Applied to a Job

I started my job search in mid-to-late August 2025, just before my senior year began at a highly ranked public university. Despite having research experience, internships, and part-time jobs under my belt, finding a full-time position was tougher than I anticipated. I averaged two to three interviews each month throughout the year, which was exhausting but taught me a lot about tailoring my applications and preparing for interviews. After nearly a year of searching, I finally received an offer last week for a role in an industry I’m passionate about. I owe a lot to a strong internal referral from the owner's son, which made me realize how challenging it could have been to break into this field without that connection. I'm curious to hear from other recent grads about their job search experiences and how long they've been looking.

I’ve been feeling really stuck lately in my job search. I currently make $53,000 a year before taxes, and after three years in my role, I’m struggling with a lot of debt from grad school. I have a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree and three years of experience working in state government. Despite applying to dozens of jobs over the past year, I’ve only landed one interview, which I almost got, but they chose someone else at the last minute. It’s been incredibly frustrating to either get ghosted or receive generic rejection emails after applying for governmental relations positions in the private sector and other public sector roles. I really want to move to a bigger city where the cost of living is higher, but so are the salaries. I’m hoping that a change of scenery might help me find better opportunities.

I recently applied for a full-time position at an industrial laundry facility after a family friend recommended it to me. The pay is $18.75 per hour, which seemed decent at first. The job listing mentioned hours from 1:30 PM to 10 PM, and I thought that would work for me. However, I later discovered that there is mandatory overtime every day from Monday to Friday, extending my hours until 12 or 1 AM, and additional overtime on Saturdays from 5 AM to 1:30 PM. I'm starting to feel like I might have made a mistake by accepting this opportunity. The hours are much longer than I anticipated, and I'm concerned about burnout. I'm debating whether I should back out now before I get too deep into this job.

I recently experienced a sudden job loss that has left me feeling quite shocked. I had only been with the company for a few months, starting in June, and while I loved my team and felt like I fit in perfectly, there were some concerning behaviors from a few people above me. I received a call from my manager on my day off, just before the end of my probationary period, informing me that I was being let go because they had "decided to go a different direction." There were no warnings, no feedback, and I hadn’t made any mistakes. It felt completely out of the blue. Now, I'm trying to process this unexpected turn of events while also applying for new jobs. Thankfully, I have my first interview lined up for Monday, and I’ve also been approached by another company interested in me. Despite being in a high-demand career, I’m struggling mentally with this abrupt change and the feeling of not having closure. I know I need to move forward quickly since I can't afford to be out of work for long, but it's hard to shake off the sting of this experience. I’m hoping to find some advice on how to cope with this situation and manage my feelings as I navigate the job search.

I've been on the job hunt for nearly a year now, and it's been incredibly challenging. Despite applying to numerous positions, I haven't received any offers. In an effort to increase my chances, I've even started applying to jobs outside my usual interests, but still no luck. I'm starting to wonder if I'm doing something wrong or if others are experiencing similar difficulties in their job searches.

I recently found myself in a tough position after rejecting a job offer that I was really excited about. Currently, I'm working in a role where I face bullying from my boss and coworker, which has made the environment quite toxic. While I've learned to ignore their negativity, it still takes a toll on me every day. The job itself is easy, with good pay and benefits, and I enjoy the casual dress code and yearly bonus. However, I live in a beautiful and expensive city that I love, and the thought of moving to a cheaper city, even one I like, feels daunting. I applied for a position in that other city, which I found genuinely interesting. The lawyers who interviewed me were friendly and accommodating during salary negotiations, which made me feel valued. However, I realized that I don't want to leave my current city, despite the issues at work. I ended up rejecting the job offer, and now I'm feeling regret and confusion about my decision. Financially, changing jobs feels risky given my savings, and I'm also dealing with low iron levels that make me doubt my ability to perform well in a demanding new role. I'm caught between a job I dislike but that offers stability and a career opportunity that excites me but requires a significant life change.

