Applied to a Job

I've been employed for the past several years in an administrative role at a major company, but for the last 8 to 9 months, I've been actively seeking a new job. Despite my efforts in submitting numerous applications, optimizing my resume and cover letters, and networking extensively, I haven't had much success. I'm feeling a bit defeated and am now looking for resources to aid in my job search, particularly in the NY/NJ area. I'm interested in any free or affordable options, such as certifications, staffing agencies, or general job-hunting resources. My background is in film, and my work history primarily revolves around administrative assistance and community coordination, so I'm looking for opportunities in that field.

I was laid off after suffering a life-changing injury at work in March 2025. I went through two surgeries and had to attend rehab three days a week for 16 months, all while on Workers' Compensation. Finally, I received my full medical release and was eager to return to work, only to find out that my company had not budgeted for my full-time position. Instead, they offered me the exact number of hours I was working in a different department at the time of my injury—just 5 hours a week. This was frustrating because I had been a regular part of the team before my injury. To make matters worse, during my absence, all the managers who had hired and trained me were let go, and the new management had no idea who I was. They even rehired a former coworker who had quit, but at a salary that was double what everyone else was making. Now, I’m left with just those 5 hours a week, which is all they are legally required to give me. I’m now in the process of applying for jobs everywhere I can, despite dealing with the residual effects of my injuries and having to explain the 16-month gap in my employment history, along with visible scarring. It’s a tough situation, but I’m determined to find something new. Wish me luck!

I've been actively applying for junior graphic design and art direction positions, but I haven't been landing as many interviews as I had hoped. I'm reaching out for some honest feedback on my portfolio from those in the hiring space or anyone with industry experience. I'm not looking for generic comments about being 'junior' or 'not good'; I really want to understand the specific reasons why I might not be getting noticed. I have a few questions that I'd love to get insights on: - What projects in my portfolio stand out as the strongest or weakest? - Does the overall presentation feel professional and cohesive? - Are there any pieces you would recommend I remove or completely rework? - If you were in a position to hire a junior designer, what factors would lead you to pass on my application? My main goal is to improve my skills and make my portfolio more competitive in the job market. I plan to share my portfolio in the comments to avoid any spam filters. Thank you in advance for your help!

I applied for a position at FedEx during their Memphis brokerage hiring event on June 13. I attended the event on June 23 and felt that the interview went well; we were laughing and joking, which made it feel pretty casual. However, since then, I haven't heard anything back. I don't have a recruiter to contact, so I've been checking the website almost daily, but the AI bot isn't providing any useful information. I'm starting to wonder if I should give up on this opportunity or if it's just a matter of waiting. I've been advised to apply for other jobs while I wait, but it's tough not knowing what's happening with this one.

I recently faced redundancy from my role at Amazon and I'm now in the process of applying for new jobs. I'm curious if anyone else has gone through a similar situation, specifically applying to Amazon again 6 to 12 months after being laid off. I'm wondering about your experiences—did you hear back from them? How long did it take to get responses? Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated as I navigate this job search.

I recently had an in-person interview for a job I found on Indeed, and I'm feeling a bit anxious about it. As a college student eager to break into my field, I was thrilled to finally get an interview after a long search. However, during the interview, the interviewer asked me to fill out a form that included my Social Security Number, along with my driver's license, current address, and birth date. I filled it out without really thinking, just caught up in the excitement of the opportunity. At the end of the interview, they mentioned that they would conduct a background check and would reach out next week if I was selected. Now I'm second-guessing myself and wondering if I made a mistake by providing my SSN so early in the process. The company seemed legitimate, with an office and company cars visible outside, but I still feel uneasy. I didn’t question the interviewer at the time, and I’m worried that I might have put myself at risk. Did I mess up by giving them my SSN before receiving a job offer?

