Applied to a Job

I recently received yet another email stating that, after careful review, they decided to move forward with other candidates. This has become a familiar refrain for me over the past year, as I've faced countless rejections and radio silence from potential employers. I have a solid work history with good references and left my last job due to a family emergency. Since then, I've sent out around 20 resumes, but most of the time I either get rejected or simply ghosted. I know 20 applications is relatively small compared to others who have applied hundreds of times, but it felt like I was just feeding forms into a machine with no human interaction. Frustrated with the job search process, I decided to start my own small company to generate some income. I realized that while the government tracks job openings, there’s no record of the countless rejections applicants face. It’s disheartening to see “We’re hiring” everywhere, yet there’s no transparency about how many applications go unanswered or are automatically rejected. To address this gap, I created a platform called Dear Candidate, where individuals can record their job application outcomes anonymously. It’s still in its early stages and currently mostly contains my own rejections, but I hope it can grow into a resource for others who have faced similar struggles. If you want to contribute your experiences, you can do so without any sign-up or personal information required.

I’ve been struggling to find a job since April. I have experience in project management and operations management, and I was previously a chief of staff. I also hold a master’s degree, but despite my qualifications, the job search has been incredibly tough and is starting to take a mental toll on me. I’ve applied to numerous positions—some where I feel underqualified, others where I feel overqualified, and many where I believe I’m perfectly qualified. I’m exhausted and running out of funds, which adds to my anxiety. I really need help and support during this challenging time.

I've been on the job hunt for a while now, and I've noticed a trend with my applications. Whenever I apply through platforms like ICIMS or Workday, I rarely get any responses. In contrast, I've had much better luck when I apply directly through company websites, send cold emails, or attend in-person career fairs. It's frustrating because I really dislike the job search process, but I feel like I have a better chance of getting noticed when I bypass those larger application systems. I'm curious if anyone else has had similar experiences or if anyone has actually landed a job through those platforms.

I recently completed my certification as an EMT, which I finished last Sunday. Last year, I lost my job while I was attending an academy class for EMT training. I successfully passed my national exam and have my state certification as well. Now, I'm actively applying for jobs and have submitted around 123 applications so far. I'm feeling really anxious about the whole process, especially since I keep getting interviews but then hear back that they are considering other candidates. It's disheartening to not receive any follow-up after those interviews. Has anyone else experienced this and found success?

I recently got laid off from my job and have been actively searching for new opportunities. During my search, I found a remote job posting that seemed almost too good to be true. I'm feeling uncertain about its legitimacy and wanted to reach out to see if anyone has insights or experiences with this type of situation. I really hope it's a legitimate opportunity, but I can't shake the feeling that it might be a scam.

I recently passed my licensure exam in November 2025, but I'm still jobless and feeling the pressure to contribute financially at home. I'm a 24-year-old male from the Philippines, and my ultimate goal is to work in a hospital. However, the application process is incredibly slow, especially at the two public hospitals where I have pending applications. I've learned that it can take 4-5 months just to hear back from them. Given my financial situation, I'm considering applying for a call center agent position as a temporary solution. I'm worried about how this might look on my record if I resign quickly after getting a hospital job offer. Should I go for the call center job to help with bills, or will it hurt my chances in the long run? Any advice would be appreciated.

I’ve been trying to help my younger brother land his first job as a Data Analyst, but it feels like we’re hitting a wall. He graduated recently and has been applying to every entry-level position he can find, including roles in Business Analysis, BI, MIS, and even internships. Despite his efforts—rewriting his resume multiple times, completing projects, networking on LinkedIn, and continuously learning new skills—he’s mostly faced silence or automated rejections. It’s tough to watch him struggle. Each rejection seems to chip away at his confidence, and he often questions what he’s doing wrong. The job listings for entry-level positions often ask for years of experience or skills that seem excessive for someone just starting out. I’m reaching out because if anyone knows of any entry-level Data Analyst roles, Business Analyst positions, or even internships, I would greatly appreciate the leads. I’m also open to sharing his resume privately if that helps. Sometimes, it just takes one person willing to take a chance. Thank you for any assistance!

I recently applied for several work-from-home data entry positions and received an email from someone claiming I would be a good fit. I sent in my resume, but then she asked me to use a specific revision program that required payment. This raised my suspicions, especially since the email didn't clearly identify the company she represented. I reached out to her, asking for clarification on the company name while still indicating I would consider revising my resume. I can't shake the feeling that this might be a scam, especially given the advice I've seen about how most remote data entry jobs are scams. I'm feeling uncertain about how to proceed.

