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I graduated from a prestigious British university with a master's in an urban planning-adjacent field in August 2025, and since then, I've been on a relentless job hunt in the U.S. I've applied to over 250 positions and have had more than 40 informational interviews, but the results have been disheartening. Most employers ghost me, and I've faced a series of rejections, including one for an internship that aligned perfectly with my interests and thesis. I even received a verbal job offer from an informational interview, but it was rescinded when I mentioned the financial sustainability of my master's program in the UK, which apparently made some colleagues uncomfortable. Despite my mentor's reassurance that I'm a strong candidate with a solid resume and cover letter, I feel completely drained and lost in this job search. I've expanded my search beyond planning and policy roles, yet I see my peers securing jobs while I'm still at home, relying on my parents for support. I'm missing out on social interactions and the independence that comes with earning my own money. I'm at a loss for what to do next. Any advice on breaking through this barrier would be greatly appreciated.

I’ve been feeling incredibly frustrated with job portals lately. It seems like no matter how many applications I submit, I never get any responses. I’ve tailored my resumes specifically for each role, yet I’m still left in the dark. I’ve applied to nearly every job that fits my skills, but it feels like I’m just throwing my resume into a black hole. I remember when cold emailing used to work wonders, but now it seems like no one is even looking at those either. It’s disheartening to see so many opportunities that lead to unpaid internships or scams asking for money upfront. My friends and I have dedicated years to our education, only to be met with this nonsense. It’s really hard to stay positive when it feels like the system is rigged against us.

Today, I was filling out a job application for USPS and got to the final step, only to be hit with a job application fee. I was shocked and immediately felt like I was dealing with a scam. This is the first time I’ve encountered something like this, and I’m not sure how to process it. Has anyone else experienced this? I’ve learned that legitimate USPS applications should always be free and go through their official site. I’m definitely going to be more cautious in the future and ensure I’m on the right website before applying.

I recently went through a series of interviews for a position that I felt went really well. Initially, I had a great first interview where I was told I was a perfect fit and that they would recommend me for the next stage. The second interview was a bit different; the questions seemed to focus on areas of the job that I wouldn't be heavily involved in, which left me unsure about their assessment of my skills. Then came the third interview with the direct report manager, who also expressed that I was an excellent candidate and mentioned that it would come down to me and one other person for the final decision. However, it has now been over a week since that interview, and I've heard nothing. I didn't start any background checks or provide references, and to make matters worse, I noticed the job was reposted on their website the day after my last interview. I can't help but feel ghosted, and it's frustrating to go through multiple rounds of interviews only to be left in the dark. I’ve experienced something similar before, and it’s disheartening. I’m trying to stay positive and keep applying elsewhere, but I’m left wondering if this is just how the job search process goes sometimes.

I graduated with my MChem in 2022, but the journey has been incredibly tough. I started university in 2020, just before the lockdowns hit, which completely derailed my first year. I transferred to a local university in the south for my second year, but it felt like everyone already had their friend groups, and I struggled to connect with anyone despite being present on campus. I excelled academically, winning awards and securing a summer internship, but socially, I felt isolated. Year 3 was even harder; I faced personal challenges due to a significant bereavement and barely managed to keep up with my studies. By the time I reached my fourth year, the master's program was grueling, and many students dropped out. I pushed through, but making friends was not a priority amidst the overwhelming workload. After graduating, I landed a job in Quality Control at a big pharmaceutical company, but I quickly realized it wasn't the right fit for me. I left after eight months, and then tried another job that required a three-hour commute, which was unsustainable. I quit that position in January and have been struggling to find my footing ever since. I've been applying for jobs and volunteering opportunities, but I keep facing rejections, even for entry-level positions. I feel like I'm doing everything right—personalizing cover letters, keeping my CV updated—but nothing seems to work. On top of that, I have no friends, which I deeply regret. I wish I had made more of an effort during university to connect with others. Now, I'm feeling lost, jobless, and purposeless, which is affecting my relationship as well. My partner has a successful career and social life, and I often feel resentful, even though I know it's not their fault. I just don't know how to make friends anymore or how to find a fulfilling job or career. It's been a challenging few years, and I really hope to hear from others who have been in a similar situation and found their way back. I could use some encouragement right now.

After a long and challenging 7-month job search, I finally landed my dream job! I had been applying to various positions and going through numerous interviews, but nothing seemed to click until now. The role is exactly what I’ve been looking for, and I’m thrilled to start this new chapter in my career. It feels great to see all my efforts pay off!

