m willing to forfeit if I decide to make the switch. I’m seeking advice on how to proceed. I want to negotiate with my current employer to see if they can match the offer from Bank B, but I’m unsure when to bring this up. Should I wait until they complete the background check or give my notice? Any insights would be appreciated.

I recently received an email from a company called Cellular Engineering Technologies offering me a position as a data entry clerk at $30 an hour. The whole situation feels off because I don't remember applying for this job, and I can't find any information about the company or its employees online. They mentioned that I would receive an expense check for obtaining a personal software license, which raised my suspicions even more. After doing some research and reading about common job scams, I’m starting to think this might be a scam. I’ve heard about similar tactics where scammers send fake checks to trick people into depositing them and then asking for money back. I plan to reach out directly to the company to verify if this offer is legitimate, but I’m feeling pretty uneasy about the whole thing.

I experienced a tough month with my job search, receiving rejections from four different companies. Each rejection came at various stages of the hiring process: one was after an online assessment, another after an HR round, and the last two were at the final interview stage. I’ve been tracking my applications and, unfortunately, all I see are 'rejected' tags. It's disheartening to see my friends landing internships while I’m still searching. I’m left wondering if it’s my resume, my LinkedIn profile, or my interview communication that’s holding me back. I've got a Notion document filled with vague feedback that doesn’t help me pinpoint the issue. I really want to improve my chances and would appreciate any insights from those who have faced similar struggles. Did you find out what was wrong with your approach? How did you diagnose the issue?

I recently received a letter from my employer stating that they have appealed my unemployment claim to the Industrial Claims Appeals Office (ICAO) in Colorado. The letter mentioned that my copy of the hearing record was enclosed, but nothing was actually included. I'm unsure if it was sent to my attorney instead, as the letter doesn't clarify that. I'm feeling a bit lost about what this appeal process entails and I'm under pressure since I have until the 8th to respond and submit any necessary brief. I'm considering logging into my MyUI account or reaching out to my lawyer for guidance, but I really want to understand what steps I need to take next.

I have been on unemployment for a few months now and I'm about to start graduate school next week. Recently, I was selected to participate in the RESEA program, and during a phone call with them, I mentioned my upcoming full-time studies. They told me that I could still collect unemployment benefits while in school, which left me a bit confused. I thought that enrolling in full-time school would disqualify me from receiving benefits unless I went through the Training Opportunity Program (TOP). I’ve heard mixed opinions on this, with some saying I can still qualify if I’m available for full-time work and prioritize job searching over school. However, others have pointed out that enrolling in full-time school without proper approval usually disqualifies you from benefits. I'm not sure what to believe and I'm worried about my eligibility.

I’ve been trying to submit my unemployment claim online for the past two days here in Illinois, but I keep running into issues. I'm considering whether I should just walk in to the IDES office or if I should try to make an appointment instead. The website mentions that they accept walk-ins, but I’ve also seen information suggesting it’s appointment-only. I'm feeling a bit confused about the best course of action.

I was laid off in early February and now, in June, I'm facing the end of my state unemployment benefits. Living in Kansas, I learned that benefits only last for 16 weeks, and with the unemployment rate at a low 3.9%, there are no extensions available. After taking a month off to regroup, I started applying for jobs in late March. April was pretty slow for interviews, but things picked up in May with 1-3 interviews each week. Unfortunately, I haven't received any job offers yet. The thought of my benefits running out soon is making me anxious, but I do have some savings to fall back on if necessary. The job market feels really competitive, but I'm trying to stay positive. I'm curious how others are managing as their benefits come to an end.

I recently resigned from a toxic role where I felt my career progression had stalled. I wasn't actively looking for a new job, but after an external hire was brought in above me to oversee my work, I decided it was time to move on. I accepted a new position that offered a 40% pay increase and a better title. After I submitted my resignation, my manager reached out within 30 minutes, asking if I would reconsider. Less than a day later, a VP-level HR leader, who had previously been hard to reach, scheduled a one-on-one meeting with me. While no counteroffer has been made yet, I sense that one might be coming. I'm torn about whether to consider a counteroffer from a company that only acted once I decided to leave. I’ve heard mixed opinions on this, with some advising against it entirely. Given the circumstances, I'm leaning toward sticking with the new opportunity, but I'm curious if anyone else has faced a similar situation and what their decision was.

I’m a 26-year-old looking for a fresh start and am willing to travel anywhere in the U.S. for work. I have two years of experience in plumbing, forklift operation, warehouse work, general labor, and customer service/management. I’m eager to find companies that are hiring and that offer benefits like per diem, paid travel, or housing. I’m open to various fields such as construction, industrial labor, shutdown/turnaround work, railroad jobs, disaster relief, apprenticeships, oil & gas, or any role that provides a solid opportunity to work hard and build a career. I’m reaching out to see if anyone has recommendations on companies, industries, unions, staffing agencies, or travel jobs that I should apply to. Any advice or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated!

I graduated in Spring 2025 with a degree in Marketing and have been struggling to find a job since then. I don’t have any internships or prior work experience, but I did well in college with a good GPA and even won some awards for my marketing projects. I worked closely with local businesses for my capstone projects and presentations, which was a great experience. I also sell clothes and shoes online through platforms like Depop, Grailed, and eBay, with over 250 sales under my belt. Despite my efforts, I’ve had no luck securing a job. I’ve interviewed at several places including Verizon, Best Buy, Famous Footwear, local car dealerships, Staples, and a few remote roles, but I haven’t received any offers. Not getting the job at Famous Footwear was particularly disheartening and has affected my motivation. I’ve reached out to my old professors and advisors for help, but so far, I haven’t had any success. I live in a small town about an hour and a half from Pittsburgh, and I’m considering moving to a bigger city where there are more job opportunities. I’m open to taking a service job or temp position just to get my foot in the door. Any advice on how to improve my job search or where to look would be greatly appreciated!