After being laid off in December 2025 from my role as an Associate Director/Senior Manager, I spent six months searching for a new job. I submitted around 120 applications and went through about 15 interviews, mostly clearing HR but struggling to get past the hiring manager rounds. For the first few months, I felt stuck, having not received a single second-round interview. However, I recently turned things around and received three competing offers, which is a huge relief. Through this experience, I learned a few key lessons: 1. It's not about being a good candidate for every role; it's about being a great fit for the specific position. The three offers I received were all perfectly aligned with my experience. 2. I realized that applying for less senior positions was counterproductive. Recruiters doubted my willingness to stay in a lower role, which was accurate since I would have continued looking for higher positions. 3. There seems to be an increase in job postings lately, particularly in the NJ/NYC area. I noticed this while skimming new listings daily, despite the large pool of unemployed individuals. 4. I wasted a lot of time early on using job boards like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Indeed, which were filled with ghost jobs. Once I stopped using those platforms, my response rate improved significantly, and I started getting 1-2 interviews a week after submitting 9-12 applications. 5. I focused on applying to roles posted within the last 48 hours and tailored my resume for each job description. This strategy helped me stand out, even when using AI tools for assistance. Although I may end up with a pay cut of about 20% compared to my previous salary, I might have the opportunity to work fully remote, which is a plus. Most of my interviews were for remote positions, and surprisingly, they still sought candidates with very specific experience. To everyone still searching, keep pushing through. Focus on what you can control and don't lose hope.

I was laid off recently and honestly expected the worst. However, I feel like I might be one of the lucky ones. I took a proactive approach right after my layoff, applying to jobs that matched my qualifications within 48 hours of them being posted. I made sure to tailor my resume for each application. I also reached out to friends and former colleagues who were incredibly supportive and helped me secure at least a few screening calls. Interestingly, the role I accepted came from a completely cold source, which I hadn't anticipated. I'm starting my new position on Monday and feeling optimistic about this new chapter.

I was laid off in April from a large corporation due to my position being made redundant. Since then, I have been applying and interviewing like crazy, but I keep getting dropped at the final interview stage for the smallest reasons. The most recent feedback I received was that I didn't have enough commercial experience. Just today, I got a rejection call from a company I wasn't even excited about, but I was considering accepting the offer out of desperation. It feels like even my plan B is slipping away. Honestly, this whole experience is hell, and I'm starting to feel like I want to give up. I see my friends who were also laid off, and while some of them have landed good roles, others are still struggling like me. They keep pushing through, treating it as a numbers game, but I can't help but feel exhausted and frustrated. I'm just hoping this nightmare ends soon.

I got laid off from my digital marketing role two months ago, and I'm really feeling the financial strain now that my savings and severance have run out. The severance was decent, but taxes took a big chunk of it. Right now, I'm on unemployment, which barely covers my rent, leaving me with a lot of other bills to worry about. In the past week, I've had three interviews, which is a positive sign compared to the three months of silence before that. However, I still haven't landed a job, and I'm starting to feel lost about what to do next. I'm considering whether I should take a pay cut and look for a retail or customer service job just to get by, but I'm not sure if that's the right move. I've also thought about gig work like DoorDash or Uber Eats, but I'm uncertain about how that would affect my unemployment benefits. I'm desperate for any decent job that pays more than minimum wage. If anyone knows of any customer service or retail positions that are hiring, or if you have suggestions for side hustles, I would really appreciate the help.

I recently applied for a job that I truly believed I wouldn't get, especially during what has been the worst year of my life. Last year was incredibly tough for me; after a long struggle to save my marriage, I had to make the painful decision to walk away due to an unforgivable incident. Shortly after that, my mom, who is my closest friend, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. I was devastated and spent months in a state of emotional turmoil. As time went on, I started to find some stability. I was managing to take care of my kids about 90% of the time without much support from their dad, and my family was understandably focused on my mom's treatment. The financial strain was overwhelming, and I was constantly worried about covering bills and the potential for anything in my home to break down. Then, I received one of those generic emails suggesting jobs I might like. I almost didn't apply because I thought it would be too competitive, and I didn't stand a chance. With only about three years of experience in my field and no degree, this position represented a significant jump in pay, offered remote work, and had flexible hours — all the things I desperately needed. Despite my imposter syndrome, I remembered how my previous employer had treated me with kindness during my struggles, but the reality was I had bills to pay and not much to lose, so I decided to apply. To my astonishment, just a week and a half later, I received a job offer. I was in shock! This opportunity meant I could finally pay my bills and start rebuilding my savings, especially after the costly divorce. If you're out there staring at a job posting thinking, 'I'll never get picked, why should I even try?' I encourage you to apply anyway! I wasn't actively looking for a job; I applied for just this one role, and it truly changed my life when I needed it the most. I hope my experience inspires others to take that leap.