I am currently facing a tough job search as a recruiter from the Philippines. With less than 2 years of recruitment experience, I've been applying to various companies for the past 6 months but haven't secured a job yet, which has been really frustrating. I manage to get 2-3 interviews a week, which I thought was promising, but I only seem to pass the initial interviews. It feels like even though many companies are open to candidates with less experience, hiring managers still prefer those with more extensive backgrounds. This situation is discouraging for me. I believe in being honest about my qualifications during interviews, but it seems like others might be getting ahead by exaggerating their experiences. As the breadwinner for my family, I really need to find work soon. I regret resigning without having a backup plan, and I'm reaching out for any advice or support.

I recently applied for a position and was invited to complete an online assessment. I received an email stating that I met the minimum criteria for the role and they wanted to schedule an interview. Unfortunately, by the time I checked the email, the only available slots were for the following week. This morning, I received a message saying that my upcoming interview was cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances and that they would be in touch with next steps. I'm feeling anxious and unsure if this is a subtle rejection or if they will actually reach out to reschedule. I'm considering waiting a couple of days before following up to see if I should rebook or if they will provide a new link.

I recently joined a company a few months ago, but unfortunately, I received a layoff notification a few weeks back. It's been a tough time for me, especially with the current job market being so challenging. I'm actively looking for a new job, but I've noticed that there are very few openings available for roles that require less than a year of experience. It's disheartening, but I'm trying to stay positive and keep searching.

I received some tough news recently: my time at Inspidea is coming to an end at the end of this month after almost five years. There’s no drama or controversy surrounding it; it’s just the end of a chapter in my life. I’ve been feeling a mix of emotions about it, and honestly, it’s a strange feeling to suddenly be facing an uncertain future. Since I got the news, I’ve been actively applying for jobs. I’ve sent out numerous applications, attended interviews, and completed various tests, all while trying to present myself in the best light possible. Unfortunately, I haven’t received any job offers yet. Some companies haven’t responded at all, others interviewed me and then went silent, and a few chose other candidates. Each rejection is a little blow to my confidence. I know people often say things like "Don’t give up" or "Your time will come," and while I appreciate the encouragement, I’m just looking for a job right now. I want to continue doing what I’ve spent years learning and improving at. I have skills in graphic design, video editing, and animation—areas I genuinely enjoy. I understand that I may not be the best in my field, and that there are many more talented individuals out there. But I’m ready to work, learn, and contribute. It’s tough not to let self-doubt creep in, especially when rejection emails keep piling up, or worse, when I don’t hear back at all. I find myself questioning whether my portfolio is good enough or if I said something wrong in interviews. Despite these challenges, I’m not giving up. I know I need to keep pushing forward because life doesn’t stop for anyone. I’m currently updating my portfolio, refining my CV, and applying for more positions in hopes that someone will see my work and give me a chance. For anyone who has gone through a similar situation, I’d love to hear how you managed during your job search. I’m not looking for sympathy, just some advice or perspective from those who have been in my shoes. Thanks for reading.

I recently applied for a job and something feels off about the process. The application site didn't mention that they use Olivia or Paradox for their communications, which is a bit concerning since I've had experiences with other companies like FedEx using these systems. What really raised my suspicions is that they claimed to have called me, but I never received any call. Additionally, the phone number they provided doesn't seem to connect to any legitimate business; it might even be a personal number. Normally, I pride myself on being able to spot scams, but this situation is making me uneasy. I did reach out through their contact form to inquire about this issue, but I'm not sure if that will yield any results. Just trying to stay cautious!

I recently applied for the position of EVS Tech at a local hospital. The interview went really well, and the interviewer even expressed hope that I would get the job. However, two weeks later, I received an email from HR informing me that I was rejected, wishing me luck in my job search. It was disappointing, especially since I felt confident about the interview. A month later, I saw another job opening for a Snack Bar Attendant and decided to apply. This time, I received an email just two days later stating that I was rejected again. The email mentioned that they would keep my application on record for future opportunities, which felt like a small consolation. I have two years of experience in housekeeping and some background in working at a snack bar, so I'm left wondering if there's something I'm missing that would qualify me for these roles in a hospital setting. I reviewed the qualifications and they didn't seem significantly different from my previous jobs. If anyone with experience in these positions could provide some insight on what I might be lacking, I would really appreciate it.

