Applied to a Job

I've been working at an engineering firm for about 3-4 years and recently started looking for new opportunities as I'm hoping to relocate. I've submitted a few job applications, but I've encountered some frustrating experiences. One potential employer asked me to complete a task to demonstrate my CAD skills, which felt a bit excessive given my experience. They even mentioned wanting to see if I could draw a straight line, which honestly rubbed me the wrong way. I have a solid portfolio that showcases my skills, and I believe that should speak for itself. Additionally, the salary they offered was below my minimum requirement, so I’ve decided not to pursue that position further. I'm curious about how common it is for companies to ask for these types of exercises during the interview process, especially for second interviews.

I've been on the job hunt for about two months now, and honestly, it feels like a second full-time job. I've been applying for roles in my field, but the effort required just to get a rejection or silence is overwhelming. Tailoring resumes has become standard, but the multi-step application processes are exhausting. For instance, I recently applied for an entry-level position that required me to upload my resume, manually fill out every detail from it, answer 15 screening questions, and even record a one-way video interview with just 30 seconds to prepare for each prompt. Last week, I spent almost two hours on an application that included a personality assessment, a skills test, and three short essay responses about hypothetical scenarios. And guess what? I never heard back. I understand companies want to filter candidates, but the process feels bloated and discouraging, especially for those who might actually be a good fit. I'm investing 20-30 hours a week just applying, and it often feels like my efforts are vanishing into a void. To keep track of everything, I've started using a spreadsheet because I genuinely can't remember where I applied anymore. Is this the norm now, or am I missing something? It's tough to stay motivated when the application process itself feels designed to wear you down before you even get a chance to speak with someone in person.

I recently received an email from a new company that has taken over a contract from my previous employer, OldCompany, which lost the contract. The email mentioned that they received my information from their Contracting Officer's Representative and expressed interest in discussing the position I applied for. They provided a link to schedule a time for a brief chat about the next steps. I'm feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness about this opportunity and am eager to see how this conversation unfolds.

I recently helped my girlfriend with her job search by automating her cold emailing process. Within just 20 days of implementing this strategy, she successfully landed a job! It was a great experience to see how effective a targeted approach can be when reaching out to potential employers.

I've been working at the same company for 25 years, and transitioning to a new career feels incredibly daunting. The world has changed so much in that time, especially in technology, and I feel like I'm out of touch with what's out there. Earlier this year, I started applying for new positions, confident that my extensive experience would help me land something new. However, despite my years of service, I haven't received any responses from potential employers. It's disheartening, and I find myself feeling stuck in my current job, which I consider less than ideal.

I’m 31 years old and struggling to find a job after a significant work gap. I spent four years trying to earn a Chemistry degree at a top school but ultimately dropped out because I realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. After that, I went back to school in Fall 2021 and graduated with a 3.9 GPA in Computer Science from a state university. I initially aimed to become a Software Engineer, but with the rise of AI, that path feels less viable. I’ve been applying for entry-level IT positions for about six months, sending out around 300 applications. I only received one response, which ended in a rejection after four interviews for a Tech Support role. Recently, I started applying for basic jobs at places like Chipotle and McDonald's, hoping that some experience there might help me get into tech later. However, those interviews have also led to rejections. I’m considering a cheap grad school program for an MS in CS, like Georgia Tech’s OMSCS, mainly to keep myself occupied since I feel lost right now. I’m looking for any advice on how to pivot or improve my situation without starting completely over. I have a degenerative joint disease, so military options are off the table. If anyone has suggestions or insights, I’d really appreciate it.

I have a final stage interview coming up in a couple of days for a position I'm really excited about. Today, I sent my corrected resume to the team lead, as I realized there were some errors in the previous version. I'm feeling a bit anxious about whether this was the right move or if it might have messed things up for me. I'm hoping for some feedback on how this might affect my chances.

I recently applied for two contract roles through the same staffing agency for the same client, but they are in different locations. The first role pays more, between $30.43-$35.13/hr, and is only about 12 miles away from me, which is a 20-minute commute. The second role pays less, between $24.62-$31.27/hr, and is about 14.5 miles away, taking around 30 minutes to get there. I received a phone call about the lower-paying job on August 10th, and my resume was submitted to the client on August 11th. I was shortlisted on August 14th and have a Teams interview scheduled for August 21st. The same recruiter is handling both positions, and she mentioned that my resume for the higher-paying role is about 85-90% aligned with what the client is looking for. We worked together to update my resume to improve it to over 90% fit. She submitted both resumes at the maximum rate offered for each position. The second job was submitted on August 18th, so I'm still waiting for updates on that one. I also had a conversation with my recruiter's boss about my experience and expressed my comfort level with either job, especially since the higher-paying one is appealing. I let them know I could start within a week of receiving an offer. Now, I'm contemplating my next steps. After the interview for the first job, I'm considering whether I should ask for updates on the second role or wait for them to reach out. If I receive an offer for the first job, I'm debating whether to (a) turn it down and wait for the second job (which feels risky), (b) accept the first job and decline the second if offered, or (c) accept the first job and then switch to the second if it comes through. For context, there are 2-3 open positions for the first job, and I was the sixth person to submit my resume. For the second job, I was the first to respond and get submitted. Both roles are 12-month contracts. I have interviewed with BMS twice for different roles at the farther location with another staffing agency, but unfortunately, I didn't get either job.