I’ve been working as a contact center agent for two years at a large health insurance company in Australia. Recently, I had the opportunity to take on a secondment for eight months in a struggling area of the business, where I worked with a fraud investigation team on health claims. This experience was incredibly engaging for me, as I enjoyed reviewing and analyzing claims to identify inconsistencies in suspected fraud cases. It made me realize that I have a strong interest in pursuing a career in fraud investigation within the insurance sector. I hold an honours degree in history, which has equipped me with skills in research and analysis that I find quite enjoyable. Now that I’m back in my frontline role, which I see as a temporary stop, I’ve started applying for various positions like fraud analyst, risk analyst, and claims investigator. To enhance my qualifications, I’m considering adding a Cert IV in government investigations, as my secondment experience is somewhat limited. I’m reaching out to see if anyone working in these roles can share their career paths or offer any advice. Also, I’d love to know if the certification I’m looking at is a good choice. Any tips on how to effectively highlight my secondment experience on my resume would also be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

I recently experienced my second layoff in just three years, and it's really weighing on me. I worked as a Data Manager in the tech industry, focusing primarily on AI projects. I dedicated about a year to training AI, only to find out that my position was eliminated. It's hard not to take it personally, and I'm struggling with feelings of failure right now. It's been two weeks since the layoff, and I've only managed to secure one HR interview that seems to be progressing. In contrast, during my last layoff, I had five job offers to consider. I could really use some advice on how to cope with these layoffs without feeling like I'm not good enough.

I recently went through quite a rollercoaster in my job search journey. After submitting an application, I was pleasantly surprised when a recruiter reached out just four days later to schedule a phone screening. It was still early in my search, so I was thrilled to see my resume getting some attention. I prepared thoroughly and made sure to join the call 10 minutes early, but unfortunately, I ended up being ghosted. I waited for 15 minutes past the scheduled start time, and when no one showed up, I decided to follow up via email. The recruiter got back to me 48 hours later with an apology and a request to reschedule. By that time, I had lined up other interviews and was hesitant to move forward with this company, but I agreed to reschedule anyway, not expecting much. To my surprise, I passed the initial screening and was invited for an in-person interview, which I felt went really well. The hiring team was genuinely nice, and I left the interview feeling optimistic. However, after that second round, I didn’t hear back for three weeks. During that time, I was waiting on some solid options I thought would turn into offers, but none did. Just when I thought I had lost hope in this application, the company reached out for a final interview and ultimately offered me the job the very next day, with a salary higher than I had anticipated. In total, I applied to about 40 positions, went through 16 phone screenings, had 5 video interviews, and attended 1 in-person interview—all within a span of 35 days. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected opportunities can turn into great outcomes.

I recently applied for internships as a student and had a professor agree to be my reference. She informed me that she received a reference check request from one of the companies I interviewed with. However, she just let me know that she sent her response about a week after receiving the request. I just got rejected from that company, and I'm wondering if the slow response from my reference could have impacted my chances. I’m feeling a bit anxious about it and would appreciate any advice on how references might affect job opportunities.

I've been struggling to find a job for nearly three years now, and it's really taking a toll on me emotionally. Every time I submit an application, I find myself breaking down in tears afterward. I have a STEM degree and several years of experience in local government, focusing on technical roles that also involved business operations and process improvements. Despite my varied work history and always going above and beyond in my roles, the silence from employers is crushing my spirit. I feel worthless and despairing, and I'm genuinely worried about becoming homeless if I don't secure a job soon. It's hard to keep pushing through this cycle of applying and hearing nothing back.

I'm feeling really overwhelmed right now in my job search. I've been applying to positions for weeks and not getting any responses. It's starting to feel like I'm losing hope, and I don't know how much longer I can keep this up. The constant rejection and silence from employers is really taking a toll on my motivation. I just wish I could find a role where I could contribute my skills and feel valued again.