I've been unemployed since September and have been applying to jobs since April after returning to my home city in February. My background is primarily in retail and customer service, with my last role being in an office setting. I’m feeling really frustrated because after two months of applications, I haven’t received any callbacks, except for one rejection. I’m specifically avoiding traditional 8 to 5 desk jobs because my last experience severely impacted my physical and mental health, leading to burnout. So, I’ve been focusing on entry-level positions like cashiering, stocking, janitorial work, and laundry services. Unfortunately, I haven’t had any luck. I’ve been applying through company websites and Indeed, but it feels like I’m hitting a wall. I did manage to secure an interview for a job I wasn’t particularly interested in, but I went for the experience since I hadn’t interviewed since 2022. The interview confirmed my feelings about not wanting that job as it had the same hours I’m trying to avoid. Now, I'm at a loss about what to do next. Should I follow up with businesses after applying? Do I need to simplify my resume? Should I even be applying for these entry-level jobs without showcasing my previous job history? This is a new struggle for me; I've always received callbacks quickly in the past, so this change is disheartening. My debt is piling up, and the little money I make from resale isn’t helping much. I’m really hoping to find some clarity on how to move forward.

I was laid off in March at the age of 55, marking the first time since I was 13 that I haven't had a steady paycheck. My previous employer didn't offer a pension plan, so I had been saving for a rainy day, but with kids still in school and a new grandchild, my savings are dwindling fast. Right after the layoff, I jumped into the job search and applied to several positions, even securing some interviews. However, I made a significant mistake by allowing AI to update my resume. While it added relevant keywords and tools that matched the job descriptions, I couldn't actually connect them to my real experiences because I didn't have that background. During a third interview with one company, my peers bombarded me with questions that I struggled to answer or defend. It was clear that the disconnect between my resume and my actual experience hurt me. I’m curious if anyone else has faced this issue and how you managed it. I’ve received some advice about focusing on mental health, establishing a routine, and keeping track of job applications, but I’m still feeling lost in this process.

I recently went through an interview process that felt completely absurd. I applied for a position at a tech company, and the whole experience was so disorganized that I couldn't help but feel like it was a joke. From the scheduling conflicts to the lack of communication from the hiring team, it was frustrating. I had high hopes for the role, but the way things were handled left me questioning their professionalism and whether I even want to work there anymore.

I’ve been on quite the journey with my job search, applying to over 2000 positions and going through numerous interviews. Recently, I reached the final stages for a role I'm really excited about at a prestigious university. After my last round of interviews, which I felt went well, they asked for references almost immediately. I complied right away, but now I'm feeling stressed about the reference check process. Out of my three former employers, two responded, but the last one has been unresponsive despite my previous good relationship with them. I even reached out directly, but they ghosted me. The one who did reply said they couldn't provide a reference and directed the hiring team to HR instead. I emailed the hiring team to see if that would suffice, but it’s been a week without a response, and it’s really stressing me out. It’s been over two weeks since they initially contacted my references, and I can’t shake the feeling that my chances for this role are slipping away due to circumstances beyond my control. I’ve been in this position before, making it to the final rounds only to be disappointed, and the waiting is taking a toll on my nerves. Has anyone else faced a similar situation with references? How did you handle it? I could really use some advice on how to cope with this waiting game.

I recently applied to over 50 entry-level positions and faced immediate rejections, with one coming just two hours after submitting my application. I'm feeling stuck and unsure if the issue lies with my experience, the resume template I'm using, or if it's not optimized for ATS. I'm seeking advice on how to enhance my resume to improve my chances of landing interviews.

I recently applied for a part-time seasonal photographer position at CADY Studios after seeing the listing on Indeed. To my surprise, I was called in for an interview just a few days later, and I was offered the job only hours after that. While I'm not a novice photographer, I wouldn't consider myself a professional either, which made the quick offer a bit suspicious. The job listing mentioned 'no experience required,' which raised some red flags for me. After doing some research, I found that many reviews indicate that during peak season, photographers can end up working 15-hour days and upwards of 50-60 hours a week. I'm open to putting in extra hours, but the thought of potentially being in a soul-sucking job has me second-guessing this opportunity. I have about a month's worth of flexibility to find something better, so I'm considering my options. If anyone has experience with CADY Studios, I would really appreciate your insights.

I have been on a job search journey for the past 7 months, applying to over 591 positions as a mechanical engineer. My goal has been to relocate across the country for a new opportunity. Despite the high number of applications, I haven't secured a position yet. It's been a challenging process, but I remain hopeful and determined to find the right fit.

I was contacted by a recruiter a few months ago for a role at a well-known semiconductor company through a recruitment agency. Recently, he reached out again for the same position, and when I replied, he wanted to set up a call and asked about my salary expectations. I mentioned that I'm not very qualified but was open to discussing it. He then sent me a salary range but also asked for my Social Security Number, which made me really uneasy. I only provided information that was already on my resume and public profiles. Now, I'm planning to call him today, but I can't shake the feeling that something isn't right, especially since he replies to my emails almost instantly during US hours. I'm feeling pretty anxious about the whole situation.