I currently work as a nanny, but my role has expanded significantly beyond just childcare, which has taken a toll on my mental health. I handle housekeeping, meal prep, errands, and even business development for my employer's multiple businesses. Despite the hard work, I only make $15 per hour under the table, with no benefits, bonuses, or paid time off. Recently, I started interviewing for new opportunities and received an offer from a staffing agency for a regional sales management position. The base salary is $50,000 with a 7% commission, which is a substantial increase from my current pay, and it comes with benefits and PTO. However, I'm struggling with the idea of leaving my current job after two years of comfort, especially since the new role seems much more demanding. Additionally, the hiring process was unusual; I went through several phone interviews but never met anyone in person or via video chat before receiving the offer. I'm feeling anxious about this change and would appreciate any advice or reassurance that it's okay to make this leap.

I'm currently in the process of applying for jobs in a new state where I plan to move in a few months. However, I've been wondering if having my current address listed as out of state is impacting my chances of getting interviews. It feels like it might be a disadvantage, and I'm curious if others have experienced this or have any advice on how to approach my applications.

I recently graduated high school and I'm on the hunt for a part-time job to gain some independence and save up for college expenses. I've been looking for about three weeks now and have interviewed at three places—two yesterday and one today. I'm feeling a bit anxious about whether I'll get hired since I'm new to this job search process. I have a cousin who has worked at an Albertsons for four years, and I’m considering asking him for a reference. I’m curious about how that works and if the current state of the economy might impact my chances of getting hired there. After applying, I followed up with a few places, and they mentioned they are still reviewing applications and scheduling interviews as they go. I’m not sure if this means they aren’t interested in me or if I should just be patient. How long should I wait before following up again? One of the places I applied to said they’re really busy with the World Cup and will start interviewing afterward. I’d like to know when the World Cup ends so I can time my follow-up accordingly. I did fill out an application there in person, so I’m hoping for the best!

I interviewed for my dream job three weeks ago and was really hopeful, but I didn’t get called back for a second interview. Today, I found out that a co-worker I don’t know well was called for a second interview and turned it down! It’s frustrating because I would have loved that opportunity, and she didn’t even want it. On a different note, I had an interview on Monday that I thought went terribly. To my surprise, they offered me the job yesterday! I felt so guilty having to turn it down, especially since the hiring manager was so excited to extend the offer. I’m still searching for my dream job and hoping to find it soon.

I had an interview process with a large corporate company for a position that I was really excited about. It started with a call from the HR specialist to set up an interview, which I had about two weeks ago with the managers. I felt it went well, and then last week I had a second interview with the manager and the head of the department. They mentioned they would get back to me by the end of the week, but that deadline came and went without any communication. This week, I decided to reach out to the HR specialist for an update on Tuesday, but still no response. Tomorrow is Friday, and I'm torn about whether I should reach out again or just move on. I even connected with the head of the department and one of the managers on LinkedIn, and they accepted my request, which is a bit confusing. I thought a big company would at least follow up regardless of the outcome, but now I'm left wondering if I've been ghosted or if there's still hope.

I recently applied for a job I found on Indeed, and things have taken a strange turn. After submitting my application, I received an email with a link to complete an interview by answering some questions. Once I finished that, I was instructed to send a confirmation email to another person. A few days later, I got a response with an "onboarding form" attached, which raised some red flags for me. I really need a job right now, but I can't shake the feeling that this might be a scam. I’ve been close to being scammed before, and I’m worried about the legitimacy of this process. The comments I’ve seen suggest that it looks pretty scammy—especially since there was no actual interview and they want personal information to send me a computer setup. Some people pointed out that this could be a check scam, where they send a fake check and expect me to buy equipment from their 'approved vendor.' I’m feeling desperate, but the risk of identity theft or fraud is making me hesitate. I’m considering providing minimal personal details if I proceed, but I’m really unsure about what to do next.

I recently applied for a position at Syneren Technologies Corporation through Indeed, but when I went back to check the job listing, it had disappeared. I received an email about an interview, which adds to my confusion. After applying, I started researching the company and, unfortunately, found a lot of negative reviews about them. I'm now feeling uncertain about the legitimacy of the company and the work environment. I'm reaching out to see if anyone here has personal experience with Syneren or any insights that could help me decide if I should proceed with the interview or be cautious.