Feeling

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 am actively seeking my first full-time role as a SOC Analyst in the cybersecurity field. I recently graduated with a Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) and hold a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH v13) certification. Additionally, I have gained practical experience through a 6-month SecOps internship and another 6-month internship focusing on Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT). I would greatly appreciate any advice on how to enhance my resume, and if anyone is aware of any job openings or could provide a referral, I would be very grateful. Thank you!

I recently had an interview for a job that aligns perfectly with my skills and offers a $10k pay increase. After working at my current company for 8 years, where I've thrived and built a solid reputation, I felt it was time for a change, especially since some of my close colleagues have left. The interview started off great; I was confident, and the role sounded fantastic. However, things took a turn when the interviewer asked about my previous job, where I had a very negative experience. I was fired from that position due to a toxic work environment where I received little to no training and faced hostility from management. The memory of being let go still haunts me, especially since I was in a vulnerable state at that time. During the interview, the interviewer mentioned that he is friends with the owner of that previous company. My heart sank. I tried to downplay the situation by saying it wasn’t a good fit, but now I’m worried that he might reach out to his friend for a reference. I fear that my past will overshadow the eight years of solid work I've put in since then. I'm left wondering if I should proactively address this if it comes up again or just hope it stays in the past. I really want this job, but I can't shake the feeling that my chances may have been jeopardized.

I am currently facing a tough job search situation. After working as a quant trader in a hedge fund, I find myself unemployed longer than I was ever employed. I've sent out thousands of resumes without any success, and it's becoming increasingly urgent for me to find a job within the next four weeks or I will have to move in with my grandmother. I'm 28 years old with a BSc in Computer Science and an MSc in Algorithmic Trading, and I'm realizing that the overnight tech roles I was aiming for have become obsolete. I need to pivot my career path and am looking for advice on where to go from here. I’ve been advised to rebrand myself as a Data Consultant or Risk Analyst instead of just applying for Software Engineer positions. I’m also considering leveraging my network on LinkedIn for referrals, as the job market is incredibly tough right now.

I recently received a job offer from my dream company after going through their lengthy interview process. To expedite things, I had mentioned to the recruiter that I had a competing offer from a major rival, hoping it would speed up their decision. It worked, and I got the offer yesterday. However, now the recruiter is asking for a copy of this supposed offer letter to review with their compensation team. The problem is, I don't actually have any competing offer letter to share. I'm really worried that if I refuse to provide it, they'll realize I lied and rescind my offer. I'm considering telling them that I value my privacy and can't share the details, but I'm unsure if that will backfire. Has anyone been in a similar situation? What should I do?

I am currently facing a significant challenge in my job search after my role in overnight tech became obsolete. I've been unemployed for a longer period than I was employed, which is quite disheartening. Despite sending out thousands of resumes, I haven't received any positive responses. I'm 28 years old with a BSc in Computer Science and an MSc in Algorithmic Trading, along with experience as a hedge fund quant trader. I'm feeling the pressure to pivot my career quickly, as I need to secure a job within the next four weeks or else I will have to move in with my grandmother. Any advice or leads would be greatly appreciated.

I experienced a mass layoff once at a small startup where I was working. It was a typical Monday morning when we were called into an unexpected staff meeting. The old Executive Team had all resigned, and the new President introduced a completely new Executive Team. To our shock, they announced that they wanted to bring in their own team, and as a result, we were all terminated immediately. The silver lining was that all of our long-term incentives, like stock options, would vest right away, and we would receive severance pay based on our years of service—about one month of pay for each year worked. Additionally, they offered some of us the chance to work as contractors during the transition period. It was a surreal experience, but I felt fortunate to have a decent severance package while others were left in a much tougher spot.

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.

I'm a college student entering my senior year, majoring in 3D animation, and I'm feeling quite lost in my job search for the summer. Despite my efforts, I haven't been able to secure a position in my field, and I'm now looking at roles in social media, graphic design, illustration, and video editing. Unfortunately, even those areas seem challenging to break into. I've had some interviews through Handshake for social media jobs, but nothing has materialized. My main struggle is consistency; I find it tough to apply to numerous jobs daily, especially when the results are disheartening. I don't have the energy or mindset to send out hundreds of applications just to land a single interview. This lack of success has also affected my motivation to promote my art commissions. I'm worried about graduating with my degree and ending up in a retail job instead of pursuing my passion in animation. The current job market feels overwhelming, and I'm frustrated by the competition and the impact of AI on job availability. I'm trying to explore cold emailing and major job sites, but I could really use some advice on how to navigate this challenging landscape. Thank you!