I graduated from community college in May 2026 with an associate's degree in animation, but after some significant life changes, I find myself feeling lost about my career path. Today, I started back at community college, this time majoring in social work. I believe it would be fulfilling to help others, but I still have a strong passion for art and storytelling, and I’m unsure if I can successfully integrate that into my career. I've been applying for several minimum wage jobs but have faced a lot of ghosting and rejections, including a recent rejection from Starbucks. At 21 years old, I've only had one job, which I still hold, but the pay is not great, and I only get decent hours in the summer. I'm at a crossroads: should I pursue another degree for a more stable job to save money and potentially return to my art later, or should I focus on my art career now? I live with my dad, who supports me in many ways, and while I'm grateful, I feel like time is slipping away. I really don’t know what to do next.

I’ve been feeling frustrated with the job search lately. It seems like every time I read about someone applying to hundreds of jobs and getting little to no response, the immediate assumption is that their resume must be the problem. I get it, a bad resume can definitely hinder your chances, but I don’t think that’s the whole story right now. For instance, I recently came across the July jobs report which indicated that the US actually lost 23,000 jobs. With fewer companies hiring and more people competing for the same positions, it’s no wonder response rates are plummeting. I’ve been applying for roles in my field and while I do get some interviews, I often find myself without any offers. It makes me think that constantly tweaking my resume might not be the answer. Sure, if I wasn’t getting interviews at all, I’d consider a resume overhaul. But when I’m getting interviews, it feels like there are other factors at play. I’ve noticed that getting responses has become increasingly difficult, especially for the same types of roles I’ve been targeting for a while now. It seems like the competition is fierce, and timing and networking might play a bigger role than just having a polished resume.

I've been feeling really unmotivated during my job search, and I think it stems from my experiences since graduating in 2020. I landed a job in my field right after graduation, but I had to leave after a year due to family reasons. Ever since then, I've been applying to various positions related to my degree, but I've received little to no responses. I've heard from others that I just need to wait for the pandemic to end or consider doing free internships, but despite my efforts, nothing seems to work out. When I do hear back from companies, the feedback often suggests that I've been out of the game too long. It feels discouraging to see new graduates being preferred over me, even though I worked hard to keep my skills sharp. I used to be passionate about my degree, but now, after so much silence from employers, my motivation has dwindled. I can't help but question why I invested so much time and effort into my education if I can't even get a chance to prove myself. At this point, I'm not really looking for advice since I've tried many avenues already; I just needed to vent about how the pandemic has impacted my career journey.

I’m 27 years old, male, currently based in Kenya, and I hold a bachelor's degree in environmental studies. Ever since I graduated, I’ve been on the hunt for a job in my field, but unfortunately, I haven’t had any luck. After countless applications and no responses, I decided to try something different and worked in webcam modeling for a while. While it paid the bills, it took a toll on my mental health, so I eventually quit. With my savings, I opened a wines and spirits shop, which initially did quite well. I felt like I was finally making progress, but then the local authorities started imposing hefty fees that I couldn’t keep up with, leading me to close the shop. Since then, I’ve been applying for jobs, even looking outside of Kenya, primarily in conservation and environmental roles. It’s been a whole year of applying, yet I still haven’t received a single reply or interview. I’m feeling utterly exhausted—so much so that I’ve contemplated giving up on the idea of leaving the country altogether. I believe I have strong skills in communication, community advocacy, and social media management. I’ve grown up online, so I’m adept at navigating various platforms. I’m also flexible and willing to learn new things beyond just environmental work.

I've been facing a frustrating issue while applying for jobs lately. After completing an application, I receive an email prompting me to answer additional questions to finalize my submission. However, when I click the link in the email, it either leads to a broken page or loops me back to the initial application step. This has happened multiple times, and I'm starting to wonder if it's a technical glitch or if I'm somehow making a mistake. I’m based in the US, and I just wanted to share this experience in case anyone else is encountering the same problem.

I recently decided it was time for a change after being stuck in the same job for 6-7 years, earning just over $20 an hour. A friend of mine had left his position at a company that he said paid around $35 an hour and thought it would be a great fit for me. He encouraged me to apply, so I submitted my application online. However, after applying, I had a bit of an awkward interaction with my buddy. He seemed to get upset when I asked for his advice on following up with HR. I’m feeling a bit confused about whether I should reach out or just wait. Some comments I read suggested that it’s okay to check in politely, while others think I should just let it be since my friend no longer works there. I’m just trying to navigate this job search and figure out the best approach.