I've been transitioning from my role at the United Nations to the private sector in the US, specifically in New York, and I'm currently applying for positions in project management, digital transformation, and strategy. I'm seeking feedback on my CV from those with experience in US hiring practices. My main experience comes from working at the UN across over 10 countries on diverse projects, including developing public sector strategies and collaborating with grassroots stakeholders on technology implementations. I've kept my resume concise and tailored it for different roles by including relevant internships and part-time work, depending on the position. I'm targeting junior to mid-level roles with salaries ranging from $90K to $130K. I did have a supervisory role at one point, but I lost that title due to a policy change within the organization. I'm particularly interested in feedback on the credibility of my impact statements—do they come off as genuine or typical UN jargon? Also, does having a single-employer background raise concerns for US hiring managers? Should I consider including my internships on the second page to mitigate any perceived gaps in my experience? I’d appreciate insights on whether my profile paragraph is engaging enough to encourage further reading, and if there are any specific reasons that might lead someone to overlook my application. I'm eager for US-based perspectives, as I know transitioning from the UN to the private sector can be challenging, and I want to ensure my resume effectively communicates my qualifications.

Applied at Microsoft for Engineering Role

Applied at Vega Innovations for Entry Level Verizon Assistant

I recently applied for a job and noticed that I never received a confirmation email. I double-checked my email address, and it was spelled correctly. Interestingly, I applied for a position with the same company about a year ago, and I did receive a confirmation email back then. After submitting my application this time, I did see the application submitted webpage, but the lack of an automated email has me worried. I'm left wondering if this means I won't receive any further communications regarding my application.

I worked in data entry and basic administrative roles for about six years, and I thought I had a solid foundation. However, after my company restructured last year, I was laid off along with many others in similar positions. I expected finding a new job would be straightforward given my experience, but I quickly realized that the job market had changed drastically. Now, every listing seems to require advanced skills in Excel, SQL, or automation tools that I have never used before. I've been applying for jobs for three months now, but I either get rejected immediately or hear nothing back. I even tried taking a free online course to improve my skills, but it’s tough to stay motivated when I’m not sure if employers will value a certificate from an unknown site. The hardest part is feeling like I’m competing against a younger generation that already has the skills that are now in demand. I’m at a crossroads, trying to decide whether I should focus on learning new software or accept that my previous role might not exist anymore and pivot to a completely different field. Has anyone else experienced this? Did you find success in retraining or changing careers?

I was laid off twice this year, which has been quite a rollercoaster. The first layoff happened in early January when my entire team was let go due to an acquisition after I had spent about four years with the company. After that, it took me four months to find a new job, and I finally started a new position in April. Unfortunately, I was laid off again at the end of August due to budget cuts. My boss was really upset about it, and I was too, especially since I had seen others who had just joined being let go and thought I was safe. Currently, I have both positions listed on my resume, with '(layoff)' noted next to the end date for each. I'm unsure if this is the right approach or if I should just remove those jobs altogether. I'm still early in my job search and have had one phone screening that I thought went well, but I received a rejection just two days later. The company had a small HR team, and while the recruiter mentioned she would talk to the hiring manager, I’m left wondering what went wrong. I'm trying to manage my expectations and not get too excited about potential opportunities anymore.

I recently applied for a mid-level role at my local city government in a rural town with a population of about 100,000. I submitted my application early on a Monday morning, right when I noticed the listing. I wasn't sure how late I was to apply since the posting was only on their site and the date wasn't mentioned. To my surprise, by 1pm that same day, I received an email confirming that my application had passed the initial screening and was forwarded to the department manager for further review. They mentioned I should expect to hear back in about 1-2 weeks. This is a significant improvement from a few months ago when I applied for a very entry-level position with the same city and was completely ghosted. At that time, I was still finishing up my bachelor's degree. Since then, I've graduated and completed a 12-week internship, which I hope strengthens my application. I'm aware that competition might be tough, especially since it's a college town, but I'm feeling optimistic about the possibility of getting an interview. It was nice to receive a personalized email updating me on my application status, which definitely makes the process feel more engaging. I'm looking forward to potentially scheduling an interview next week!

I've been struggling in the job market for the past year, applying for 15 different positions, including multiple interviews and pre-interview exams. One of the most frustrating experiences was spending 6 hours on unpaid exams for a part-time children's English tutor role. It feels like companies are taking advantage of our desperation. Despite having a bachelor's degree and two years of professional experience, the only job I've landed is a food service position at a bar. This has been my biggest win this year, and I only got it after six months of searching. I've had to move an hour away from my current jobs due to the high cost of living, and I constantly juggle my time between work and interviews that often lead to rejections. I feel hopeless and trapped in this system, where it seems like we're barely above being slaves.