I recently applied for a position that I was really excited about in a specialized area of my field. The role required only a year of general experience, which I have, and I thought it would be a great opportunity to break into this niche. I even reached out to the hiring manager on LinkedIn to express my interest. However, after a few weeks without any response, I started to lose hope, especially since the job posting was closed shortly after I applied. Out of curiosity, I checked my spam folder tonight and found an email from the hiring manager asking for my availability to schedule an interview. I was thrilled but also terrified that I might have missed my chance because I didn't see the email sooner. I quickly replied with my availability for next week and wished her a happy Independence Day. I'm really hoping that since this week was a holiday, the role hasn't been filled yet and that I still have a shot at this opportunity.

I recently applied for a few positions in marketing, and I'm currently in that frustrating "waiting phase" where I feel completely in the dark. It's been a few weeks since I submitted my applications, and I haven't heard back from any of the companies. One of the most annoying parts is seeing the job postings still up, which makes me wonder if they're still considering candidates or if they've already filled the roles. I've experienced getting ghosted after interviews, and it feels like a huge waste of time. I remember one interview I had a month ago where I thought it went really well, but I never received any follow-up. I even tried to reach out to the recruiter, but got no response. To keep track of my applications, I've started using a spreadsheet, but honestly, it can be overwhelming trying to remember which companies I've applied to and when. I’ve thought about using Notion for better organization, but I haven’t made the switch yet. Uncertainty is definitely one of my biggest frustrations right now. I often find myself wondering if I should just assume I’ve been rejected if I haven’t heard anything after two weeks. I’d love to hear how others manage this waiting game and if they have any tips for handling the stress that comes with it.

Today, I'm feeling completely overwhelmed and mentally drained. Back in January 2025, my company went through layoffs, and although I survived that round, my manager warned me that I might not be so lucky next time. It was a small company that had never experienced layoffs before, so it was a shock to everyone. I quickly started job hunting and managed to secure a position within a month. I had two offers: one with a higher salary, but I chose the other for its better growth opportunities and a strong engineering culture, believing it would be a safer long-term choice. However, things took a turn when the product I was hired to work on got outsourced. The company decided to buy a product from an external vendor, leading to layoffs for everyone involved in our project, including me. There was nothing I could have done to change that outcome. After this, I aimed for stability and joined one of the largest banks in the US, thinking it would provide the peace of mind I desperately needed. Yet, since February, they've been conducting reductions in force (RIFs) almost every month. Every third Monday, I wake up with anxiety, fearing that today might be the day I lose my job again. Now, they're planning to cut around 10% of the tech workforce. I feel trapped in this cycle of uncertainty. My parents rely on me financially, and we come from a background where we struggled for years to reach a stable point. My older sister is getting married soon, which means the responsibility for my family will fall entirely on my shoulders. I don’t ask for much—just three months of job security. I want someone to assure me that my position is safe, but that seems like an impossible wish. My resume is already looking messy due to these short stints, all caused by factors beyond my control, and I'm terrified that potential employers will judge me without understanding my situation. The anxiety has become unbearable. Some days, I genuinely feel hopeless and think about ending my life, not because I want to die, but because I want the fear and uncertainty to stop. If anyone has been through something similar or has practical advice on coping, I would really appreciate it.

I applied for a job at a government animal shelter and had my interview on the 15th of this month. I felt really good about how it went! A week later, I received an email stating that all interviews had concluded and they were in the process of reviewing candidates. Now, it's been almost two weeks since then, and I'm feeling a bit anxious. I'm considering whether I should reach out to them to express my continued interest or just wait for them to get back to me. I'm really motivated to work there, but I don't want to seem too pushy.

I recently made the decision to leave my job, even though it was a decent position. I realized it just wasn't the right fit for me. After taking some time to reassess my priorities, I found myself back in the job market. In the past, I always created my resumes using Microsoft Word, but this time I decided to try out a resume builder called BetterCV. I was pleased with how the design turned out; it looked much cleaner and more professional without requiring a lot of time for edits. I eventually landed an interview, and during the conversation, the recruiter mentioned something interesting. She said that candidates who use resume builders often come across as more engaged and proactive because of the effort they put into crafting their resumes. It made me think about how presentation might play a role in the hiring process. I'm curious if others have had similar experiences or thoughts on this topic.