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 started my first job in finance about six months ago after graduating. I'm really grateful to have landed a position, especially given the current job market. However, I'm finding it tough because I live in a high cost of living area and my salary is lower than I expected. I realize I might have low-balled myself during negotiations because I was eager for the experience. Additionally, I'm working holidays and the benefits aren't great. I've noticed that annual raises at my company are minimal, and there doesn't seem to be any room for promotion in the near future since most of the management is relatively new and young. I'm starting to wonder when it would be appropriate to start looking for a new job. I definitely wouldn't quit without having something else lined up, but I feel undercompensated for the work I'm doing compared to similar roles in my area. I'm thinking I might stick it out for at least a year to avoid looking like a job-hopper, but I can't see myself staying in this position long-term. I'm hoping to get some advice from others who have been in similar situations.

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 just landed a new job! I previously worked at a pizza shop that had to shut down due to some equipment breaking down. Fortunately, I received an offer from another pizza shop that is quite similar to my last job, which means I won’t need much training to get started. The best part is that I’ll be working in the back of house, so I won't have to deal with customers. This new place is also much closer to my apartment, which will save me money on Ubers. Plus, I’ll be getting full-time hours, which is a significant upgrade for me. I'm feeling really optimistic about this new opportunity!

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've been on the job hunt for about six months now after recently graduating with my M.A. in English. I'm 31 and have a solid academic background, including a 4.0 from both my undergraduate studies at Berkeley and my master's program, where I received the top fellowship. I've accumulated seven years of part-time experience in teaching, tutoring, and coaching, with awards for my work in those areas. Despite this, I find myself struggling to land a full-time role in academic advising, college application coaching, writing tutoring, or executive functioning coaching in the SF Bay area. In interviews, I focus on my empathetic approach and how I connect with my mentees, especially since I have ADHD myself and understand the challenges they face. I emphasize my journey from struggling academically to excelling at a top university, hoping to show that my methods can truly help resistant students. However, I don’t highlight my achievements during interviews; I prefer to let my resume speak for itself and instead demonstrate my cultural fit and teamwork skills. Despite my efforts, I've only been able to secure 1099 gigs so far, and I feel like I'm getting ghosted by employers. I'm genuinely confused about what I might be doing wrong. If I can't find a job soon, I'm worried about my living situation and how I'll manage basic needs. It's disheartening to think that after all the hard work I've put in to build an ideal resume for this niche, I might not be able to secure a position in a field where I feel uniquely qualified. I’m starting to wonder if I need to broaden my search or rethink my approach.

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.

I recently wrapped up my job search, which took about 3 months. I was laid off from my role in HR analytics and during this period, I focused on leveraging my skills as a technical analyst, which I believe set me apart from traditional HR analysts. I didn't take a base pay cut, but I did have to give up stock options and transitioned from a fully remote position to a hybrid role. In hindsight, I realize I could have negotiated better, especially given my background from a well-known company in my field. Overall, it was a challenging experience, but I’m grateful for the new opportunities that have come my way.

I’m feeling incredibly unhireable and overwhelmed right now. I’m a 22-year-old woman who has been job searching since my last contract in journalism ended four months ago. I’ve been applying for jobs for eight months, and the constant rejections have left me feeling worthless and exhausted. I’m autistic and have a journalism degree, but after experiencing severe burnout from my previous role, I’ve realized I don’t want to work in that field anymore. I’m trying to pivot my career and leverage my transferable skills, but it’s been tough. I often find that I lack the necessary experience for positions I’m interested in, or I’m deemed overqualified for entry-level roles. I’ve even considered pursuing a master’s degree to help with this transition, but the thought of accumulating more debt is daunting, especially since I struggled so much during my undergraduate studies. I’ve been applying to jobs daily, but I often get ghosted or rejected without any feedback, which is disheartening. I feel stuck at home with my parents and unable to move forward in my life, especially since I was hoping to secure a job that would allow me to live with my long-distance partner. I recently went through an extensive interview process for a role that I thought would be a game-changer for me, but I was rejected without any communication from them until I followed up. It’s hard to watch my younger brother thrive with his job and entrepreneurial plans while I feel like I’m failing. My family, despite knowing how damaging my university experience was for me, still sends me journalism job postings, which feels like a reminder of my struggles. I’m just looking for something to give me hope, as my dreams of a future with my partner seem to be slipping away.

I applied for my dream job on June 6th and have been eagerly waiting for a response ever since. My friend encouraged me to apply; she submitted her application a few days before mine. While she received an email on June 29th to schedule an interview, I have not heard anything back. As of July 4th, my application status is still 'under review' with no updates. I even reached out to the hiring manager last week to express my continued interest, but I haven't received a reply. I'm starting to wonder if I should give up hope or if there's still a chance for me. I'm new to this job search process and unsure when it's time to move on. I've been applying to other positions, but this one feels like the best fit for my career.