I recently left my job due to my disability, which made it extremely difficult for me to work. I would often feel so unwell that I couldn't even drive home; my partner had to pick me up on several occasions. Now, I'm on the hunt for a new job that allows me to sit for at least part of my shift. I've been applying for various roles, including receptionist positions and office jobs, as well as some host roles at restaurants, thinking they might be easier to secure and could accommodate my need for a chair. Most of my interviews have been virtual, which has been a relief. However, I've noticed a significant change in the atmosphere when I show up in person with my cane. Many employers seem to lose interest as soon as they see it. Just today, I had an interview where I felt well enough to leave my cane behind. The interview went really well, and I even received a job offer. But when I mentioned needing accommodations, they quickly decided I wouldn't be a good fit for the role. It's incredibly frustrating to face these barriers due to my physical condition when I know I can perform the job as long as I'm allowed to sit for part of my shift. I understand that employers aren't obligated to hire me, but it's disheartening to see how my disability affects my job prospects.

I graduated in May and have been actively searching for jobs since March. So far, I've only landed one interview, which was for a networking position at Dell. My primary focus has been on applying for Software Engineering roles, as I completed two experiential classes in that field. However, I'm starting to feel like I might be overlooking other job types that could be more open to hiring someone without professional experience, since it seems like every listing emphasizes that requirement. I'm considering whether my previous experience at AMC could be leveraged, as I've heard companies often prefer to rehire former employees who are familiar with their operations. I'm hoping to find a path that allows me to gain the necessary experience while also aligning with my skills.

I was laid off after 13 years with my employer due to a restructuring on Tuesday morning. I've spent 22 years in the same industry, and this change has hit me hard, especially since I'm based in Western Canada. Just six months ago, I settled my divorce, which left me with significant spousal and child support payments that are quite high given my previous income. Thankfully, the severance package I received is generous enough to sustain me for about a year without needing to rely on employment insurance. However, the fear and anxiety I'm feeling are overwhelming. I have a nine-year-old son, and while I have a good co-parenting relationship with his mother, the thought of providing for him during this uncertain time terrifies me. I've started applying for jobs, but it’s only been a few days since the layoff, and the weight of this situation is heavy. I'm sending positive thoughts to everyone else facing similar challenges.

I called a local dispensary yesterday because I heard they were hiring. They took my name and number, promising to pass it along to the hiring team. I'm really eager about this opportunity since it's exactly what I'm looking for, especially as I'm trying to secure a mortgage after some complications. I'm considering following up soon, but I'm not sure when the best time would be. I received some advice suggesting to wait two working days, so I’m thinking about reaching out again on Tuesday morning. I just want to make sure I handle this correctly.

I recently applied for a patient coordinator position at a dental office through Paylocity. The process has been a bit unusual so far. The clinic administrator reached out to me via text, which I found odd since I expected an email or phone call. I mentioned that I was applying from out of state, but he didn’t respond to that until I followed up four days later. When we finally spoke on the phone, he didn’t ask me about my previous experience or any typical interview questions. Instead, he just explained the job, asked if I could handle it, and offered me the position right away, which raised some red flags for me. I told him I needed a couple of days to think it over and about three weeks to relocate, and he seemed surprisingly okay with that. Given the current job market, I would have thought they would want to interview other candidates before making an offer. I did confirm that the location exists, but they’re closed on weekends, so I can’t verify if he actually works there until Monday. I’m starting to wonder if this whole situation is a scam or if I’m just being overly cautious.

I recently completed a background check through ScreeningOne as part of my job application process. The online form was a bit confusing; it required me to list my address history for the past seven years. However, I've lived at my current address for much longer than that. The form didn't have an option for 'current' or 'N/A' for the move-out date, which forced me to enter a specific month and year. I ended up putting yesterday's date as my move-out date, and now I'm feeling anxious that this might raise a red flag and jeopardize my job offer. I hope everything turns out okay.