I've been feeling really stuck in my job search lately. It's been a few months since I was laid off from my position as a marketing coordinator at a mid-sized tech company. I've applied to numerous jobs, tailored my resume, and even reached out to some connections in the industry, but I haven't had much luck getting interviews. It's frustrating because I know I have the skills and experience, but it seems like the competition is fierce right now. I'm considering seeking help from a career coach or joining a job search group to get some new strategies and support. Any advice would be appreciated!

I recently went through a rather confusing and disorganized hiring process with a small manufacturing company. As a fresh graduate, I've been stuck in internships for about a year and have been applying to various positions. I applied for a role there and was invited for an interview with the General Manager and the department manager, which felt unusual to me, but I thought maybe they didn't have an HR department. Two weeks later, I was called back for a second interview, only to find out that the position I applied for had already been filled. The GM mentioned another opening in administration, but he was vague about what that role involved. Despite my confusion, I expressed my interest since I really need a job at this point. He promised to get back to me within a week, but after no response, I followed up and was invited to meet the team. When I arrived, I met the team from the department I originally applied to, and the manager had me read procedures for most of the day. At the end of the day, he asked me questions about what I learned and invited me back to discuss contracts and compensation. However, I noticed that the department I might be joining has essentially no one in it, which raises some concerns. What struck me as odd is that we still haven't discussed compensation despite my inquiries. To add to the confusion, a friend from my graduating class called me to say she was starting a probation period for the exact position I originally applied for. This was perplexing because I was told that position was filled, and I even met the person who supposedly got the job. Furthermore, my friend mentioned that several other graduates from my program are starting at the company, which seems like a lot for a small company. She also heard rumors that they might be struggling financially or even close to bankruptcy. Now I'm left wondering if I'm overthinking things or if there are legitimate red flags here. The entire process has felt exhausting and unclear.

I just received a job offer for a position that I applied for about a month ago, and I have mixed feelings about it. The company is offering me $21.42 an hour, which translates to around $44,000 a year. While I appreciate the opportunity, I'm feeling disappointed because I had indicated on my application that I would accept a minimum salary of $50,000. I have a bachelor's degree and over seven years of customer service experience, so I believe my qualifications warrant a higher pay, especially since the standard livable wage in my area is around $47,000 for a single person. This job is with the court system and only requires a high school diploma and a year of customer service experience, which I meet. However, I'm really struggling with the idea of negotiating the offer. I tend to be a people pleaser, and I'm anxious about potentially losing the job if I try to ask for more. Currently, I'm living with family, which is not ideal, and I really want to move out and be independent. I’m looking for advice on how to approach this negotiation or if I should just accept the offer as is and keep searching for better opportunities. I’ve heard mixed opinions about the job market right now, and I'm worried that if I push too hard, they might rescind the offer. Any insights on how to handle this situation would be greatly appreciated.

I recently gave my two weeks' notice at my job as an inside sales representative, and my last day is in just three days. I’ve been with the company for about a year and a half, and my goal has always been to transition to an outside sales role. After asking about this move several times, I was met with vague responses about market conditions and company priorities, which led me to start looking for other opportunities. I ended up accepting a job offer from a different company in a similar industry. I informed my manager about my decision three weeks ago to give them enough time to find a replacement for my position, especially since I had just been promoted to senior inside sales and taken on additional responsibilities. Now, just three days before I’m set to leave, my boss calls me with an offer for the outside sales role I’ve been wanting. While I’m tempted to stay, I’ve already completed most of the onboarding paperwork for my new job. I know that since my new role is 'at will,' I could technically back out, but I’m unsure about the implications of doing so. The advice I’ve received from others suggests that my current company’s late offer is a sign of desperation, and they should have presented it to me much earlier. They’ve shown their true colors by waiting until now to make this offer, and I’m worried that accepting it might lead to future issues. I’m considering my options carefully as I navigate this situation.

I am currently seeking a Mechanical Engineering job after spending 10 years in the field with an Associate's Degree. Back in 2014-2017, it was common for many in the engineering sector to opt for an associate's degree instead of a bachelor's. I worked in a factory while funding my education, and upon graduating, I had several job offers. I took a relocation opportunity to start fresh, but after 8 years of feeling undervalued, I decided it was time to explore new opportunities. Now, I hold a senior position at my current company and have been actively applying for similar roles over the past month. I've submitted around 30-50 applications but have only received about 4-5 phone screens and just one in-person interview. I'm starting to feel discouraged; I expected my experience to make me a strong candidate, but the job market seems very different now. A few years ago, I was frequently contacted by recruiters, but now it feels like I might be stuck in my current role or forced to accept a significant downgrade in position and salary, which I'm not prepared to do. I’m feeling pretty lost and unsure about my future.

I’ve been job searching for a while now, and I’ve come to realize that the hardest part isn’t the rejection. At least with a rejection, you get some closure. The real struggle is when I send out an application, feel hopeful for a few days, and then… nothing. No interview, no rejection, just complete silence. I find myself checking my email constantly, waiting for a response that never comes. That silence can be deafening and starts to play tricks on my mind. I catch myself thinking, 'Maybe I’m not qualified enough,' or 'My resume must be terrible,' or even 'Maybe no one is hiring at all.' It’s frustrating and honestly, I think being ghosted is worse than a straightforward rejection.