I recently went through several rounds of interviews with a startup that I really wanted to join as a developer. After my last interaction, the CTO mentioned that my Python fundamentals were lacking. He suggested that I strengthen those skills and then reapply in about a month, with a small assessment to follow. I asked if the month timeline was strict since I have a solid grasp of TypeScript and JavaScript and could quickly improve my Python skills. He reassured me that I could reach out whenever I felt ready. He emphasized that I was a good fit in all other areas, but my Python fundamentals were the only hurdle. I've been feeling pretty down lately, especially financially, and I was really hoping for good news from this opportunity. After about 15 days, I decided to reach out again and sent him a screen recording of a project I completed that aligned with their assignments. Unfortunately, he saw my message but hasn’t replied in over 7 hours. Now I'm at a crossroads, feeling exhausted and uncertain. Should I follow up again, or is it time to move on? I’m just struggling to see any light at the end of the tunnel right now.

I recently accepted a job offer that I feel good about. My journey started back in April when I faced some serious issues at my previous employer, including a false harassment case that led to a demotion shortly after I had just been promoted. It was a tough time, but my supervisor encouraged me, saying I was smart enough to bounce back. They were right; I took their advice to heart and focused on finding a new opportunity. Over the past few months, I submitted nearly 50 job applications, which led to 12 initial screenings, 8 phone interviews, and 5 in-person interviews. Ultimately, I received 4 job offers. While I didn't land the one I truly wanted, I managed to secure what I consider a consolation prize that aligns well with my career goals. Through this job search, I learned several valuable lessons: 1. The job market is incredibly tough right now, with a low hiring and firing cycle. 2. I leveraged AI tools like Claude to customize my resume and cover letters for each application, which made a significant difference. 3. Interviews are critical; I found that I needed to be spot on with my answers and well-researched about the companies. 4. I started looking for red flags during interviews, such as inconsistencies between HR and the team on the ground. 5. I learned to be selective and not afraid to reject offers that didn't feel right. 6. I paced myself throughout the search, starting in April and going full throttle by mid-May, with my accepted job posting in late May and the offer coming in early July. 7. While salary is important, I focused on gaining valuable experience, transitioning from an operator role to an operations lead at a small manufacturing shop. 8. I reminded myself not to get discouraged by silence from potential employers; job searching takes time. 9. I realized that being qualified doesn't guarantee progression in the hiring process, and I had to let go of rejections without taking them personally. 10. Lastly, I prioritized my mental health throughout this process, ensuring I didn't let the job search consume my life or affect my relationships. I recommend setting aside specific times to apply for jobs, as AI can help make the process more efficient. I wish everyone the best of luck in their job searches!

I recently interviewed for a Team Member position at Culver's and have another interview coming up on Monday. However, I also interviewed for a part-time Retail Stocking Associate position at Burlington, and the interviewer encouraged me to follow up if I hadn't heard back by Monday. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed because I don't know what to do if both companies offer me a job on the same day or if Burlington offers me a position before my interview with Culver's. If Burlington calls first, should I accept their offer and cancel my Culver's interview, or should I still go to the interview just in case? I'm worried about how long job offers stay open and fear that if I don't accept Burlington's offer quickly, they might give it to someone else. I'm also concerned about the pay. Burlington's starting pay is $13.50 an hour, while Culver's has a range of $11 to $16 an hour. Since this would be my first job and I don't have previous experience, I'm unsure where I might fall within that pay range. I hope to earn at least $15 an hour, but I'm worried Culver's might only offer me the minimum of $11. Is it appropriate to ask for a higher starting wage for my first job? I'm really looking for advice from anyone with experience at either company or in hiring in general.