I recently applied for a position at a company and two days later, I received a LinkedIn connection request from a woman who holds the same job title as the one I applied for. She isn't a recruiter, which made the situation even more puzzling. I didn't accept the connection request right away, and later that night, I received a rejection email for the job. The next day, I accepted her request, but she didn't send any message or explanation. I'm left wondering why she would want to connect with me without any apparent reason. I'm considering removing her from my contacts since it feels pointless. I even had a fleeting thought that maybe she noticed my relevant experience and wanted to keep in touch for future opportunities. What do you think?

I just received my offer letter for a new job, and I wanted to share my experience navigating the job market in this post-AI landscape. Over the past few months, I applied to over 200 jobs without any success, receiving zero callbacks or interviews. It was frustrating, and I realized that my approach needed a major overhaul. After reevaluating my strategy, I implemented a new method that drastically improved my results. In just three weeks, I applied to 28 jobs and received three informal callbacks, three formal interviews, and ultimately one job offer. Here’s what I changed: 1. I focused on applying only to jobs posted within the last few days, understanding that being an early applicant can significantly increase my chances of getting noticed. 2. I stopped sending out generic applications. Instead, I tailored my resume for each position, ensuring that I was a strong match for the job description. 3. I switched to a two-page resume to include more relevant information and keywords that would help me get past AI filters. 4. I added a summary section at the top of my resume to highlight key skills and buzzwords that matched the job description. 5. I leveraged AI to streamline my application process. I trained an AI agent on my work history and used it to generate tailored resumes and summaries for each application. This saved me time and helped ensure that my applications were relevant. 6. I updated my LinkedIn skills based on suggestions from my AI agent, which led to an increase in direct solicitations from recruiters. I plan to open source my AI application project soon to help others in their job search. Even if you’re not using AI, it’s crucial to read and internalize job descriptions to tailor your resume effectively. Good luck to everyone in their job search!

I've been anxiously waiting for a response from a company I interviewed with for 3.5 weeks now, and it's driving me a bit crazy. Here's the timeline of my application process: - June 8th: I submitted my application. - July 27th: I had my first interview, which I felt went well. During the interview, the HR representative mentioned they would get back to me by the end of that week, but I never heard back. - August 4th: I decided to send a follow-up email to check in. - August 5th: They replied, saying they were still finishing up first-round calls and would do their best to inform me after they debriefed with the team. Since then, I've been in limbo. I have two referrals within the company, and I even created a custom website to showcase more about myself and express my enthusiasm for the role, which they complimented. I know these efforts might not significantly impact their decision, but I thought it was worth a shot. I understand I shouldn't expect too much given the time that has passed, but this is one of my dream companies, and I'm feeling a bit lost. I'm considering sending another follow-up email soon, but I'm unsure if it's too soon.

I recently went through a frustrating job application process with a family-run company that I really admired. I’m a 26-year-old multi-department manager at my current job, which has been quite toxic. I initially applied to this new company in June 2025 after hearing great things about them from mutual connections. I went through four lengthy interviews, a site visit, and had promising discussions about creating a new position just for me. However, after weeks of waiting, I was ghosted and eventually withdrew my application. They later hired someone else, which left me confused and disappointed. Fast forward to January 2026, I decided to give it another shot and reapplied. The enthusiasm during the interviews was palpable, and they even discussed multiple roles for me. They promised to get back to me soon, but once again, I was met with silence. After following up multiple times, they finally replied months later, stating they needed more time to ensure it was the right fit, but I never heard from them again. They ended up hiring two younger candidates, which made me question if my admission about needing some flexibility due to a health condition affected their decision. To add to the confusion, the company followed me on Instagram a few months later, which left me wondering if they still had interest in me. After a tough few months, I quit my current job in July but returned after the owner met most of my demands to stay. Now, I’m feeling trapped and uncertain about my future. The other company has reopened applications, and I’m contemplating reaching out to them for feedback on my background. I believe they could provide valuable insights, but I’m unsure if it’s appropriate to ask after everything that happened. I’m at a crossroads and really want to move forward in my career.

I recently went through a challenging eight days of job searching after being laid off from my role in finance. I was really worried about how I was going to secure my next paycheck. Fortunately, I applied for a position out of curiosity and was pleasantly surprised to receive an offer just a week later after two interviews, including one with the CEO. It felt like minimal effort compared to what I had anticipated, especially given the intense atmosphere in the job market right now. I often see discussions about how difficult it can be for mid-level professionals, especially if they lack certain skills or are looking for specific conditions like remote work. However, my experience has shown me that if you have decent soft skills and are open to opportunities, it might not be as hard as it seems. I’m relieved to have found a new role, but I know that many others are still struggling, and I empathize with them.

I recently completed two interviews for a licensed CSR/sales position with a State Farm agency. The agency owner mentioned that she's ready to extend an offer, but she wants me to meet with the team first to ensure I'm a good fit. I see this as a positive sign, as it shows she values her team's input. Since the agency is in another state, this meeting will be conducted over Zoom. She described it more as a casual 'get to know you' session rather than a formal interview. I'm a bit nervous since I've never participated in a meeting like this before, and I'm not sure how many team members will be present, but I know it's a small agency. I'm looking for any tips or insights from others who have gone through a similar experience.